Renovating an old building is a chance to give a home new life – but it requires a preliminary survey of the structure, the services and the waterproofing. Sometimes structural strengthening is needed before any finishing work.
What to check before starting
In an older building the surprises sit beneath the plaster. A preliminary survey puts them into the budget in advance rather than mid-project:
- Condition of the structure – cracks, exposed reinforcement in concrete and signs of settlement. Such findings require a structural engineer's opinion before any work.
- Services – old plumbing, a non-compliant consumer unit and missing residual current devices. In most buildings from before 1980 this is mandatory.
- Waterproofing and damp – locating the source of damp before covering it with a new finish.
- Asbestos – older buildings may contain asbestos panels requiring licensed removal.
Stages of a deep renovation
- Structural survey and engineering opinion
- Controlled demolition and clearance
- Structural strengthening if required
- Replacing electrical and plumbing services
- Re-waterproofing with a flood test
- Full finishing works
Why not to compromise
A renovation that skips the services or the waterproofing reveals itself as a problem within a short time – and worse, the repair then requires demolishing new, sound finish work. The rule is simple: everything under the finish must be handled before it is covered. You can economise on finishes and fittings; you cannot economise on services.
Frequently asked questions
How much contingency is needed?
More than in an ordinary renovation – we recommend 15-20 percent. In an older building the chance of hidden discoveries is significantly higher.
When is structural strengthening required?
When structural cracks, settlement or exposed reinforcement are found, and when load-bearing walls or added loads are planned. The decision belongs to a structural engineer, not the contractor.
How long does a deep renovation take?
In an apartment usually three to six months; in a whole private house it can reach a year, depending on the extent of strengthening and service replacement.
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