The attraction of historic homes is understandable, considering their elegant charm and classic beauty. If you’re the owner of an older home or are thinking about purchasing one, there are a few issues you should be aware of before going forward with historic home renovations. The specialists at Tiefenthaler can point out a few common problems that can occur when homeowners begin these types of projects.

Source: Tiefenthaler Construction

1. Due to older construction materials, practices and sealing practices, moisture can be an issue in older home renovation. Many times, leaking water can lead to mildew and mold, which can affect the structural integrity of wood and cause health problems for the home’s occupants.
2. Even if it was built with top materials available at the time, an older home’s foundation can crack simply due to age. When this happens, a homeowner will need to hire contractors to replace or repair the foundation.
3. Lead, which  can cause multiple health issues, is the source of a couple of problems in older homes. First, plumbing installed before might have traces of lead if the home was constructed before the 1940s. Also, lead paint was a popular choice among homeowners of historic homes.
4. The original windows installed in older homes were constructed before technological advances that make newer models more energy efficient. When renovating an older home, replacement of the windows with dual-pane variety is recommended.
5. The electrical systems in older homes built before modern building codes might need replacement. Grounded outlets, which typically include three pronged plates, are now required. To be sure, check with a certified electrician to determine whether the electrical system is current.
Tiefenthaler is a Fairfield County builder with extensive experience with historic home renovations, so please contact our office for help with your older home improvement projects.