Wayne, PA, and the surrounding area are home to many older and historic houses. Many of these tell a story while also radiating a timeless charm like no other. Older homes often look their best, especially if they are colonial-style houses or farmhouses from earlier eras. Like any residence in the Delaware Valley, functionality remains a key priority, which means updates are necessary to keep the home not only functional but also comfortable and energy-efficient.
If you own an older home, considering renovations could be a good move. This means you might be searching for a residential remodeling contractor nearby in Wayne or neighboring towns. It’s likely to be a significant investment that will help your home keep working well and potentially increase its value.
Why Is It Important To Remodel Older Homes
Aesthetics may be something that comes to mind when it comes to remodeling older homes. However, it’s more than that since a property should be updated to meet the needs of modern living. That isn’t to say that an older home should sacrifice its original charm for the sake of becoming more functional and “getting with the times”. However, professional renovations done by remodeling contractors near you in Wayne can solve numerous issues like:
- Limited storage space
- Electrical and plumbing systems that are outdated
- Floor plans that are cramped and contain underutilized space
- Kitchens and bathrooms that are worn out
- Insufficient insulation and windows with plenty of drafts
Remodeling projects can make an older home more functional by creating usable space that was previously underused. Additionally, updated electrical and plumbing systems improve not only functionality but also safety. As mentioned earlier, energy efficiency is another significant benefit of renovating older homes. Proper insulation and modern windows can help lower energy costs while keeping the home comfortable throughout the year.
The Best Remodeling Ideas For Wayne, PA Older Homes
Now that we’ve touched a bit on the importance of remodeling older homes, we present to you some ideas on the process itself. Rose Tree Construction has worked with numerous homeowners throughout Wayne and the surrounding towns to turn their remodeling vision into a real thing. These ideas below were inspired by their past works:
More open layouts
If you take a look at floor plans from older homes, you’ll notice that the rooms are small and separated. Compare that to the homes of today, which have a more open layout that can make things flow a bit more smoothly. Not to mention, there are added benefits such as improving natural light, the ability to entertain your guests with ease, and making navigating from one area to another a lot less complicated due to the lack of “obstacles”.
A more open layout could be beneficial if you consider things like a center island with more seating and preparation space for meals. In addition, non-load-bearing walls such as those between the kitchen and the dining room should be removed to create a hybrid type of kitchen where it can be easy to prep, cook, and dine all in one large place. It will become more than possible if you work with a kitchen remodeler for Wayne homeowners like Rose Tree Construction, who have the experience and know-how to get the job done.
Restore and refinish original hardwood floors
OOlder homes will most likely have original hardwood flooring. However, it may be found underneath layers of laminate or carpet. If this is the case, it would be ideal to consider refinishing the floor. Hardwood still commands respect to this day, especially when it provides elegance and historic value to your home. Restored floors are seen as one of the standout features that represent what a home once was in its earlier years.
If you’re considering custom home remodeling near Wayne with a contractor who understands and respects the historical features of a home, you might want to think about upgrading and restoring the hardwood floors that gave the house its original charm. Who says you can’t blend modern refinements with the authenticity of the original?
Modernize the kitchen while preserving its character
Here’s where things can get a little tricky. The kitchen is by far one of the most highly desired spaces for renovation. Yet, there is a bit of worry that a loss of its original charm and character can happen if such a project goes forward. The best part is that remodeling design services for Wayne homeowners know that it’s possible to preserve that historical charm with the right approach. This can be done using some of the recommended upgrades:
- Cabinetry that is either shaker-style or inset can help retain that timeless look
- Replace the outdated appliances with more energy-efficient models
- Period-appropriate lighting and hardware can help ensure authenticity
- Consider classic materials like marble counters or even butcher block, both of which exude a timeless look
This concept suggests that modern functionality can blend seamlessly with vintage charm. Rose Tree Construction is attentive to your remodeling needs and preferences for your older home. They meticulously incorporate every detail, from the largest features to the smallest, ensuring your home maintains its genuine classic character while also meeting contemporary requirements.
Upgrade bathrooms for better comfort and style
The bathrooms of older homes are smaller in size and under-equipped. Not to mention, they typically operate for many years without ever being touched in terms of upgrading the fixtures. Nevertheless, a residential bathroom remodeling near you for Wayne and the nearby communities can make your bathroom not only stylish but also comfortable. It may be ideal to consider whether or not the pipes should be replaced as well (especially if it has been years or even decades since then) if you want something beyond a bathroom remodel.
Smart bathroom upgrades can also be applied here. For example, you may want to consider some of the following options:
- Convert tubs into frameless glass walk-in showers
- Update plumbing fixtures with oil-rubbed bronze, polished nickel, or other finishes that exude a classic look
- Radiant floor heating for year-round comfort, especially in the cooler months
- Built-in storage or vanity towers for storing personal care items
Remodeling services know that bathrooms are perhaps another important part of a classic home, where modern functionality and classic charm can also work together. Also, they can work to maximize what may appear to be limited square footage in older homes in places such as the bathroom.
Improve energy efficiency without sacrificing aesthetics
It’s no secret that most of the older homes in Wayne and the surrounding towns were constructed long before the advancements of insulation, central HVAC, and energy efficiency. So it would make a lot of sense to consider energy efficiency a priority when a home remodeling project is being done to upgrade not just the home, but also the overall comfort. Once again, the concern of the home losing its charm is valid, but not something to worry about so much.
That’s because you can implement energy-efficient renovations that can blend in with your classic home aesthetics. They include:
- Replacing single-pane windows with double-glazed replicas.
- Upgrading to HVAC systems that are energy-efficient or mini-splits
- Seal off air leaks in crawl spaces and basements
- Add blown-in insulation or spray foam in attics and behind walls
Yes, it pays to be energy efficient while living in an older home. Not to mention, it also pays to have an affordable remodeling contractor near you serving Wayne area homeowners who know that energy efficiency can go a long way when it comes to long-term savings. Even on a budget, you can get an older home remodeled while also reaping the rewards that energy efficiency offers.
Conversion of attics and basements into living spaces
Conventional advice tells us that attics and basements have no business being livable spaces, especially in older homes. However, such “rules” were made to be broken, and here’s the kicker: attics and basements are underutilized spaces and could provide a lot of potential use. Even a Wayne home remodeling professional like Rose Tree Construction has proven this time again with their past work.
The question now becomes, what can you use your attic or basement (or why not both)? These areas may be useful for the following ideal functions:
- Media room
- Guest suite
- Fitness space
- Home office
- Kids’ playroom
- Game room
Here’s where things may run into a snag. There are code requirements that need to be followed related to ventilation, ceiling height, and egress. Of course, leave it to a residential remodeling contractor for Wayne homeowners to understand these requirements and work with you to ensure that these underutilized spaces are able to comply with those codes with ease.
Give the exterior an update as well
We’ve spent a great deal of time talking about the interior of an older home. The exterior deserves a little bit of love, too. Before we go further, yes, the classic charm still remains intact even with modern updates that protect your home while also improving its performance. With that said, there are plenty of exterior upgrades that are worth a look, such as:
- Replace the old front doors with replicas that provide the benefit of energy efficiency
- Repaint using color schemes that are period-appropriate
- Consider upgrading your gutters, fascia, and soffits for better drainage and aesthetics
- Replace any siding that is deteriorating with historically accurate composite or fiber cement materials
Rose Tree Construction not only has experience in upgrading classic exteriors, but also has a deep understanding of the historic preservation guidelines for homes in designated historical districts. Further proof that the remodeling services for Wayne and surrounding communities they offer may be one of the best in the area thanks to their experience, know-how, and attention to detail among others.
Add storage where none existed
Older homes that were constructed had no walk-in closets. Sure, they had some built-in storage spaces and limited cabinet space in the kitchen. However, we live in an age where clutter should be the least of our worries, which means that it’s more than possible to construct storage space that didn’t previously exist.
So yes, you can build a walk-in closet in your bedroom if you want to. In addition, this can also include other storage spaces that can be added as well. Here are a few ideas to consider:
- Window benches with hidden compartments
- Storage space under the stairs
- Custom closet systems in master and guest bedrooms
- Recessed bathroom shelves
If you think about it, a custom home remodeling service for Wayne homeowners can make new storage space possible. There are many creative ways to keep things more organized and less cluttered without sacrificing the classic aesthetics of an older home. A tailor-made solution for storage space can be made possible during the remodeling project if you so choose. We’ll work with you to determine which areas of the home are possible for creating new, previously non-existent storage space so everything looks clean, organized, and visually pleasing.
Final Thoughts
Rose Tree Construction knows that when it comes to home remodeling, your idea can become a real-life thing you’ll see every day. Older homes can be made functional with the help of our remodeling services, and we will ensure that they still retain the classic charm they have always had since they were originally constructed. We respect the historic charm and know that it plays a role in its overall value. But upgrading it for the sake of modern functionality makes it even better, whether you want to sell the home in the future or just be the envy of the neighborhood. For more information on how we can assist you, contact Rose Tree Construction today.