House style Types

Personality types are a fantastic way to learn a bit about yourself. There are countless tests like the DISC or Myers/Briggs. And there is one test you’ve probably not heard of. The reason you may have missed it is because . . . well . . . I just invented it. The “SPA” test is an important tool in diagnosing your “Old Home Personality Type, ” before it’s too late.

Study each of these 3 old house personality types below and determine which fits you best. You may have to ask a friend or spouse for an honest classification since self-diagnosis is difficult due to large doses of denial.

Scavengers

This personality type is looking for an old house to save. Preferably one that is on the verge of falling down (so your before and after pictures can be really dramatic). You relish the chance to put on a new roof or reframe load bearing walls. A gutted house is like a blank canvas to you. You are ready to pick up your hammer and fix something, anything! Nothing scares you away and that is your greatest strength (and weakness because occasionally you bite off more than you can chew). You’re the one on the front lines saving historic homes before someone comes along with a bulldozer and a plan.

The Scavenger’s Old House: This house will likely be a steal, mainly because most people won’t even see it as a real house. Just an old eyesore spreading blight to the rest of the neighborhood. The house will a need a bit of everything and a lot of the expensive things. New roof, HVAC, plumbing, electrical. Maybe some lead and asbestos abatement just to top it all off. But the house has good bones, a good floor plan, location, or historical significance that makes it worth saving. It’ll take time, but the house will be immaculately restored when you finish.

Perfecters

This personality type is the finisher. After the heavy lifting is done you come in to perfect the details. You’re likely a good painter, not bad at patching damaged plaster walls or installing some trim and molding. You might even be willing to tackle a bathroom remodel on your own. The point is you don’t mind handling the upkeep that comes with owning an old house all by yourself. A little help from skilled trades like plumbers and electricians occasionally and you can handle most tasks

The Perfecter’s Old House: It has been maintained, but not exactly updated through the years. Nothing major is falling apart on your potential home. Though the kitchen or bathroom is likely stuck in an unfortunate decade you can handle it. There’s a lot of little repairs and improvements to fill your weekends for the next year or so, but soon enough you’ll have it tweaked just the way you want it.

Acquirers

For this personality type the “D” in DIY stands for “Don’t.” You are more than happy to acquire an old house where all the work has been done. The closest thing you have to a hammer is an old shoe. When a light goes out you’ll change the bulb and if that doesn’t fix it – you’ve done all you can. Don’t get me wrong, I have nothing against these folks. In fact, I am married to one of them and she is my favorite person in the whole wide world. You just don’t like to live in a house where things break and need to be fixed. You like extended warranties and clean hassle free products. “Newer is better” would be your bumper sticker if it wouldn’t mess up your new car.