Fantasising about your dream home while looking at colour swatches and browsing furniture catalogues? Stop for a moment! Before you dive into the exciting world of home renovation, there are a few key things you can’t ignore. These hidden factors can not only save your wallet from unpleasant surprises later on, but also ensure the safety and comfort of your home. Discover with us what you need to look out for to ensure that your home is not only beautiful, but also livable after renovation!
What’s one thing you should definitely check before an aesthetic renovation?
Before embarking on an aesthetic renovation, i.e. the implementation of a style of interior design, it is important to carefully examine the condition of the property. Whatever style you choose, there are some basic issues that need to be addressed to ensure that your home is safe and liveable. These issues relate mainly to energy efficiency and operational safety, as these will affect not only comfort but also quality of life in the long term.
Be sure to have the technical condition of the property checked before undertaking any aesthetic renovation, as you will need to carry out technical renovations first.
At the same time, you need to think about the details of the aesthetic renovation, as the interior design may require new water and sewage connections and outlets. The installation of a new electrical household appliance, the need for a more varied lighting design, will also require rethinking the existing electrical network.
1. Energy saving and insulation
- Thermal insulation:
For an old dwelling, the condition of the insulation is key. Old windows, doors and walls often lack insulation, which can lead to significant heat loss. Even if there is not enough money for a complete renovation, it is still worth checking the condition of the insulation of windows and doors and, if necessary, improving it with additional solutions (e.g. draught excluders, thermal insulation curtains). - Heating system:
The condition of the heating system is also of paramount importance. It is also important to check that the heating system is working properly and does not need maintenance or replacement. An old boiler, for example, can not only be expensive to run but can also be dangerous, so it’s important to prioritise this.
2. Operational security
- Electrical network:
In an old home, the electrical network may be outdated, which can lead to fire hazards. It is important to have the electrical wiring, sockets and switches checked by a professional and make any necessary repairs. If the mains needs replacing, it should always be a priority, even old lights and other electrical equipment cannot be used safely in an outdated system. - Plumbing and drainage:
The condition of the plumbing and sewer system is also an important factor. The condition of pipes and drains in an old home often leaves much to be desired. Water leaks and burst pipes are not only unpleasant, but can also cause serious damage to the property. It’s therefore worth assessing the condition of your plumbing and, if necessary, rectifying the problems before you make any style changes. - Mould and damp:
Damp and mould are common problems in old buildings, especially if the insulation is inadequate. Before you embark on an aesthetic makeover, check for damp or mould in your home. If you do find such problems, they should be addressed as they can cause long-term health problems and damage to furniture and walls.
3. Basic repairs and maintenance
Even if you choose a style (country, vintage, shabby chic) for an aesthetic makeover where the shabbiness can be charming, some basic maintenance work will still need to be done. These include, for example, repairing cracks in the walls, refinishing and varnishing the parquet flooring, or checking the roof structure of the house. These works will ensure that your home remains liveable and sustainable in the long term.
Why is this important?
Whatever style you choose, the basic safety and comfort factors should not be overlooked. By paying attention to these key areas first, you can dive into the styling process with confidence, ensuring that your home is not only beautiful, but also safe and comfortable. If these technical renovation requirements are ignored, you can expect to see your expensively designed brand new interior get wet, bumpy, peeling, peeling, mouldy, burnt out, etc.