You fell in love with an old country cottage from the 1930s… The distinct architectural style seduced you and the decision was made to move there. But what to do with the interior?
In order for the internal layout to meet current expectations in terms of comfort, insulation and continued living, renovations need to begin to transform the old house into a modern cozy nest for comfortable living. The following few steps will help you maintain balance and coherence in your building.
Updating the power grid
These are the most responsible jobs, but they can be the most expensive. Repairs that can cost a hefty sum excluding VAT per square meter. Old houses are often of considerable size, so the cost of such a procedure becomes more and more expensive. But it is necessary to go through this stage.
To find out what work will need to be done, start by having your electrical equipment diagnosed by a professional.
Phone call to the architect
When converting an old house to a modern one, owners often want to knock down a lot of walls quickly, sometimes rethinking the entire structure to make the most of the space. If the ideas are grandiose, it is necessary to study their feasibility and cost. In this matter, nothing compares to the expert view of an architect. It can suggest which load-bearing and semi-load-bearing walls should be preserved.
An architect can also point out the weaknesses of your future development in terms of space optimization, circulation or even energy consumption. The price of implementation of reconstruction plans may vary depending on your needs.
Preserving the vintage atmosphere
Renovation does not mean demolition and rebuilding, just the opposite. Old houses often hide architectural treasures that are in great demand today: exposed beams, floors made of natural stone or precious woods, oversized basements with high ceilings, and transformable attics.
Replacement of windows and doors
If the house is old, it is safe to say that the joinery is of the same age. Replacement of exterior doors and windows is often necessary in projects of this type. This will allow to improve the thermal insulation of the building, which means to increase internal comfort.
To preserve the old style, you can turn to wood joinery of the latest generation or aluminum-wood windows and doors, which are strong and aesthetic.
Space optimization
Plans of old houses often included many hallways, closed kitchens, cramped bathrooms. Feel free to view the interior plans with the help of the wizard. Decompartmentalize as much as possible, this will also bring additional natural light into the home.
Private rooms can feel stuffy because of their small window. Increase the number of windows and you will visually expand the room.
We improve insulation
This is an obvious, necessary step. The old insulation must be completely revised. Without good insulation on the outside and/or inside of your home, you are exposing yourself to high heating costs and reduced comfort levels. To check your insulation, entrust the work to a professional.
What about heating?
Heating an old house is a rethinking of the entire system, essential work. First of all, ask what type of energy do you want to use? Do you want to keep the existing heating system or completely change it?
Changing the heating is an opportunity to establish a more economical, ecological approach to heating the house. Why not make a “wood-burner” that is modern, programmable or even connected to radiators? Please note that the heating change is part of the energy renewal works.
Not much technology
What would a modern home be without technology? The ultimate transformation of your old home into a modern home can mean adding useful technology to your everyday life. Home automation or the “smart home” system allows you to save money, energy, water, time, and significantly increases the convenience of using the house. You yourself choose innovations that are useful in your everyday life.
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