11 Lessons I Learned Renovating My Vintage House

Revamping an aged house can be a mix of satisfaction and frustration. Here, I provide first-hand insights on what to anticipate during a home renovation.

My personal favorite tidbit about our vintage residence 屏東房屋修 revolves around the birthplace of Arizona Iced Tea's concept. Well, at least, that's how I like to envision it. One of the company's founders resided in this very house when the brand was founded, so I often picture him experimenting with tea blends at the '70s-style bar near the entryway. There's a unique charm to an aged abode—the rich history and stories etched into its very structure. However, what's not always charming is what lurks beneath the surface. My house, constructed in 1939 and 1940, had an interior frozen in the mid-'80s, adorned with pastel shades and whimsical wallpapers. Nevertheless, we sensed its potential for magic with some tender care and dedicated effort. Our renovation adventure encompassed the removal of a wall, a comprehensive kitchen makeover, updates to two bathrooms, a rejuvenation of the sunroom, a small playroom, and the cherished wood-paneled bar I mentioned earlier. Additionally, we introduced cosmetic updates like fresh paint, wallpaper accents, decorative wall moldings, and window replacements. As with any renovation, surprises were part of the package. While contemplating further enhancements to our second floor, I've taken the opportunity to reflect on the invaluable lessons I've gathered along the way. Allow me to provide a sneak peek into what you can anticipate when embarking on a renovation journey.

Live with it first.

Exercising patience, as we saved for the renovation, was challenging but ultimately rewarding. We resided in our house in its existing state for a couple of years before commencing the renovation. This allowed us to truly comprehend how our family utilized the space and to envision our future needs.

Moreover, renovations need not be executed all at once. We divided our renovation into a five-year project, with breaks in between. This approach prevented us from enduring a constant construction site and allowed us to make thoughtful, deliberate changes.

Prioritize what you love over what's trendy.

Don't be swayed by transient trends; instead, stay true to your preferences. In my kitchen, I included three elements—white cabinets, a farmhouse sink, and barnwood doors—that might not align with current fashions. However, five years down the road, I remain as pleased with these choices as I was when we first made them. The reason is simple: we adore them. It's paramount to select what resonates with you, as you are the one who encounters the space daily. Don't hesitate to pause and reassess if something doesn't feel quite right as you progress—your home should mirror your family's style.

Unforeseen expenses are inevitable.

Allocating a financial buffer for unexpected costs is a wise move. Unforeseen surprises, especially in older homes, are not uncommon. You've likely heard tales of unexpected issues like faulty wiring or the need to replace plumbing upon discovery. In our case, we had selected and ordered kitchen cabinets intended to reach the ceiling. However, when we removed the old cabinets, we discovered a soffit housing structural support that would disrupt our planned design. Consequently, we had to pay our contractor to relocate the support within the ceiling, securing the wall beams with a steel plate.

Vintage houses come with peculiar quirks.

Multiple previous homeowners may have left their marks over the years—quick fixes, superficial cover-ups, and unusual additions. During our kitchen and entryway floor renovations, we unearthed three layers of flooring concealed beneath the surface, even though I had a soft spot for the black and white checkered laminate. To make matters more intriguing, our bathroom floor had no stable foundation, so the tiles were essentially resting on mud.

We also stumbled upon unique features, such as the "Mad Men"-style bar located to the right of our entryway. When we transformed it into a much more practical mudroom, we realized this later addition lacked insulation, allowing cold air to seep into the downstairs area.

The final touches are pivotal.

While we overhauled multiple rooms and reconfigured built-ins, the elements in my house that garner the most admiration are the artwork, lighting fixtures, and textiles. These elements contribute character to a space. For example, in my mudroom renovation, I included a schoolhouse light that exudes a subtly retro vibe, and in my white kitchen, I opted for colorful textiles for the breakfast nook—an undeniable wow factor.

The Challenge of Removing Wallpaper

When we first explored our house, we couldn't help but notice the pervasive '80s-style wallpaper. What initially seemed like a simple cosmetic fix turned into a labor-intensive ordeal, demanding numerous hours and considerable elbow grease. The perspiration was real, thanks to our trusty steamer, especially in areas where newer wallpaper had been layered atop an older version. Surprisingly, even though we experienced this wallpaper-removal challenge, we decided to incorporate wallpaper into our renovation design. It seems the allure of wallpaper was strong enough to make us revisit this laborious task.

The Dilemma of Opting for the Budget Choice

In our aging abode, wood floors graced most areas, with the exception of the kitchen and entryway, which sported outdated green tiles. When the time came to replace these with hardwood, our budget constraints were quite evident. After obtaining various quotes, we made the decision to go with the most budget-friendly option, even though other companies had more favorable reviews. Regrettably, I soon realized my mistake when I returned home to discover dust everywhere, including our brand-new couch, which had been moved but left uncovered. Several years later, those same floors haven't aged gracefully and are likely due for refinishing sooner rather than later. The lesson learned is to conduct thorough research and heed the advice from reviews, as they can save you from future regrets.

The Inevitability of Delays

Disregard your well-laid renovation timeline—it's almost a given that something will encounter delays. I have a friend who is currently renovating her kitchen, and she just received the disheartening news that her supposedly in-stock refrigerator won't be available for another four months. In our case, it was the windows for our sunroom. The ones that were supposed to arrive on time turned out to be the wrong size, necessitating a six-month wait to get the right ones. Flexibility becomes a valuable trait when tackling a renovation project spanning multiple rooms.\\

Navigating Moments of Stress

Renovations can be stressful affairs, with the financial burdens and the discomfort of living amidst ongoing chaos. Don't be surprised if you find yourself snapping at your partner or children more often than usual. Building compassion by allowing everyone in the house to voice how the renovation affects their daily lives is essential. Additionally, honing your negotiation skills in design decisions can alleviate some of the stress.

Ikea: A Controversially Beneficial Option

Ikea tends to provoke strong opinions regarding the quality of its products, making it a somewhat controversial choice. In our case, we've experienced highly positive outcomes with specific items. For our mudroom, we harnessed the potential of their wardrobe cabinets, adding moldings to create a customized built-in appearance. We also opted for Ikea's cabinet boxes in our kitchen, combining them with custom doors, along with their farmhouse sink. Proper integration, thoughtful planning, and a clear awareness of limitations led us to substantial cost savings. Five years later, we have no complaints and stand by our decision to incorporate Ikea into our renovation.

The Value of Personal Effort

My husband, father, and I undertook about 70 percent of the renovation work ourselves. There's an immense sense of satisfaction in creating something beautiful or seeing how a simple coat of paint can transform the ambiance of your home. Don't hesitate to roll up your sleeves and get involved, but also recognize the moments when it's wiser to bring in professionals for tasks beyond your skill level.