Living Modern in an Old House

Experience the magic of old houses and discover solutions for bringing them up to today's contemporary living standards.

Why Building Codes Matter Building codes promote safety and uniformity, but they’re usually only enforced during construction and remodeling projects. …

Q: We recently bought a new house, and we’re going to finish out the basement for added living space. We plan to do all the work ourselves, so do we …

Older homes are rife with charm, personality, and character. Unfortunately, they may also have an unsavory, downright dangerous skeleton in the …

• The typical range for electrical panel replacement cost is $522 to $2,082, with a national average of $1,274. • The type of electrical panel, its …

When it comes to electricity, safety has always been a major concern, but thanks to the development of ground fault circuit interrupter outlets …

Smart homes, or homes where a variety of home functions can be controlled from a panel display, mobile app, voice assistant, or all of the above, …

By now we’re all aware of smart plugs’ ability to control lights with voice commands or a smart device, but did you know that smart plugs are also …

Expensive to Build Open floor plans don’t have interior walls for support, and therefore the supporting beams have to be heavier or made of steel, …

There’s a lot to love about old houses. Their character, architectural features, and craftsmanship can tell a story of bygone days—a time when most …

Renovating an old house can be both rewarding and frustrating. Get firsthand insights on what to expect during a remodel.

This article is part of Old House Appreciation with Bob Vila, a month-long series dedicated to showing you the best places to find historic homes, …

Retro Treasures A look at decades past reveals just how much home decor has changed over the years. While some trends are gladly forgotten, others …

Prepare Yourself for Updates and Renovations There will always be a market for old houses. They have charm and history that new builds cannot match, …

As a homeowner, you will experience the need to make repairs from time to time. Whether you need a new roof, window, or kitchen, chances are you’ll …

This article is part of Old House Appreciation with Bob Vila, a month-long series dedicated to showing you the best places to find historic homes, …

While owning a historic home presents a unique set of challenges, it also holds significant charms. Some are attracted to the detailed craftsmanship …

You can learn a lot about American history by visiting homes on the National Register of Historic Places. From various styles of architecture and …

• The typical cost to repipe a house falls between $1,500 and $15,000, and the national average cost is $7,500. • The main factors that influence the cost …