How to Create an Open Plan Layout for Old Homes

Tearing down walls to create an open floor plan layout is a popular trend nowadays, but experts on home additions strongly advise homeowners that these kinds of projects should be handled with utmost care and attention. Older homes that rarely feature separate rooms, for example, aren’t usually setup to be like this. However, many modern properties, especially older ones, are being converted into open floor plans to accommodate the need for large, spacious and comfortable spaces. 

When executed properly, an open floor plan redesign project can enhance your quality of life, as well as your home’s resale value. However, there is an allure or charm that surrounds older homes that are full of heritage or history that can’t be restored once the setup is changed. Tearing down the walls that were initially designed to have smaller rooms will permanently change its atmosphere, so it’s important to ensure that you’re making the right call and not creating a space that will reduce the character of the previous property.

Why Is an Open Plan Layout a Great Idea?

Before understanding how you can execute an open plan layout for an old home, it’s first important to understand why it’s popular and why it’s being done in the first place. Depending on the state and the age of the house, there are numerous challenges when you’re tackling an open plan layout, especially for a period home. Before thinking that you can adapt to new lifestyle changes on the fly, it’s important to ask yourself what you want to achieve by accomplishing the project and if there are other alternatives to having an open plan layout.

Do you want to tear down the walls to have a seamless transition in-between living spaces? Do you think that your home lacks access to natural light, which is why you want to open it up? Do you want to have a greater view of your garden or the beautiful outdoors? If your current home doesn’t really fit the bill in terms of your needs, wants and personal taste, it might be smart to move to another home of your liking.

However, if you’ve only recently bought your home, it’s worth giving it a shot to live in it before making any significant changes, such as an open floor plan. Try to learn as much as you can about your home’s design motif, inspiration, origins and its history. Experience what it’s like to live in your storied home for all seasons and figure out its character before deciding to have an open floor plan or other remodeling projects.

Will an Open Floor Plan Work Out For My Old Home?

Here are some factors that your designer remodeling contractor would want you to know before moving forward with an open floor plan:

• There are some homes, even if they’re old, that work well when opened up compared to others. It all lies in how you’ll execute the project and the home’s layout as well as the character of the building.

• If the home is designed to be a cottage, having an enclosed cozy space adds to its charm, making the building feel the way it is. Having an open floor plan might negatively impact the home’s design, functionality and even its resale value.

• Barn-style or industrial-themed homes tend to work well with open floor plans since they’re originally meant to be built that way. If you find out that your home shares a similar theme, then go proceed with your open floor plan by all means.

• Victorian semis or terraces can accommodate an open floor plan if they feature a simple interior floor plan.

• Having an open plan extension for a well-lit kitchen means that you can keep your comfy cottage snugs or spacious sitting rooms in a period home.

In case you do decide to open up your home’s interior, your designer remodeling contractor highly suggests checking if your house is listed in an historic registry. If it is, all modifications to your home will require listed building consent, even if the changes are internal. Consult your local conservation officer for more clarification on this matter, if possible. Keep in mind that, while not all homes are listed, it still helps to keep historic features whenever possible as it adds to the allure or charm of your period home.

Tearing Down the Walls

It’s important to consider the structural implications of tearing down portions of your home. Working with care and accuracy on your existing structure will most likely result in a cleaner and cheaper job. Keep in mind that it’s not always obvious if a wall has any structural function whatsoever. For instance, lightweight timber partitions can provide support or stability for your home, so it’s important to consult on this matter with your structural engineer early on in the project.

When you’re supporting the new opening, the standard operating procedure is to use a steel beam. Other options include installing exposed timber beams, but you’ll require more timber for the same width. People tend to avoid timber posts, but a handful of them prefer this option since they’re attractive features that help subtly partition living spaces.

Preserving Original or Historical Home Features

Original features are very important, so it’s key to avoid removing or replacing them at all costs. These features add value and character to your home. So, make sure that you center your remodeling project around these untouchable features, or reuse it somewhere else in your home. Some examples of historical features include plaster moldings, fireplaces, internal joinery and classic windows. Destroying your floorboards is also an issue when you’re tearing down a wall. Try to see if you can lift and replace original boards. Another good option to go for is utilizing reclaimed flooring.

Trust in Cottage Industries, Inc. for your future home remodeling projects. Our team of remodeling professionals is here to guide you through our proven process. It’s our mission to provide you impeccable customer service and quality craftsmanship, day-in and day-out. Count on us for your designer construction needs and whole-house renovations as well. Call us today at (610) 293-9750, or fill out our contact form to schedule a conversation!