Older properties can offer character, generous room sizes and architectural details that are difficult to recreate in a modern home. However, renovating one can also uncover problems that weren’t obvious when you first viewed the property.
What begins as a new kitchen, bathroom or general refurbishment can reveal ageing electrics, damp, deteriorating plaster, plumbing problems or structural issues that need to be addressed before the visible improvements can begin.
At EJB Building & Property Maintenance, we work across domestic, commercial and industrial properties throughout North Wales and the North West, backed by over 20 years of experience.
If you’re planning to renovate an older home, here are some of the most common problems to look out for.
1. Damp Problems
Damp is one of the first things to investigate in an older property.
You might notice:
- Damp or dark patches on walls
- Peeling paint or wallpaper
- A persistent musty smell
- Damaged plaster
- Mould growth
- Deteriorating skirting boards
However, identifying the source is more important than simply covering the visible damage.
Moisture problems can have various causes, including plumbing leaks, defective external finishes, poor ventilation, problems around roofs or gutters, or issues with the property’s damp protection.
At EJB Building & Property Maintenance, our damp-proofing work can include appropriate tanking and membrane systems, depending on the property and the cause of the problem.
2. Old or Damaged Electrical Systems
If you’re renovating an older home, the electrical installation deserves careful attention.
Over the years, properties may have been extended and altered numerous times. Additional sockets, lighting and other circuits may have been added at different stages.
Before investing heavily in decorating, kitchens or fitted furniture, it’s sensible to establish whether the electrical installation requires upgrading.
Depending on its condition, work could range from individual electrical repairs through to a more extensive rewire.
Electrical work should be carried out by appropriately qualified professionals and completed in accordance with applicable requirements.
3. Ageing Plumbing
Old pipework can remain hidden behind walls, underneath floors and inside cupboards until renovation work begins.
Once exposed, you may discover corrosion, previous repairs, leaking joints or plumbing arrangements that no longer suit the planned layout.
If you’re installing a new kitchen or bathroom, this is an ideal opportunity to assess the existing plumbing before everything is covered again.
Dealing with ageing pipework during the renovation can be considerably less disruptive than discovering a leak after your new flooring, plastering and decoration have been completed.
4. Cracked or Deteriorating Plaster
Old plaster doesn’t always respond well to renovation work.
Removing wallpaper, tiles, fitted furniture or old fixtures can expose cracked, loose or damaged areas.
Sometimes sections that initially look acceptable can begin to deteriorate once surrounding materials are removed.
Professional plastering can create the clean, consistent surfaces required for the next stage of the project.
It’s important to prepare walls properly rather than expecting new paint or wallpaper to hide underlying defects.
5. Brickwork and Mortar Problems
The external brickwork of an older property should also be inspected.
Mortar joints can deteriorate over time as they’re exposed to years of rain, frost and changing temperatures.
You may notice loose or crumbling mortar, damaged masonry, cracking or evidence of previous repairs.
Depending on the property, work may involve repointing, masonry repairs or restoration.
EJB Building & Property Maintenance undertakes a range of brickwork, including stonework, general brickwork, thin-joint work, repointing and masonry repair, restoration and conservation work.
6. Problems Hidden Behind Previous Renovations
One of the biggest uncertainties when renovating an older property is discovering what previous owners have done.
A house may have been altered several times over many decades.
Removing kitchens, bathrooms, flooring or wall coverings can reveal previous repairs or alterations that need attention.
This is why it’s sensible to keep some flexibility within both your renovation budget and schedule.
Not every problem can be identified before work starts.
7. Poor Ventilation
Modern lifestyles can create significant amounts of moisture inside a home through cooking, showering, drying clothes and everyday activities.
Older properties may not always have ventilation arrangements suited to the way the building is now used.
Poor ventilation can contribute to condensation and mould growth, particularly in kitchens and bathrooms.
When renovating, consider ventilation as part of the overall design rather than as an afterthought.
A beautiful new bathroom still needs to manage moisture effectively.
8. Uneven Floors and Walls
Perfectly straight walls and level floors aren’t guaranteed in an older property.
This becomes particularly noticeable when you’re fitting:
- New kitchens
- Bathroom furniture
- Tiles
- Flooring
- Built-in storage
- Joinery
- Doors and skirting boards
An experienced contractor can assess the existing surfaces and determine what preparation is required to achieve a high-quality finish.
This is especially important with tiling, where good preparation can make a significant difference to the finished result.
9. Roofing Problems
If you’re investing in a major renovation, don’t concentrate exclusively on the inside of the property.
The roof protects everything underneath it.
Missing or damaged materials, defective flashing, chimney problems, leaks and deteriorating roof components can all allow water into the building.
There’s little point spending thousands of pounds on plastering and decorating if an unresolved roof problem is allowing moisture back into the property.
Investigating the building envelope early can help prevent damage to newly completed internal work.
10. Chimneys and Older Masonry
Older properties frequently have chimneys, even if the original fireplace is no longer used.
Chimney stacks are exposed to particularly harsh weather conditions and can develop problems with mortar, masonry and flashing.
If you’re renovating an older property, include chimneys within your external inspection rather than assuming they’re fine because you don’t use the fireplace.
11. Old Bathrooms and Kitchens Can Reveal Bigger Problems
Replacing a dated kitchen or bathroom is one of the most popular renovation projects.
But once the old installation is removed, additional work can become apparent.
You may discover damaged flooring, old pipework, electrical issues, poor previous tiling, deteriorated plaster or evidence of historic leaks.
Having one contractor capable of coordinating different elements of the project can make this stage much easier to manage.
EJB Building & Property Maintenance undertakes kitchen and bathroom projects alongside plumbing, electrical, tiling, plastering, joinery and decorating work, providing a coordinated approach to property renovation.
12. Structural Changes Need Proper Planning
Many homeowners renovating older properties want to create larger, brighter and more open spaces.
Removing walls or altering the existing layout can completely transform a home, but structural changes need to be properly assessed and planned.
Never assume a wall can simply be removed.
Depending on the work, structural design, building regulations approval or other professional input may be required.
Getting the correct advice at the beginning can prevent costly mistakes later.
13. Older Properties May Contain Hazardous Materials
Depending on the age and history of the property, materials such as asbestos may be present.
It can be found in a range of older building products, and it isn’t always obvious from appearance alone.
If suspicious materials are discovered during renovation, don’t disturb them unnecessarily.
Appropriate professional advice, surveying and, where required, specialist removal should be arranged.
14. Don’t Forget the Exterior
A complete property renovation shouldn’t stop at the front door.
Landscaping, paving, driveways, walls, fencing and other external areas can all influence how the finished property looks and functions.
Planning exterior work alongside the main renovation can help create a consistent finish across the entire property.
EJB Building & Property Maintenance can undertake landscaping work including paving, driveways, walling, decking, fencing, turfing, artificial grass and planting.
Expect the Unexpected
One of the most important things to understand about renovating an older property is that unexpected work can arise.
Even a detailed initial inspection can’t always reveal what’s behind every wall, underneath every floor or above every ceiling.
Allowing some contingency within your budget can make it easier to deal with necessary additional work without compromising the rest of the renovation.
A good contractor should also communicate clearly when unexpected problems are uncovered, explaining the issue and the available options before additional work progresses.
The Benefit of Using One Contractor for Your Renovation
Managing separate builders, electricians, plumbers, plasterers, tilers, decorators and joiners can quickly become complicated.
Using one experienced property maintenance and building contractor can make coordination much easier.
At EJB Building & Property Maintenance, we cover a wide range of trades and services, allowing different stages of a renovation to be planned around each other.
From the initial strip-out and repairs through to kitchens, bathrooms, electrics, plumbing, plastering, tiling, joinery and decorating, having one point of contact can help keep the project organised.
Renovating an Older Property?
Older homes can be incredibly rewarding renovation projects.
The key is understanding that the work isn’t always limited to the improvements you can see.
Addressing damp, electrics, plumbing, brickwork, plastering and other underlying problems properly gives you a much stronger foundation for everything that follows.
With over 20 years of experience, EJB Building & Property Maintenance provides domestic building and property maintenance services throughout North Wales and the North West.
Whether you’re planning a complete property renovation, new kitchen or bathroom, building work or ongoing property improvements, our team can help coordinate the work from start to finish.
Contact EJB Building & Property Maintenance today to discuss your property renovation and arrange a quotation.