Ready to turn your decades-old house into your dream home, and not sure where to start? If your house is in serious need of repairs and renovations, this can be a daunting process. To begin with, some of the building materials might no longer be available, and the layout of the house itself might not be conducive to modern living. Not to mention the plumbing and electrical systems which are likely to be a nightmare and might need a total overhaul! Tackling these challenges head-on is no easy feat.
We get the mix of anxiety and excitement you’re surely feeling, and we know you’re wondering whether it’s the right thing to do! But not to worry, we’re here to tell you how to go about it, right from start to finish. We’ll give you house renovation ideas and tips, straight from our experts, that will help you get started. So, roll up your sleeves, and let’s get down to work!
Before you embark on your house renovation project, take a good look around your home and get it professionally assessed. Look for anything that will need immediate repairs. Is there any dampness on the ceiling and walls? How old are the electrical fixtures and wiring? Is the flooring in good shape?
Also think of any civil renovations that you might like to get done. If the rooms are small and cramped, opening them out will make your space feel airy and light. An open plan living-dining-kitchen area is lovely to have. If there are narrow corridors that are just a waste of space, you might want to remove some walls. A structural engineer or architect will tell you what are the house renovation ideas that are possible without compromising the safety and structural integrity of the building.
Create a wish list and define your goals. What are your top priorities? What house renovation ideas could be added on later? If you have a budget in mind, now is the time to establish the upper limit. Set a timeline as well. Is the renovation planned to be completed before a specific date? Allocate some extra time and money for unforeseen contingencies. Surprise repairs will always pop up, and it’s best to be prepared.
Ask yourself these questions: What problems drive you crazy on a daily basis? Which changes would make the biggest impact on your lifestyle? Picture yourself in your newly refurbished home. How do you visualise it? Write down the house renovation ideas that come to your mind.
To ensure your home renovation goes smoothly, you’ll need a team of architects, engineers and designers who understand your vision and have the expertise to make it happen. Check with friends and family who have experience with old house renovations, and browse online platforms for testimonials and referrals. You need professionals by your side who come highly recommended and who are known to deliver outstanding quality.
Any house renovations that involve civil or structural work will need to get a go-ahead from the licensing agency. You will have to apply to the relevant regulatory agency in the prescribed format, and pay the necessary fees to get the permit for the work. If your renovation will only involve interior work and there are no walls being broken down or built, then there’s no need for a sanction.
Before swinging that hammer, you’ll need to have all the designs and estimates in place! After multiple discussions, your architect will give you detailed drawings that include plans, sections and elevations for your house renovation. Plumbing and electrical layouts may also be needed, as also structural drawings in case of large-scale civil modifications.
Get itemised costs from several contractors before you finalise the budget. Remember to hire a contractor whose work is good and whose estimate seems reasonable, not someone who will quote low just to get the job! Include costs for building materials, labour, fittings and fixtures. It’s always best to fix the rates based on the area of volume of work done, not on a per-day basis—as it’s always hard to estimate the exact time that an old house renovation will take, and daily wage costs could pile up to exorbitant levels.
This is where your vision starts to take shape! It starts with the big structural changes: removing walls, stripping walls and floors, and adding windows. Your house renovation might look awful before it starts to look better. Ensure the foundation is solid, all walls and floors are waterproofed, and the modifications are done safely and systematically.
If your house is older than 10 years, it’s a good time to replace all the plumbing pipes, and get new electrical wiring installed to support today’s technologies. Make sure that the professionals handling these critical aspects are experienced and know what they are doing.
Now comes the part that we love best—the interiors! This starts with the basics: installing new floors, replastering and finishing the walls, and choosing the perfect paint colours. You’ll be putting in new false ceilings as well, and redoing the light fixtures. In the bathroom, new sanitaryware will be fitted and the tiles will be updated. You’re creating a blank canvas for your chosen interior, whether it’s based on modern minimalism, or a lovely classically themed home!
Choose materials, colours and finishes that align with your chosen theme and fit into your budget. Think of adding texture and pattern to lend a cohesive look to your house renovation design. Carefully chosen furnishings and artefacts will tie the look together. Your kitchen and bathrooms get special attention here—new countertops, updated appliances, and modern fixtures can completely transform these essential spaces in your home.
As you can see, with thoughtful planning and attention to the small details, your house renovation will extend the life of your home and give you many more years of joy in the spaces that you love. It’s important to get the team just right, and this is where HomeLane can help! Our experienced designers and project managers will handhold you through every step of your renovation journey, from the initial planning to the final execution. We’ll listen to you, understand your dreams, and help build your dream team.
Feeling more confident now, and can’t wait to get started? Book a free consultation and take the first step on your old house renovation journey!
Start by inspecting your old house and assessing your needs. Get professionals to check the basics—structure, electrical, plumbing, and dampness issues. Set your goals, and allocate the budget and timeline. Put together your dream team or architects, contractors and designers. Tell them your vision, and they will draft our plans and give you estimates. Get all your permits and licences in order, then start the work! Be prepared for some unforeseen surprises along the way, as working with an old house renovation can be tricky.
Sit down and think about how you really live and what you need from your space. Perhaps you need a bigger kitchen for entertaining, or maybe a home office is your top priority at the moment. Look for inspiration but keep it practical—that glossy, all-white kitchen looks great on Pinterest but might not work for your family!
Make two lists: must-haves and nice-to-haves; this will help you stay on budget and focused. Work with designers who listen to your needs and respect your style. Choose timeless home renovation designs over trendy ones, especially for expensive elements like kitchen cabinets and flooring tiles. Last but not least, don’t forget about storage and lighting—these can make or break how your space works from day to day!
Start with anything that’s in urgent need of repair. Ceiling leaks, faulty wiring, and damaged walls should be fixed on top priority. Next, if you are breaking down walls or building new ones, this will need to be undertaken during the first phase of the project. The bathrooms and kitchens will take a long time, so do start on this work in the initial stages. Move on to the interiors only once all the demolition and construction work is completed. It’s important to ensure that the work done is of good quality and is not rushed, as you will have to live with this house renovation for decades to come.
With the right updates, old homes can truly shine! Here are some renovation ideas for old homes:
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