By LE Construction · Published October 6, 2026
Ventura County’s older neighborhoods hold some of its best houses: Craftsman bungalows near downtown Santa Paula and Ventura, Spanish Revival homes, early ranch houses, and post-war tracts that are now fifty to seventy years old. Remodeling them is rewarding, and it costs more than remodeling a newer house in ways that are easy to predict if you look first.
What to budget for behind the walls
Electrical
Older homes often have small panels, few circuits, ungrounded outlets and, in the oldest houses, sections of knob-and-tube wiring. A modern kitchen or bathroom needs dedicated circuits, so plan for a panel upgrade and rewiring of remodeled rooms. (Panel upgrades)
Plumbing
Galvanized steel supply lines narrow with rust; cast iron drains crack. Replacing them while walls and floors are open costs far less than later.
Structure
Floors that sag, walls out of plumb and old repairs all affect cabinets, tile and doors. Rot near bathrooms and kitchens is common.
Foundation and seismic
Raised-floor homes often have unbraced cripple walls and few anchor bolts. A seismic retrofit fits well into a remodel, and the Earthquake Brace + Bolt grant may help if you qualify.
Hazardous materials
- Lead paint: homes built before 1978 may have it. Federal rules require contractors to follow lead-safe practices when disturbing painted surfaces.
- Asbestos: popcorn ceilings, some old flooring, pipe insulation and joint compounds may contain it. Test before disturbing; abatement, if needed, is done by licensed specialists.
Permits and past work
Older houses often carry additions or conversions done without permits. A permitted remodel can bring them to light. Legalizing them may require opening walls for inspection.
Code upgrades that come with the remodel
- Water-conserving fixtures in homes built before 1994.
- High-efficacy lighting in remodeled spaces.
- Bathroom exhaust fans with humidity control.
- Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.
Keeping costs under control
- Inspect before pricing: panel, plumbing, attic, crawlspace.
- Price known conditions in the estimate, not as change orders.
- Keep what is good: floors, trim, built-ins.
- Plan a contingency for what walls reveal.
See our older home renovation page and our article on Craftsman and Spanish-style remodels.
Frequently asked questions
How much contingency should I plan for an older home remodel?
More than for a newer house. A contingency gives room for conditions found once walls are open, like rot or wiring that cannot be reused. A thorough pre-estimate inspection reduces how much of it you are likely to use.
Do I have to bring the whole house up to code when I remodel?
Generally, the code applies to the work you do, not the parts you leave alone. Some upgrades come with a permitted remodel, such as smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and water-conserving fixtures in pre-1994 homes.
Should I test for asbestos before remodeling an older house?
Yes, for materials that will be disturbed and that could contain it, such as popcorn ceilings, old flooring and some joint compounds. A certified lab can test samples quickly.
Is it worth keeping original features in an older house?
Often, yes. Original windows, trim, built-ins and wood floors add character that is hard to replace, and repairing them can cost less than high-quality replacements. We evaluate each one.