Repairing Unattractive Elements of an Older Home

1. Intro

We all have certain things we dislike about our homes but when we make that purchase  (if it’s not a new build) there may be a few things that are nagging.  Here are some of those things and how to deal with them:

2. Popcorn ceilings

A. They date a space – depending on time frame of home, get a sample tested for asbestos.
i. Difficult to repair
ii. Hard to Clean
iii. Collect Dust

B. Ways to remove
i. Scrape – use a utility knife or drywall knife to chip away to create a smooth surface (messy and slow)
ii. Cover with drywall – smoothest possible finish – pricier option
iii. Skim coat on a new design – older home owners that want to maintain the history of the home

C. Light fixtures
i. The awful “boob” flush mount fixture
ii. Low wattage – change all to LED
iii. This is one area that can really update and elevate the design

3. DATED Wallpaper
i. Problems with not being primed
ii. Rent a steamer or hire a professional
iii. Don’t be afraid to wallpaper again – the “new wallpaper” is nothing like that of the 80’s.

4.  FLAT LUAN Doors – Plywood
i. Invest in new doors
ii. Add trim molding
iii. Remove doors that don’t necessarily need to be there

5. LOW vanities
i. At a minimum, update the powder bath
ii. Consider “ready made” vanities

6.  Small trim and baseboards
i. Update with beefier crown molding in the key spaces
ii. Keep all consistent
iii. Consider painting wall and trim the same color if you can’t replace right away

7.  DATED SWITCH PLATES
i. Seems like a small detail, but this will date your home (especially the “almond” color of years ago.
ii. Use the clear switch plates on wallpapered walls.