There is a lot of appeal to buying and living in an older property. The sense of history, its unique aesthetic charms, and the potential value gain over the years can make them very attractive purchases. However, you need to make sure that you would thrive in an older property before you buy one. Many of them are not well-suited to modern living. However, there’s a lot that you can potentially do about that. Let’s look at some of the potential solutions below.
Integrate Modern Comfort (Discreetly)
The first thing you need to ensure is that your plumbing, wiring, and heating systems aren’t too outdated. These essentials can become not only more efficient with a little work, but much safer, too. Beyond the vitals, however, you might want to look into the steps you can take to import a little modern convenience, such as with smart home technology. Discreet, wireless systems can help you avoid having to wire up the home across the board. Any wires you do need to install can be hidden behind skirting boards or in existing voids throughout the home. Smart lighting, thermostats, and security that operate via apps can help you maintain much of the luxury of modern living without undermining the charm of the property’s aesthetic.
Choose The Right Renovation Team
If you need to adjust the layouts of certain areas, to finish spaces that have been a little neglected, or simply to bolster what’s already there, you have to be mindful of your choice of renovation team. Not every team is suited to working in older properties and might not know how to preserve their charm and avoid accidental damage. Working with renovators experienced with heritage properties, like Berkeley Place, not only ensures that the property is handled with care and consideration for preserving as much of its charm as possible. It also makes sure that you’re able to complete any work with the local regulations in mind. Older buildings often need additional permits or approvals to work on, after all.
The Importance Of Energy Efficiency
Perhaps the most common struggle with older buildings is that they can be draughty and poorly insulated. However, you don’t need to go for PVC windows and drastic changes to the roof to make the home more comfortable in winter. You can preserve the charm by, for instance, using secondary glazing to improve the thermal qualities of the existing windows. There’s a lot of space for hidden insulation, as well, such as in the attic, underneath floors, and gaps that you could seal to prevent cold draughts coming in. Where allowed, discreet solar panels or air-source heat pumps can even provide renewable energy without dominating the property’s appearance.
When you’re living in an older property, you need to make sure that you’re able to accept its age to some degree. It’s not going to meet every expectation like a newly built home. You should be patient, have a plan to adapt it to your needs, and keep in mind its benefits and charms to help you adapt ot it, too.