The purchase and renovation of an old property can be a good investment as the building may have an old-world charm, it could include traditional design features, tall ceilings, a good locational advantage and a lot of spaciousness which is not available in newly constructed homes. Home renovation is always an exciting process but chances are high that one will face some unexpected hurdles while renovating an ancestral property or an old property which is more than 30 years old. In this article we tell you to look out for hidden problems which can arise during the renovation of older homes.

                                
1. Damage due to moisture

• Water seepage is one of the biggest problems in old-construction homes. The water may seep in from the roof, the walls and from leaky plumbing lines. Make it a point to appoint a waterproofing consultant who can identify and seal the damaged walls with new plaster and waterproofing compounds to control dampness. Also, replace the leaky pipes and make provision for good ventilation during the renovation of the home.

• The cracks in wooden doors and windows can be a potential source of water seepage and moisture. It is advisable to go for new-age uPVC windows which replicate the look of wood.
• The building may also get damaged due to the growth of mould, mildew or an active termite infestation which thrives in moist conditions. It is recommended to get rid of the damaged wood that is infested by termites. Go for a pest control service which can provide specialised treatments to exterminate termites.

2. Cracks in the foundation

• Another major problem is the presence of visible cracks in the foundation of the building, especially if the house is an ancestral property which is more than 60 years old.
• Cracks are usually formed due to water retention in the foundation or due to the settling soil below the building.

• Appoint an experienced structural engineer who can inspect the building, identify the cracks and find a solution to fix all the structural problems of the building.

3. Outdated plumbing lines

• Old buildings come with outdated galvanized plumbing pipes which corrode over a period of time. All the galvanized pipes have to be replaced with new PVC pipes.

4. Poor workmanship

• Before starting the renovation work inspect the interiors and exteriors of the building for poor workmanship and take adequate measures to rectify the same.

5. Old electrical wiring

• The electrical wiring of an old building cannot take the load of modern home appliances like geysers, air conditioners, refrigerator, microwave, gadgets and so on.
• Since old electrical fittings are unsafe and can be a fire hazard, it is essential to hire the services of an experienced electrical contractor to upgrade the electrical system. The load calculation of the electrical wiring depends on the number of electrical fixtures, appliances and air conditioners that need to run parallel in the house.
• Change all the switchboards and incorporate adequate plug points in the bathroom, kitchen and other areas of the home to support all the appliances.

6. Outdated layout

• Some older houses have outdated layouts which do not maximise space. Therefore it is essential to reorganise the space without tampering with the structure of the building.
• Appoint an interior designer who can rework the layout so that the house is functional and suitable for a modern lifestyle. Some of the typical features of an old house are a small closed kitchen, narrow hallways and so on.

Verdict
 

• Get the property inspected by a structural engineer or an architect before starting the renovation work. The professional guidance will help ensure smooth execution of the work.
• Create a budget and keep adequate funds for contingencies because the renovation of older homes usually results in many unforeseen expenses.