Remodeling Homes of All Ages

by Matt Myers

See if We Have Top-Rated
Remodeling Contractors in Your Area

Related Articles

  • Find Top-Rated Pros
Home Remodeling

If your wood floors are creaking and your windows don't hold the cool breeze from your air conditioner, it might just be the age of the your house. But don't be fooled, even new homes need occasional maintenance. Everyone knows that bath and kitchen remodels can revive any home, but there are other items that will help your home to age well whether it is young or old.

Generations of Homes
There are basically three main generations of homes. The Modular Housing Generation has one foot in the door, but as far as matured stretches of housing markets, there are really only three. The youngest home generation is comprised of template tract or cookie cutter housing. The middle child is the original suburban houses from the late 50s through the mid-80s. The oldest generation is made up of all the homes that are more than 50 years old.

Ideas for Older Homes
The advantage that older homes have over newer ones is that they have settled, meaning that the vertical pressure from the weight of home, the furnishings, and the people has run its course, and these homes won't move further. While this settling might result in slanting floors and odd interior angles, rest assured the worst is over. Here are some common ideas for remodeling older homes.

New Subflooring: This is a great idea for slanting or warped floors. Flooring contractors can build up the subfloor so that your wood flooring or carpet will lay evenly.

Drywall: These older homes typically have lath and plaster walls, which crumble and crack from the settling. Replacing these walls with drywall will not only eliminate the cracks, but will also give you nice, clean walls to work with.

Improving Homes that Aren't Too Old
The main concern that we hear about homes that are between 20-50 years old is that they are outdated. 80 year old homes are unique and have class, and new homes are, well, new. Homes this age are the classic middle children: not the oldest, not the youngest, and completely left out.

These homes are not old enough to need foundation work or supportive framing, but they usually need a facelift to remove the grasshopper green shag carpets and wood paneling. Each home is different, but an interior designer is a good place to start no matter what you don't like about your home.

New Homes Need Attention
New homes are big, made for the era of families that need more space. Kids need their own rooms, parents needs a three-car garage for their cars and their stuff. However, more often than not people who own these homes have huge expansive basements that are used only as storage, and guest rooms where seasonal clothes pile up.

There are two smart items for these types of homes.

First, storage. Adding storage shelves in your garage, basement, or unused rooms can help you to save a little space in these open areas so that you can utilize those rooms to their fullest potential.

Second, create those rooms. Right now it is easy to stack miscellaneous junk in those rooms because they aren't used for anything specific. You don't pile winter coats in your kitchen, or Holiday decorations in your bedroom because those rooms have a definite function. If you turn your guest room into a home theater or your basement into a rec room they are less likely to accumulate unwanteds.

Enjoy Your Home
No matter if your home is old and quirky, brand new, or a middle child, make what you want of it. You spend most of your life in your home, all of which can be quality if you create the home you want.

Matt Myers is a freelance writer for the home maintenance and remodeling industry. Formerly a contractor specializing in deck building and casework, Matt has written over 500 articles for both homeowners and contractors.