An ancient building may have an old-world elegance, traditional design elements, big ceilings, a strong locational advantage, and a lot of space that is not accessible in newly constructed residences, making the acquisition and refurbishment of an old building a wise investment. Although remodeling a home is usually an enjoyable procedure, it’s likely that one may run into some unforeseen difficulties when restoring an ancestral home or an older, more than thirty-year-old house. This article will alert you to any hidden issues that may surface when renovating an older property.

Read More: rénovation maison ancienne

1. Moisture-related damage

One of the main issues with older homes is water seepage. Leaky plumbing lines, the walls, and the roof are potential entry points for water leaks. It is important to hire a waterproofing professional who can locate the damaged walls and seal them using fresh plaster and damp-controlling materials. As you renovate the house, fix any leaking pipes and make sure there is adequate ventilation.

Moisture and water seepage may come from the gaps in wooden windows and doors. Selecting contemporary uPVC windows that mimic the appearance of wood is advised.

The development of mold, mildew, or an active termite infestation—which loves damp environments—could potentially cause harm to the building. It is advised to dispose of the termite-infested damaged timber. Select a pest control company that offers expert termite treatment services.

2. Foundational fissures

Visible fissures in the building’s foundation are another serious issue, particularly if the residence is an ancestor’s over 60-year-old home.

Typically, water retention in the foundation or sinking soil beneath the structure cause cracks to appear.

Select a qualified structural engineer who can examine the structure, spot any cracks, and resolve any structural issues the building may have.

3. Antiquated plumbing fixtures

Antiquated galvanized plumbing pipes seen in older houses rust with time. New PVC pipes must be installed in lieu of all the galvanized pipes.

4. Subpar construction

Examine the building’s outside and interior for bad craftsmanship before beginning any renovations, and then take the necessary steps to fix it.

5. Antiquated electrical wiring

The weight of contemporary household equipment, such as air conditioners, refrigerators, microwaves, gadgets, and geysers, is too much for the electrical wiring of an older structure.

It is imperative to replace the electrical system with the help of a professional electrical contractor since outdated electrical connections might be dangerous and cause a fire. The amount of electrical fixtures, appliances, and air conditioners that must run in parallel throughout the home determines how much load the electrical wiring must support.

To support all the appliances, replace all the switchboards and add enough plug outlets to the kitchen, bathroom, and other rooms of the house.

6. Antiquated design

The outmoded floor plans of some older homes don’t make the most of available space. Consequently, it is imperative to rearrange the area without interfering with the building’s construction.

Hire an interior designer who can reconfigure the space to make the home practical and suited for a contemporary way of living. Older homes typically have narrow corridors, a small, secluded kitchen, and other characteristics.