It’s lovely to have an older property to call home. You’ve got a lot of character around you, literally baked into the floors and walls. You’ve probably got a lot of space too, as older homes tend to be made on the larger side!
Plus, you know this building has stood the test of time and held strong. It’s over 100 years old and still standing, after all!
But when you buy an older home like this, you make a promise to keep up with all the maintenance and repairs it could need over the next few years. And trust us, it might end up needing quite a few of those!
So, when you buy an older property, what is this promise likely to entail? Here’s a few possibilities to keep in mind, especially when you’re putting together a budget.
You Expand
Older properties tend to have a bit more outdoor space compared to new builds. That’s why you’ll often see 50+ year old homes with brand new conservatories, annexes, and even a basement room with window access.
So when you move into your older home, you might one day be able to get even more room by building an extension. You too could create a more flowing space from the inside to the back garden, as well as add a few extra feet to the kitchen or living room.
Of course, you may need planning permission for exterior expansions and renovations like these. Double check whether you need to apply for that first. However, the fact that you have the option to do so is probably what drew you to buying the property in the first place!
There’s More Scope For Interior Renovations
When you first took a viewing around the property, you probably quickly fell in love with the potential.
There’s plenty of space to create an open kitchen and diner, as well as a separate living room, and even a downstairs office. You may also be able to squeeze in a pantry and/or laundry room, and have a bit of space left over for a downstairs WC too.
This level of interior renovation is what a lot of homeowners can only dream of. But when you have an older property with wider rooms, bigger doorways, and more space under the stairs, it’s totally up to you how you use it.
The Rain Could Start Coming Inside
Not only are older homes old, but they’re also made of questionable materials too. You might need to get asbestos removed, or even have a lead survey conducted.
Yes, you could be tangling with dangerous materials here – whether or not you’re likely to come into contact with them.
Either way, the four walls around you tend to be less durable than they look. Your home has stood the test of time thus far, but it might not be standing for all that much longer.
That’s where you’ll need to come in.
Indeed, older homes tend to suffer most from a lack of proper waterproofing. They’ve been beaten down over the years by the wind and rain, which has stripped back much of the original insulation and padding.
Now you need to look into investing in exterior wall coating to keep the house in the same good condition. But before you do that, double check what’s inside the walls already.
You don’t want to lock in any mold or damp that’s already spreading. That needs to be dried out and removed before the uppercoat sealing is applied.
The Bills Get More and More Expensive
Older homes also tend to be less energy efficient than we need them to be. Like we mentioned above, the amount of insulation you’re dealing with is probably on the lower end of the scale. And there could also be quite a bit of space to try and insulate!
At the same time, trying to keep your home secure against the elements might feel like a losing battle. Roof problems, foundation problems, windows not sealed properly, etc., are all common issues.
Older Properties Need Time and Attention
They’re great to live in, what with the unique features, age, and space variations you can get. However, they’re also a lot of work!
You’re going to have quite a few repair jobs in your future, and the ongoing maintenance can be a lot of pressure. When you want to live in an older home, that’s just the kind of lifestyle you have to undertake!