Thinking Of Moving Into An Older Property? Consider These Factors First

Moving into a property is rarely an identical experience for all. There are always nuances to the situation depending on the purchased type of home. 

If you want to move into an older property, certain factors should be considered. After all, while these buildings can be elegant and historical, the logistical side of things can sometimes be more involved too. 

That said, this shouldn’t deter you. So long as you’re prepared, you’ll be capable of handling anything that comes your way. After that, you’ll surely secure the property of your dreams. Here are some factors to consider if you’re thinking of moving into an older property. 

A Full Building Survey is Required

Though charming, older properties can be beset with a host of issues. It’s important to maintain realistic expectations here, and the best way to do that is with a full building survey. 

Try not to view the survey negatively. It can give you a plan of action in getting an older property in better shape, rather than provide you with reasons not to purchase the home. It’s important to know what you’re working with, from structural integrity to the quality of drainage, so gain those insights if you find a property you’re interested in.   

It’s important to leave no stone unturned during this process. Chimneys may need some reworking alongside reroofing strategies and potentially highlight issues such as dampness. The results you receive may not exclusively be about quick fixes, too. For example, they may also focus on things like ongoing maintenance measures to help you look after the property over time. 

Extensions Aren’t Always a Good Idea

Older properties tend to be smaller compared to their newer counterparts. It’s simply how they were designed, favouring snug, intimate spaces rather than open plan living. 

Because of this, many owners of older homes think that adding and enlargening rooms will be prudent, giving them more space to enjoy. Though property extensions often carry a great deal of risk, they can jeopardise everything when it comes to older homes. 

For example, if the addition doesn’t match the quality and character of the existing structure, it can create an enormous eyesore. The house may stand out on the street for all the wrong reasons. Consequently, the property’s value can also be adversely affected, as there’s an unsightly dichotomy at its heart. 

It could be better to focus on preserving or emphasising the existing themes and feel of an older property rather than attempting to redefine it entirely. Consult your renovation teams closely on these factors, as they may advise against alterations that will destroy character and proportions. Alternatively, they could also provide reassurance if you have any doubts. 

Rewiring Might be Necessary 

Property is more integrated with tech these days. Because of this, older properties may have some catching up to do. 

It’s not always the case that older properties need rewiring. However, they often do, and you can often tell by how faulty the electrics are or by the model of the fuse box. If things are a little shakey and outdated, it’s best to overhaul things completely. 

Work with local businesses for faster response times so that you can save their contact details if any work needs doing in future. After all, electrics can go faulty unexpectedly, and few people can afford to be without power for long. If you work with the right professionals, this job can be easy. 

If you’re moving to the area, contact a local emergency electrician in Essex for faster response times, as they can be with you in 2 hours and never wind down their operations. They can handle emergencies but also projects of any size, from fixing switches to, more notably, conducting full rewirings of a property. They’ll ensure electricity flows freely in your house whenever you call, giving you peace of mind.  

Aesthetics Should be Left Until Last

While it’s tempting to paint shabby walls and recarpet immediately, it’s important to hold off. There is a distinct order in which these series of events must transpire. 

If the older house you’ve purchased requires a lot of work, then the property is sure to get tattered and messy despite your efforts. It’s simply part of the process. If you focus on aesthetics too early, your refurbishments will ruin it all, forcing you to redecorate again after the bulk of the project has been completed. 

However, it’s important to remember that this doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t be at least thinking about the character and design of the building. After all, it’s all one vision. Do some research throughout the entire process, and consider all the decorative options available to explore.

Depending on the history behind your older home, it may be prudent to lean into the period side of things. Remember, antique furniture is often sought after, so you can visit auctions or specialist stores to secure what you need. After that, you may be able to recapture what made the property so special all those years ago.