Old homes or period places are beautiful. The ones that have lasted are often the most incredible examples of their time. They have all the character and history you could ever want from a property, but that does not mean caring for them and living in them will be a walk in the park. You need to know the legal requirements, the safety issues, and of course how to modernize your old home for the 21^st century. By following this guide, you can accomplish all of this, and start to enjoy all the character and warmth your new home has:

Depending on where you live there might be restrictions on your property in terms of what you can and cannot change. These restrictions are in place, so that period pieces are preserved for future generations, and not torn down or warped beyond recognition. It is to preserve history, so check with your local authorities and work to preserve the character features that make this building so special.

Depending on the age of the home, there is a chance that lead-based paint or even asbestos and other materials that are dangerous to your health were used in its construction. Asbestos, for example, is incredibly dangerous and has been a proven cause of cancer. You do not want it anywhere near your family, so get specialists in to your home before you move in to check it out for any such dangerous building material, so you can clear out that issue once and for all.

Some materials are so beautiful and expensive that you simply must aim to restore them before even considering replacing them. Original wood features, stained glass, crown molding – all of these features are what make your old home so special. In some cases, the materials used would be out of your budget to replace in their entirety, which is where restorations come into play.

Say you have beautiful mahogany or walnut floors. Over the years these floors might have become quite scuffed from consistent wear and tear, but that doesn’t mean that they are a hopeless cause. Instead, you could hire professional French polishers to restore the wood and to preserve it for future use through an old and traditional polishing method. This will return the wood to its former glory and protect it for the future.

Invasive upgrades might be forbidden in your property, or too expensive to do in a home such as yours. Thankfully, there are many ways to improve your home without touching its structure. You can heat it up with these tips, decorate with tapestries and beautiful rugs and curtains, and even make use of any fireplaces your property has. There are so many ways to stay comfortable year round, without going in and installing or updating your central heating system.

Taking on an old home is not easy, but it can be incredibly rewarding. You will have a character-rich home that is well-built and beautiful, and by restoring it and caring for it you will ensure its legacy will continue throughout the generations.