**Collaborative post**
Renovating a period property is no easy feat. Indeed, renovating any property is challenging enough, but there’s a great deal of nuance when it comes to old buildings.
Older properties must have their character carefully preserved, making for an often difficult balance to strike: on one hand, you want to embolden the original charm of the place, while on the other, make it livable for modern occupants.
It’s hard work, but with the right planning, you’ll get there. Here are three of the most important elements you should consider before embarking on the project.
Investigate the Legalities Surrounding Listed Buildings
It’s important to remember that in many cases, you can’t simply do what you want to a period property. There are strict guidelines on what you can and can’t change if you’re dealing with a listed building.
You’ll likely be surprised at how specific some of these restrictions are, too. For example, unchangeable components may extend to door frames or windows, and there may be entire elements of the home that are simply off limits.
It’s key to start off by getting advice from a professional construction company like Berkeley Place, who understand the intricacies involved in renovating these sorts of buildings. From there, you can either go it alone or hire them for further work on elements you don’t want to risk touching.
Understand the Style You’re Working With
From the tiles on the roof to the sorts of plaster used, working on an old property will take a lot of research to understand exactly what style you’re dealing with and how to manage it. Find out what period the house was built in, and build out a document investigating all the relevant materials used and the kinds of features it has.
Really drill into the details here: the more you know about the construction practices of the time, the better you can preserve things as you make changes. Remember, everything has been built to fit together perfectly. When you change something too much, you could be irreparably messing with that delicate infrastructure.
Budget for Roadblocks
One of the most important things you need to do when you’re planning to work on an old house is budget for roadblocks. Problems are inevitable no matter what sort of renovation project you’re undertaking, but when it comes to period properties, they can be doubly expensive.
If something breaks during remodelling work, it can cost thousands to replace, which is another reason you should be very careful about how you alter things. It’s a good idea to budget at least an extra 20% to account for any potential issues.
Original features should usually always remain intact – even if they’re not listed, it’s often more hassle than it’s worth.
Wrapping Up
Renovating a period property is a daunting task, but it can be done provided you’re careful and spend enough time planning. Don’t rush anything and consult the professionals for advice, and you’ll give yourself the best shot at a smooth ride. Good luck!
