08/22

You’ve undoubtedly heard that a home doesn’t have to be perfect to be perfect for you. But what happens once you notice a small annoyance? Do you let that tiny issue affect your feelings about an entire home?

Let’s break down four small but common design flaws, especially in older residences. After all, your needs and tastes can evolve, and that’s OK. For homeowners, features you thought you loved – or at least could tolerate – can and will eventually fall out of favor for various reasons. For prospective buyers, these little issues can cloud your mind as you try to envision your future in such a space.

1 – Problem: A lack of closets. Older homes often come up short on closet space. Expectations and needs in this area have certainly changed. It might seem like a small problem initially, but the lack of storage is certainly a common frustration that bubbles up for many homeowners over time

The easy fix: Building a closet wall or adding a door in an open nook can solve this problem. Professional custom millwork can be expensive, but using products from retailers such as Ikea or the Container Store can be just as effective at a fraction of the cost.

2 – Problem: Too few outlets – especially where you need them most. Having only two outlets in the primary bedroom might not be enough in today’s gadget-driven world. This design flaw can lead to a tangle of extension cords and more frustration.

The easy fix: Adding new outlets might seem like a hassle, but doing so can make your home safer and more aesthetically-pleasing. In fact, a licensed electrician can do the job for only a couple hundred dollars per outlet – and that includes wall and paint repairs.

3 – Problem: Storage around a pedestal sink. Let’s talk about those free-standing bathroom fixtures that scream 20^th century. A pedestal sink may be cool at first. After all, they’re simple and seem perfect for tight spaces. However, the lack of surface area often becomes a daily irritation for those who need some counter space in the bathroom.

The easy fix: Getting a new bathroom sink doesn’t have to be a difficult endeavor. Replacing the pedestal sink with a vanity that offers storage can alleviate this problem. If you’re handy, you can even install it yourself without much headache or effort.

4 – Problem: Doors that don’t lock. Let’s talk about door knobs. Whether your interior doors lock – or from which direction they do – may not seem like a big deal now, but it can become one as time passes for safety, security or simply peace of mind.

The easy fix: Replacing door knobs or handles may sound intimidating, but it’s usually pretty straightforward. If the new knobs don’t fit the existing holes, a skilled carpenter may be needed, or simply adding a slide lock or an eye hook can be an affordable solution.

It’s often difficult to see a simple solution when you’re close to a problem, but each of these “flaws” has an easy fix. Our teams work daily to be the problem solvers our partners and customers need. Sometimes, the issues are simple and straightforward, but even when things get a little more complex, we’re always working for you. Contact our teams today!