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The Key Differences in Remodeling an Old Home in Wilmington NC Pt. 2

Updated: Dec 7, 2023

There are a Few Key Differences to Keep in Mind


Sometimes the appeal of an older home is hard to pass up, and there are a ton of extraordinary older homes in Wilmington, but… they can frequently be much harder to remodel than a newer home. Not only are newer homes built with more standard practices, but materials are more regulated for safety, and remodeling can often be done easier.


However, that old charm can come from some more unorthodox building choices. So don’t get discouraged. Now, let’s look at how to make your renovation match the existing layout of an older home.


Fitting Your Style is Key


There is nothing more off-putting than just going totally away from your home's current style (unless you’re doing a complete remodel, that is). So, what do we mean precisely by keeping up with your style? Well, if your home is farm style, or a true classic southern home, going with a fully modern look that disregards your current style will not only look disjointed but not come out the way you want.


You can avoid this by having a sound designer and contractor. Work with someone who understands how a home flows, what will look good, and what might throw people off. This is more of a feel thing, but keep in mind your home's current style as you move forward with the process.


An Older Home Needs More Care


We touched on some of the things to be worried about last time. However, in general, you want a company that understands how to work on an old home and that, in general, they just need more care. If someone is trying to move as fast as possible, they might miss some of the small details an old home really needs to shine in a remodel.


You Have to be Ready For Interesting Finds


Well, fascinating can be anything from incorrect things in the walls to some hidden treasure (or something a little more interesting). So, when remodeling an old home, it’s better to put some extra cash away as you never know exactly what will be hidden behind the walls. If you have a super strict budget, maybe hold back on something small, that way, if something does come up you weren’t expecting, you can still get the major stuff done without compromising.


It doesn’t happen every time, but more often than not, with an older home, you will have some unexpected costs arise. So, fascinating can be good, but it can also come at a price you just have to be ready for!


If you’re thinking about a renovation in Wilmington NC, and want a team that can not only help you design your dreams but also take the job all the way, call the team at Avocet Design Build today to turn your dreams into reality!

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