If you’re thinking of renovating an old house, there are many things to consider. While it’s exciting to think about how you will change the look of the structure you love so much, renovating an old house can be dangerous. For example, you should do some research on building ordinances in your area, and be aware of any building codes you may need to adhere to.
Check the foundation
If you would like to renovate an old house, then check first if there are any faulty foundations or are they structurally sound enough for a new construction. You should check up on its foundations thoroughly before beginning any renovations, because:
- The foundations can be damaged by the age and the weather conditions, which will cause cracking or even fall apart;
- The foundation can become weak due to the old age, which will typically lead to sagging and even collapse;
- The house can fall apart from termites or rodents that are chewing on the wood. This causes damage to interior walls and makes it more difficult to renovate;
Get all the required permit
Prior to renovating any old property do your research and learn everything about all the regulations before going ahead with renovation project. You should also follow strict guidelines so that there would be no future problems later on because of any mistakes made by the previous owner.
There are various types of permits for different purposes and procedures. So, before starting the renovation work, it is better to get all necessary permits just in case there is some glitch later on in which you might end up with fines or even jail time for not getting every permit.
Check if pipes are in good condition
While renovating an old home, it is important to check its pipes and plumbing system. To do so, you need to examine the water and sewer system of the house. You should also check if any repairs need to be done at all or if you can just leave it as it is.
If the pipes are older than 20 years, it may be time for an expert plumbing repair service. You can contact a plumber who is experienced with plumbing repairs on a regular basis and also provides a comprehensive service that includes replacement of broken pipes and taps, cleaning, replacing or repairing gas lines and replacing faulty faucets or showerheads etc..
You should also check whether your boiler needs maintenance or replacement. To do so, think about how long your boiler was working and what kind of energy bills were being generated by this machine before replacing it.
Work with a reputable contractor
Before going into a renovation, you need to check if there is a professional contractor on your side who has done similar projects and has his expertise in the sector. You also need to reassess your needs as new features and designs have been added over the years.
You need to know their credentials and experience in the construction industry as well as their past work experiences in similar projects. In addition, you need to read about each contractor’s reputation or history of past projects and customers that they have satisfied before signing any contract with them.
