Owning a Victorian home is a responsibility. These historical properties existed long before you did, and they will still be around after you’re gone. As such, you need to take care of them.
For example, don’t replace original sash windows with uPVC ones. Instead, hire a contractor to repair and refurbish them
Know Your Goals
The first step of any comprehensive home renovations is knowing what you want to accomplish. Whether you are looking to modernize your kitchen or change the layout of your home to accommodate changes in your family, it’s important to have an idea of what your goals are. This will help you stay on track and ensure that your renovation is a success.
Victorian homes are known for their elaborate woodwork and detailed craftsmanship, so preserving these features is an important aspect of any comprehensive house renovation. However, there are also many ways to update your Victorian home without losing its historical charm.
For example, replacing old windows with more energy-efficient ones will save you money on your utility bills while still maintaining the look of the house. Additionally, homeowners can repurpose rooms in their homes to increase the number of bedrooms and storage space while maintaining the Victorian characteristics that they love.
Make a List of Needs and Wants
There are many reasons homeowners choose to renovate their property. They may want to add a new kitchen and bathroom, replace windows and doors, or modernize the entire house. Changes in lifestyle, like a growing family or the need for a home office, can also inspire renovations.
The first step in tackling a large-scale renovation is making a list of what you want and need to accomplish. This will help you determine which projects are the most important, and prioritize them in your budget. It will also help you decide whether to keep period features, such as ornate fireplaces and decorative mouldings, which can add value to your property.
Before starting any work, it’s a good idea to get your building permit. This will ensure that the work you’re having done meets local codes and safety requirements. It will also allow potential buyers of your property to see that the work has been done professionally.
Create a Budget
Before you begin any renovations, it is important to create a budget for the entire project. This will help you determine what projects are worth the investment and which ones are less important. It will also help you stay within your budget and not spend more than you can afford.
Victorian properties often have original features that can be refurbished rather than replaced. For example, if the front path has original tiles instead of the more common concrete ones, consider keeping them. They tell a story about the property and can be a talking point when guests visit. It is also worth checking that any original features that have been replaced, such as ceiling roses, are not fake or poorly made.
It is essential to maintain a Victorian house as it is an historical icon and requires a specific level of maintenance for both function and appearance. Any issues should be addressed immediately to prevent problems that may be more expensive in the future. For example, damp may cause rotting timbers and joists that will be expensive to repair.
Prioritize Your Needs and Wants
Getting the most value out of your renovation is essential, so be sure to prioritize projects with the best return on investment. Likewise, it’s important to think about what your needs and wants are in terms of space and functionality. For example, converting your attic might seem like a straightforward task, but it could require changing methods of egress and new structural support.
Preserving original features of your Victorian property is a key element to consider during the planning stage. For instance, you might decide to restore wooden floorboards rather than replacing them. Or, you might choose to accent ceilings with intricate crown molding. This helps to preserve the character of your home while highlighting its beauty.
Upgrading your building’s systems and utilities should also be a priority. This will improve safety and energy efficiency, as well as add to your property’s value. For example, insulating your house will help to reduce heat loss and lower your energy bills.
Make a Roadmap
Victorian-style homes require a certain amount of maintenance in order to preserve their original style. As such, it’s important to have a detailed roadmap in place before beginning the renovation process. This will help you keep track of the projects that have been completed and which ones still need to be done.
Getting to know your home’s architecture and features will allow you to choose enhancements that are both beautiful and historically accurate. Avoid contemporary cliches, such as bifold doors, and opt for options that will blend seamlessly into the home’s architectural style.
You should also check to see if the house has any damp problems. If so, you’ll need to have it repaired as soon as possible to prevent major damage and safety concerns. Damp problems can often be solved by having a specialist fit secondary glazing to the existing sash windows. This will retain their beauty while ensuring they’re fully insulated and draught-proofed.
Hire a Contractor
Victorian homes often need upgrades to meet modern standards, such as updated electrical and plumbing systems. Additionally, these homes may require addressing issues such as lead paint and dry rot. Homeowners can easily make these updates while still retaining the beauty of a Victorian home.
Hiring the best contractor is essential to a successful house renovation. The right contractor will be highly transparent, courteous of your time, and keep their work on schedule. They will also respect your home and deliver impressive results.
During a renovation, it’s important to keep in mind that your neighbors might be disturbed by loud noise and construction debris. To avoid this, try to keep your renovations as contained as possible. You should also keep in mind that the local zoning laws might impact your scope of work. Be sure to speak with your contractor about these regulations. This way, you can avoid any costly surprises down the road. For more tips and professional advice on managing your renovation project, you can visit one of the best home renovators in Melbourne, BP Building Concepts, here: https://bpbuildingconcepts.com.au/. Their experienced team ensures a smooth and successful renovation.