Renovating an older house is often a good way of getting on the property ladder if you have a smaller budget. It is also a great way of getting a character house combined with modern living. But renovating an older property can also bring its own problems.
Key things to think about if you are renovating an older house
Think about which character features you’d like to keep
Old homes are often packed with character features like fireplaces, ceiling roses or timber flooring. Think about which of these you want to save and which you don’t mind losing. Be prepared to make choices depending on your budget. If you want to save features like wooden flooring take advantage of modern techniques like floor coating to help preserve them.
Think about making hidden improvements
Renovating an older house is a great time to make hidden changes or changes to the fabric of the property to improve comfort standards and to future proof. This type of improvements could include:
- Better insulation
- Replacement joinery
- Retrofit double glazing
- Ducted heating
- Cabling for audiovisual systems or home automation
- Energy-efficient lighting
- Security systems
Blend old and modern carefully
If you are adding modern touches to your older house make sure you are doing them sympathetically. For example, if you want to add space to a villa or character home in a restricted location then you might think about adding a rear house extension so you can maintain the original facade at the front.
Budget for problem areas
Renovating an old house has the potential to throw up unexpected problems. You might find damp or asbestos or problems with the roof. All of these will need fixing before work continues. When you are budgeting for renovations have a contingency This will enable you to deal with these issues without having to compromise on other things later on.
A good builder can help bring your renovation plans to life
Sometimes renovating, especially renovating an older house can be more difficult than building from scratch. Choose a builder that is experienced in carrying out renovations.
An experienced builder can help you fit your new plans into your existing home, suggest where structural changes could be made and help you update the areas you need to improve.
Build Right have undertaken renovations across Auckland working on all types of homes. Our portfolio will give you some idea of what we can do. Have a look and then get in touch to discuss your plans with us.