Renovation of an old house: 4 phases

Renovating an old house is a project whose complexity and costs can vary greatly. The reasons are both objective – given the age of the house – and subjective, personal – the main source is the owner’s demands regarding the transformation of the house. However, regardless of the scope of the project, there are necessary steps to go through to achieve success with such an initiative.

Evaluation of works

In this first phase, some fundamental aspects must be evaluated: the useful works, the necessary materials, whether some elements, such as doors or windows, can be successfully preserved or reconditioned. This evaluation may have reduced complexity if it concerns, for example, an apartment; on the contrary, they would also require specialist assistance if it is a house with a large surface area.

Even in this first phase we can clarify to what extent our wishes regarding the transformation of the old house are achievable and what the associated costs would be.

Preparation for reprocessing

If in the case of an apartment this phase can be difficult at most in terms of work volume and less in terms of complexity, in the case of a villa it is possible to discover the need to carry out some more complex works, linked to the resistant structure, to the restoration of the foundations or the roof.

In principle, surface cleaning means removing old plaster, paint or wallpaper, parquet, doors and windows, if they can no longer be renewed. It is a phase in which a significant amount of construction waste is generated, so it is necessary to contract a specialized service for the collection and correct disposal of this type of waste.

Preparation for reconditioning involves, in addition to carefully cleaning the surfaces and eliminating possible imperfections, the application of antifungal and antibacterial treatments that promote the adhesion of the elements that will cover walls, floors and ceilings.

Restoration of systems

Regardless of the size of a house, the restoration of electrical, water, heating and drainage systems must be a priority.

One of the advantages of a renovation from scratch is the possibility of configuring the systems as you prefer. They can be configured, for example:

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• multiple and efficient waste water drainage systems – both for the sink, for the washing machine or dishes, and for the dryer;
• an electrical system based on modern switches and sockets;
• cable routes that allow the simultaneous and safe connection of multiple energy-intensive devices;
• water supply systems based on specific needs.

The use of quality materials and the complete restoration of the systems allow the house to be used peacefully for many decades; therefore, the scene must be treated with the utmost care and responsibility

Renovation of walls and ceilings

In a first phase, after careful cleaning of the surfaces, any imperfections are restored with plaster or acrylic putty, applying a fiber tape for consolidation and correct fixing of the adhesive. The latter is generally carried out by qualified and experienced people, because it requires a certain level of skill to succeed in the task of removing a straight wall. Furthermore, adequate ventilation of the room and a minimum wait of 24-48 hours are necessary, so that the entire worked surface can dry uniformly.

An alternative to the smoothing operation, which is less difficult and demanding, is the installation of plasterboard walls, which can be carried out with relative ease and without too much effort, as the walls are already straight. Another great advantage that plasterboard offers is the possibility of having interior lighting fixtures recessed into the ceiling or walls.

Before applying paint or wallpaper it is necessary to apply one or two layers of primer, a substance which has the role of promoting adhesion, uniforming the degree of absorption and avoiding the formation of stains when applying the paint.

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We know that old houses have a particular charm, especially if they are part of an important past for the owner. Thanks to the quality of the materials incorporated and the workmanship of those who built them, the renovation of these buildings has every chance of success. However, it is important that the entire operation is carried out by qualified and expert people, without sacrificing the quality of the materials used. Only in this way will you be able to guarantee comfort, quality and the guarantee of long-lasting works.