Burning Money: Maintenance and Energy Efficiency of Old Houses

My lovely wife is moderating a workshop tomorrow at Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens on this very topic, as well as another workshop titled: “House Makeover: Exterior Painting of Your Old House.”

My question is this, we all know that it is more sustainable to keep an existing structure instead of building new.  This does not come without sacrifice, however.  Time, money, and energy are required to maintain an older home.  If you were to attend this workshop, what questions would you have?