Alexandria has a lot of charming old houses that evoke nostalgia. But buying one comes with many unexpected challenges.
The truth is that they were built for different lifestyles. Small rooms and closed layouts were the standard back then. And nowadays we want the charm but adjusted to our modern lifestyle.
When homeowners start remodeling, they find out that the layouts can’t be changed easily. Some walls can’t be moved. So you’re limited in expanding rooms and opening layouts.
In this article, we share our expertise with remodeling older homes in Alexandria. We’ll guide you through the common layout challenges and how to overcome them.
Closed Layouts
The older homes in Alexandria were designed with separate rooms. The dining room was formal, and the kitchen was separate. And the living room is enclosed. This created privacy for everyone in the home.
However, opening up the space isn’t straightforward. The walls are not just dividers, but also support the structure. The interior walls carry weight from the floors above and the roof.
For example, a homeowner wants to modernize an old Alexandria house with an open layout. And removing walls is not possible since they support the building. In this case, they need to do major structural changes, which increases the remodeling budget.
Small Kitchens
One of the common flaws of Alexandria homes is the small and narrow kitchen. Back then, the space was intended for cooking only. And it was meant for one person.
The modern concept of a kitchen features home entertainment and shared use. Older homes can’t accommodate the needs, so remodeling focuses on expansion.
Expanding a kitchen requires removing a wall. Since the walls are load-bearing, structural support in the form of beams or posts is needed.
These additions will impact the overall design. Plus, the kitchen expansion affects the adjacent rooms.
Limited Open Floor Plans
The load-bearing walls limit your options for open floor plans. Their role is to channel the weight to the foundation. Removing them without proper support causes serious problems.
You need a beam if you want to knock down a load-bearing wall. But this isn’t simple. The beam should be the correct size. Also, it must be supported on both ends.
In some homes, hiding the beam is impossible due to the framing depth. So, they will remain visible. Some homeowners simply accept them as part of the aesthetic. The ones that don’t like visible beams will remove parts of the walls only.
Low Ceiling Height
Low ceiling height is common in older Alexandria homes. But raising a ceiling to achieve an airy feel is very difficult. It means that you’ll have to change the floor structure above it. This drastic update increases the remodeling costs and affects a few rooms.
And things get even more complicated for basements. Many want to have a finished basement they can use as a living space. But most of them have a low ceiling.
And there’s not much you can do here. The ceiling can be raised by lowering the floor. This is a complex and expensive project since it includes excavation and concrete work.
So most homeowners will try to make the ceiling look visually higher instead of doing any work. The right combination of finishes, lighting, and colors achieves an airy and open feel without the hassles.
Stair Placement
Stairs are awkwardly placed in older homes. After all, they weren’t designed to be a statement feature.
Moving the stairs to adjust the layout can be difficult. It is one of the most complex things to do during remodeling. This requires changing the layouts of multiple floors, needing major structural work.
And more importantly, stair openings weaken the floor framing. This requires precise planning during construction.
The real challenge is finding a new position for the stairs. There are only a few positions where you can place them safely.
So this is why homeowners choose not to move the stairs during remodeling. They can widen the staircase or update the rails, but the position remains the same.
Small Bathrooms
Bathrooms in older homes in Alexandria were designed for basic
functionality. If you want to update with modern features like a double vanity, a shower, or ample storage, expansion is a must.
However, this means you’ll take up space from another room. So be ready to sacrifice a closet or a wider hallway.
The plumbing location limits your layout. On top of that, moving the fixture too far can cause performance and code compliance problems.
Outdated Utility Systems
The electrical systems of older homes weren’t built for modern living. They come with outdated panels, fewer outlets, and limited circuits.
The plumbing is also outdated. Improper slopes and old pipes are often found during remodeling.
When your contractor discovers such issues, they will let you know how this affects the initial plan. In many cases, homeowners will adjust the layout to the old systems. This means that you’ll need to change the cabinet placement in the bathroom.
No Main-level Amenities
Some older homes don’t have a bathroom on the main level. So homeowners would like to add a powder room to enhance functionality. But this turns into a real challenge.
First, there is no extra plumbing. The venting must continue from the existing stacks. The drain lines need a slope.
Plus, there isn’t enough space to fit a powder room. This requires a tradeoff. You can choose between a deep closet, part of the dining room, or halfway.
Lack of Storage
The modern home needs ample storage for clothing, shoes, cleaning supplies, and kitchen tools. An older home can’t accommodate that. There were no mudrooms and pantries, only smaller closets.
Creating new storage requires a thoughtful approach. Adding a pantry to the kitchen means you’ll have to downsize a walkway.
Some of the most common solutions are under-stair storage, floor-to-ceiling cabinets, and built-ins. They provide extra storage space when you don’t have a mudroom or pantry.
Regulatory Restrictions
Homes in historic districts are under regulations. These are meant to protect the historic look of the neighbourhood. For homeowners, this means limited remodeling options.
It is important to note that these refer to exterior changes like doors, windows, and rooflines. The review process can be lengthy and postpone your project timeline.
For rear expansions and changes to load-bearing walls, homeowners need additional approvals. They must prove that changes won’t affect the exterior look.
Final Take
For homeowners, the biggest challenge is managing expectations. It is crucial to understand that not every modern idea works in an older home.
Some changes are possible. But they cost more or require compromise on other elements. Regardless, talk to a local contractor about this.
We have experience working on older homes in Alexandria and will give you realistic advice. Contact us now to get started!
