We’ve all dreamed about owning a Victorian home at one time or another. Imagine exploring each room and noting the special details in the woodwork and windows. What we may not think about is the amount of work that goes into keeping those details polished and inspiring.
Have you seen Money Pit with Tom Hanks? I think every owner of a home, Victorian or otherwise, has reached this mental state at one time or another:
Don’t worry, it turns out beautiful.
Victorian homes draw our attention because their design and architectural detail are second to none. You simply do not see the time and detail put into houses being built today compared to a century ago. If you’re seriously considering a Victorian for your next home, be prepared to work hard and make the important updates to keep the home in its best possible condition.
A century ago, many of today’s products did not exist. This includes drywall, Romex wiring, pvc piping, etc. What this means is, more likely than not, the home will need to be brought up to code with today’s standards.
A common find in these older homes is knob and tube electrical, and plaster and lathe. If knob and tube electrical is found during alterations to the home it must be removed and updated with new wiring. This can add an unexpected cost to what started as a simple project.
Plaster and lathe are more based on aesthetic preference, but over time it will become brittle and most likely begin to crack.
It is important to be aware of these and other issues that can arise in Victorian homes so you don’t end up with faulty wiring and a smashed tub. These homes take a lot of love to keep them in shape, but the reward is totally worth it.
Continue To Follow Their Journey
Be sure to stop back and see what else Mitch and Carson and the Boom Brothers team have been up to. If you’d like to contact us in the meantime, give us a call or send us an email.