The appeal of old house renovation to the modern designer usually evokes an attractive challenge. Many keen renovators find themselves drawn to the craftsmanship of an older style home like wooden floors that have the rich patina of age and architectural windows and other detailing which give the home a sense of character. When it comes time for restoration, older houses present a variety of challenges and problems. Before you go opening the toolbox, here are some tips on renovating an older home:
Lay The Groundwork
Getting an inspector to come and check how structurally sound the house is will save you a world of trouble. If need be, electrical and plumbing work will need to be done in the early stages of your renovation and having the home checked over will give you an indication of hidden costs involved.
Image: Dwell.com
Safety
Old house renovation may not just be physically challenging, it can also reveal the use of unsafe materials. If your home was built many years ago, lead and asbestos may be a problem you will have to fix before the house becomes safely liveable.
Enjoy Old Windows
Typically, an older home will have wooden framed windows that are aesthetically pleasing. The great thing about a wooden window is that it will last centuries without needing to be replaced and the old wavy glass that is often used provides an authentic character. This is something that cannot easily be re-created!
Image: HomesToLove
Outdated Building Materials
Beware! When delving in an old house renovation, some of the original and authentic building materials may no longer be available. Whilst this isn’t a deal breaker, making sure to use newer materials that will still maintain the home’s older character will be beneficial to the overall aesthetic. If you do manage to get your hands on some of the original material, for instance, solid wood panelled doors, be prepared to face a hefty price tag.
Be Smart About Your Investment
When it comes time to sell, make sure the time and money going into your renovation will pay off. Doing your research into what fully renovated houses sell for in the area will inform how you structure your budget. A tip to help conserve your budget is to pick and choose which areas to restore.
Image: HomesToLove
Practical Over Aesthetic
Whilst the excitement to choose new kitchen cabinets and shower screens may be excruciatingly high, being practical and starting with the bones of the house in the first stages of reconstruction is essential. Water damage will be a crucial element in preserving the house for years to come and testing fireplaces for mortar will save a world of trouble in the future.
Thinking of starting a renovation project? Our team at iBuildNew can help you! Contact us on 1300 943 640 or customerservice@ibuildnew.com.
Let us do the legwork for you.
- We’ll ask the right questions to better understand your needs
- We’ll create a recommended shortlist ideally matched to you
- We’ll answer specific questions or concerns related to home building, land purchasing or financing
Breanna Taylor
Breanna Taylor is a third-year journalism and PR student studying at Swinburne University in Hawthorn. She has a strong passion for interior design and a growing interest in property development and renovation.
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