When I walk through the downtown core, I moon romantically over the refined Queen Annes and Edwardian monstrosities that line old-fashioned streets. “That’s where I’ll live someday,” I imagine as I pass a homeowner meticulously outlining gingerbread trim on his verandah.
But what’s it really like to live in an old Victorian mansion? Sure, I always picture warm red-papered walls with gold sconces, but in reality, these homes require constant upkeep to maintain that easy, graceful style. Ask any Victorian homeowner and she will probably unleash a litany of rants against the squirrels in the attic, the mold in the basement and the cracks in the ceiling. But if you stop to listen, you’ll hear the affection in her voice when she tells you how much fun it is to own a piece of living history.
If you’re thinking about buying a Victorian home, you may want to consider what it actually takes to own one. Mulling over these points may help:
- Assess your lifestyle. Do you have a family or are you looking for yourself and your partner?
- Assess your finances. Are you prepared for the cost of continual maintenance?
- Assess the neighborhood. Is it a decent place to live? Look at the other houses around you to consider quality and condition.
- Assess the house. How much will it take to restore this home to its full beauty?
- Assess resale value. Can you get more than what you paid for originally?
Besides embodying the grace of another era, Victorian homes have a variety of options for renovation and redecoration. You may want to update your home and garden in the Victorian style. Why not fill your drawing room with antiques or create an English garden? Don’t forget the charm of owning a piece of the Victorian Era; the place’s idiosyncrasies will always give you and your friends something to talk about!
If you fall in love with a perfect Victorian home, before buying it, make sure you have a home inspector check it over. By getting a home inspection done, you can ensure that you’re getting a safe home without spending a lot of money – often, the seller is responsible for fixing problems present at the time of sale. Many homes have great bones, so you can work around the existing features and improve them to your standards.
Imagine yourself painting your own gingerbread trim someday. You might just see me sneaking a peek on one of my walks!
Brandon Langlois is stuck in the past, and enjoys writing about homes he'll never own, for homeplaninfo.com – an informative website where readers can
find and compare home plans online for homes
they might someday own.
Posted on October 30, 2006 04:10 |
Home Improvement
