Love old houses? So do we, which is why October is Old House Appreciation Month at BobVila.com.
From crown molding and built-ins to creaky floors and drafty windows, old houses are full of charm and challenges. This month, we’re celebrating all the things that make old homes worth loving, living in, and fixing up. Here you’ll learn about historic house styles and how to update them without stripping away their character; find real-life renovation stories and practical advice for dealing with the many surprises old homes hide; and discover quirky, forgotten features you simply won’t find in new builds. Whether you own an old house now or just dream of living in one someday, you’re in the right place!
11 Lessons I Learned Renovating My Old Home
Renovating an old house can be both rewarding and frustrating. Get firsthand insights on what to expect during a remodel.
The Most Popular House Styles Through the Decades
Old House Features
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Dutch Doors: An Open-and-Shut Way to Instantly Boost Curb Appeal
Old-fashioned, farm-style Dutch doors are making a comeback for interior and exterior applications. From cost and installation to safety concerns, here’s all you need to know about these country classics.
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All You Need to Know About Crown Molding
Hoping to transform a room with trim? Get the lowdown on this elegant upgrade!
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The Weird History of Witch Windows
Remember the folk tale (or the folk song) about the “crooked little man” and his “crooked little house”? When you travel through Vermont, he might come to mind thanks to the many crooked windows adorning area farmhouses. Turns out they’re called witch windows—but why? And why are they so common in New England?
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Historic Paint Colors: New Insights and Ideas for Owners of Centuries-Old Homes
Today, the science of paint analysis is providing new insights into early decorative schemes, to the benefit of homeowners seeking historically accurate paint color ideas for centuries-old homes.
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Everything You Need to Know About Transom Windows
Light lovers rejoice! These ages-old above-the-door architectural elements are back in a big way.
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Why We Love the Sleeping Porch
Though popular in the Victorian age, the sleeping porch had been virtually forgotten by the postwar period. Today, homeowners are rediscovering this practical and utterly charming architectural tradition.
20 House Styles and Types All Homeowners (and Home Buyers) Should Know About
Solving Old House Problems
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Drafty Windows? Try These 12 Solutions for Every Budget
Stop those drafty windows from driving up your heating bill.
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How to Paint a Radiator
To give an old radiator a cool new look, all you need is a little prep work and the right paint.
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5 Ways to Fix Stairs That Squeak
Do you have a step that never fails to creak? Before you fix the problem, you must figure out which part of the step is making the noise.
Buying and Selling Old Houses
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9 Resources for Finding Amazing Old Houses for Sale
Find the historic home of your dreams by perusing these websites, apps, and social media accounts.
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Guide to Buying Older Homes by Decade
Older homes are chock-full of character and style and, depending on when they were built, may also come with a few surprises.
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The Truths About Buying and Living in an Old House
Old home ownership comes with its own unique set of challenges and joys.
5 Exterior Updates You’ll Want to Steal From This Charming Neo-Victorian
More About Historic Homes
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How to Get Your OId House on the National Register of Historic Places
Find out what makes a home eligible for the National Register of Historic Places, and learn about the benefits and drawbacks of owning a listed historic home.
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10 Historic Homes That Were Part of the Underground Railroad
These unassuming homes once played vital roles in the fight against slavery, serving as shelter for those escaping to freedom.
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12 Ways to Trace a Home’s History
Curious about your home’s previous owners, or whether any historically significant events took place at your address? Your walls won’t talk, so you’ll have to get your intel elsewhere.
