What are the most Affordable Ways to Repair an Old House?

What Are the Most Affordable Ways to Repair an Old House?

Repairing an old house can be expensive. Careful planning and a focus on high-impact repairs will allow you to preserve the structural integrity of your home without spending money on nonessentials. In this guide, we’ll explore the most affordable ways to repair an old house, covering essential repairs to save money.

Prioritize Essential Repairs First

The most cost-effective approach to repairing an old house is to prioritize the most critical repairs first. Addressing structural, safety, and weatherproofing issues should always come before cosmetic improvements.

1. Roof Repairs

A damaged roof can lead to costly water damage if not addressed.  Depending on the materials and the age, roofs can often be repaired instead of replaced.  If your roof is asphalt shingles and more than 10 or 15 years old, you are probably looking at a roof replacement which can run between $10-50K depending on the size of the roof.

• Patch leaks: $500-$2000 depending on the size of the area.

• Replace damaged shingles: $500–$2000 for minor areas.

• Seal flashing and vents: $500–$2000

2. Fixing Foundations

In Washington County, a majority of old house foundations are built with large field stones.  Usually the houses have a history of damage and repair that you can read if you study the foundation.  There are a lot of different ways to go, from rebuilding the stone walls, pointing, improving drainage, and pouring concrete retaining walls.  The most important thing is to find out what is going on.  That’s why we start with a structural assessment to determine the state of the foundation and possible fixes.  Foundation fixes start at $5000.

3. Insulation and Air Sealing

Improving your home’s insulation and air tightness is an affordable way to enhance energy efficiency. It can be as simple as foaming cracks in the basement, caulking trim, or adding inserts to your windows.  Insulating your roof and/or attic can bring returns on your investment in heating money saved.  

• Sealing drafts: $200– $5000.

• Adding attic insulation: $1,500–$8,000.

Restore Instead of Replacing

1. Refinish Hardwood Floors

Original hardwood floors can often be refinished for $5,000–$10,000, while replacing them could cost double or triple that amount.

2. Repair Original Windows

Instead of installing new windows, consider repairing old wooden windows by:

• Replacing broken panes: $300–$500 per window.

• Sealing and weatherstripping: $150–$300 per window.

3. Restore Doors and Trim

Stripping and refinishing original wood doors and trim can cost $1000–$2000 per door.

Do your own painting

1. Painting

Painting interior walls yourself can cost as little as $200–$600 for supplies, compared to $2,000–$7,000 for professional painting.

Budget

1. Create a Detailed Budget

List every repair and renovation task, along with estimated costs, and include a contingency of 10–20% for unexpected expenses.

2. Phase the Renovation

If budget constraints are tight, break the renovation into phases, tackling the most critical repairs first and cosmetic updates later.

3. Research and Plan Thoroughly

Take time to research materials, methods, and contractors before starting work.

Conclusion

Expensive repairs on an old house can add up quick. By prioritizing repairs, restoring instead of replacing, using cost-effective materials, taking on DIY projects, and hiring strategically, you can fix the most important problems and preserve your house. Thoughtful planning is essential when approaching any old house repairs.