What To Consider Before Converting / Renovating An Older Property
Older properties have a great amount of appeal. Character features, solid construction and established locations make them attractive to homeowners who want something with more personality than a standard new build.
However, renovating an older property brings a unique set of challenges that are worth understanding before work begins. The more preparation you do at the outset, the smoother the project is likely to run.
Commission A Thorough Survey
Before committing to a renovation project, a full structural survey carried out by a qualified surveyor is an important first step.
Older properties can conceal a range of issues that are not visible during a standard viewing, including structural movement, damp, deteriorating timbers and outdated plumbing and wiring. A detailed survey will give you a clear picture of the property's condition and allow you to budget accurately for the work required.
Skipping this step can result in costly surprises once construction work begins, particularly in properties that have been empty for a period of time or have received limited maintenance over the years.
Understand The Scope Of Work Required
Structural Issues
Older properties may have foundations or structural elements that need attention before any cosmetic or internal work can take place. Subsidence, cracked masonry, failing lintels and roof structure issues all need to be assessed and addressed as a priority.
These are not areas where it pays to cut corners, as structural integrity is the foundation on which everything else depends.
Damp & Drainage
Rising damp, penetrating damp and inadequate drainage are common findings in older properties. Identifying the source of any moisture issues and resolving them properly before internal finishes are applied is critical. Attempting to decorate or plaster over damp problems without treating the cause will result in the same issues returning, often worse than before.
Electrical & Plumbing Services
Older wiring and pipework may not meet current standards and may need to be partially or fully replaced as part of the renovation. This is particularly relevant in properties that have not been significantly updated in several decades.
Bringing the services up to a modern standard during a renovation is far more practical than attempting to do so later, once rooms have been finished and decorated.
Plan For The Unexpected
Even the most thorough survey cannot always predict every issue that will emerge once work begins. Walls opened up, floors lifted and roofs inspected at close range can reveal conditions that were not apparent during the initial assessment.
Building in a contingency budget of at least 15 percent is strongly advisable for older property renovations, where the likelihood of uncovering additional works is higher than on a new build or modern refurbishment.
Think About Insulation / Energy Efficiency
Older properties are poorly insulated by modern standards, resulting in increased heating costs and reduced comfort. A renovation provides the ideal opportunity to address this. Adding insulation to walls, floors and the roof space, upgrading windows and fitting a modern heating system can all make a substantial difference to the ongoing running costs of the property and its overall comfort levels throughout the year.
Work With An Experienced Builder
Renovating an older property is a different undertaking from building a new extension or carrying out a straightforward refurbishment. The ability to problem-solve, adapt to unexpected findings and work sensitively with existing materials requires genuine experience.
Choosing a builder with a proven track record in renovation and conversion projects will give you the best chance of a successful outcome.
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