A Buyers Guide To Renovating a Vintage Home
If the idea of renovating a vintage home into a modern haven excites you, you're in for an exhilarating journey.
Renovating a vintage home with history opens doors to a world of unique challenges and hidden treasures. Many home lovers are dedicated to bringing life back to older homes. Often they are positioned in more established suburbs making them sought-after.
Plush Design Renovations is situated in Aldgate in the Adelaide Hills where there are many vintage homes dating from the 1850’s to the 1960’s and more modern homes too.
Every day, I see homes for sale ripe for renovation by vintage home lovers. If you are one of them, in any part of Australia, what are the important elements you should be inspecting prior to purchase?
A sympathetically modernised kitchen in a mid-century modern home
Embrace The Charm
Vintage homes come adorned with architectural treasures that tell stories of a bygone era. Elaborate cornices, era perfect skirting, solid architraves, original hardwood floors, fabulous windows, and intricate built-ins are often waiting to be rediscovered.
Plan to work with the architectural features of the era, please don’t default to removing them. Embrace these architectural elements as they add immeasurable character to your vintage home. Check the structure and longevity of architectural features to ensure they can be retained.
If you have awkward spaces or don’t know how to seamlessly include architectural features, consult an interior designer who renovates period homes. They will often have ideas and experience seeing a way forward you may be missing.
Beautiful bay window with stained glass feature in a Victorian home
Foundation and Structural Integrity
Before you get carried away with design dreams, it's crucial to ensure the house stands on a solid foundation. Examine the structure for any signs of wear and tear, cracks, leaky roof and gutters, or uneven floors. A sturdy foundation is the canvas upon which your renovation masterpiece will be painted.
If your proposed new home must be re-stumped or have the roof or flooring replaced, you need to know this prior to purchase. Know what you’re dealing with and budget accordingly. Then add 15%.
Modern additions or renovations in a vintage home are common. You can blend old and new very successfully.
Plumbing and Wiring
While the allure of vintage charm is undeniable, the reality of outdated plumbing and wiring is less enchanting. When you’re thinking about renovating a vintage home, it’s highly likely you will need to spend money on new plumbing and wiring.
However, this can be a positive. It means you will know the jobs have been done to your specifications.
After purchase, invest time and resources in updating these systems to modern, efficient alternatives. This not only ensures the safety of your home but also prevents future headaches.
A modern renovation of a bedroom in a Victorian villa
Windows and Insulation
Windows are the eyes of a house, and in vintage homes, they often tell tales of a different era. Assess the condition of these charming yet potentially drafty windows. Check the often wooden frames for leaks, weak spots, and termite damage. Ensure sash windows open easily or can be fixed if they are stuck.
Vintage stained glass windows can often be fixed by a lead-light professional if there is damage to the lead or some of the stained glass is broken.
Consider upgrading door and windows to energy-efficient options that maintain the aesthetic while enhancing functionality.
Additionally, don't overlook the importance of insulation for a comfortable and sustainable living environment. Check the roof to ascertain how insulation may have been degraded. And look for signs of possums and rodents in the roof space.
Energy efficient glass in a modern renovation of a mid-century home
Historical Regulations
Many vintage homes fall under historical regulations aimed at preserving the unique character of neighborhoods. Before embarking on renovating a vintage home, check local regulations to ensure your plans align with the historical significance of the property. This careful consideration can save you from potential roadblocks down the renovation road.
Potential for Expansion
While vintage homes have a certain charm, they might lack the space modern living often demands. Evaluate the potential for expansion within the existing structure. Sometimes, these homes surprise you with hidden spaces that can be repurposed to accommodate that dreamy home office or an additional bedroom.
Landscaping and Outdoor Living
The exterior of a vintage home is as crucial as its interior. Research typical paint and colour ideas that retain the beauty and integrity of the era of your home. It’s not to live in a museum and doesn’t have to be exacting. However, a nod to the heritage of your home should be acknowledged in exterior paint schemes.
Consider the landscaping and outdoor spaces as an extension of your living area. Vintage homes often boast spacious gardens or unique outdoor features. Devise a plan to enhance these spaces, creating a seamless indoor-outdoor living experience that complements the charm of the interior.
This is also where the expertise of an interior designer or architect pays dividends to the value and functionality of your vintage home.
Renovating a vintage home is akin to turning the pages of a captivating novel. It requires a delicate balance between preserving the historical narrative and infusing contemporary comforts. As you embark on this transformative adventure, savor every moment, embrace the quirks, and witness your vintage home evolve into a modern masterpiece that seamlessly weaves the past with the present.