Universal Group Inc: Vintage-Style Remodeling!

Fashion and style always come in cycles, and house-remodeling is no different. Give retro a chance.

Most old houses have a reputation for carrying extra work and structural problems. Many complain about the noise wood makes on cold days or the humidity that gathers in some areas of the house. Today we will see that it doesn’t have to be like this. Universal Group always offers you the best alternatives for your home. And yes, that also includes vintage-style houses, both for the restoration of these structures and the remodeling process of your home to fit its vintage-style architecture.

FAQ: How do I know if my house is vintage or what style belongs to?

This is one of the many frequently asked of questions from our readers about the style of their home, especially when it doesn't adjust to the descriptions they have read in books, magazines, or internet.

Is it a cottage? Is it a bungalow? Is it Victorian style or is it something different? And what does it mean when someone says your house is eclectic? Do not worry; those are details we will be glad to take care of.

First, let us explain why vintage houses often come in so many different shapes and sizes. The way houses were laid out (that is, the floor plan), changed dramatically between 1900 and 1960. At the turn of the century in 1900, the “Queen Anne style’’ was waning and the old style organization of interior space was changing as well. Bedrooms were still called chambers, many homes were built without bathrooms (that’s as impractical as it reads), and reception halls excluded visitors from the inner sanctum. Modern structures like the free-flowing, open bungalow, did away with small, isolated, boxy rooms. But that’s just a small piece of history.

Nowadays, everyone seems to have a different opinion about what defines each style. At Universal Group, we offer you our professional advice and a few guidelines to grasp the essential characteristics of your home. You'll find that there are dozens of different ideas about what "style" is and how it's categorized, and therefore restored.

The first thing we can assure you: There are no ugly houses; there are only homes with structural flaws. Sometimes those flaws need some hard work, but almost every home deserves to be loved and treated with a caring hand.

How can I improve my vintage house?

Restoring a vintage house is not a simple task. Vintage homes not only require special precautions because we're dealing with old structures and building materials, but they are also full of surprises in their unique way, and costs can add up quickly. If there’s one thing we’ve learned here at Universal Group, is that a renovation done right can turn a budget nightmare into a dream home. Here are some things to take into consideration when working in a vintage house.

It takes commitment: Do you count on things like radiant, easy-to-sweep floors, or even something as common as evenly heated or cooled room as necessities? If not, maintaining the style of an older house, with its quirks, may not be for you.
Avoid water damage at all costs: This is a serious issue, especially in vintage houses, and it needs to be addressed. It has long-term effects like dry rot. Also, bugs love wet environments, which can have its own consequences. Keep an eye out around ceilings, floors, and windows, for signs of water damage. That could be a warning of serious structural issues.
Hire professionals (Universal Group): A contractor and an inspector can be helpful when it comes to estimating the amount of work that needs to be done and its costs (an important matter). But it could be even more helpful to search for people with experience in historic houses preservation. And, above all, anybody you bring must understand your ultimate goal of restoring the property, because a lot of people don’t understand the difference between preservation and ripping something out and starting over.
Are you on a budget? Then take it slow: While older houses (regardless of size) will need renovations here and there, if you don’t have unlimited funds, look for a smaller house, which can be more manageable. Another practical alternative is to buy quality materials so you renovate less.
The roof, windows, and masonry are your priority: We know it might be tempting to pick out kitchen cabinets and paint swatches first, but the primary stages of the renovation should be the most practical, rather than the aesthetic ones. And by saying that, we mean to get the house watertight. Fix the roof, windows, and masonry. Sometimes the location of the house is related to the strength and quality of the structure’s materials.

We sincerely hope you enjoyed reading our article. It is there to keep you informed and to help you improve your home. Follow us on our social networks, and don’t hesitate to contact Universal Group INC for questions, suggestions and contracting.