• Mind your curb appeal – Trim any shrubs, mow the lawn, and pressure wash for a good first impression.
• Check for structural issues – Check for mold growth, cracks, and weak foundations before making repairs.
• Renovate wisely – Opt for minor renovations like painting walls and replacing fixtures instead of major projects.
• Invest in energy-efficient lighting fixtures, install a smart thermostat, check for air leaks, and use renewable sources of electricity.
• Hire experts – Professional help may be needed when renovating/repairing older homes.
Have you recently inherited an ancestral home? Chances are, it’s been around for years and has seen a lot of wear and tear. If so, you’re probably wondering how to maintain the home to retain its beauty, charm, and value. Don’t worry – with the proper maintenance tips, you can rest assured that your ancestral home will be around for generations to come. Here are a few tips that may help:
Start with Curb Appeal.
First impressions matter, so don’t forget about the importance of curb appeal! You may think it’s a small detail, but first-time visitors will certainly notice if your garden and lawn are in disarray or if the front of your home is missing some “oomph.” Take time to spruce up the outside of your home – trim any shrubs or trees, mow the lawn, sweep away dirt from pathways, etc. – to give a good first impression.
You should also consider hiring professionals in soft and pressure washing to give your dirty driveway a much-needed makeover. Pressure washing can also quickly and easily remove dirt, dust, spider webs, and more from your home’s exterior walls and surfaces. This will ensure that your ancestral home’s curb appeal will be as spectacular as its interior!
Investigate Structural Issues.
It is important to inspect every inch of your property for structural issues, such as mold growth, cracks in walls or ceilings, weak foundations, etc., before attempting any repairs or renovations. Ensure any structural problems are addressed before taking on too many projects simultaneously. Otherwise, you risk further damage to your ancestral home.
Renovate Wisely.
If possible (and affordable), opt for minor renovations such as painting walls and replacing fixtures instead of investing in major projects like knocking down walls or rebuilding parts of the structure. Minor renovations are much cheaper than major ones. They can still make a huge difference aesthetically and functionally while preserving their original features (which is essential).
Focus on Efficiency and Sustainability.
An old house doesn’t mean an inefficient house! You can do plenty of things to ensure your ancestral home uses energy, water, and other resources in the most efficient way possible. Here are some ideas:
Invest in energy-efficient lighting fixtures.
Energy-efficient lighting fixtures are one of the best investments you can make for your ancestral home. They will save you money on electricity bills in the long run and are more energy-efficient and better for the environment.
Install a smart thermostat.
Smart thermostats allow you to remotely control the temperature inside your house, so you can easily adjust the temperature to your liking while you’re away. This helps reduce energy waste and even saves you money on utility bills.
Check for air leaks.
Air leaks often occur around windows and doors, so it’s important to have them checked regularly. If they are not correctly sealed, they can cause cold drafts to enter your home and waste energy.
Use renewable sources of electricity.
Solar panels, wind turbines, and other renewable sources of electricity can help you reduce your dependence on traditional energy sources. Not only will this save you money in the long run, but it’s also better for the environment.
By making essential upgrades to make your ancestral home more efficient and sustainable, you’ll be preserving its beauty and charm for generations to come.
Hire Professionals When Needed.
Updating an old property isn’t easy. Sometimes, small jobs require big tools you don’t have access to (especially when renovating/repairing older homes). In this case, hiring professionals with experience working with older homes is best. They know exactly what needs fixing/updating without compromising the structure’s integrity! This way, you can rest easy knowing that whatever changes you make will be done safely and correctly without worrying about making costly mistakes along the way!
Maintaining an ancestral home is a lot of work, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. From sprucing up the curb appeal and investigating structural issues to renovating wisely and focusing on efficiency, you can take plenty of steps to maintain your ancestral home for generations to come.
And don’t forget that professional help may be needed when in doubt! With these tips in mind, you should have no problem ensuring your ancestral home remains beautiful, charming, and valuable for years.