As the quintessential homestead dream unfolds, many of us envision transforming an old farmhouse into a modern haven. I too shared this aspiration when seeking land for my own homesteading journey. However, instead of diving headfirst into a large-scale renovation project, I opted to start small and develop essential skills that would ultimately guide me in building my own natural home.
Meanwhile, I’ve been vicariously living through my brother’s family as they embark on their own 93-year-old farmhouse restoration adventure, just down the road from me. Their experiences have taught me valuable lessons, which I’m excited to share with fellow homesteaders and old farmhouse enthusiasts alike, who are considering taking on a similar renovation project.
Historical Houses
The concept of ‘walk-in ready’ homes is relatively novel, evolving from the traditional approach where homeowners built their properties incrementally. In the past, even affluent individuals constructed their homes in stages, typically starting with the core areas such as the kitchen, living space, and a single bedroom. Later additions might include more bedrooms, upstairs levels, formal entertaining spaces, and other less essential features, as resources and time became available.
Similarly, modern amenities like electricity and plumbing upgrades were also introduced gradually. This approach means that when you purchase an older home, you’re not simply acquiring a 100-year-old farmhouse – you’re buying a property with a rich history spanning multiple decades and architectural styles. While this house will undoubtedly be steeped in character, not all of its past is equally desirable or worthy of preservation.
Tip 1: Peak and Plan
Renovating an old farmhouse is a bit like peeling an onion, where you need to carefully remove the outer layers to uncover what’s beneath. The process begins by stripping away the superficial cosmetic elements that have accumulated over time, revealing original features such as plank flooring or shiplap walls. This approach is crucial because many older farm homes are harboring toxic materials, now banned by modern building codes.
Rather than hastily ripping everything out, it’s essential to take a slow and deliberate approach, gradually uncovering the secrets beneath each layer. This not only preserves the integrity of the original structure but also safeguards your health. Unfortunately, some old buildings may be hiding hazardous substances that could pose a risk to occupants.
To avoid potential health hazards, it’s crucial to research the materials used in the construction process and assess their toxicity before making any major changes.
Mold
In older homes, particularly those left unattended for extended periods, the potential for mold growth is a significant concern. Mold spores can lie dormant in materials like wood, paper, and cloth, waiting for moisture to activate them. Even seemingly minor mold issues can escalate quickly during renovations, as simple plumbing repairs or water leaks can release dormant spores into the environment.
It’s essential to identify and address any signs of mold early on, as neglecting this issue can lead to costly and time-consuming remediation efforts. In some cases, professional remediation services or specialized equipment may be necessary before proceeding with renovations.
Termites
The charm of old farmhouses is undeniable, with their timber frames and rustic wood siding, floors, and walls. However, this abundance of wood can create a perfect storm for termites, which can cause irreparable damage to the structure if left unchecked. A thorough examination by a professional is often necessary to determine the extent of any past termite damage or potential ongoing infestations.
This assessment also serves as a crucial step in evaluating the overall structural integrity of the house before embarking on any renovation or restoration projects, such as repairing walls, installing new floors, or updating utilities.
Lead
In many older homes, lead was a ubiquitous presence – literally. It’s often found in old paint formulas, which were common until regulations caught up with the risks associated with this toxic substance. As a result, the Environmental Protection Administration (EPA) has strict rules governing lead paint removal. If you’re planning to renovate an old farmhouse and suspect that lead paint might be present, it’s crucial to understand these regulations before starting your project.
But lead wasn’t just used in paint; it was also a common material for pipes. In fact, lead solders were often used to connect pipes to faucet fixtures, which can still cause lead contamination issues today. If you’re dealing with an older home and suspect that lead pipes or hazards might be present, you may need the expertise of a qualified plumber to assess and replace these risks.
In some cases, installing a whole-house filtration system designed to filter out lead is another option for addressing this issue.
Asbestos
Many homes built before the 1980s contain asbestos-based materials in their floor and ceiling tiles, roof shingles, flashing, siding, insulation, pipe cement, and joint compound for sheetrock. When these products are stable and undamaged, they can be safe and durable. However, as time passes, if fibers from the asbestos material become airborne, they can pose a significant health risk.
My brother’s home had asbestos tiles in the kitchen that were still in good condition when I visited.
While they looked fine at first glance, it was clear that constant wear and tear on those tiles would eventually increase the likelihood of asbestos fibers becoming airborne.
Rather than risking potential health consequences, my brother decided to remove the tiles. Fortunately, his decision revealed beautiful hardwood floors beneath the tiles, making the process a worthwhile investment in his home’s safety and well-being.
Tip 2: Renovate Authentically
While it’s tempting to take shortcuts when renovating an older house, it’s essential to resist the urge to compromise on quality. Cheap modern materials or quick-fix solutions might seem like a cost-effective solution, but they can ultimately end up being more expensive in the long run and lacking in authenticity. Instead, take the time to understand the historical context of the original materials used in your home and incorporate them into your renovation plan, if possible.
This approach will not only preserve the integrity of your property but also ensure that it maintains its unique character and charm.
For instance, when dealing with shiplap, sheathing, wainscotting, or beadboard, it’s crucial to comprehend their distinct purposes and characteristics.
By doing so, you’ll be able to make informed decisions about which materials to use and how to incorporate them into your renovation design, ultimately resulting in a beautiful and authentic space that honors the original craftsmanship.
Shiplap
The humble beginnings of interior shiplap can be traced back to its original purpose as exterior cladding for homes. Following additions and expansions, this once-functional material now takes on a more decorative role. The image below, courtesy of Tasha Greer, beautifully captures the charm of shiplap in its modern guise.
The distinctive feature of shiplap is its use of wooden planks with recessed joints on all sides.
When these boards are joined together, they form an impermeable seal that effectively keeps the elements at bay. This very same technique was employed by shipbuilders to render their vessels watertight.
The connection between shipbuilding and shiplap is more than just a curious coincidence. In fact, it was this method of construction that inspired its application in residential architecture.
Prior to the widespread adoption of modern building materials like vinyl siding, vapor barriers, plywood, insulation, and drywall, shiplap played a crucial role in weatherproofing homes.
The durability of shiplap can be attributed to the dense, rot-resistant nature of wood sourced from old-growth trees. Unfortunately, most wood used today comes from younger trees, which lacks the same level of insulative properties as its older counterpart.
However, there is a silver lining!
Sourcing reclaimed shiplap salvaged from other buildings or structures can not only provide improved durability but also preserve the authentic craftsmanship that defines old farmhouse renovations. By incorporating this unique material into your project, you’ll be able to maintain the integrity and charm of your historic home.
Wood Sheath
Inside many older homes, you may discover an additional layer of wooden boards running parallel to the walls. These boards might actually be shiplap, featuring grooves and joints designed for thermal insulation. Alternatively, they could simply be scraps of wood nailed together to form a makeshift sheathing, similar to how plywood is used today. The scrap pieces often come in irregular shapes and sizes, with some areas potentially missing due to the original builders running out of materials.
As such, this improvised wooden barrier may not provide the same level of tight sealing and insulation as professionally fitted tongue-and-groove shiplap. Nevertheless, it does offer some insulative properties, which can be improved upon by adding salvaged wood to fill gaps, applying caulk, and sealing any openings. This is particularly important if you want your old house to achieve a similar level of climate control and air-tightness as modern homes.
Wainscotting and Beadboard
In many old houses, wainscoting and beadboard are common features that serve both functional and aesthetic purposes. These forms of wood sheathing were designed to provide insulation, preventing drafts and covering gaps that may develop over time in the exterior shiplap. Wainscoting involves framing a larger piece of wood with narrower boards, while beadboard is typically installed in larger sheets with grooved and overlapped edges, mimicking the look of shiplap.
Both methods were intended to offer a layer of insulation, as well as visual appeal, and are generally more expensive than using scrap wood sheathing. Unlike their modern counterparts, which are primarily decorative and lack the insulation and durability of their older equivalents, these traditional wainscoting and beadboard designs were meant to make houses more weatherproof.
When renovating old homes with these features, it’s often a good idea to salvage replacement pieces from existing structures rather than opting for cheaper, decorative alternatives that may not meet the same standards.
Tip 3: Budget Saving Salvaging
Think outside the box (or room) and explore the potential of repurposing materials from your own home. By salvaging items that are no longer needed or serving their original purpose, you can create a cost-effective solution for your renovation project.
Steal from Storage Areas
When embarking on an old farmhouse renovation, it’s essential to strike a balance between preserving its original character and incorporating modern features. Dated elements like aluminum canopies, for instance, can detract from the property’s natural charm. One common challenge homeowners face is limited storage space in older homes. To overcome this issue, installing shelving and cabinets is often necessary.
However, before making these upgrades, it’s crucial to remove any salvageable materials that will be hidden behind new cabinetry. By doing so, you can repurpose these salvaged materials in other areas of your home, eliminating the need to source them from external suppliers. Not only will this approach save you time and resources, but it also maintains the authenticity of your renovation, allowing the original character of your farmhouse to shine through.
Beadboard Sheathing
When repurposing materials for home renovation projects, salvaging old beadboard can be a treasure trove of creative possibilities. In my case, I was able to salvage pieces from previous projects, including a stunning wood beadboard that once adorned my family’s kitchen. While some sections were missing, the remaining pieces still offered a wealth of potential. One of the most appealing aspects of salvaging beadboard scraps is the cost-effectiveness.
Compared to purchasing new insulative hardwood beadboard, salvage dealers can offer surprisingly affordable prices per board foot. This makes it an attractive option for homeowners looking to save money on materials. Moreover, when applied as sheathing, beadboard scraps can provide a similar insulation benefit to traditional exterior wall solutions, albeit without the need for the same level of thermal performance.
For interior walls, this approach can be a game-changer, allowing homeowners to achieve a unique aesthetic while keeping costs in check.
Tip 4: Customize and Glamorize!
While a built-in coffee bar may seem like a luxury for some, many modern homesteaders wouldn’t mind having one in their 100-year-old home. In fact, incorporating modern conveniences into these classic structures can be a great way to make them more functional and comfortable for contemporary living. One of the key differences between how we live today versus our ancestors is the reliance on electricity – it’s hard to imagine daily life without it!
Additionally, kitchens have become hubs of activity, with a wide range of tools and gadgets at our fingertips. And yet, despite these changes, there’s no reason why you can’t preserve the original character of your home while still incorporating modern amenities that make sense for your lifestyle.
A Custom Coffee Bar
In many households, coffee consumption is a daily ritual that requires a significant investment. Take my brother’s family for instance. Before they installed a coffee bar in their home, they would spend a small fortune on specialty drinks at cafes. However, with the 20-minute commute to town now factoring into their daily routine, they decided to redirect this budget towards creating their own coffee haven.
The result is a well-equipped space that accommodates their grinder, espresso machine, drip coffee maker, and one-cup coffee maker, as well as storage for mugs, flavored syrups, and other desired extras. Despite the fact that a coffee bar wasn’t a feature of 1927 kitchens when their house was built, they didn’t let this historical constraint get in the way.
Instead, they opted for plain cabinets and applied beadboard to the doors, painting it to match the original kitchen cabinetry and adding handles to complete the look.
Pot Filler
In a move that showcased their keen sense of renovation synergy, the homeowners didn’t just stop at installing a new oven. They also saw an opportunity to upgrade the plumbing in the adjacent area, installing a pot filler behind the new appliance. By opening up the wall and running a few feet of pipe, they were able to bring fresh water right to the heart of their kitchen.
This clever addition not only simplified tasks like canning and cooking stock but also demonstrated how a little extra effort can lead to significant gains in terms of convenience and functionality.
Faux Farm Sink
The allure of vintage farm sinks is undeniable, conjuring up a bygone era of simplicity and charm. However, these cast-iron behemoths often come with one major caveat: their shallowness. With modern water pressure, the resulting splash can be a constant nuisance. This is where a modern sink with an old farmhouse aesthetic comes into its own, offering a perfect blend of authenticity and practicality.
By opting for such a design, homeowners can achieve a timeless look without sacrificing the benefits of a splash-free countertop, ultimately elevating their renovation project to new heights.
Tip 5: Renovate in the Right Order
As I’ve observed firsthand through my brother’s old farmhouse renovation, the key to a successful project lies not just in the execution, but in the sequence. Having learned this valuable lesson vicariously, I’d like to share with you that there indeed exists a logical order in which to tackle renovations.
Infrastructure and Systems First
Before embarking on a renovation journey, it’s essential to prioritize the structural and hazardous aspects of your property. This includes any safety concerns or potential risks that could pose a threat to yourself, others, or even the overall integrity of your home. Once you’ve addressed these critical issues, you can then focus on upgrading your plumbing and electrical systems, which are crucial for supporting the various appliances and devices you’ll be using in your newly renovated space.
Modern Upgrades
When it comes to integrating internet connectivity into your home, consider doing so in tandem with the initial installation of electrical services. This approach allows for the seamless addition of outlets and modernized lighting fixtures, which are crucial steps towards ensuring a safe and comfortable living environment. While these improvements may not be the focal point of high-end design publications, they are essential for both short-term safety and long-term livability.
Vents and Rough Ins
When it comes to planning a renovation, it’s essential to consider the timing of installing specific features. For instance, if you’re adding vents for updated HVAC systems or modernizing kitchens and bathrooms, it’s crucial to tackle these tasks early on in the process. Similarly, if you’ve got plans to add additional amenities like extra bathrooms or laundry rooms, it’s vital to bring in your plumbing and electricity professionals before you start renovating and decorating those areas.
By prioritizing these essential components, you’ll be able to avoid costly rework and ensure a smoother overall renovation experience.
Rooms of Regular Use
Once the core infrastructure and systems are up to speed, it’s logical to focus on high-traffic areas first. For many homesteaders, the kitchen is the epicenter of daily life, making it a prime candidate for early renovation attention. While bathrooms may feature prominently on some individuals’ priority lists, my personal experience suggests that if basic amenities remain functional or can be adapted to suit daily needs, other aspects of the bathroom can be addressed later in the process.
Room to Relax
When it comes to prioritizing rooms for renovation, the kitchen, living room, and dining room typically take center stage. This is because these areas often serve as makeshift project zones and hubs for family bonding. Even if other rooms are in disarray, having a cozy nook where you can unwind with a good book or a glass of wine can be a game-changer. It’s a reminder that even amidst chaos, there’s value in creating spaces that promote relaxation and rejuvenation.
One important lesson I’ve learned from my own family’s farmhouse renovation is the importance of taking time to pause, reflect, and celebrate your progress. This allows you to recharge and refocus, ultimately making better decisions about the rest of your renovation journey.
Final Advice for an Old Farmhouse Renovation
In our kitchen makeover, my family took on a significant portion of the renovation themselves, limited to just some plumbing and electrical work, with cutting countertops being another major task. The photo above is courtesy of Tasha Greer. The pace at which old homes were built in the past is truly remarkable. It was not uncommon for families to inhabit certain sections of their new home while leaving other parts under construction.
This slow-and-steady approach is reminiscent of what we experience during an old farmhouse renovation – breaking down the project into smaller, manageable tasks and taking our time to complete each room. Rather than rushing through the process, it’s essential to appreciate the journey. The sense of accomplishment that comes with completing a major renovation is certainly rewarding, but it’s the slow, deliberate pace that makes the experience truly enjoyable.
By savoring every moment, we can connect with the slower times and make the most of our time in the old farmhouse.
