This weekend we were at my Grandma’s house for Thanksgiving. While staying at her house and reminiscing about all of the memories our family has had over the years I started thinking about what a house means to me and how we can respect our homes while still making them work for us. We are not owner’s of our homes forever. We are only a small part of our houses’ story. The house will adapt and form to the family and environment of the time. We need to be good stewards of our houses so it can be true to its history. Good stewardship allows the house the ability to adapt to families of the future.
My Grandma and her house are the same age. They are both extremely resilient. They have lived through many Presidents, family events, natural disasters, births, and deaths. My Grandma and her house have strong bones, they provide a safe space, and are the hub of our family.
The house, a small bungalow in the Chicago suburbs, is 92 years young. It belonged to my Great Grandparents before my Grandparents and my Grandpa lived there most of his life. Watching this house change over the years has allowed me to reflect on what it means to be part of your houses’ journey.
We all make updates to our houses to modernize them and make them more functional for our lifestyles. Take a holistic look and be kind to your house. Future memory makers will thank you for it.
Good Stewardship Guidelines
Live in your house for a few months before making any big changes
You need time to figure out how your lifestyle works in the house. You may find that what you thought you needed when you moved in is not at all what you need for the longterm.
Think about what future owners would want to keep
What might you regret removing because it’s a fad. Older homes especially have some cool details. Are they your style? Maybe not, but they may be part of what makes the house great for future generations.
Modernize old systems
Don’t be afraid to upgrade the heating, insulation, windows, and anything else that increases the efficiency of your house. Old systems provide only big energy bills, not charm. Future generations will not be able to enjoy the house if they have old house systems and expensive bills.
Love your house for its faults
Your house is not perfect. It will not ever be exactly right, even if its new and you built it yourself. So what if you have a weird nook, build a bookshelf so you can use the space. Not enough closet space? Look for unconventional space to grab storage. Dark spaces? Add skylights or install more lighting.
Make changes the right way, not the fastest or the cheapest
You will be kicking yourself for cheating out on things that make your house great. It is tempting to do the fast fix or a cheap option. In the long-term you may spend as much money fixing your fix as you would just doing the right thing in the first place.
Give yourself grace for making mistakes or changing your mind
You can’t be perfect. You will make mistakes. Painted the wall the wrong color? Paint over it. Break a lock or a door? Search for videos on how to fix it or call someone to fix it for you.
Grow with your house. Change your house as you change. Let your house change you.
Here are some resources if you have a historic or Mid-century house
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