All renovations are large projects that should be seriously considered before they're undertaken. When you're dealing with the renovation of a period property, however, even more careful thought needs to be applied.
The Risks Of Period Property Renovation
Depending on the scale of the renovation, multiple risks may present themselves. The first risk is for it to become a financially overwhelming project. The costs of renovating older properties can quickly sky-rocket, and many projects have ended up being left half-completed due to an over-running budget.
A second risk is sheer danger. Older buildings were built with a different approach to architectural design than newer buildings. Without proper knowledge and guidance, it's all too easy to tear down a supporting wall or inadvertently ruin the plumbing. The risk of a dangerous accident becomes that much higher.
There are many other risks involved in attempting to renovate a period property, such as failing to check if the building is listed, not allowing enough time to properly complete the project, or the current layout of the house being unsuitable for your desired architectural design.
Top Tips For Successful Renovation
None of this means that renovating a period property is a bad idea. In the right circumstances, it can be a rewarding experience that leaves you with a truly unique home.
Before you undertake any renovation, however, make sure you follow these top tips:
- Don't rush - make sure the property and the plans are right for you. Put in the time to ensure any surveying necessary is done well in advance and be sure you're legally allowed to alter the building.
- Budget well - all property renovation budgets end up swelling beyond initial estimates. Never budget money that you can't really afford to spend and be prepared for regular surprise costs.
- Keep the character - over-modernising a property robs it of its period charm, to the point where you might as well have renovated a newer property. Keep as much of the property's personality as possible.
Is It Worth It?
Ultimately, that's a question only you can answer. You need to weigh up the pros and cons of renovating a period property and decide if it's right for you.
The cons are that it can be expensive, time-consuming, and awkward. The pros, however, are that you end up with a unique, characterful property that truly bears your mark. For many, that's worth any trouble they might encounter along the way.
