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An old building often has a long story, full of secrets that its former residents have left behind. That's one of the reasons why some folks prefer living in the old town—it has an aura. And, every now and then, they resurface.

We at Bored Panda put together a list of pictures people took during their home renovations when they suddenly discovered unexpected treasures. Turns out, things like a locked safe and a 100-year-old Monopoly set can be hiding right between your walls.

All you need to find them is a sledgehammer.

#1

Collection Of Reference Seeds Found In My Grandad’s Attic

Collection Of Reference Seeds Found In My Grandad’s Attic

HungryBanana07 Report

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Saico Hipe
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That is, without a doubt, one of the coolest things I have ever seen. Wow.

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#2

Restoring My 1880 Victorian House And Found This Vibrant Tile Original To The Home After Partially Removing A Faux Fireplace

Restoring My 1880 Victorian House And Found This Vibrant Tile Original To The Home After Partially Removing A Faux Fireplace

cannm , cannm Report

Chances are, we'll be seeing many more cool finds. According to Houzz's annual Houzz & Home study, U.S. home renovation activity and spending have reached the highest rates since 2018.

More than half of homeowners (55%) renovated in 2021, up from 53% in 2020 and 54% in both 2019 and 2018.

Following 15% growth in median renovation spend in 2020, homeowners reported an additional 20% jump in 2021 median spend, which now stands at $18,000.

#3

I Took A Knife To The Lino In The Bathroom And Found The Original Edwardian Tiles. My Great Great Grandmother Was A Housemaid Here In Cupar In The 1880s

I Took A Knife To The Lino In The Bathroom And Found The Original Edwardian Tiles. My Great Great Grandmother Was A Housemaid Here In Cupar In The 1880s

katecowcher Report

#4

My Wife And I Are Upgrading Our Kitchen. We Found This Fossil Under The Floor Boards

My Wife And I Are Upgrading Our Kitchen. We Found This Fossil Under The Floor Boards

cameronsounds Report

#5

While Tearing Up Their Carpet, My In-Laws Found A Giant Monopoly Board

While Tearing Up Their Carpet, My In-Laws Found A Giant Monopoly Board

Yamaha234 Report

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That other Panda
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That’s SO COOL! Restore it and keep it! All you need is the cards and the pieces… :)

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Recent homebuyers, who account for 10% of renovating homeowners, spent nearly double the median ($30,000) in 2021, surpassing the median spend for short-term and long-term homeowners ($19,000 and $15,000, respectively).

Recent homebuyers who had higher-budget projects (the top 10% of spend) invested $175,000, compared with $100,000 for short-term homeowners and $90,000 for long-term homeowners.

Experts say this higher spend potentially can be attributed to the number of projects recent homebuyers undertake at a single time—an average of three to four rooms as well as home systems such as electrical and plumbing.

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#6

My 84-Year-Old Father Is Renovating His House. Hidden Behind The Wallpaper He Found These Wall Murals, Which He Believes Are From 1912

My 84-Year-Old Father Is Renovating His House. Hidden Behind The Wallpaper He Found These Wall Murals, Which He Believes Are From 1912

NulloK Report

#7

Demo Team Pulled This Out Of A Fireplace In A 1950s House We Are Renovating

Demo Team Pulled This Out Of A Fireplace In A 1950s House We Are Renovating

Ok_Leadership_8666 Report

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Ara
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That looks very intricate for the 1950s. I wonder whether it is older.

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#8

Found 83 Gold Coins At The Bottom Of A Coal Container After Renovating The House

Found 83 Gold Coins At The Bottom Of A Coal Container After Renovating The House

DiaBoLo73 Report

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In 2021, the median spend icreased for all interior room renovations.

The kitchen, which remains the most popular option to be upgraded and is the room with the highest spend, saw an bump in investment of 25% ($15,000 in 2021 versus $12,000 in 2020).

Interior rooms with the most dramatic spend increase are guest bathrooms (38%), laundry rooms (33%), living rooms (33%), and guest bedrooms (28%)

#9

Found These (On The Left) Under Old Carpet When We Got Stairs Re-Carpeted. 10 Months After We Moved In Found "Minton" Or Possibly "Pugin" Tiles In The Hallway Under A Laminate

Found These (On The Left) Under Old Carpet When We Got Stairs Re-Carpeted. 10 Months After We Moved In Found "Minton" Or Possibly "Pugin" Tiles In The Hallway Under A Laminate

claire_flynn Report

#10

Twitter User Finds A Secret Hiding Place In His Walls While Renovating, Inside Was A Children's Book Of Poems From 1835

Twitter User Finds A Secret Hiding Place In His Walls While Renovating, Inside Was A Children's Book Of Poems From 1835

asmeesh Report

#11

Was Helping To Clean Out An Old Mansion In Minnesota And Found This Civil War Letter In The Attic. He’s Saying That The War Will Be Over Soon And He Will Be Coming Home

Was Helping To Clean Out An Old Mansion In Minnesota And Found This Civil War Letter In The Attic. He’s Saying That The War Will Be Over Soon And He Will Be Coming Home

tenglempls Report

#12

Found A Suitcase In The Attic Of My Dad's Old Comic Books. Most Of Them Seem To Be Marvel Dated In The 70s

Found A Suitcase In The Attic Of My Dad's Old Comic Books. Most Of Them Seem To Be Marvel Dated In The 70s

Bloxicorn Report

The percentage of homeowners relying on cash from savings to fund their renovation projects declined by 7 points in 2021 (to 76%), after remaining stable over the three years prior (83% each year).

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Simultaneously, the percentage of homeowners financing renovation projects with credit cards increased by 6 points (to 35%).

#14

Took A Radiator Off The Wall To Decorate And Found This Ancient, Alien Invasion Wallpaper

Took A Radiator Off The Wall To Decorate And Found This Ancient, Alien Invasion Wallpaper

glasgowwelder Report

#15

I Was Cleaning My Attic And Found A Doll House TV With The Twin Towers On It

I Was Cleaning My Attic And Found A Doll House TV With The Twin Towers On It

graemel9 Report

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Katie Lutesinger
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

OMG I have one of those! It's right here on my desk! Same TV design, same picture, same everything, except that the blue and white are swapped around for some reason. It was indeed part of a dollhouse set my sister owned, which I decided to keep for sentimental reasons. I believe our mother has the rest of it stashed away for the nephew to play with when he comes over.

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#16

Day 1 - It Was An Unbelievably Exciting Morning When We Discovered This Gem Hidden Behind Various Layers Of Plaster And Wallpaper In The Master Bedroom

Day 1 - It Was An Unbelievably Exciting Morning When We Discovered This Gem Hidden Behind Various Layers Of Plaster And Wallpaper In The Master Bedroom

One of the things I was hoping for when purchasing a period property was to find little surprises like this this will become a little project of mine to restore back to its former glory, we are thinking of moving it into the dining area to become a key feature in our living space.

southview.cottage.renovation Report

It also looks like renovating homeowners want their investments to be safe. They spent 25% more on home security systems in 2021 than in 2020.

Interestingly, outdoor security systems are now three times more popular than they were in 2015 and the second most frequently installed outdoor upgrade (17% ), behind lighting (22%).

Outdoor security system upgrades are most popular among short-term homeowners (21%), followed by recent homebuyers (20%) and long-term homeowners (14%).

#17

We Tore Up Some Carpeting In Our House Expecting Concrete But Instead Found This 70’s Masterpiece

We Tore Up Some Carpeting In Our House Expecting Concrete But Instead Found This 70’s Masterpiece

CallistoChemical Report

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#18

While Re-Mortaring An Old Brick Wall Inside A Building, I Found A Loose Brick. This Note Was Behind It. 32 Years. Added My Name And Date, Then Mortared It Up Again

While Re-Mortaring An Old Brick Wall Inside A Building, I Found A Loose Brick. This Note Was Behind It. 32 Years. Added My Name And Date, Then Mortared It Up Again

tomkzinti Report

#19

Found An Old Monopoly Set In The Walls Of My 1925 House

Found An Old Monopoly Set In The Walls Of My 1925 House

murphman84 Report

#20

We Have A 23-19! My Friend Found A Monsters Inc. Door While Doing A Recent Renovation

We Have A 23-19! My Friend Found A Monsters Inc. Door While Doing A Recent Renovation

Stanleeallen Report

People who are renovating continue to hire professionals at a high rate—nearly 9 in 10 homeowners relied on pros for their remodels or upgrades in 2021.

Recent homebuyers (those who tackled a lot more projects than the ones who'd been in their home a while), were particularly keen to get help (93%) but hiring was widespread among short- and long-term homeowners as well (88% each).

#21

Found A Floor Safe While Renovating. Trying To Open It Now

Found A Floor Safe While Renovating. Trying To Open It Now

$400 for a locksmith later - empty.

grawvyrobber Report

#22

Found Original Homeowner In The Walls Of A Teardown

Found Original Homeowner In The Walls Of A Teardown

widewhiskers Report

#23

I Took A Wall Out Of My Closet And Found A Makeshift Passageway. With A Large, Heavy, Creepy Basket In It. And The Basket Was Not Empty

I Took A Wall Out Of My Closet And Found A Makeshift Passageway. With A Large, Heavy, Creepy Basket In It. And The Basket Was Not Empty

codymanboy , codymanboy Report

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Jack Holt
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Better a basket of silverware than a basket of old bones, I always say

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#24

My Friend Found An Invite To Walt Disney’s Daughter’s Wedding While Renovating His House In LA

My Friend Found An Invite To Walt Disney’s Daughter’s Wedding While Renovating His House In LA

jmlwant Report

Among the 38% of homeowners who hired construction professionals, general contractors (72%) comprise the largest group, followed by builders (30%), kitchen or bath remodelers (18%), and design-build firms (8%).

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The three most popular specialty service pros hired by the 49% of renovating homeowners who brought in this kind of help are electricians (38%), air conditioning and heating specialists (37%), and plumbers (35%).

I wonder if they kept any treasures for themselves...

#25

This Yardstick I Found In My Attic Is Old Enough To Have A 1 Digit Phone Number

This Yardstick I Found In My Attic Is Old Enough To Have A 1 Digit Phone Number

Cog_HS Report

#26

Found A Steam Room And Hot Tub In My Basement, Behind A Wall During Demolition

Found A Steam Room And Hot Tub In My Basement, Behind A Wall During Demolition

FeedtheFat Report

#27

Renovating My Bathroom And I Found Some Lost Treasures From The '70s

Renovating My Bathroom And I Found Some Lost Treasures From The '70s

The text says:
"Dear Betty-Jean

A little something for your brain.
Warning: the surgeon general has detected that happiness increases with the amount smoked. Please don't overindulge."

Justsittingherenow Report

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Kathryn Baylis
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Betty-Jean was hiding her stash, given to her by her boyfriend (?) from her parents.

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#28

Refitting Our New Houses Loft (Attic) And Found £500 Of 1981 Currency Wrapped In Insulation

Refitting Our New Houses Loft (Attic) And Found £500 Of 1981 Currency Wrapped In Insulation

Furryxian Report

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Laura Ketteridge
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Whilst these notes stopped being legal tender in 1996, people should still be able to pay them into a UK bank account. If they aren't accepted, then they can be exchanged at the Bank of England counter in London. However, it is also possible to sell the notes, and they are worth more than their face value.

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Remi (He/Him)
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yeah, op should look into numismatics. Probably worth way more than what they could get at the bank Edit: looks like these 50£ notes can be worth up to 180£ each

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Agfox
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

From the Bank of England Website: "Your own bank or the Post Office may exchange withdrawn Bank of England banknotes. Alternatively, exchange them with us by post."

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Robert T
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yes, though you can't spend them in a shop. You can take them to a bank and have them exchanged for current notes. But as said above, they may be worth more to collectors.

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Adinda Quiel
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's a nice treasure!! But not even that old when you consider she was on the throne for about 30 years by then and not even half her term. She still looks the same to me (I feel the deepest respect for her)

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GFSTaylor
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I bet some words were exchanged when whoever hid that money moved out and it was later discovered that £500 in cash had been lost.

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#29

My Dad Is Renovating His Bathroom And Found A Dress In A Walled-Off Secret Closet. It’s Handmade From The Sixties

My Dad Is Renovating His Bathroom And Found A Dress In A Walled-Off Secret Closet. It’s Handmade From The Sixties

The house was built in 1965. I tried it on then put it back in the wall. We’re thinking about adding something to the secret closet, but I’m not sure what yet.

schoessling Report

#30

My Grandfather And I, Found A WWII Purple Heart While Renovating A House He Just Bought

My Grandfather And I, Found A WWII Purple Heart While Renovating A House He Just Bought

OnlyZuul666 Report

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#31

Renovating A 100-Year-Old House, Found What Looks Like A Samurai Sword Under A Section Of The House That Had A Dirt Floor. Still Sharp And Heavy

Renovating A 100-Year-Old House, Found What Looks Like A Samurai Sword Under A Section Of The House That Had A Dirt Floor. Still Sharp And Heavy

BriCins Report

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Mario Strada
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That looks like Imperial Japanese army. Looks like the leather grip is gone, otherwise it looks a lot like a Noncom or lower rank officer Katana. Probably a war souvenir.

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#32

Found Old Newspapers Used As Insulation In The Wall Of A 130-Year-Old House

Found Old Newspapers Used As Insulation In The Wall Of A 130-Year-Old House

shepherdish Report

#33

Found This Baby In The Attic. It's Going On The Wall Right After I Press Submit

Found This Baby In The Attic. It's Going On The Wall Right After I Press Submit

ddrt Report

#34

Beautiful Drawing Found Behind A Wall While Renovating Our Bathroom

Beautiful Drawing Found Behind A Wall While Renovating Our Bathroom

yerkab Report

#35

Renovating My Bedroom And Found This

Renovating My Bedroom And Found This

TinTinmwt Report

#36

Found A Hidden Attic While Doing A Renovation. It Was A Door To A Hidden Room With Old War Time Newspapers, An Old Bed And Old Photos On The Walls

Found A Hidden Attic While Doing A Renovation. It Was A Door To A Hidden Room With Old War Time Newspapers, An Old Bed And Old Photos On The Walls

lordjayy Report

#37

Found A Marriage Certificate From 1895 In A Flooded Cabin We Renovated

Found A Marriage Certificate From 1895 In A Flooded Cabin We Renovated

jsparker43 Report

#38

There’s A Dried Flower In This 165 Years Old Latin Book I Just Found In Our Attic

There’s A Dried Flower In This 165 Years Old Latin Book I Just Found In Our Attic

yepjeeway Report

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similarly
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Interestingly, (and I could be wrong here), this looks like a Latin textbook written in Italian.

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#40

Found Perfectly Preserved Cans In A Wall I Was Demolishing

Found Perfectly Preserved Cans In A Wall I Was Demolishing

SeeWhatEyeSee Report

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#41

Found In A Wall In Vermont

Found In A Wall In Vermont

Stalliewag Report

#42

I Work For An Apartment Management Company. I Was Working On Some Dry Wall And Found This In A Pile Of Debris. From 1979

I Work For An Apartment Management Company. I Was Working On Some Dry Wall And Found This In A Pile Of Debris. From 1979

ALMIGHTY_TALOS Report

#43

My Sister Bought A House About A Year Ago And Has Been Doing Renovations. She Just Recently Found This Behind One Of The Walls

My Sister Bought A House About A Year Ago And Has Been Doing Renovations. She Just Recently Found This Behind One Of The Walls

crowlj Report

#44

Getting The Kitchen Floor Redone. Here Are All The Floors Since The House Was Built In 1880

Getting The Kitchen Floor Redone. Here Are All The Floors Since The House Was Built In 1880

iamnotamangosteen Report

#45

This Confederate Currency I Found In My Uncle's Attic

This Confederate Currency I Found In My Uncle's Attic

draculasdrabdick Report

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Kathryn Baylis
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Be careful, though, as this bill looks too well preserved to be 169+ years old. A lot of reproductions of Confederate currency have been made since the end of the Civil War. A lot of the real stuff didn’t survive, as it became so devalued it was used to line walls and light fires in cookstoves, or given to kids to play with and therefore tear up. What isn’t in museums or private collection is either long gone or undiscovered—-or reproductions. Have an expert check it over.

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#46

I Found A Suitcase Inside A Wall

I Found A Suitcase Inside A Wall

pendletonpackrat Report

#47

My House Is Built On An Indian Burial Site. I Am Replacing The Furnace, And I Found This Under The Old Furnace

My House Is Built On An Indian Burial Site. I Am Replacing The Furnace, And I Found This Under The Old Furnace

thefoodguru Report

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Agfox
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"My House Is Built On An Indian Burial Site" - I've seen enough horror movies to know that this isn't good!

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#48

Found This While Renovating. Any Idea? Bomb Squad On The Way

Found This While Renovating. Any Idea? Bomb Squad On The Way

clark_harrison Report

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Alexandru Bucur
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Ha. I remember I did the identification when this one popped up on reddit back in the day - it's a British WW1 QF 4.5-inch Howitzer (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/QF_4.5-inch_howitzer) shrapnel shell, with a N°80 fuze. UXO (unexploded ordnance) but unfired so low risk. OP called the bomb squad which confirmed it was live and removed it.

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#49

1977 McDonalds' Christmas Trash Found In The Wall Of Our House

1977 McDonalds' Christmas Trash Found In The Wall Of Our House

nyratevoli Report

#50

Found This Locked Safe Under The Carpet Of An Estate Home I Recently Purchased

Found This Locked Safe Under The Carpet Of An Estate Home I Recently Purchased

upsidefirstdown Report

Note: this post originally had 107 images. It’s been shortened to the top 50 images based on user votes.

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