There can be many reasons why we want to renovate an old house: that we have found the ideal place to live (a large house in the heart of the old town in our town), perhaps simply an inheritance that comes to us and that we want to keep as property, or the opportunity to do business with an old house that we have found and that has many possibilities. However, let’s suppose that in any of the above cases, it is obvious that the renovation of the house is absolutely necessary: very old plumbing, wooden windows that are not at all airtight, outdated electrical system, walls that seem to be taken from the ruins of Machu Picchu and a long etcetera. It is then that we begin to consider the project and the different options and requirements that will have to becontemplating and carrying out to renovate our old house successfully; taking into account the distribution of spaces, materials, finishes, our tastes and preferences, the functionality of the house, etc.
To do this, it is important to take into account a series of recommendations before embarking on the project.
Essential issues to take into account before renovating an old house
Analyzes and determines the current condition of the house
Sometimes, at first glance we may not be able to diagnose the state of the home, since depending on the maintenance of the same during the last years, it may only need a facelift or a total renovation. That is why it is always appropriate to have the opinion of a technical architect or an architecture studio with qualified personnel.
Get ideas
Possibly when you go to renovate an old house you will realize that most of the spaces are not well distributed and that it is not as functional as you would like. This is because the needs that were had in the past and the ways of understanding the home were very different from how they are today. Precisely for this reason, it will be important, Not only let yourself be guided by your tastes, but also take modern and innovative ideas on how to make the new distribution of the home, which as a general rule, will consist more of opening spaces and gaining luminosity.
Thinking in the medium to long term
Do you plan to have children? Will you need any rooms as an office in the future? Will a single bath be enough tomorrow?
On many occasions our needs change, so it is always better to think long-term and try to foresee what we may need before renovating an old house. In this way we can save money and time since we will not have to renovate anything in the coming years if we have contemplated future unforeseen events or needs.
Facilities and supplies
As for the plumbing of the house, it is quite common for water pipes and conduits to deteriorate considerably, leading to water breakdowns or leaks. In addition, some of the materials that were used in the past have already become obsolete or may even be harmful to health, as is the case with lead pipes. In a situation like this, it would be It is advisable to opt for other types of materials such as copper or PVC with greater resistance, which withstand the passage of time better, are not flammable and do not emit toxic gases.
Similarly, the electrical installation, which is advisable to change if they are many years old. A new and modern electrical installation, it will consume much less, because there will be less energy loss. On the other hand, if you intend to redistribute the home, it is very possible that the home’s needs for light points will be very different.
Finally, aheating installation may be absolutely necessary, especially if the old house is located in cold places. Opting for an efficient air conditioning and air renewal system will be essential. Sin embargo, elegir un sistema de calefacción no será fácil y dependerá de muchos factores.
It will also be appropriate to be clear about it from the beginning of the work, in case for example a good option is to install underfloor heating, so that we are not caught with the floor already started.
All the issues mentioned above will have to be addressed and raised in an essential way before getting “down to work”.
On the other hand, we also want to share some interesting ideas if you are thinking of renovating an old house.
Other interesting questions to consider before renovating an old house
What style are you looking for?
Depending on yourpersonal tastes, you can orient yourself more towards certain styles of home or others. Quizás quieras apostar por espacios poco ornamentados y claros, propios del estilo minimalista, o tal vez apuestes por un estilo rústico en el que conservar alguna pared de piedra de la casa. Lo cierto es que hay cantidad de estilos (Mediterraneo, colonial, cottages, escandinavo, tudor, nórdico, etc.) seguro que encuentras el más aproximado a ti y a los tuyos.
At Kaleidoscope we are committed to a system of standardisation of reform. Once we have listened to your preferences and tastes, we design together the style and characteristics of your home to adapt it to you as much as possible.
Which floor to choose?
You can opt for the warmth and touch of a good parquet, or for the resistance and durability of a porcelain tile. among many other options. It is possible, that if the property has Hydraulic type tiles with geometric shapes, you will be interested in preserving them (even if it is in some places such as balconies, kitchens or bathrooms) since they have become fashionable again in recent years and are very easy to clean. You may also be interested in preserving the old wooden floor
(typical of attics). However, if many years have passed, he will have lost his property and It will be advisable to sand it and apply the varnish again (as long as it has the minimum thickness)
What to do with carpentry?
Windows and doors can be preserved on some occasions, but it is important to take into account airtightness and soundproofing offered by the current doors and windows. Therefore It is recommended to opt for new windows, especially if it is a place with low temperatures and adapting them to the aesthetics of the home as much as possible. Even so, taking advantage of the old front door of the house, to maintain its essence (as long as it is not very deteriorated) can be a good option
to give an authentic and groundbreaking look to the house. To do this, it will be necessary to restore it: clean it, sand it, varnish it, change the lock…
To preserve the old staircase?
Antique stairs are usually made of high-quality solid wood, but inevitably after many years, deterioration is irreparable. If the staircase is really in good condition, keeping it could be a viable and very interesting option. However, and as in the case of antique doors, restoration will be necessary. In this way, we will have a practically new staircase, of higher quality compared to some that are currently marketed and we will maintain part of the personality of the old house.
We hope that these tips will help you in the process of renovating your old house successfully. ¡ Hasta pronto !
