7 Mistakes to avoid when renovating older properties

Renovating an older property can be a rewarding experience, but it can also be a costly and time-consuming process. There are many mistakes that homeowners can make during the renovation process that can lead to unexpected expenses and delays. Look at these 7 common mistakes to avoid giving yourself a renovation headache during your project…

Not Creating a Detailed Plan

One mistake homeowners can make when renovating an older property is not creating a detailed plan. This can be essential for any renovation project, but it is especially important for older properties as they often have unique architectural features that require special attention and planning.

Advice: Take the time to create a detailed plan that includes a budget, a timeline, and a list of specific tasks that need to be completed. Be sure to include any unique features of the property that require special attention.

Not carrying out a Thorough Inspection

Another mistake is not doing a thorough inspection. Not all older homes are a great investment and can be a money pit! Period homes often have hidden issues that can be costly to repair. It is important to inspect the property thoroughly to ensure that the cost of the property and the renovations required will still leave value in your home.

Advice: Hire a professional to assess the property before starting any renovations. A professional inspector can identify any issues that need to be addressed and provide recommendations for repairs.

Not understanding planning permission

If your property requires planning permission for any part of the project, this can sometimes be a lengthy process and take time to finalise. You may require planning permission for certain aspects of renovation works, or the work may come under permitted development rights, but it is very important to be sure about these facts before you start work. The best option is to speak to your local planning department before you begin the project and get clarification to get on top of any permissions you may need early.

Not Preserving & Restoring Historic Features

When renovating an older property, it is important to preserve any historic features. These features add character and charm to the property and can increase its value. These days, people who purchase period or historic properties are looking for buildings that have retained their original features or have been sympathetically restored, Identifying any original features of the property and restoring, replacing or repairing them can add value to your home in the long term.

Original features include original woodwork and flooring, fireplaces and surrounds, plaster mouldings such as cornice, ceiling centres, panelling, dado rails and exterior cement mouldings.

Not Planning for Hidden Costs

Renovating an older property can be expensive, and unexpected costs can arise during the renovation process. It is important to plan for these hidden costs to avoid going over budget. You may find that no matter how meticulous you are in your budget planning, hidden issues can arise with many restoration projects such as, finding hidden structural issues, trades taking longer to complete parts of the project, materials delivery delays etc. It is important to have a contingency fund or back-up plan for every eventuality.

Not Hiring the Right Professionals

Renovations often require the expertise of professionals. It is important to hire the right professionals for the job to ensure that the renovation is project managed and completed correctly.  research and hire professionals with experience renovating the type of property you are restoring. The team of people working with you on a renovation project my include architects, builders, designers, skilled trades and specialists, decorators, and project managers. Talk to your team about who they recommend for certain projects, go online for advice and reviews and make sure you do your research.

Not Considering the Future

It is important to consider the future with any renovation or restoration project. Think about how the property will be used in the future and how the renovation will affect its value. When changing layouts or adding additional spaces, you need to consider how the space will work for you in every eventuality, here are a few things to consider:

• Will the spaces work if my family grows?
• If renovating to sell in the future, consider how design decisions may impact new buyers.
• Are there any development plans in local areas that might impact your ability to sell the property in the future?
• Storage storage storage! You can never have enough so make sure you take this into account when designing.
• Look at the lighting situation and consider whether once the house is renovated and you have window dressings up and blinds etc, will there be enough natural light entering the property?

If you’re renovating a period home, restoring a heritage building and require repairs, restoration or re-creation of any missing, damaged or removed mouldings, Abby Mouldings have been manufacturing replica, bespoke and re-created moulding using traditional techniques and materials for over 30 years.

You can get in touch with us for a chat about your project by sending us an email or give the team a call on 01626 830500.

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