What Should I Know Before Remodeling an Older Spokane Home?
If you’re remodeling an older Spokane home, the biggest thing to know is this: the pretty stuff comes after the structure. Before we talk cabinets or tile, we want to understand what’s behind the walls, under the floors, and around the foundation. That’s where older homes usually tell us what they need.
What window installation has to do
A good installation has to do four things:
- keep bulk water out
- tie into the weather-resistive barrier
- maintain the air barrier
- allow the wall to dry
If any one of those fails, the window can become the weak point in the wall.
Older homes need a different plan
We love working on older Spokane homes because they have real character—tight trim details, solid framing, and layouts that reflect a different era. But they also come with history. A 1920s bungalow in the South Hill is not going to behave like a newer build in the Valley, and we plan for that from the start.
The smartest remodels begin with curiosity, not assumptions. We want to know what was changed before, what was never updated, and what’s still doing its job just fine.
Start with what’s behind the walls
Before we draw up a beautiful new space, we want a solid read on the bones of the house.
Have the home inspected with remodeling in mind
A standard home inspection is a good start, but for an older remodel we often want a deeper look. That might mean bringing in specialists depending on what the home is showing us.
We’re looking for things like:
- signs of settling or movement
- sagging floors or roof lines
- moisture damage around windows, roofs, and bathrooms
- outdated wiring or plumbing
- patched-over problems from past renovations
If the home has been lived in for 70, 80, or 100 years, there’s usually a story under the finish work.
Electrical and plumbing deserve extra attention
Older homes in Spokane often still carry some version of their original systems, or a patchwork of upgrades done over time. That’s where we slow down and check carefully.
Common issues include:
- undersized electrical panels
- ungrounded outlets
- knob-and-tube or mixed wiring
- galvanized or aging supply lines
- old drain lines that don’t belong in a modern kitchen or bath
Sometimes these systems can be worked around. Sometimes they need to be replaced. Either way, we want to know before the demo starts.
Don’t guess on structure and foundation
Older homes can absolutely be strong, but they may also have settled, shifted, or been altered by previous owners. Spokane’s freeze-thaw cycles, moisture, and years of patchwork repairs can all leave their mark.
We pay close attention to:
- foundation cracks or movement
- bounced or sloped floors
- framing that’s been cut, notched, or altered
- load-bearing walls that may be hiding surprises
If there’s a wall you want to move, we’re not guessing. We’re verifying what it carries and what it will take to change it safely.
Watch for lead, asbestos, and other legacy materials
This is one of the biggest realities of older homes: the materials used decades ago were not chosen with today’s health standards in mind.
Depending on the age of the house, we may find:
- lead-based paint
- asbestos in flooring, ceiling texture, duct wrap, or insulation
- old adhesives or mastics
- vermiculite insulation in attics
None of that means you can’t remodel. It just means we need to handle demolition the right way. In some cases, testing and abatement are part of the plan before we move forward.
Moisture is a bigger deal here than people think
In the Inland Northwest, water is always worth respecting. Snow, rain, poor grading, old gutters, roof leaks, and window failures can all show up as hidden damage inside an older home.
We look closely at:
- rooflines and flashing
- window openings
- bathrooms and kitchens
- crawlspaces and basements
- exterior walls that have taken on moisture over time
A lot of older Spokane homes have had years of small leaks that never made a big scene until remodel day. That’s why we like to open things up carefully and inspect as we go.
If you want a deeper read on that side of remodeling, we’ve written about what happens when we uncover unexpected issues during a project.
Historic homes may have extra rules
If your home sits in a historic district or has historic designation, there may be local restrictions on exterior changes, visible additions, windows, trim, siding, or other features. That doesn’t mean you’re stuck. It just means design choices may need a little more coordination.
We’ve found the best results come when we respect the home’s character instead of fighting it. A remodel should feel like it belongs there.
Build a contingency into the budget
Older homes almost always deserve a contingency. Not because something is wrong, but because we don’t know everything until the walls come open.
A good rule of thumb is to set aside 10–15% for the unknowns. That cushion gives you options if we find:
- rot
- wiring that needs replacement
- plumbing that’s past its useful life
- structural repair
- moisture damage
- code issues tied to old work
That contingency isn’t wasted money. It’s what keeps a good project from turning into a stressful one.
Bring in pros early
If you already know the home is older, don’t wait until selections are done to ask for help. The earlier we’re involved, the better we can protect the design, the budget, and the schedule.
We’re especially useful early when you’re dealing with:
- wall removals
- kitchen and bath reconfigurations
- basement finishing
- additions on older structures
- homes with visible settling or water intrusion
- suspected lead/asbestos concerns
The earlier we can see the whole picture, the fewer ugly surprises you get later.
The bottom line
Remodeling an older Spokane home is worth it when you respect the house for what it is. We want to preserve the character, update the systems, and make the home safer, stronger, and more livable for the next chapter.
That usually means looking past finishes, planning for the unknown, and working with a team that knows how older Inland Northwest homes behave. Do that, and the project has a much better chance of going the way you hoped.
FAQ
Do I need a special inspection for an older home?
Not always special, but we do recommend a more detailed look than a basic walkthrough. Older homes often need extra attention on structure, wiring, plumbing, and moisture.
How much contingency should I keep?
We usually recommend 10–15% for older homes. Some projects need less, some need more, but it’s wise to plan for the unknown.
Can I keep the original character?
Absolutely. In fact, that’s often the best part. We just want to make sure the character pieces are supported by solid systems behind them.
Should I test for lead or asbestos before remodeling?
If the home is older, yes—especially before demolition. Testing helps us plan safely and avoid surprises.
When should I call a remodeler instead of just an inspector?
If you already know you want to change layout, open walls, update systems, or add square footage, bring in a remodeler early. We can help you understand what the home will realistically need before you commit. ---
Thinking about a remodel in Spokane or North Idaho? We’re happy to help you think through the next step — even if that step is just getting clearer on what’s possible.
📱 Call or text: 509-890-0222 📧 Email: info@pnwbuild.com 🔗 Schedule a consult: https://www.pnwbuild.com/contact
The Building Company
is a proud member of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and the National Association of the
Remodeling Industry (NARI), reflecting our commitment to craftsmanship, continuing education, and high standards for every project.
