Who doesn’t love a good renovation, especially of a classic house? To breathe new life to an old structure means restoring its old charm with updated refurbishments to suit modern living. It’s a rewarding but massive undertaking that comes with many practical and creative challenges which cost effort, time and money.

If you still love the idea of a good ‘fixer-upper’, understand these 10 challenges before taking on an older home renovation project. 

Challenge #1 – Labor Costs 

If you decide to renovate an old house,  you’ll need to cover labor costs for builders, contractors, or anyone else working on the project. And those costs in 2024 are higher than ever. Plumbers, electricians, and general construction labor is scarce which is why the hourly wage is more expensive. Workers know that their skills are in high demand and want to be paid handsomely for them.

Hourly wages is just one component of the labor cost. You must also cover the high cost of insurance to protect workers on the job.

Challenge #2 – Code Regulations 

Your local council’s building regulations can impact heavily on the cost of a home renovation. Building code requirements that stipulate what you can and cannot construct, vary from one location to another.  For example, some cities require the adoption of climate-friendly energy systems which could mean reworking the entire HVAC plan, causing costly delays and driving up labor costs. 

Consider hiring professional builders in the area with established in-roads with the local government to avoid costly code violations.

Challenge #3 – Material Costs 

The costs of certain building materials are the highest ever in 50 years according to the US Census Bureau. Lumber and steel are just some of the essential raw materials that have become more expensive. One reason for the increase is the supply chain disruptions from Covid lockdowns.

Challenge #4 – Working With the House You Have

While you might have a grand vision for your old home renovation, be realistic with what you have to work with.  For example, you can’t simply redesign a classic colonial into a federal with cosmetic changes. Consider the architecture, appreciate the bones of the one you’ve got and aim to restore its former glory. Unless, you really want to tear the whole house down and start over.

Challenge #5 – Hidden Problems

The process of home renovation is exciting but the smart play is to expect the worst kind of problems. Incidentally, if you’ve seen the 80s film starring Tom Hanks called “The Money Pit”, you know what we mean. It’s a disaster movie about home renovation. Spoiler alert – it all works out in the end.

A word of warning – when renovating an older property that’s more than 30 years old, expect that nothing works. You should always be looking for problems inside and out and from top to bottom. Plumbing can corrode over time, wood can rot and a myriad of other problems can evolve over time.

Challenge #6 – Water Damage 

Water or moisture damage is one of the biggest problems in old homes. Check the roof for damage as well as the basement, ceilings and walls for leaks from old pipes. Hire a waterproofing specialist to replace and seal the damaged walls with new plaster and waterproofing compounds to control dampness.

Inspect the building for mold, 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 that specializes in safe extermination of pests.

Depending on the state of the existing pipes and the extent of the damage, consider upgrading the entire plumbing and HVAC systems to meet current waterproofing standards.

Challenge #7 – Structural Damage

Check the foundation for cracks, especially if the property is more than 60 years old. Cracks are usually formed over time due to water retention in the foundation or settling soil below the building.

Engage an experienced structural engineer who can inspect the building, spot the cracks and fix all the structural problems before starting the renovation work. The professional guidance will help ensure a successful old home renovation.

Challenge #8 – Outdated Plumbing and Electrical Systems

Old buildings usually have outdated galvanized plumbing pipes and tanks which corrode over a period of time. Hire a professional plumber to go over the entire system and order the upgrade of pipes, pumps, storage tanks, faucets and other fixtures.

Electrical systems in old homes can only power lights. They were not designed for energy-demanding home appliances like air conditioners, refrigerators, microwave ovens, electronic gadgets and so on.  It’s safe to say that old electrical fittings are potential fire hazards. An experienced electrical contractor will perform the necessary upgrade to solve the load calculation of the electrical wiring, and power all the electrical fixtures, appliances and air conditioners that need to run parallel in the house.

Challenge #9 – Poor Workmanship

While your old house may have salvageable qualities and features, it was built with old materials and technology. Or worse, it may have been handled by contractors who took shortcuts, compromising the integrity and safety of the structure.

Before starting the renovation work, get safety professionals to inspect the building inside and out for poor workmanship and work out a plan, and a budget to fix them.

Challenge #10 – Bad Floor Plans

Some older houses have been planned poorly with no design sense to maximize the available space. Your renovation plan therefore, must reorganize the space without violating the structure of the building. A good interior designer can rework the layout so that the house is functional and suitable for modern living.

How Much Does It Cost to Renovate an Old House?

House renovation costs can vary significantly based on such factors as the extent of the repairs, upgrades and your location. Still, the purchase and renovation of an old property can be worthwhile. Classic design, tall ceilings, expansive walls and floors, are features not available in newly constructed homes. An old style home with modern amenities in a nice neighborhood can command premium value and deliver the best return on investment. 

Are you thinking about upgrading an old house for modern times? Let’s talk about making your dream home renovation a reality. Book your free consultation today!