Renovating a period property is a dream come true for many creative people. The gorgeous original features are romantic and stylish and a lot of them have been created by hand which adds a unique feel to the property. A creative person can find a lot of ways to add to the design of the house and put their own stamp on it without disturbing the authentic tradition of their new home. However, before you get too carried away, there are some things that you will need to consider. Here are four tips for renovating a period property.
Photo by Daria Nepriakhina on Unsplash.
Make sure you are legally allowed to renovate
Before you move in, you should check whether you are legally allowed to renovate the property and if there are any restrictions on what you can and can’t do to change its appearance. Grade I or grade II listed buildings are considered to be of national importance and have extra legal protection which means that there are restrictions on any cosmetic changes you want to make. If the property is in a conservation area, you may also find yourself restricted. Your solicitor will be able to check this for you before you sign the contract so make sure they are aware of the changes you are planning to make so they can advise you accordingly.
Budget carefully for the period property
Most big renovation projects will go over the budget you have set for them. This doesn’t have to be an issue as long as you factor in an additional cost for this purpose. Add another 20% to your costings so that if you do go over what you thought you would spend then you still have the money to pay for it. If you do manage to stay within your planned budget, this will give you some extra money for other things.
Reduce costs
You can reduce costs by doing some of the work yourself if you want to. This can be part of the fun of a renovation project. Painting and decorating are fantastic ways to make your mark on the property; however, other DIY projects such as plumbing and electrical work should only be attempted if you are qualified. If you are not, always hire a professional.
You can cut costs by sourcing material yourself. Many tradespeople put their own markup on supplies, but by going to plumbing or electrical wholesalers you can save money even if you don’t do the work yourself.
Don’t get stressed
A renovation project is supposed to be fun, but it can sometimes feel like quite the opposite when you find jobs you didn’t know needed doing or the project goes over your expected timescale. Try to relax and go with the flow. It will all come together in the end, and you will have a beautiful, unique home to live in.
Follow these four tips when renovating a period property and you will be able to create the home of your dreams.
