Tips for Renovating an Old House

Buying a fixer-upper can be a solid investment. But just as there are financial benefits that come with purchasing an older home, there are many potential problems that can arise – especially when it comes time to make repairs (from a leaky basement to rotten doors). Here are 10 all-too-common issues, and how to solve them.

Bryan Baeumler is one of HGTV Canada’s go-to contractors and the host of Island of Bryan, Bryan Inc., House of Bryan and Leave it to Bryan.

Published December 11, 2017, Updated September 4, 2021

Bryan Baeumler

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Tired Windows

Replacing windows can be an excellent way to add curb appeal to your fixer upper. And in many cases, the reason for doing so is more than cosmetic: Windows in older homes often need replacing due to water damage or the fact that they’re no longer air tight. The solution here is to call in the experts! Windows are a big investment, and the last thing you want to do is install them incorrectly.

Karl Metzelaar/Flickr

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Damaged Doors

Interior doors have a huge effect on the aesthetic of a space, so if you need to replace a few due to damage or misalignment, then I recommend changing all the doors on that floor. If you’re not altering the size of the doorway, you can leave the existing frame and simply change the slab (the door itself). If you need to swap the entire frame, I recommend using pre-hung doors.

Pixabay.com

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Less-Than-Inviting Attic

Converting a dreary attic is often an excellent idea. However, take into account the functionality of the space as it stands. If the headspace is not already present, making the area livable could be an expensive decision. Also consider whether the ceiling joists were installed to deal with a “live load”, or in other words, weight moving about rather than a dead weight that doesn’t move. Converting ceiling joists can be a costly job.

Valerie Hinojosa/Flickr

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Old Flat Roof

Your new investment may have a flat roof, which often needs replacing, especially if it’s old. If this is the case, consider transforming it into a green roof. I did this at my current house and it has worked very well. Covering the entire space with hardy plants not only makes for a great aesthetic, but it’s also practical. The plants hold ninety per cent of the rainwater, which reduces the amount of water pouring off the roof and into the foundations.

Bryan Baeumler

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Unfinished Basement

Much like transforming an attic into a livable space, people often renovate a basement for the same reason: to add value to their home. So when you buy a property with a finished basement that simply needs cosmetic improvements, be careful not to gloss over the important details: Ensure all permits were taken care of, get a qualified electrician to check the wiring and ask for receipts from the remodel if possible to ensure the correct materials were used.

Leaky pipes in basement with water bucket

lisaclarke/Flickr

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Leaky Basement

Many older basements have suffered from water damage, and if you’re not careful, a wet or leaky lower-level can eat up a big chunk of your budget. How to prevent this from happening? Waterproof from the outside rather than from the inside. This can be a messy and expensive job, but it will ensure the home is safe and will stand the test of time. After all, you want a permanent solution, not just a cosmetic one.

Bryan Baeumler

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Inefficient Furnace

One of the more practical elements prospective buyers often look for in a home is a new furnace. This update is unavoidable after so many years, so it’s worth upgrading to a high-efficiency model. Whether you’re selling or staying, a high-efficiency furnace is an effective way to save on the heating bill each month.

Bryan Baeumler

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Closed-Off Space

Opening up a space is often a worthwhile decision for a fixer-upper, but you’ll first need to recognize if a wall is load-bearing or not. To determine whether a wall is carrying some weight, check the basement to see if there is a beam and steel posts under that wall. If there is, then the wall is load-bearing and should not be removed without replacing it with other support to compensate.

Unsplash.com

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Dated Deck

Another problem you might run into is a deck that needs structural repairs or to be replaced completely. If you’re building a new deck from scratch, it’s important to use the best material possible. There are many types of decking out there – basing the choice on anything from price to sustainability – but cedar has always been a solid option for me.

Bryan Baeumler

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Suspect Wiring

It’s always best to check the electrical wiring in an older home to see if it’s up to code. I recommend hiring a certified electrician to come and scope the place out before any renovations begin.

Buying a fixer-upper is generally a fantastic investment, but be sure to do your homework when it comes time to refurbish, and don’t be afraid to ask questions if you aren’t sure. Good luck!