🏡​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ How a Family from Newark, Delaware Made Their Outdated House a Comfortable, Trendy Place (Without Losing the Old Charm)

 

Old homes in Newark often come with a unique set of experiences. You fall in love with the charm, the beautiful wood finishes, and the whole vintage vibe of the house, but there is always something that doesn’t function quite right. For instance, it could be a small narrow kitchen that seems to accommodate only two people at a time. Or it may be a bathroom that fogs up like a mini greenhouse every time someone takes a shower.

We have been through all of these. And honestly, that is partly the reason why remodeling here is so fun.

I don’t mind sharing a renovation story that still makes me happy—half of the reason being that the home turned out great and the other part because it made me realize how much character these Home Remodeling in Newark, DE houses have, they are just waiting for a bit of love. 

Why Does Remodeling Here Feel So Different?

The main thing that I have learned is that remodeling a Newark house is not like building a brand-new one in a big fancy estate somewhere in the countryside. Here, the community is very close, and the homes are like a reflection of the memories of the past—the same could be for decades or even for generations. Most of them were constructed before the concept of an open floor plan came up, and you can tell. The rooms are separated; the passageways are small—and although it is nice, the layout is not always the most suitable for a contemporary way of living.

Moreover, our weather also contributes. Hot and humid summers make ventilation an important factor than one would normally think. Winter time could bring a kind of moisture that stays for a while and may be hard on old plumbing and original floors. Due to all these reasons, every remodeling work has its own distinct character.

This is the point I want to make about the family we assisted—the residents of Newark for many years, who were very much into the spirit of their house but wanted a better practical way of living.

Knowing the Homeowners

When we first came in, the homeowners—let’s call them the Whites—told us they had been visualizing this work for their house for quite a long time. Their home was located only a few blocks away from White Clay Creek, which was the place where their children grew up playing and exploring. Hence, the family had an emotional bond with the place.

Their main objectives were:

1. More light and openness for the main floor

2. A kitchen that is fun and easy to cook together in

3. A bathroom upgrade that did not feel like a 1980s time warp

They were afraid of the schedule and at the same time keeping some of the original charm. And to be frank, I was in favor of it. Remodels are too many nowadays which go for completely tearing off the old ones even when it is a part of what makes the home unique.

What We Discovered During the Walkthrough

Inspecting old houses in Newark is like going on a treasure Hunt. You are never prepared for what may be behind the wall or under the floorboard.

An Old Skeleton + Some Hidden Surprises

In the case of the Whites, it was evident that the house was still dependent on some old and less efficient solar power and plumbing systems. From the look of the place, everything was tight, especially the kitchen with the L-shaped design that just stopped at a wall thus creating dead space. The floor was in need of a good overhaul and there were some areas where humidity had wrought havoc over the years.

Positives of the House

Though there were also some extremely noteworthy things: authentic oak hardwood flooring that had become even more beautiful with time, heavy-duty internal framing, and big south-facing windows that allowed the house to be bathed in natural light. The Whites were concerned that these characteristics would be lost but we assured them that preserving original character always comes first.

Remodel: There Is No Magic, But It Can Be Done, One Room at a Time

There is no such thing as “one-size-fits-all” when it comes to remodelling in this area. Newark homes are full of surprises so we never go beyond one step or one room at a time.

Making the Main Floor Open

The removal of a wall between the living room and kitchen was the first major change. The structure wasn’t load-bearing but it did have a few quirks so we reinforced it cautiously. The area was able to breathe once the wall was taken down. The family could immediately see the possibility of spending holidays all together instead of being divided into different rooms.

The Kitchen Was First to Be Tackled

After that, it became the kitchen’s turn which was in a condition that new cabinets alone wouldn’t help. Humidity in Newark is quite a problem even indoors—most probably you have felt it yourself—therefore we installed better ventilation and used materials that were moisture resistant. The old plumbing lines were replaced and we also extended the countertop to two-person friendly without elbow-bumping.

The Whites chose warm, earthy tones for the finishing that went like a dream with the original hardwood floor which we varnished instead of exchanging. The saving of what we could make the house be itself—just refreshed.

Providing the Bathroom With a Brand-New Start

Typically, bathrooms in old houses from Newark are small and this one was no exception. The focus was put mainly on two things: storage and moisture control. Firstly, a new exhaust fan and moisture-resistant paint were installed. Then by slightly modifying the layout we made it possible to have shelves. The small changes brought it to a point where it was very functional without the loss of the home’s character.

Tips We Locally Discussed During the Way

Although every project has its own particular features, we have learned some things that are true for the majority of them here.

Be Prepared for the Humidity

Our summers become quite unpleasant from a humidity perspective, especially if you live near the creek or in the woods. Adequate ventilation is extremely important—especially in kitchens and bathrooms. At the time of material selection, give some thought to the ways that moisture may influence them. Some woods will expand; certain types of paint will start to bubble. The correct decisions will solve many problems.

Be Ready for Unexpected Situations When Dealing with Old Houses

No matter how many inspections you do, old houses will always have something hidden. Be prepared to adapt. At times plumbing might not be where you assume it is, or a support beam may need to be reinforced. It is all part of the journey. The Whites dealt with every slight inconvenience in a calm and collected manner as they were prepared for it.

Preserve the Character Where It Matters

Not all that is old has to be thrown away. Original hardwood floorings may be refurbished and they will look like they are new again. Trim can be refreshed. One thing that is very easy to do—over-modernize, but a little bit of history will keep a house still feeling like home.

The Little Things That Made a Big Difference

The White’s project was one of the things I liked most about how the smallest fixes could completely change the atmosphere of the space. New lighting—far from being extravagant—immediately brought more light to the main floor. Refinished floors revealed the warm wood tones, which are impossible to replicate with new materials. The energy-efficient windows allowed the family to stay warm during the winter and still get plenty of natural light.

These are not the things that one always thinks of when planning, but after they are done you can hardly imagine how you ever lived without them.

The Way It All Came Together

The change was both substantial and, at the same time, very familiar when we took a look at it from afar. The house appeared to be lighter and more spacious, and yet, it was still the Whites’ home, not a chic one from a magazine.

Longest time they spent at the kitchen island which became their favorite place. The kids do homework while the parents cook. And the bathroom—with its improved ventilation—especially, became a retreat rather than a steam room.

The most important thing, the house still possessed the original charm the Whites were so fond of.

What We, Community Remodelers, Learned

Every undertaking is a lesson. This one told us that remodeling is not about substituting, rather it is about comprehending the past and updating responsibly. Newark homes have their own sets of eccentricities and characteristics and, by embracing them, your remodel becomes more authentic.

The great thing about what we do is working with neighbors, planning around their daily routines, and saving what is most important.

A Neighbourly Thought

Maybe you have been thinking about refreshing your home. Don’t be concerned with what makes it different being lost. By employing a little care, you will be able to bring modern conveniences in that you want while still keeping the spirit of the place.

In the long run, these homes are not only the holders of memories—they hold character. And, sometimes, all they require is a thoughtful touch to become radiant ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌again.