Remodeling a 1950s Home in Delaware County: Detailed Guide

Many of Delaware County’s most desirable neighborhoods, including Havertown, Springfield, Broomall, Media, Drexel Hill, Swarthmore, and Upper Darby, are filled with homes built during the 1950s. These houses were built to last, offering solid construction, charming architectural details, and established neighborhoods that continue to attract families today.

However, while a 1950s home may have great bones, many were built long before modern lifestyles, energy-efficiency standards, and open-concept living became popular. If you’re considering remodeling a 1950s home in Delaware County, knowing what to update first can help you maximize your investment while preserving the character that makes these homes special.

At Cumming Construction, we’ve spent more than 25 years helping homeowners throughout Havertown, Delaware County, Montgomery County, and the Main Line modernize older homes while maintaining their original charm.

Key Takeaways

Start with structural, electrical, plumbing, and safety upgrades before cosmetic renovations.
Many 1950s homes in Delaware County benefit from kitchen remodels, bathroom renovations, and improved floor plans.
Energy-efficient windows, insulation, and HVAC upgrades can significantly improve comfort and reduce utility costs.
Preserving original hardwood floors, stonework, and architectural details helps maintain character and resale value.
Working with a local Delaware County remodeling contractor ensures compliance with township permits and building codes.
Strategic renovations can significantly increase property value while making your home more functional for modern living.

Why 1950s Homes Are So Popular in Delaware County

Homes built in the 1950s were often constructed with high-quality materials and craftsmanship that are difficult to replicate today. Many feature:

Solid masonry construction
Hardwood flooring
Spacious lots
Mature landscaping
Well-established neighborhoods
Unique architectural character

Areas like Havertown, Springfield, Media, and Broomall continue to attract buyers specifically because of these qualities.

The challenge is that many of these homes were designed for a very different way of living. Kitchens were smaller, storage was limited, electrical systems were simpler, and open-concept spaces were virtually unheard of.

That’s why remodeling older homes in Delaware County has become increasingly popular among homeowners who want modern functionality without sacrificing neighborhood charm.

What Should You Renovate First?

1. Address Electrical, Plumbing & Structural Issues

Before choosing countertops or paint colors, start with the systems hidden behind the walls.

Many Delaware County homes built during the 1950s still contain:

Outdated electrical panels
Limited outlets
Older plumbing systems
Insufficient insulation
Aging HVAC systems

These issues may not be immediately visible, but they can affect safety, comfort, and future renovation plans.

A professional home remodeling contractor can evaluate your home’s infrastructure and identify upgrades that should be completed before cosmetic work begins.

Modernize the Kitchen

For many homeowners, the kitchen is the first major remodeling project, and for good reason.

Most 1950s kitchens were designed as separate workspaces rather than gathering areas.

Common challenges include:

Small footprints
Closed-off layouts
Limited cabinetry
Minimal countertop space
Poor lighting

A kitchen remodel can dramatically improve both daily living and resale value.

Popular kitchen remodeling upgrades include:

Removing non-load-bearing walls
Adding kitchen islands
Custom cabinetry
Quartz countertops
Modern lighting
Expanded pantry storage
Energy-efficient appliances

Many homeowners in Havertown and surrounding communities choose open-concept kitchen renovations that connect the kitchen, dining room, and living areas into one cohesive space.

Upgrade Outdated Bathrooms

Bathrooms in 1950s homes were often compact and lacked the storage and amenities modern homeowners expect.

Common bathroom remodeling projects include:

Walk-in showers
Double vanities
Improved lighting
New tile installations
Additional storage solutions
Water-efficient fixtures

Bathroom renovations not only improve comfort but often provide one of the strongest returns on investment for homeowners.

Improve Energy Efficiency

One of the biggest complaints homeowners have about older homes is energy inefficiency.

Many homes built in the 1950s have:

Minimal wall insulation
Drafty windows
Aging HVAC systems
Air leakage around doors and openings

Improving energy performance can make your home significantly more comfortable year-round while reducing monthly utility bills.

Energy-efficient upgrades may include:

Replacement windows
Additional attic insulation
Exterior door replacement
Smart thermostats
High-efficiency HVAC systems
Air sealing improvements

As members of the U.S. Green Building Council, Cumming Construction helps homeowners identify practical, cost-effective improvements that balance performance and affordability.

Preserve What Makes the Home Special

One mistake homeowners sometimes make is removing every original feature during a renovation.

Many of the details that make Delaware County’s older homes desirable are worth preserving, including:

Original Hardwood Floors

Refinishing existing hardwood flooring is often more affordable and attractive than replacing it entirely.

Stone & Brick Features

Many homes in Media, Swarthmore, and Havertown contain beautiful stone or brick elements that can be incorporated into modern designs.

Architectural Trim & Millwork

Original moldings, built-ins, and woodwork often add character that new construction cannot easily replicate.

Traditional Exterior Design

While updating your home, it’s important to maintain architectural harmony with the surrounding neighborhood.

The best remodeling projects blend modern functionality with timeless character.

Consider Finishing the Basement

Many 1950s homes have unfinished basements that represent valuable untapped square footage.

Basement remodeling projects can create:

Family rooms
Home offices
Fitness spaces
Guest suites
Playrooms
Entertainment areas

A finished basement can significantly increase usable living space without requiring an addition.

Open Up the Floor Plan Carefully

Open-concept living remains one of the most requested renovation goals among homeowners.

However, older homes often contain structural walls that require careful engineering and planning before removal.

An experienced Delaware County remodeling contractor can determine:

Which walls are load-bearing
What structural supports are needed
How to maintain the home’s integrity
Whether partial openings may achieve similar results

Thoughtful floor plan modifications often provide the biggest transformation in older homes.

Don’t Forget Storage

Storage was not a major design priority in the 1950s.

Many homeowners benefit from adding:

Mudrooms
Built-in cabinetry
Walk-in closets
Pantry systems
Garage storage solutions
Laundry room improvements

These practical upgrades can make an older home feel much more functional for today’s families.

Why Hire a Local Delaware County Remodeling Contractor?

Every township in Delaware County has unique permit requirements, zoning regulations, and inspection processes.

Working with a local remodeling contractor provides several advantages:

Knowledge of township requirements
Familiarity with older Delaware County homes
Established relationships with local suppliers
Faster project coordination
Better understanding of neighborhood architecture

Cumming Construction has been serving homeowners throughout Delaware County, Montgomery County, Philadelphia, and the Main Line since 1999, helping families transform older homes while preserving their unique character.

Looking to Remodel a 1950s Home in Delaware County?

Remodeling a 1950s home in Delaware County offers a unique opportunity to combine timeless craftsmanship with modern living. Whether you’re planning a kitchen remodel in Havertown, a bathroom renovation in Springfield, a basement finishing project in Media, or a whole-home renovation in Broomall, the key is prioritizing improvements that enhance both functionality and long-term value.

By upgrading essential systems, improving efficiency, modernizing layouts, and preserving original character, you can create a home that feels both contemporary and authentic to its roots.

When done correctly, a 1950s home remodel doesn’t just improve your house—it enhances the way you live every day.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to remodel a 1950s home in Delaware County?

Costs vary depending on the scope of work. Kitchen remodels, bathroom renovations, basement finishing, and whole-home renovations each have different price ranges. A professional consultation can provide a more accurate estimate.

What should I renovate first in an older home?

Start with structural, electrical, plumbing, roofing, and HVAC issues before moving on to cosmetic improvements.

Are permits required for home remodeling in Delaware County?

Yes. Most projects involving structural, electrical, plumbing, or mechanical work require permits and inspections through your local township.

Is it worth remodeling a 1950s home?

In many cases, yes. Delaware County’s established neighborhoods and strong housing demand often make strategic renovations a worthwhile investment.

Can you create an open floor plan in a 1950s house?

Often, yes. However, load-bearing walls may require engineered support systems. A professional contractor can determine what is structurally possible.

What adds the most value to an older home?

Kitchen remodeling, bathroom renovations, finished basements, energy-efficient upgrades, and improved floor plans typically provide the highest return on investment.

Do older homes require special remodeling expertise?

Absolutely. Older homes often have unique construction methods, hidden conditions, and architectural features that require specialized knowledge and experience.

Which Delaware County communities have the most 1950s homes?

Havertown, Springfield, Broomall, Drexel Hill, Upper Darby, Media, and surrounding Main Line communities all contain significant numbers of homes built during the 1950s and early post-war period.