I'm dealing with some big issues in my 1942 house in Western Pennsylvania, and I'm looking for practical advice on how to tackle them. First off, we've got barely any outlets, and the few that exist are in really inconvenient spots. We've updated the kitchen and bathroom with some electrical work, but the rest of the house is still stuck in the 1940s. Next, all our walls and ceilings are plaster except for the remodeled areas, and there's no insulation in any of the exterior walls. Our HVAC system really struggles with temperature control—it's either too hot upstairs or freezing down on the first floor. I'm really considering insulation since the walls are completely bare. My question is: what's the best way to handle this? Should I strip everything room by room to fix the electrical and insulate before putting up new drywall, or is there a less disruptive method like using injected foam insulation while keeping the plaster?
6 Answers
I had a similar deal with my 1940s place. I did one room at a time, fixed all underlying issues, and the difference was incredible. It took time, but with good planning, you can absolutely DIY it. Just be ready for a bit of chaos during the process—it’s totally worth it!
Right?! Just push through the mess, and you’ll love the final outcome.
When I renovated my in-laws' 50s Cape Cod, we had insulation blown into the walls from the outside, which worked well. We cut holes, added insulation, and then wrapped everything up with new siding. The house felt way cozier afterward. It's definitely a viable option if you want to avoid the whole stripping process.
You could also consider insulating from the outside if you're open to changing the exterior look. If there's a way to run electrical lines more discreetly from the panel to each floor, you could limit the amount of work needed on the interior. Definitely consult with an electrician for the best plan of action. Getting that sorted before the insulation is key!
I agree with the suggestion to go for a full gut. It seems overwhelming, but it actually simplifies everything. Strip down the walls, figure out any electrical or structural issues, then insulate with mineral wool or foam board before drywalling again. Doing it all at once takes the stress out of coordinating later repairs. Plus, if you plan on running new electrical, it's best to do that while you're at it. It definitely makes the project more 'zen' in a way!
Exactly! I’m about to start a similar project. If I had to do it one room at a time, I’d be pulling my hair out! ?
Totally! I did a similar gut on my house, and trust me, it pays off in the end.
Whatever you do, avoid ripping out all the plaster. That's a nightmare just waiting to happen. Instead, consider drilling into the walls for blown-in insulation—it's less disruptive. You can create channels for the electrical runs which should make everything easier and less messy. Just make sure the insulation allows the walls to breathe.
Hey there! As an electrician, I recommend that instead of going room by room, you should demolish all the plaster at once. I know it sounds like a lot, but doing it piecemeal will just jack up your costs and make the work harder. Having a single dumpster on site makes it way easier. If you have to run wires through walls multiple times, you're looking at much higher charges. If you can manage it, doing one floor at a time might also work, but overall, I think tackling it all at once is the way to go.
I feel you on the chaos! It’s intense but seeing the progress is rewarding.