Growing up in an old house is not a bad thing at all because, with it being old, it has passion, transmitted history as well as legends. But as much as you will fancy staying in that house, its structure and functions are bound to begin degrading some time in the future. 

Some features common in old houses can be cute while others are warning signs that you need to renovate by contacting Home Renovation Services Toronto. Each of these signs indicates that it is time to act before your repair costs skyrocket and your living environment is negatively affected.

In this blog, let us explain what are the signs that your home built years back needs a makeover. The value, age, structure, and wear and tear of spaces like electricity, structures, and damages are some of these signs which will assist you in managing the livability and value of your home.

1. Structural Cracks and Shifting Foundations

Among the most alarming indications that your home needs renovation is the emergence of structural cracks that can be seen on the walls, floors, or ceilings. Such cracks may be pointing towards the foundation of the home shifting or sinking in some sections of the compound. 

The soil under your home may shift over time and this will cause the foundation of the home to crack or to sink. These can cause very much structural issues of the house if not corrected as soon as possible.

Signs to watch for:

• Any cracks bigger than a quarter of inch

• Such cracks either begin large, or grow rapidly.

• Doors and windows which have swollen and cannot close properly

• Sloping or uneven floors

If you observe any of these problems, you should contact a structural engineer or a foundation specialist to evaluate the damage and suggest the right remedy.

2. Outdated Electrical Systems

Electrical wiring systems commonly found in homes built decades ago may be ill-suited for use today, and can be very dangerous. If you still have knob-and-tube wiring, aluminum wiring or just a fuse box in your house then it is high time that you upgrade. 

Today’s home appliances and electronics require more electricity and such old installations may have insufficient capacities to handle this and may cause electrical fires.

Signs that your electrical system needs attention:

• Frequent fused blown or tripped circuit breakers

• Flickering lights

• Buzzing or sparking outlets

• Odor of burning or melting plastic

Upgrading the electrical system in one's home is not just for comfort but it’s a safety measure. A licensed electrician should be consulted in order to take a look at the wiring and establish what changes need to be made.

3. Plumbing Issues and Water Damage

Old plumbing systems are dangerous because they normally leak, corrode and most of the time get clogged. As the pipes get old, they may develop leakages that cause water seepage that may bring about structural change on your home and you equally provide a favorable environment for the growth of molds and other fungus. 

Signs are always gradual and unnoticeable at first, but if neglected, they escalate into critical levels and may take a Toll on properties.

Signs of plumbing problems:

• Low water pressure

• Discolored water

• Wall, ceiling or floor stains or discoloration

• Persistent musty odors

If you find these problems then it is advisable to call a plumber to come and check on the system. You can also contact experts at All Property Services by searching “Professional property management services near me”. In some occasions people may likely require doing a full replacement for plumbing because some old houses are still using galvanized steel pipes which tend to corrosion easily.

4. Roof Deterioration

Your roof is your home’s shield from any form of climate and with time it wears out because of ultraviolet radiation, wind, rain, and snow . Leakages as well as water damage and possibly even structural problems can arise out of it, once the roof is damaged.

Signs of a deteriorating roof:

• Blown off, damaged, or cupping shingles

• Stains in the gutters which is an indication of shingles’ wear and tear.

• Cracks or gaps on the roof or the upper stories

• Sagging rooflines

It is recommended to conduct systematic examination of roofs, then, if your roof is more than twenty years old, it is high time to think about the complete roof replacement.

5. Energy Inefficiency

Apartments and old homes are normally less efficient as compared to new homes and therefore lead to high energy costs or costs for heating. Many houses may have poor window installation and little or no insulation, and old furnace systems that make staying in the house during winter or summer costly.

Signs of energy inefficiency:

• Facing structures around windows and doors

• Uneven temperatures between rooms

• High energy costs regardless of frequent usage

• Condensation on windows

Making your home more comfortable might require the replacement of the old windows by the double-glazed ones or enhancing the insulation or installing a new heating and cooling system. For, these renovations can be self financing over time through the ensuing saving in energy bills.

Conclusion

Old houses are old, but that does not necessarily mean that they have to be unsafe, uncomfortable and unattractive. These are very important signs which if detected early one can keep his/her home intact yet modern as required. 

Renovations can be a little overwhelming at times, but the truth is they are such a smart investment into your home’s future, into your home’s ability to provide you quality of life today and down the line, and into your home’s ability to remain a place where memories can be made over the years.

You have to bear in mind that your home will not only be a place that you’ll be residing, but it will also represent yourself. The other thing is to keep it as orderly and clean as possible, this guarantees it will work for you as a safe, comfortable, and beautiful place for you and your family. Reach out to All Property Services for home renovation services. We offer the best Home Renovation Services Toronto.