Uncover the magic of period properties when restoring to their former glory.
Property restoration can be a wonderful, albeit sometimes quite stressful, experience. Older homes can be a money pit for restoration, particularly if structural work and property listing status are involved. If you are on the fence about embarking on a journey, read this article to discover the magic of period property restoration.
There is a certain magical quality to older properties. Rooms filled with grandeur and walls that echo with the many memories of years gone by. Decorative features that hark back to a previous time. Owning an older, period property can be wonderful. Charm and character fill every nook and cranny and bring a touch of elegance to the home not often found in a modern property.
But what happens when these properties need renovation? Property developers over the years have bought run-down, older properties and modernised them for a profit. Crisp, clean plasterboard walls and levelled floors cover the quirky unevenness of the former property. Original fireplaces are removed in favour of modern central heating. Chimneys are blocked off, and features are covered up. But in this refurbishment, which is done with maximising profits at the forefront, the essence of the property is lost. Some of the magic and charm are removed and covered up in favour of nice modern finishes.
There is a critical difference between refurbishment and restoration. If you buy an older property that needs work, you are realistically looking at restoration. Uncovering those long-forgotten features that were hidden from view because they became unfashionable at some point in the last century. Original cast iron baths were ripped out and replaced with a 'modern' plastic option popular in the 70s (and the chances are it's avocado green or alpine blue!)
Refurbishment is the process for any dated property of any age. Removing the old, run-down interior and replacing it with a new, modern version. As fashions and trends change, properties can become dated, and the intrinsic value of those properties will drop. The interest from potential buyers is lower if there is a considerable amount of work to be done to them, whether structural work or decorative upgrading.
But with a much older property, there is a duty to restore, rather than just refurbish, to retain those original features and protect the property's heritage. When you buy a period property, there is a high chance that a listing will be in place to protect those original features.
Essentially, you are a custodian when you live in a period property. You are there to preserve and protect the property and its beautiful features and history. Yes, you own the property, and it is your home, but the deal is that whilst you get the absolute privilege of calling that property your home, you must care for and protect it.
If you are considering buying an older property and restoring it to its former glory, it's not a task for the fainthearted, but it can be a magical experience. The absolute joy that can be felt when you breathe life back into a property, not to mention the secrets hidden within the building ready for you to uncover.
Whether there is a long-since hidden fireplace languishing behind some plasterboard or trinkets once upon a time lost between the dusty floorboards, restoring an old property is like a treasure hunt. And when you are finished, the house will thank you for returning it to its former splendour, and you get to enjoy the fruits of your labour.
If you are thinking of buying a property for restoration, get in touch with our team to register your details so you don't miss out on the property of your dreams.