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The first step in renovating an old home begins with preparing a priority list. Knowing what you need to do now and later can help you plan for the future. The charm of historic houses cannot be found in new buildings.

Suppose you went ahead and bought a house built in the 1920s. In that case, you may be wondering where to start when restoring a brief piece of history.

Use the house sandwich approach for the restoration. Start at the top, make sure the roof does not leak, then focus on the foundation to check if it is firm. Then pay attention to everything in between.

It includes siding, windows, doors, and of course, the interior. Once the house is in good condition, you can move in and take the time to remodel it because you will now have a protective enclosure.

Whether you are in the market, just bought it, or already live in an old house. Here are five steps to follow during renovation. If you live in Charleston, SC, check out the best industrial & commercial electricians in Charleston, SC, right here!

Inspect the Electrical System
The old wiring usually have no problem if the following two factors are not present in your house First, you need to check whether the house has any Federal Pacific Electric- made breaker boxes. 

These breaker boxes are a problem as they often do not shut down when overloaded, leading to the risk of overheating and possible fire.

The Federal Pacific Power Company (FPE) is no longer operational, but some old houses still have these fuse boxes. While they are most common in houses built between 1960 and 1985, older homes may have undergone electrical retrofitting.

The second problem is the knobs and pipes’ wiring, so-called because it has knobs to hold the wires in place while the pipes run through the floor joists. It may be the most advanced technology of the twenties, but it does not not age well, and there is a risk of fire. 

This is due to the rubber insulation around the wire which becomes dry and brittle over time, cracks form that exposes the internal wires.
Additionally, the knob and tube wiring are designed to pass through the wall without obstruction. Any insulation material added in the future for weather protection or sound may increase fire risk.

Check if the Plumbing is Original
It may not be a problem at present, as original copper, galvanized steel, and cast-iron pipes have a service life of 80 to 100 years, which means they will be very secure if they do not leak.

Another problem with the pipeline? Over time, the build-up of corrosion inside will cause the water pressure to drop, and due to slow discharge the water may turn rusty orange.

Keep an eye out for Wood Decay
We suggest you walk around the house and inspect to find out if there are any problems with window frames, siding, handrails, and other woodworks. By checking once a year, you can make minor homeowner friendly repairs and avoid the high cost of large-scale replacements.

Check out the Original Windows
Experts pointed out that as long as your home looks decent, the home’s original single-glazed windows can be repaired and will work like new. It is more economical to repair and upgrade them with weather strips or storm windows. 

Replacing windows is a waste of money. Original old wood windows can last for centuries. And they only need very little maintenance, replacing them will only increase our landfill. Thanks to modernizations carried out by companies, old windows can meet or exceed applicable energy regulations.

Test for Lead Paint
You should especially look for harmful lead paint on windows, doors, and decorations. If it falls off or breaks down it may cause accidents and injury, especially for young children who are prone to accidents.

While working on any renovating project that produces dust you ought should follow EPA renovation, repair, and painting procedures to keep you and your family safe. It also applies to any contractors you hire to work at your home.

They must be EPA certified to dispose of lead paint safely. However, if the pain is not flaking or chipping, and there is no need to sand it, the risk of lead paint is minimal.

Some More Tips
Hire a good contractor. If you plan to renovate this type of home, make sure your contractor is an expert on old houses or historic buildings 

The Luxury Simplified Group has a team of experts who works in the field of restoration of historical projects. Leave room in the budget to deal with unexpected situations. Whenever you start tearing down walls, ceilings and working in an old house, you do not know what you will find.

While surveying a house if you find a new switch box or wiring , it does not mean there are no other issues. Experts assure, there will be hidden and unexpected situations present.

Open the floor and check whether the original knob and tubing are connected to the new wiring. The whole house needs to be wired! That will be a heavy blow to your budget.

Be realistic with your time. When unforeseeable circumstances happen, a few things may leave the weather, contractors, or artisans behind. In decoration, items are arranged like puzzles. If something does not get done other works will be affected. having some extra time in hand is a good idea.

Adding more 
Stick to your budget. Make sure you are not stretching. The cost of renovation should not exceed the resale value. Real estate agents can
provide valuable information in this area. Here are some more tips about renovating to improve your lifestyle!

Conclusion
If you are not completely clear what you want,, you may have to rely on the contractor’s estimates. Their concept of acceptability may be quite different from yours.

Home renovation is a serious and stressful project. However, enjoy the renovation of your home. We find this transition very exciting and thrilling. This sense of pride and fulfillment will bring one of these ancient gems back to life. Check out heavy equipment for home renovation right here!