Period homes exude a certain kind of charm and personality that can’t be matched by modern homes. But there’s a major challenge when you own an old property: a lot of restoration and repairs need to be done before you can move into your new old home.

To help you make a good house purchasing decision, here is a list of things you have to inspect during your house visits to the property you’re considering:

Basement and foundation

These should be the first parts of the house that you have to check, as simple cracks and molds can indicate structural integrity issues. You need to make sure that the foundation of the house is strong enough to withstand natural elements.

Roof

Ask the seller about the condition of the roof, and whether it’s in its original state or has been replaced. Apart from that, check it yourself (include the attic). Are there any leaks? Be meticulous with your inspection because roof repair and replacement can be very costly.

Plumbing

Check and make sure that the exposed pipes in the old home’s basement are still working. In the bathroom, turn the shower knob and see how much water will come out. If there too little water coming from the shower, then it’s a sign of a leak, mineral buildup, or corrosion. This is especially true if the pipes in the house made of cast iron haven’t been replaced. Replacing the plumbing can be expensive and time-consuming, too.

Electrical wiring

Find out if the old house still has its original tube wiring—chances are it can cause a fire. If the wiring in the house hasn’t been updated for a long time, then you’ll have to take care of it once you buy the house. And yes, it’s also costly.

With these in mind, having an old home isn’t for everyone, as there’s a cost involved in restoring one. But if you’re up for it, then just be careful when checking the different parts of the house for damage.

Historic home restoration is a serious business. It’s not something you do in your free time—you have to make time for it. You even have to shell out money for repairs, replacements, and other expenses that come with preserving an old house. Here are the things to look for and expect when you restore a historic house.

Dealing with the inconveniences of living in an old house

Obviously, you won’t be able to enjoy the comfort and convenience that come with living in a modern house, something that you cannot expect from an antique home. There will always be an issue, like squeaky floors, erratic heating or cooling, and weird smell in the bedroom. If you can’t imagine yourself living in those conditions, then owning a period home may not be suitable for you.

Doing a house inspection with a contractor

A home inspector is essential in coming up with a good estimate of the cost and the work that has to be done. Preferably, your inspector should have experience working with vintage homes. Lastly, look for someone who understands that restoring an old property isn’t about taking things apart and starting over.

Looking for signs of water damage

During house visits, watch out for any leaks and other water issues because they can be symptoms of major structural problems of the house. They can be health hazards also, as a wet environment attracts pests like bugs and mosquitos.

Prioritizing practicality over aesthetics

Begin working on the essential parts of the house, such as the windows, roof, and walls. Renovating the unsightly paint, staircase, and kitchen cabinets can wait, unless they pose risks to health and safety (in that case, they have to be addressed right away).

Embracing the quirks

Little details like uneven floors don’t mean much in the grand scheme of things. Before your obsessive-compulsive self complains, know that it will take a lot of money and time to level that pesky floor out. So what’s the workaround? Nothing—just embrace that quirk and focus your energy on other renovation tasks that need your immediate attention.

Dreaming of living in an old home with the 1940s as your interior design theme? You can transform your bare, newly purchased historic home into a haven with the unmistakable postwar vibe. A few tweaks and additions here and there ca easily make your house look vintage inside and out.

Here are some design qualities that scream the 1940s that you can use as inspirations for renovating your home:

1. Hollywood glamor

The 1940s Hollywood glamor is all about being prim and proper, and you can recreate that look on the different parts of your house. Dress up your living rooms and bedrooms with wallpapers that have large prints and tropical design.

2. Sentimentality and sweetness

The postwar period was the time when families were thankful to have their loved ones back at home. Because money was tight and spaces were tiny, home decorations were simple yet sweet and flowery.

3. Patriotism

The 1940s saw richer colors and jewel tones, and a lot of elements in red, white, and blue hues.

4. Innocence

Because people in the postwar time weren’t affluent, they kept everything clutter-free and tidy.

5. Streamline-deco-jazz

Bathrooms in high-contrast colors such as mint and pink are reminiscent of the era.

6. Sanitary

In the 1940s, people were concerned with diseases, and so they made sure that their homes were clean in every nook and cranny. A prominent kitchen design that’s so 1940s is lined with white appliances, utensils, and kitchen cabinets.

7. Traditional

Colonial maple, dark wood, and other traditional-style furniture can make your living room distinctly 1940s.

So there you have it—seven home interior décor ideas inspired by the postwar era: Hollywood glamor, sentimentality and sweetness, patriotism, innocence, streamline-deco-jazz, sanitary, and traditional.

Which of these ideas have you tried or will be using? Let us know by leaving a comment here.

Enjoy decorating your old home!