Renovating an old property can be a rewarding and worthwhile project, especially when you transform an old run-down house into a cosy and comfortable home. But restoring old properties isn’t always straightforward or cheap and there are some things you need to keep in mind, both when you own an old property and when you’re considering investing in one.
You May Need Specialist Services
Getting stuck in with some DIY on your property can help establish a bond with your home. However, there are some jobs that you may not be able to tackle yourself. For example, if you have an old cottage with a thatched roof, you’ll need specialist roof thatchers to deal with the maintenance and restoration of this rare roof type. Fortunately, there are many services, like Simply Thatch, that specialise in repairs, restoration and maintenance of ancient roofing. Likewise, if you own a listed building you’re likely to need help from specialists when restoring it.
There Will Be Ongoing Issues
Before you buy an old property, you should really look around with a surveyor who can point out any problems. These can include problems that could cost a lot of money, like sinking, structural problems, and bad insulation. These, of course, cost more to run and can lead to mould and dampness. The surveyor will write up a report that lists all of these problems and points out any big repairs or changes you’ll need to make before safely moving in.
Hire a Surveyor when Renovating an Old Home
Old homes can be very charming and leave a lasting impression on your heart. But it’s very important to know what you’re working with before you start. You will have to consider hiring a building surveyor to do a full check. Even though it might hurt to pay for a professional right away, it’s important to make sure you don’t miss something expensive. For example, putting in a centralised heating system alone can cost around £10,000 in a house of average size.
Set Aside Some Funding
Old homes can be hard to predict, and things can go wrong that you can’t fix. With any property, there are always costs. So, experts say that you should save about 10% of your home’s value each year for repairs. If your budget is the issue, you can save money by doing smaller jobs yourself. But leave hard jobs to people who are trained and qualified, or you will potentially cause more damage and endanger lives.
Be Careful About Deadly Toxins
As you may or may not be aware, toxins can be found in old homes. Materials like lead and asbestos are often found in old houses built before the 1980s. Both of these are very dangerous to your health if they are not taken care of properly. Mesothelioma, a type of lung cancer, can be caused by asbestos. Getting them removed by a professional can cause the expense of your restoration work to go through the roof. But it is required by law and must be done to move in.
