What Year Was My House Built? 10 Tips For Keeping An Old Home Working Like New

Is your home in mint condition or does it seem to be shining a little less brightly than when you purchased it? If your home seems to be fading, you might have found yourself wondering "what year was my house built?" If you are feeling this way, don’t worry! Whether your home is 15 years or 50+ years old, the following tips will help you to keep your older home working (and looking) like new.

How Can I Keep My 15+ Year Old House Looking Like New?
According to the U.S. Census American Housing Survey the average age of a home in the United States has continued to increase. Currently, the average age of a home is estimated to be 35 years old. As a home becomes older it can experience wear and tear, which means that it might be time for you to call a handyman or take out your toolbox to complete a few of the following maintenance projects. 

1. Update Outlets And Light Switches. — Outlets, light switches, and plates can quickly become yellowed, cracked, or aged. As your home ages you might have been tempted to simply replace the latter items, which might have led to a hodgepodge of styles and shapes adorning your walls and floors. If you want to keep your home looking like new, then take an inventory of the style, number, shape, and type of outlets and light switches that are used throughout your house. Once you have completed your inventory, invest in new outlets and light switches that can add a modern flare to your home.
2. Repair Walls. — It is no secret that walls can become a bit battered from everyday life activities such as hanging artwork, moving furniture, or pets becoming excited during a game of indoor fetch. Are your walls filled with patches? Do you have an abundance of nail holes that are left uncovered? Did you decide to simply paint over a few blemishes throughout the years? If you answered yes to either of these questions, then it is time to update the walls in your home. A trusted home contractor can repair and replace sections of your walls, so that the blemishes are repaired and smooth surfaces are restored. 
3. Apply A Fresh Coat Of Paint. — A fresh coat of paint cannot only provide your older home with a much needed face lift, but it can also protect your home. A new coat of paint can remove unsightly cracks, discoloration, and other blemishes from the interior of your home. The right paint can protect the exterior of your home from the seasonal elements, while simultaneously brightening and refreshing your home.
4. Refinish Hardwood Floors. — Many older homes are beautifully finished with hardwood floors. Hardwood floors might be beautiful, but they are susceptible to unsightly scratches. If you have an older home with hardwood floors, then take the time needed to refinish your floors. Through buffing and the right stain you can give your hardwood floors new life.
5. Perform HVAC Maintenance On A Yearly Basis. — The U.S. Department of Energy recently reported that up to 40 percent of the energy used to heat and/or cool a home is wasted. The reason for this waste is typically a poorly functioning HVAC unit. No matter the age of your home, your HVAC unit needs to be maintained and checked on a yearly basis so that it can continue to be the lungs of your home. Improved indoor air quality, reduced levels of dust, and lower energy bills are just a few of the benefits of a properly working HVAC unit.

How Can I Keep My 50+ Year Old House Working Like New? 
When an older home is properly maintained it can be both charming and beautiful. However, in addition to yearly maintenance projects, keeping a 50+ old home working like new might require a few costly repairs. 

1. Plumbing. — 50+ year old homes tend to have older, and sometimes rusted, steel plumbing systems. If you have noticed that the water is creaking in the pipes, your water pressure is particularly low, or the color of your water is gradually changing to a rust-red, then it might be time to repair or replace your steel plumbing pipes.
2. Heating Systems. — One of the downsides of an older home is that the heating system might be inefficient. The reason for the inefficiency could lie in the older boiler. Replacing your home’s boiler can result in energy savings and a warmer home. It is important to note that some older homes have hot water pipes that are wrapped in asbestos insulation. In these instances, it is recommended that a professional handle the boiler and pipe removal and installation, so that your home does not become contaminated with asbestos fibers. 
3. Cooling Systems. — In a world of air conditioned cars and office buildings it might be hard to believe that some homes are not equipped with a central cooling system. If you find yourself plugging in fans to stay cool during the summer, then it might be time to update your home’s cooling system. A central cooling system can be a bit expensive, but it will help to keep your older home working like a newer model.
4.  Electrical Wiring. — Older homes tend to have knob and tube wiring. This wiring system is a bit outdated and when it is not properly maintained can lead to shocks, outages, and fraying wires. Keeping your old home working like new might require you to replace your electrical wiring with a more modern system that features multiple benefits.
5. Roofing. — If you want your older home to work like new, then you might need to replace all or parts of your roof. Each type of roofing material will have its own life expectancy and require regular maintenance. While it can be a bit costly, replacing your all or parts of your roof can help you to keep your home warm and dry, while simultaneously avoiding the costly interior repairs that can be associated with a leaky roof.  

Well there you have it; with these 10 tips in mind you are now well-equipped to keep your home working like new. Whether you have a 15+ year old home or a home that is over 50 years old, the key to keeping your home working (and looking) like new is preventative maintenance.

2 Point Highlight

1) When an older home is properly maintained it can be both charming and beautiful.

2) Whether you have a 15+ year old home or a home that is over 50 years old, the key to keeping your home working (and looking) like new is preventative maintenance.