5 Things to Know Before Remodeling an Older Home

You fell for the charm, didn't you? The creaky floors tell a story. The quirky little nooks. The crown molding that's been part of the house longer than you have. Taking on an older home remodel means going beyond a project and making it personal. It's not meant to wipe away all the past. It means saving what exists from the past and making it fit with who you are now.

But here's the thing nobody tells you when you're scrolling through those "before and after" photos online: older homes love to surprise you. And not always in a good way.

So before you start ripping out cabinets or dreaming up your dream ensuite, here are five real-life, sanity-saving things you need to know first. This is the thing you wish someone had told you when you started. Whether gutting the place or planning a more subtle glow-up, this guide will help you dodge the most common headaches.

1. Before You Touch Anything, Know What You're Working With

Here's the truth: old homes hide things.

Behind that charming plaster wall might be 70-year-old wiring, a cracked foundation, or a squirrel condo you didn't sign up for. And no, you can't tell just by looking.

Before you start designing or demoing, you need a complete structural assessment—not a quick walk-through, an actual, eyes-on-everything inspection by a licensed professional. This includes foundation, framing, roof, plumbing, electrical, basement, and attic.

Because once the walls come down, the surprises come out—and suddenly that bathroom reno budget? Gone.

Speaking of which, older bathrooms were never built for modern-day needs. They have tight layouts, poor ventilation, and aging pipes. If your bathroom still feels like it belongs in a different century, it might be time to consider a proper bathroom remodeling plan—not just for looks but for function, safety, and resale value.

2. Your Wiring and Plumbing Are Probably (Way) Outdated

Here's a hard truth: the systems behind your walls weren't built for modern life. That 1950s bungalow wasn't wired for flat screens, smart fridges, and five people all charging their phones simultaneously. And the plumbing? Let's say if your pipes could talk, they'd beg for retirement.

When your home's wiring and plumbing are based on knob-and-tube wiring, galvanized steel pipes, or a fuse box, it is hazardous and inconvenient.

You may think, "It hasn't caused problems for years…" Even though things can be outdated, it doesn't mean they don't work anymore. It's just that you are close to pissing off the power company or the plumbers with just one appliance.

If you are planning appliance or layout changes, this is even more necessary when your kitchen remodeling plans include upgrading appliances. Thinking about swapping the sink or cooking with a gas stove? You'll likely need to reroute pipes and update lines to code. It's not the "fun" part of the remodel, but ignoring it can cost you big later.

Pro Tip: If you're opening up walls, complete your electrical and plumbing updates simultaneously. This will save labor costs and keep your timeline tighter.

3. Hazardous Materials Could Be Hiding in Plain Sight

Lead paint. Asbestos. Old insulation that should've been retired with bell-bottoms.

Older homes were built long before modern safety standards. That vintage popcorn ceiling or those peeling window sills? They could be quietly holding onto toxic materials. And if you disturb them during a remodel without proper testing and removal? You could be exposing your family—and your contractors—to serious health risks.

Lead paint was commonly used in homes. And asbestos? It's not just insulation—it can hide in flooring, ceiling tiles, old ductwork, and even patching compounds.

Bring in a licensed environmental inspector before any demolition. Proper abatement must occur before any cosmetic work begins if hazardous materials are found.

4. Permits, Codes & Red Tape—Yes, They Matter

Here's where a lot of homeowners get tripped up: permits. When remodeling an older home, especially one with historic value or in a conservation district, you may need more than your contractor's go-ahead. Every city has its own rules about what you can (and can't) do—and ignoring them never ends well.

From zoning laws to historic preservation guidelines, your dream remodel might need a little back-and-forth with your local planning department. Even something as "simple" as replacing old windows can get complicated if your home falls under certain restrictions.

Permits also protect your investment. If you ever decide to sell your home, unpermitted work can lead to significant issues with appraisals, insurance, and inspections.

So yes, the paperwork is a pain. But it's way less painful than undoing work later or paying fines for skipping steps.

5. You'll Want Wiggle Room in Your Budget (and timeline)

No matter how well you plan, older homes always throw curveballs.

There's a reason seasoned remodelers build in contingency budgets. That "quick" kitchen update might uncover wood rot; plumbing reroutes, or load-bearing surprises. Your 8-week plan could turn into 12 because a custom piece takes longer, or your permit hits a delay.

The most sane thing to do is to be ready for things to go differently than you might think. Give yourself around 20% more money and a few extra weeks, especially if you change the kitchen or bathroom, because such jobs can influence your daily life.

If you want someone else's opinion, get a free quote to learn what designs are available in your timeline and budget. Professional guidance goes a long way when working with an old home.

Honor the Past, But Build for the Future

Remodeling an older home is like restoring a classic car—it takes patience, respect, and a little grit. But when done right, the results are timeless.

Yes, it's more work, and there will be surprises. But there's also something deeply satisfying about preserving a home's bones while breathing new life into it.

So take your time. Do it right. And contact the experts when needed.