The Old House Playbook

Century Home Renovation · A Field Guide

Renovate the house.
Keep the soul.

Seven checklists, a 90-day sequence, and real 2025–26 budgets — for owners of 100-year-old houses.

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The Archive

Before & After

A collection of century-home renovation photographs — light, materials and rooms brought quietly up to date. Click any image to view it large.

3 case studies tracked before & after · 14 renovation companies & preservation experts consulted · 100+ owner survey — 93% said this Kit saves money and keeps them ahead of the contractor.

3
Cases tracked
14+
Firms & experts
100+
Owners surveyed
93%
Say it saves money

Field Notes

What renovating a century home really involves

Three questions every owner asks — each answered by one printable deliverable in the Kit.

01 · Audit & budget

Where do I start? What does it cost?

Start with a 30-minute timed walkthrough that flags roof, structure, wiring and water with real dollar ranges — then build the worksheet with a 20% surprise reserve before a single bid is signed.

  • The 30-minute audit — 12 checks with 2025–26 dollar flags
  • Budget worksheet: line items, 3-bid rules, the 20% reserve
  • Never more than 10–15% down, milestone payments
See the audit & budget preview →
Homeowner and contractor reviewing renovation costs together
02 · Sequence & character

What order does the work go in? Will I wreck it?

Water → systems → structure → walls → floors: a 90-day sequence so you never redo last month's work — and restore-first rules that keep plaster, windows, wood and brass.

  • The 90-day sequence — day-by-day order of operations
  • Restore don't replace: plaster, windows, doors, floors
  • The 70/25/5 palette that keeps rooms composed
Read the sequence & style chapters →
Renovation process chain — water, systems, structure, walls, floors
03 · Contractor & sourcing

Can I trust them? Where do I find the good stuff?

Ten interview questions filter old-house pros from generalists, written change orders protect you — and salvage yards supply period pieces at 30–60% of new.

  • 10 interview questions + the 13 pitfalls with fixes
  • Change-order & payment clauses that protect owners
  • Salvage yards, period hardware, estate sales
Read the contractor & salvage chapters →
Owner interviewing a contractor at the table

The Kit · One payment

The Century Home Renovation Kit

  • 00Where to Start: The 3 Questions
  • 01The 30-Minute Audit
  • 02Budget & Reserve Math
  • 03The 90-Day Sequence
  • 04Restore-First Style Guide
  • 05Furnish & Room Priority
  • 06Contractor Playbook

Free 30-minute audit checklist by email · Preview the deck free →
Questions? wxszdxlszd@outlook.com

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The Century Home Renovation Kit

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  • Printable slides & checklists
  • 2025–26 real US market data
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