Older homes are great investment opportunities. Get one that has yet to be done up, and you can have a true diamond in the rough on your hands. The rough part, however, cannot be stressed enough. Renovating an old property is tough work. You need to really put your all into it so that the property is livable to modern standards.

Considering the location these older properties have, the character features, and the space, however, the effort (and investment) will pay off big. Cosmetic changes can wait, so start by focusing on these six areas to fix first.

1. The Insulation

Older homes used an outdated form of insulation. Depending on when that insulation was installed or updated, it could even be hazardous to your health. Asbestos is a material that used to be used, it was thought to be “safe” in a solid state, but if even a little of it becomes inhalable, it can be dangerous to your health, and it should be replaced immediately.

You’ll be made aware of any hazards when you buy the place, so work to remove these hazards before you move in. If the insulation isn’t deadly, but still subpar, update it while the property is empty and easiest to complete.

2. The Windows and Doors

Single pane windows account for up to 60 percent heat loss in any room as it cannot provide adequate insulation. Double glazing works because there are two panes of glass which act as a doubly insulating barrier; it is even possible to have argon gas-filled double glazing which improves this insulation even further; though, as with all things, as the windows age, they will become more ineffective and need replacing.

3. The Roof

Unless the roof was replaced by the previous owners within the last 10 years, you are going to want to invest in an excellent service like one the best roofing St Louis company offers. Rooves only have a lifespan between 20 to 30 years, and if your home is older than that and does not look like it has been updated in any way in a few decades, the roof is under threat.

4. The Floorplan

Older homes were more like mazes. This was to retain heat better without modern-day insulation. Opening up the floorplan is a great way to expand the space and increase value. Most of the walls won’t be load-bearing, either, though you can always just add large arches to open up your own instead, it is always a good idea to check with a professional before you go knocking down walls though – just in case!

5. The Heating and Cooling

Adding central heating may not be possible, but there will be options to update your old home’s heating and cooling capabilities so that you may enjoy modern convenience. Doing this after you insulate is a good idea so that you will retain as much heat as possible rather than spend a fortune in energy bills.

6. The Electrics

It’s always a good idea to have a professional electrician to come in and update your wiring so that you can enjoy modern conveniences throughout your home, and ideally not have to deal with wires running along your walls.