Why a Foundation Fix Is a Smart and Safe Choice Before Investing In a Remodel
The charming architectural details and rich history of historic homes make them treasures worth preserving. But over time, your older home’s foundation can shift or crack, affecting its structural integrity. Foundation issues can unfortunately lead to a multitude of issues including wet basements, cracking in the basement walls, uneven floors, or damage to drywall, particularly above door frames.
Homes built in the 1940s or earlier have been around a long time and have experienced the natural shifts in soil or the deterioration of stone or concrete. Combined with the Kansas City area’s propensity for droughts during the summer that lead to soil shrinkage or compression against foundation walls, it’s likely that older homes will require some repair before a full renovation project should begin. Keep reading to learn why.
Foundation Repair Preserves Structural Integrity
Your home’s foundation is a big part of why it stays standing, and your foundation’s condition impacts the overall structural integrity. In historic homes, the foundation can suffer from years of water damage, shifting soil, and general wear and tear.
Addressing these issues before your historic home renovation ensures that the structure remains sound and safe for years to come, protecting your home and the valuable investment you’ve made in rehabbing it. Fixing the foundation now can prevent potential structural failures that could lead to more extensive and costly repairs in the future.
It Keeps Your Family Safe
Cracks in the walls, uneven floors, and broken doors or windows are not just inconveniences, they are signs of potential hazards. A compromised foundation can lead to more severe problems such as water leaks, mold growth, and even partial collapse.
Addressing these issues before a historic home renovation ensures that your beautiful remodel doesn’t sustain damage.
A Strong Foundation Protects Your Home’s Historic Features
One of the main goals of any historic home renovation is to preserve and refresh the original architectural features of your home. These features such as original woodwork, fireplaces, or hardwood floors, can be susceptible to damage if a home’s foundation is shifting or sinking.. [double period]
Although movement in the foundation can cause cracks and damage to these elements, by stabilizing the foundation early in the renovation process, you protect these historical features from further harm, fortifying your home’s structure while maintaining its unique charm and historical significance.
It Could Increase Your Property Value
A well-maintained foundation significantly enhances the market value of any property, and this is especially true for historic homes. Potential buyers can feel wary of homes with known foundation issues due to the perceived high cost and complexity of repairs.
By addressing these issues before your historic home renovation, you can improve your home’s stability and safety while also increasing value and appeal for potential buyers, should you wish to sell at any point. A solid foundation gives future buyers peace of mind, knowing that the home has been properly cared for. A remodel by a reputable historic home renovation company like Architectural Craftsmen is icing on the cake.
Yes, a Healthy Foundation Can Even Improve Energy Efficiency
Older homes are notorious for being less energy-efficient, often due to poor insulation and outdated windows. However, foundation issues can also contribute to energy loss in your home. Cracks and gaps in the foundation allow conditioned air to escape and outdoor air to enter, making it difficult to maintain a consistent indoor temperature, especially with the ever-changing Kansas City weather. This leads to higher energy bills as your heating and cooling systems work overtime.
By addressing foundation issues during your historic home renovation, you can seal these gaps and improve the overall energy efficiency of the home, making it more comfortable and cost-effective to live in.
Our Historic Home Renovation Company Knows Where to Start
If you’re considering a renovation for your historic home, trust Architectural Craftsmen to deliver exceptional results that help you find creative solutions for modern living while preserving the soul of your home. When we assess your home, our expert team will look for signs of foundation issues so you can address them before our remodeling work begins.
To learn more about our remodeling services, contact us today and in no time, our dedicated historic remodeling team will walk you through all your options to ensure we find the smartest and safest solution for you.
