Renovating an old house sounds like something out of a movie: ceilings that brush the sky, historic hydraulic floors, beams that could tell tales. Sounds beautiful, right? Until you dive in. Then the cracks start appearing, and not just in the walls.
This text is a real guide, no sugarcoating. Because jumping into a renovation like this without knowing what’s behind the walls can cost you more than money: time, energy, and a fair share of frustration.
Here’s everything that, for some reason, almost nobody tells you about renovating old houses.
1. The Real Condition of the Structure Always Brings Surprises
Sometimes, what looks like an architectural gem on the outside hides a trap inside. Houses that appear imposing may have walls that can’t even support a minimal renovation, beams more decorative than functional, and dampness that’s been around longer than you have.
And of course, you won’t notice this at first sight. That’s why the first step, although it may not sound exciting, is crucial: a serious structural inspection by professionals who know what they’re doing. It’s not an expense; it’s survival.
Tip: Stay away from “handymen for everything.” Always look for professionals who specialize in renovations of old houses. You’ll save yourself headaches.
2. The Most Common Mistakes That Will Cost You Big
Impatience is the number one enemy in this type of project. And even though you think you’re being careful, there are mistakes that repeat more than they should. Here’s a list that many would’ve wanted to read in time:
- Starting without analyzing the land or the foundation of the house.
- Covering leaks without eliminating the root cause: structural moisture.
- Covering original hydraulic floors or moldings out of ignorance (yes, it happens).
- Ignoring current requirements: thermal insulation, electrical safety…
- Skipping permits or trusting “quick” licenses that end up causing trouble.
3. Budget: Double It If You Don’t Keep It in Check
The initial budget in this type of renovation is an optimistic estimate. Why? Because the unforeseen is not the exception; it’s the norm. That decorative beam that turned out to be rotten, the electrical installation that doesn’t even meet the ’82 standards, the lead pipes buried like fossils.
The key? Budget with a margin. At least 15-20% extra. And above all, be clear from the beginning with the renovation company. If they’re evasive about costs, prepare for unpleasant surprises.
4. Permits, Licenses, and Heritage: The Dark Side of the Process
If your house is protected or located in a historically valuable area, you’ll need more than just enthusiasm and a budget. We’re talking about long procedures, specific rules, and elements that can’t be touched without authorization. In short, another world.
It’s not all the fault of institutional paperwork. Often, the lack of foresight by the homeowner is what delays everything. So, before thinking about knocking down walls, make sure you fully understand what field you’re entering.
5. What’s Worth Preserving (And What’s Not)
Renovating isn’t about wiping everything out. It’s about knowing what’s worth keeping and what has already fulfilled its purpose.
Among the elements that are real gems and worth preserving:
- Hydraulic floors with designs impossible to find today.
- Moldings and ceilings that give air and character.
- Solid wood doors and windows (even if they need a little TLC).
- Hand-forged iron bars.
- Stone stairs that tell their own story.
However, there are things that aren’t nostalgia, they’re a hazard. Outdated electrical installations, lead pipes, hollow walls with no insulation. These are not heritage, they’re a risk. And yes, they should be renovated without regret.
6. The Importance of Choosing the Right Renovation Team
For an old house, you need more than just experienced bricklayers. You need a team that understands how houses were built back then, can read old plans, work with materials no longer found in local hardware stores, and, most importantly, adapt to current regulations without erasing the essence of the place.
At Hausvetica, we’ve been helping people breathe new life into homes with history for years. We know that each old house is unique. And that, far from being a problem, is what excites us the most.
7. Renovating an Old House is a Challenge… But It’s Worth It
But when it works out, it’s a true gift. Because a well-renovated old house, treated with respect, isn’t just beautiful—it’s a home with soul, personality, and an asset that appreciates over time.
The key? Surround yourself with a team that knows what they’re doing. A team that understands the balance between what stays, what goes, and what gets transformed.