Living in an old house comes with a mix of charm and quirks that can make it a truly unique experience. You might have heard various tales about creaky floors and drafty windows, but not all of them are accurate. It’s important to understand the real joys and challenges of owning an old home.
Whether you’re drawn to the character and history or wary of potential issues, this article will shed light on common myths about old houses. You deserve to make an informed decision, free from misconceptions, about where you call home.
1) Ghosts in the Attic
Living in an old house might make you wonder if your attic is haunted. It’s a pretty common myth.
Many people believe spirits prefer quiet spots and your attic fits that description. Basements and attics are very quiet, making them seem like a perfect spot for spirits to hang out according to a post on Reddit.
You might experience odd temperature changes in your attic. Feeling a random cold draft or a sudden hot spot can be spooky. Check out Thought Catalog for more details on this.
Strange smells can make you think it’s haunted too. Old houses often have their fair share of odd odors, which can easily be mistaken for ghostly activity.
Collecting stories and myths can be fun, but remember to check logical explanations first. It’s fascinating to explore these ideas, but don’t let ghost myths scare you too much.
2) Walls Hold Mystical Secrets
Old houses can be full of surprises. You might find hidden treasures when you start renovating. For example, during one renovation, newspapers from 1929 were found under the flooring. These discoveries offer a peek into the past and tell unique stories about the home’s history.
Sometimes, people discover hidden rooms or spaces behind walls. If you think there might be a secret space in your home, you can use a drill and flashlight to check. Just make two small holes in the wall, shine your flashlight through one, and look through the other to explore the area within.
Beyond physical items, old houses have inspired many myths and legends. Some folklore talks about mythical creatures like the Nisse, a mischievous elf from Norwegian tales, said to live in homes and take care of chores. Stories like these add a magical touch to the charm of living in an old house.
Inspecting and discovering these secrets can be a fun and educational adventure. Imagine telling your friends about the treasures or myths you’ve uncovered!
3) Unsolvable Plumbing Issues
You might have heard that old homes come with unsolvable plumbing issues. That’s not entirely true.
In older houses, pipes are often made from materials like galvanized steel or iron, which are prone to rust and leaks. These issues can be fixed or replaced by a professional.
Another problem in older homes is DIY repairs. These can lead to unsecured pipes or improperly sloped showers. But, a licensed plumber can correct these mistakes.
Polybutylene piping is notorious for high failure rates. If your home has these pipes, you should replace them to prevent future damage.
Old sewer lines can be cracked or clogged by tree roots. While it might sound like a nightmare, this issue can be addressed with modern plumbing techniques.
Don’t worry too much about these plumbing problems. With the right help, none of them are truly unsolvable. For more details, check here.
4) Electricity is Always Faulty
Many people believe that if you live in an old house, the electricity will always be faulty. This isn’t necessarily true, but older homes do have some unique challenges.
Older houses may still have the original wiring, which can cause problems. This might include outdated outlets or inadequate grounding. If your home has two-prong outlets, it’s a good idea to upgrade them to grounded ones to ensure safety.
You might also face issues like flickering lights or tripped breakers. These can be signs of an electrical system that needs an upgrade. Check for old electrical panels that still run on 60amp or 100amp service, as newer homes use 200amp service to handle modern electrical demands.
Even though old houses can have electrical problems, it doesn’t mean they are always faulty. With proper updates and maintenance, you can bring the electrical system up to modern standards. Consider consulting an electrician to check if your home needs any upgrades or repairs.
It’s important not to overlook potential issues like hot fixtures or unfamiliar odors. These can be more than just annoyances and might indicate serious electrical problems. Make sure to address these issues promptly for a safer living environment.
5) Creaky Floors Mean Structural Issues
You might have heard that creaky floors mean your house has structural problems. This isn’t always true. Often, creaky floors are just a result of the house settling over time. As your home ages, wood can shrink and nails can loosen, creating those familiar squeaks.
Creaky floors are usually caused by parts of the floor rubbing together. It could be the subfloor, joists, or floorboards. This is a common issue in older houses and doesn’t necessarily mean there’s a serious problem.
Sometimes, changes in humidity can make your floors creak. In these cases, a dehumidifier or humidifier might help. If the creaking persists, it could be something else that needs checking.
In rare cases, uneven floors might be a sign of a bigger issue. If your floors are sloping or feel bouncy, that could indicate a problem with the foundation or the joists. It’s a good idea to consult a professional if you notice these signs.
To address minor squeaks, you can try a DIY floor repair kit. These kits can help reduce noise and improve the look of your floors.
Most of the time, creaky floors are just a part of living in an old house and not a cause for worry.
6) House Smells Like Grandma’s Perfume
You walk into an old house and it smells like grandma’s perfume. This nostalgic scent can be comforting, but sometimes it can be a bit overwhelming.
The main reason for this smell is often due to the house’s age and the materials used in its construction. Older houses can have musty odors trapped in carpets, curtains, and furniture.
To freshen up the air, start by opening the windows. Fresh air helps reduce mustiness and lets sunlight in, which can also help. You might want to clean the walls and ceilings with a mixture of vinegar and water.
Another tip is to place open containers of baking soda or white vinegar around the house. These items can absorb unpleasant odors and leave your home smelling fresher.
You could also clean hard furniture using a vinegar spray, but avoid this on delicate finishes. For persistent smells, repainting the walls and ceilings can give both a new look and a fresh scent to your home.
If the scent persists, consider using air neutralizers or dehumidifiers to keep the air dry and clean. Keeping the house ventilated and dry can make a big difference in combating those old, perfumed smells.
For more tips, you can check out Everyday Old House and HomeLight.
7) Antiques Are Haunted
Some people believe that antiques are often haunted because of their age and history. While it’s true that old items have a past, it doesn’t mean they are always haunted.
Antiques can carry energy imprints or even spirit attachments from previous owners. This may make you feel uneasy about bringing old items into your home.
Certain famous haunted pieces like the Dibbuk Box really spark fear. This wine cabinet-turned-Jewish prayer box is believed to hold a terrifying spirit, adding to the myth that many antiques are haunted.
If you’re sensitive to energies, touching or using antiques might feel strange. Some believe their sensitivity can make them think an item is haunted, even if it’s not.
You can cleanse or bless antiques to help clear any old energies. While this might not completely eliminate spooky feelings, it can make you feel more comfortable with your old treasures.
8) Drafty Rooms Are Unfixable
Many people think that drafty rooms in old houses can’t be fixed. This isn’t true. There are several ways to stop drafts and make your home cozier.
One of the first steps is to air seal your attic. Use foam to plug all the little holes and cracks in the attic floor. This helps prevent warm air from escaping through the top of your home.
Another tip is to caulk around doors and windows. Applying new weatherstripping and door sweeps can make a big difference. Also, consider adding insulated curtains which help block out the cold.
Some homeowners have had success with corn or pellet stoves. If you have corn or wheat, you can use them to heat your home with a flex-fuel heating product.
For drafty windows, you can use room air conditioning unit covers. Removing the unit during winter can also help. More details can be found here.
Drafty rooms are definitely fixable. You just need the right tools and a bit of effort.
