Nine top tips for renovating or remodelling an older home

So, you’re undertaking the renovation or remodelling of an older house. Maybe you’ve done this before, and maybe it’s your first time working with older features and materials. Either way, we’re here to help you get started with a few top tips.

We have years of experience working with and providing construction materials for older and historic homes, so we know a thing or two about how to renovate and remodel them efficiently. This guide should give you the boost you need to start and complete your renovation confidently.

1. Check for planning permission

Some renovation work may require planning permission even if you are carrying out work internally or restoring original features. This can also apply to changing the use of a building, for example converting a barn to a dwelling. Always check with your local planning department if in doubt before starting any renovations.

2. Check if the building is listed

Check your property and associated surrounding features for a listing and carefully read the description. Listed building consent was established in 1968, protecting buildings and other structures from being drastically altered, in order to protect our national heritage.

However, many older properties may have had recent modifications during the time of their listing. This means you may need to carry out any repair work in keeping with the listing, for example using a grey-coloured mortar to repair cement pointing.

You should always consult a conservation officer before undertaking work that impacts the property description in the listing, not doing so could get you in trouble!

Read more about listed buildings and what that means

3. Create a plan & budget

Start by making a list of all the work that is needed and prioritise. Also consider what order to do things in. You don’t want to spend time and money renovating a hallway and restoring flagstones only to have to rip up the floor a few months later to replace a corroded galvanized water pipe.

Also consider the age of the house and original features, this can impact property value. If you’ve identified damp or water ingress and your building has solid walls, pointing or rendering is likely on your list of projects to tackle. In that case, decide early on what materials to use and who will undertake the work.

When drafting your plan and ideas it is really important to manage your expectations and remain flexible. Timelines will shift and budgets will almost certainly be stretched!

Browse our range of ready mixed lime renders and plasters

4. Check critical structural areas first

In an older home, critical structural areas may cause the most damage to take out or replace, but they are also often the core components of your home that shouldn’t be ignored. You want to have a good lay of the land in terms of these problem-points first, so that you can take this into account as you organise your renovation timeline and understand the scope of your project.

Priority structural areas to check for wear and tear, damage, and older, potentially dangerous construction work include:

• Foundation
• Wiring
• Plumbing
• Roofing

It’s all well and good making your historic home look pretty, but if the foundation is unstable, the electrics are out of date, the roof isn’t up to regulatory standards, or you have a home full of galvanised pipes, you’re going to run into some problems along the way. So we recommend always checking these things out first.

5. Pace yourself and starting from the outside & work your way in

It’s very tempting to start updating an old interior and make yourself at home as soon as possible, for example by replacing carpets or fitting a new kitchen. However it is important to make sure the outside of a property are sound first, particularly in relation to water.

Sometimes damp issues are solved by simply removing wallpaper and having a good heating and ventilation regime. However it can also be more complicated. A compromised roof, chimney, window, door or wall could quickly damage internal work and you’ll have to invest in doing it all again!

Water can also travel through a wall further than you think so the source of damp might not always be where you expect. So take some time to get to know your house through the seasons to determine root cause of issues before undertaking any major repair work, this will save you time and money in long run.

6. Consider what you can do yourself & go on a course

Most of the cost involved in renovation work is labour, so if you are able to undertake some works yourself, this could be a very budget friendly option. You will also get great satisfaction knowing you have restored parts of your home.

Working with traditional and lime based products can be very forgiving for a beginner as they typically take longer to set than modern materials, giving you time to work at a slower pace. However they do require more preparation and aftercare to achieve a good cure and lasting finish.

Taking a course, like our Lime Training Day, is a fantastic way to learn the history of lime, choice of materials, and theory behind proper use in addition to having a go under the guidance of experts and have the opportunity to ask questions. Taking a course can also be valuable when working with contractors, to be familiar with the traditional techniques and materials they may be using.

7. Stay safe!

Older homes can contain all sorts of hazards. From woodworm weakened beams and asbestos ceilings to lead paints and ‘creative’ electrical wiring. Research any DIY tasks thoroughly and know your limits when undertaking work yourself. It is also crucial to invest in good PPE such as eye protection, dust masks and appropriate gloves.

If you are rebuilding with traditional lime-based products these also require handling with care as lime is highly alkaline and can be corrosive. Always be responsible with disposing of hazardous materials and if you are ever unsure, ask your local recycling facility.

Browse our range of PPE for working with lime

8. Connect with your local community

Get to know your neighbours and the people in your local area. There is a high chance someone else has gone through a similar experience and often people will be curious about your project and only too keen to share stories, offer tips, loan tools and recommend local tradespeople.

You might even end up with an extra pair of hands or new friends as a bonus.

9. Enjoy the journey

The one thing that’s guaranteed with renovating an older home is not everything will go to plan. Take before and after photos to remind yourself of the progress you’ve made. Restoring an older property is a labour of love so take breaks and enjoy the ride!

Summing it up

Overall, the main pointers to take from this guide highlight the importance of thorough planning and understanding the unique requirements of older homes. By prioritising structural integrity and seeking expert advice when needed, you can ensure a smoother renovation process. Enjoy the journey, embrace the unexpected, and remember to connect with your community for support and resources along the way.