Renovating an old home can be both exciting and challenging. Older homes often have a lot of charm but can also have some problems. Whether you’re fixing up a house or making it your dream home, here are some things you should think about before you start.
Understanding the property
Older homes are full of charm, but they can also have hidden problems. Before you start your renovation, it’s important to understand what the property needs. Here are some things to think about before you start:
What do you need from the house?
Before you begin, think about what you need from the home. Are you a family looking for more bedrooms or a more accessible layout? Or are you a young couple who wants a modern home? Knowing what you want will help you plan your renovation. Having clear goals will also help keep you on budget. If you understand how you want to use the space, it will be easier to decide what needs to be changed.
Creating more space for a young family
Whether you want an extra bedroom, a larger living area, or better access to shared spaces, creating more room can improve your home’s functionality. You could consider adding an extension, reconfiguring the layout, or converting unused spaces like a loft or basement. These changes can help make your home more comfortable as your family grows.
Making the home accessible
If you need to make your home more accessible, such as adding wider doors or a downstairs bathroom, make sure to include these changes from the start. These changes will make the house more comfortable to live in and can also add value if you ever decide to sell. Having things like a bedroom on the ground floor or easier access to bathrooms could be very useful for your family.
Modernising for young professionals
If you are younger and want a home that suits your lifestyle, you may want to focus on modernising the property while keeping its charm. You can update things like the kitchen to an open-plan layout or add smart home features. These changes are popular with younger people who want to live in a stylish and functional space. At the same time, try to keep some of the original features of the house, like wooden beams or vintage tiles. This mix of old and new can give your home a unique, stylish feel.
If creating more space is part of your renovation plan, such as adding an extension, you may want to explore the various ways of funding that project. For more details, check out our guide on funding an extension.
Budgeting for an old home renovation
Renovating an old house can cost more than a new one, mainly because older homes can have unexpected issues. Planning your budget carefully will help you stay on track. Here’s how to manage your costs:
Extra costs you might not expect
When you renovate an older home, you may find problems you didn’t expect, like bad plumbing, old wiring, or damage to the structure. It’s important to set aside extra money for these issues—about 10-20% of the total cost of your project. This way, if any unexpected repairs come up, you’ll be ready. For example, you may think you’re just updating your kitchen, but you might need to fix plumbing or wiring as well. By planning for these surprises, you can avoid extra stress and delays.
Can you do some work yourself?
If you want to save money, there are some tasks you can do yourself. Painting walls, installing flooring, and putting together furniture are all things you can tackle. Doing some of the work yourself can help lower costs. However, some tasks need to be left to professionals, like electrical work, plumbing, and structural changes. If you’re not sure what’s safe to do, it’s best to hire a professional. DIY can be fun and save money, but always be honest about what you can do well.
Loans for renovation projects
If you need extra money to pay for your renovation, there are loans that can help. Secured home improvement loans let you borrow money to pay for your project. These loans usually have lower interest rates than personal loans or credit cards. You can also use a secured loan to borrow more money at a better rate. To learn more, check out our guide on Home improvement loans.
Make sure you’re covered by insurance
Older homes can have unique problems, so it’s important to make sure your home and renovation are fully insured. If you are doing any significant renovation work, it’s essential you notify your insurer about any major changes. Here’s what you need to consider:
Building insurance
Building insurance covers the cost of rebuilding your home if something goes wrong. Make sure your insurance covers the costs of any repairs you do during your renovation.
Contents insurance
This protects your belongings, like furniture and electronics. If you’re storing things during the renovation, update your contents insurance to include everything.
Home insurance
Home insurance covers the structure of your home. Older homes can be higher risk, so make sure your insurance covers your renovation work too.
Life insurance
If you’re taking out a loan for your renovation, check that your life insurance covers the new financial responsibility. This will protect your family if anything happens.
Is it worth hiring an architect?
Hiring an architect can cost extra, but it might save you money in the long run. They can help you plan the renovation and make sure it’s done properly. Architects are great if you’re making big changes, like removing walls or adding extra rooms.
When should you hire an architect?
If your renovation involves major changes, like building an extension, an architect can make sure it’s done safely. They can also help with getting the right permissions from the council. For smaller jobs, you may just need a designer or project manager instead.
Weighing the costs
Hiring an architect can be expensive, but their help can prevent mistakes that cost more later. If you’re making big changes, it’s probably worth it. But for smaller projects, a designer may be enough.
Final thoughts
Renovating an older home can be a fun and rewarding project. With careful planning and budgeting, you can turn an old home into something special. Make sure you have the right insurance and financing in place before you start. Whether you do some work yourself or hire professionals, make sure your renovation is done right.