If you have decided to continue the family tradition and raise the next generation in your old home, then you’ve probably got a lot of work ahead of you. No matter how rewarding it may feel, living in your family home can prove to be a cumbersome task if you don’t tend to the necessary repairs before you move in. You might even tease yourself with the thought of tearing the place down instead of renovating, but building a house from scratch can prove infinitely more difficult and financially taxing in the long run.
Don’t worry, there’s no need to rebuild, you simply need to make some essential improvements in order to breathe new life into an old home and bring it back to its former shining glory. Let’s take a look at the five renovations that will rejuvenate and reinvent your family home.
It all starts with a new colour scheme
One of the easiest and most affordable things you can do, probably over the weekend if you’re experienced, is to introduce a fresh coat of paint across the interior, as well as the exterior. There’s nothing quite like the vibrant look and feel of a brand-new paintjob to restore that homey feel and make the home feel welcoming to the new generations.
Firstly, decide on the new colour scheme. Every room in your home should enjoy a unique colour according to a) your preferences, b) the amount of natural light in the room, and c) the feelings you’re trying to evoke. For example, you might want to bathe the kitchen in a bright sunny yellow, or aqua blue that will allow natural light to permeate the space to evoke feelings of joy and bliss in the morning. In the bedroom, on the other hand, you might want to create an intimate setting, so consider going with a darker hue, such as crimson or deep forest green.
Introduce passive conservation and insulation
On to the first big renovation project – installing passive insulation in an old home. Now this project is absolutely essential, especially if the home has no insulation, or if the old insulating materials need to be fixed or replaced. Introducing passive conservation features will also allow you to discover any structural damage to the property, or the hidden problems involving cracks in the walls, or even pests such as termites.
Needless to say, be sure to have a professional inspect the property first. Next, start by renovating and maybe even converting the attic. It’s imperative to insulate the roof and the attic, as the majority of heat loss happens here. Next, move on to the walls, install double-glazed windows, and consider insulating the floors if long-term financial savings is what you’re after.
Redo the wiring and the lighting – energy efficiency, auditing, safety, aesthetics
One of the most important renovations you need to tend to before moving into your family home is to redo all of the electrical work as well as the lighting. This is not only important for the sake of the home’s aesthetic appeal, but it’s imperative when you’re trying to create a safe living environment.
Here in Australia, these types of improvements are common place, especially in family homes in the suburbs of capital cities such as Melbourne, as homeowners will make sure their local electrician runs a thorough electrical safety inspection before moving on to pending repairs, and reinventing the lighting scheme to create a more comfortable living environment. Once the wiring is redone properly, your electrician can help you switch to a more energy-efficient lighting plan, and help you create the best lighting scheme to make the interior warm and welcoming.
Mix classic and modern design
When you’re moving into your old family home, chances are that you’ll want some design aspects to stay just as they are, while you might want to upgrade and reinvent other areas. There is no need to settle for one design approach over the other, as you can create a timeless look and feel by simply mixing and matching retro décor elements with new features.
For example, you can keep the old cabinetry in the kitchen if it’s in good shape, but be sure to upgrade to contemporary, energy-efficient appliances to bring the space into the 21st century. Choose new, modern furniture in the living room and the bedroom, but keep the old coffee table and the old dresser, for example.
Pay special attention to your outdoor space
And lastly, remember to rejuvenate your outdoor living space as well. After all, this is the space where you will spend many memorable moments with your family, so better make it comfortable and aesthetically pleasing. Tend to some meticulous landscaping, consider raising a flower garden to imbue the setting with vibrancy, and renovate the back-garden patio to create a safe and welcoming space the entire family can enjoy. If you’re planning to have kids soon, don’t forget to make a kids’ play area as well.
Wrapping up
Moving into your old family home can bring back many beautiful memories, but just because you’re fond of the place doesn’t mean that you should change it and adapt it to the needs of your own family. After all, a home is supposed to evolve over time. Use these tips to breathe new life into your family home.
