An older home is filled with character and charm; however, if you live in a period property there will be things in your home that you want to update. In order to ensure that your home keeps its character, you must find the perfect balance of modern amenities with the character and charm that made you fall in love with your home in the beginning.
1. Insulation
Most period homes were not properly insulated, which can impact the amount of money it costs to properly heat and cool your home. Additionally, improperly insulated homes negatively impact the environment and increase your home’s carbon footprint. Heat loss in your home occurs in five areas, including:
- Draughts – 30 per cent heat loss
- Walls – 25 per cent heat loss
- Glass (windows) – 20 per cent heat loss
- Floors – 15 per cent heat loss
- Loft – 10 per cent heat loss
In order to prevent moisture issues and air quality issues, you should have a professional install the insulation in your home. If you decide to do it yourself, you need to wear protective clothing, goggles and a face mask to properly protect yourself.
2. Outdated Boilers
Replacing your old boiler is expensive; however, it can save you a lot of money. A high-efficiency boiler is 85 per cent efficient. Old G-rated boilers were 65 per cent or less efficient. A new high-efficiency boiler costs approximately £2,500; however, you can save approximately £235 annually on your heating bills.
3. Outdated Electrical Systems
Outdated electrical systems are not only inconvenient, but they can also pose a safety hazard by increasing the risk of fire and electrical shock. Older homes were built before electrical systems were inspected. If your home’s wiring is older than thirty years old, you should have your home rewired.
If your home has any of the following signs, you should update your electrical system:
- If your period home has a fuse box rather than a breaker box, it is time to call in an electrician. Old fuse boxes had a wooden back. Additionally, if your box has cast iron switches or white ceramic fuses, it is time to update your electrical system.
- If your home has different types of switches and sockets, it has probably had a partial rewire. If this is the case, you should have your electrical system inspected by a professional.
- If your electrical wiring is covered by fabric, lead or black rubber, you should have your electrical wiring immediately replaced. Modern electrical wiring is coated in uPVC.
- If your light bulbs blow frequently, your electrical system should be inspected and updated.
4. Respect Original Features
Your period property’s original features are what gives your home its charm. These features are probably the reason that you bought your home in the first place. The features in your home that are in good condition should be left alone and used as focal points in your home. If you change out these features or try to blend them into a more contemporary look, you will lose the charm that you fell in love with when you purchased your home.
If you have a period property, you will probably want to update your kitchen. Modern elements can work well in a period home’s kitchen. Keep your design functional and clean. Furthermore, this will prevent your kitchen from looking outdated in the future. Installing new flooring, cabinet doors and a worktop can add approximately £27,000 to the value of your home, according to some property marketing services. As you can see, this is a profitable investment that should be done.
Living in a period property is great; however, you must update certain areas of your home to bring your home up to your current standard of living. The aforementioned tips will help you maximize the enjoyment of your home.
