12 Genius Solutions for Retrofitting Old Homes—With or Without Renovation

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The timeless charm of old houses holds exceptional temptingness — every arthritic floorboard and ornate detail tells a story of a bypast era . Yet , within the enthral wall of old houses lie down challenges like tough draft , antiquated wiring , and walls without insulant . Fear not , with today ’s technology and some time - honor techniques , old household possessor can update their vintage home without extensive remodeling and exorbitant price .

We confer with with veteran declarer and visionary couturier to get their top product recommendations and techniques for tackling these challenges . Chris Purvis , owner ofCCA Concrete Contractor , Austin , say us , “ When it comes to renovating old and historical habitation , it ’s crucial to prioritise preserving the original magic spell and character while incorporating advanced resolution . ” Purvis suggest wreak with “ expert in historical preservation ” to comply with “ local regulation and observe the wholeness of the home . ”

Genius Solutions for Retrofitting Old Homes

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Below , are the good methods to elevate and refresh onetime menage without changing their nostalgic appeal .

1. Vintage Wallpaper Designs

Historical wallpaper colors and designs can help update an aged home with fresh appeal while harmonise with its era of origin . prefer for wallpaper with timeless pattern and vintage designs , such asErin & Ben CO . Vintage Wallpapergives old homes a nostalgic appealingness while revitalise and refreshing the home ’s décor . Many vintage designs are uncommitted to become specific architectural eras .

Get vintage wallpaper designs at The Home Depot for $ 58.30 per drum roll .

2. Ductless Mini-Split HVAC Systems

Ductless mini - split HVAC system of rules offer a intimation of fresh air for older homes , leave state - of - the - art climate control without needing to remodel the integral house . Most of today ’s models , such as theAUX Single Zone Mini - Split , come with removed control for easy surgery . Many can be pre - programme or feature sleep mode for energy efficiency . With a mini - split , you may savor temperature control without compromising the historical charm of your home .

Get the AUX Single Zone Mini - Split at Lowes for $ 657 .

3. Self-Leveling Cement or Underlayment

ego - leveling cement or underlayment , such asMAPEI Self - Leveler , can be a blessing for older home . Simon Dauphinee , former renovation contractor and generator ofHome in Good Hands , told us , “ Self - leveling cement is essential . ” The power to make a smooth and story surface ensures the longevity of novel flooring and simplifies the installing . “ This is especially truthful when used under tile or floating floors , like vinyl or laminate , ” Dauphinee pronounce , adding that it will “ make your crooked older floors level and flat . ”

Get MAPEI Self Leveler Underlayment at Lowes for $ 33.97 .

4. Tankless Water Heaters

Tankless urine smoke are an vigor - efficient solution for older homes , peculiarly those with poor water supply lines . Since they hot up water on requirement without the want for a bulky tank , these water warmer , such as theRinnai High - Efficiency 7.5 - GPMmodel , are comfortable to install . They ’re about the sizing of a small suitcase and some can be installed outdoors — a boon for old base without much indoor utility space . They provide a constant supply of live water , make them a great upgrade for vintage property where traditional water bullet might be impractical .

Get the Rinnai 7.5 - GPM Tankless Water Heater at Lowes for $ 1,149.48 .

5. Reclaimed Materials

incorporate rescued materials like barnwood into your interior interior decoration is a sustainable and historically rich selection that harmonizes beautifully with older habitation . Chris Purvis suggest learn out “ salvaged architectural elements , such as doors , molding , and windows . He adds that they “ can be source from architectural salvage yards to check the historic style of the home . ” With the trending interest in using salvaged materials , several types are also usable online , such as rescued shiplap bulwark planks ( available atLowes ) .

Get 20 square base of Reclaimed Shiplap Wall Plank at Lowes for $ 258 .

6. Smart Plugs

Smart plugs , likeKasa Smart Plugsare a New - day marvel for retrofitting older homes , since they transform unconstipated electric receptacle into intelligent , remotely governable power author . Smart stopple — which plug in between a corded gadget and a standard electrical outlet — supply convenience , vigor - efficiency , and safety without the need for extensive electrical rewiring . Plus , many sync with smart home systems like Alexa and Google Home .

Get a 2 - pack of Kasa Smart Plugs from Amazon for $ 12.49 .

7. Staircase Retreads and Risers

Pre - mown staircase retreads and risers such as these unfinished oak tree options fromAlexandria Moulding , help rest young life into previous , worn - out stairway . Since they install directly over the old treads and riser , they ’re also relatively DIY - friendly . Old - theatre proprietor desire to restore the original attraction of their stairway without turning it into a major project may want to turn over pre - cut retreads and risers .

Get Alexandria Moulding ’s Oak Retreads and Risers at The Home Depot for $ 59.98 .

8. Radiant Flooring

Radiant take aback provides cozy warmth in old home at ground level where drafts are often a concern and can do away with the necessity of remodeling to install forced - zephyr heating . Jimmy Evans ofSan Diego Concrete Constructionsuggests using them under the original floor . “ Radiant heat system installed under passe floor have been a plot - modifier in maintaining both quilt and authenticity , ” Evans read . Some radiant oestrus products are DIY - friendly , such as theSchulter Ditra Floor Heating Kit .

Get the Schulter Ditra Floor Heating Kit ( 32 straight feet ) from Amazon for $ 588 .

9. Sound-dampening Acoustic Solutions

reasoned - dampening materials , such asArt Acoustic Panels , offer a three-fold advantage in vintage homes without interior wall insulation . Beyond their power to importantly lessen noise transfer between rooms , they come in various purpose , approach pattern , and color evocative of unlike architectural eras . decoct room - to - room sound transferral while raise the historical integrity of your dwelling by installing sound - dampening panels .

Get Art Acoustic Panels ( 48 - by-32 inch ) at Amazon for $ 78 per board .

10. Storm Windows

Storm windows are a saucy investment for older home with drafty , single - glazed , energy - inefficient window or in places where heavy rain occur . They tender a measure of insulant and comfort while keep the timeless magic spell of the original windows . Look for ones with admit weatherstripping , such as these two - track window fromAffordable Storm Windows . For even better draft - free results , view adding insulate curtain to the inside of the windows .

Get custom - sized violent storm windows from Affordable Storm Windows starting at $ 150.99 .

11. Decorative Ceiling Tiles

Antique - style ceiling tiles , like those made byAmerican Tin Ceiling Tilesevoke the historic charm of yesteryear and do as a clever solution to mask the ceiling irregularities frequently regain in older homes . Their intricate designs and timeless allure transform ceiling into stunning focal points while concealing imperfectness , sum up an elegant touching to your vintage space .

Get American Tin Ceiling Tiles at Lowes for $ 2.51 per straight foot .

12. Antique-look Radiator Space Heater

Oil - fill radiator infinite heaters , such asComfort Zone ’s 1,500 - James Watt Oil - take Radiatormimic the charming aesthetics of old - meter radiator , seamlessly blend with the vintage charm of older home . But , beyond their nostalgic appearance , these warmer provide cozy , beamy heat , making them a practical choice for retrofitting while save the historical charm of the blank . They ’re energy - efficient , wo n’t dry out the gentle wind , and typically come with caster wheels for easy moving .

Get the Comfort Zone 1500 - Watt Radiant Radiator at Amazon for $ 88.99 .

This Is the yr for a Kitchen Renovation

Genius Solutions for Retrofitting Old Homes Option Vintage Wallpaper Designs

Photo: homedepot.com

Whether you ’re sell or staying , everyone can get something out of a kitchen update . Learn why we consider this renovation the Most Valuable Project of 2025 and how to ride out on budget .

Genius Solutions for Retrofitting Old Homes Option Ductless Mini-Split HVAC Systems