First floor renovations can also include coming up with an extra room or transforming the attic to be another floor. That, of course, will mean that the contractor will also look at the roof and improve insulation so your home can remain energy efficient. Instead of windows, you can open up one wall with sliding glass doors to allow plenty of light and make the rooms look bigger.
There is so much you can do to transform an old house in the 21st century. The contractor will listen to your needs, and come up with a plan to implement them while still maintaining the essence of an old house. Unless your house was built less than ten years ago, a fresh coat of paint will simply not suffice.