Hey everyone! My mom owns a house built in 1922, which my husband and I are renting while she plans to give it to us once the mortgage is paid off in about four years. We're facing some big issues in the house: our bathroom doesn't have a vent, leading to moisture damage on the plaster walls, the laundry room floor seems to be sinking (possibly due to a rotting subfloor), and we just realized the windows are the original ones from when the house was built. This old place is draining our utility bills and we're feeling a bit overwhelmed. We're not in a position to ask my mom for major repairs since she's on a fixed income, and we're not making a lot either. Where should we start? Should we prioritize certain repairs or consider moving instead?
2 Answers
You’ll definitely want to check that laundry room floor. If it’s sinking, there’s a chance of rot from a water leak. It's better to address it sooner rather than later.
About the windows, you might want to try sealing off some of them until you can afford to replace them. Even some DIY insulation can help reduce drafts. Plus, consider prioritizing the water issues first because moisture control is crucial, especially in an older home. Just take it easy, and tackle one room at a time!
I totally get where you're coming from! I have a similar old house situation. First off, definitely check the crawlspace! There might be no subfloor in your laundry area, which can lead to soft spots. We ended up putting down a new subfloor over our hardwoods. It’s not ideal losing the original wood, but it’s a good fix.
For the bathroom, a window fan can help vent out moisture temporarily. You mentioned the windows – if they’re as bad as ours were, consider replacing them. It’s pricey, but it can save you a ton on those utility bills in the long run. At least you don’t have to worry about the HVAC or roof right away, so take it one step at a time!
That sounds like a smart approach! Sealing them temporarily might really help.