Fixing Up a Derelict House

Many people love a renovation project, and purchasing an abandoned, derelict property is one of the biggest renovation challenges. There are many risks with doing this and there is always plenty of work that needs to be done, but if you manage to pull it off the results can be incredible. It’s understandable why some people want to take on a project like this, as despite the bumps in the road, seeing their vision come together is a wonderful experience. If you’re considering buying a cheap, run-down house to rebuild and remodel in a design of your creation, remember to focus on these key areas:

Structure

The main structure of the house has to be done right, otherwise the consequences could be disastrous. An old, derelict house could need some serious attention when it comes to repairing its structural elements to make it a safe property to reside in. You will need to have a professional surveyor to inspect the property before you buy it and determine whether anything can be saved at all. The roof, support beams, foundations, and windows are all areas you will need to look at closely before you start any work.

Wiring

Once you have determined whether or not the property is structurally sound, or at least can be repaired to be structurally sound, you will need to think about the wiring in the property. It’s very important to get the electrics right as any issues that they might have will not only be impractical but can also be very hazardous. Hire an electrical contractor to check the property’s original wiring (if any remains) and install new, safe wiring in your home.

Plumbing

Having quality plumbing in your property is equally important. If the house is very old, make sure you check for any lingering lead pipes and where possible have them removed. It’s highly likely that you will have to replace a lot of old pipes that are damaged if the property has been left derelict for some time and was built early in the last century. Like an electrical contractor, you will need to hire a professional plumber to look at the situation for you and advise you on what steps to take in regards to your overall design, as well as installing the piping for you.

Interior

Once the structural issues have been resolved, as well as the wiring and pipes, it’s time to focus on giving the property a bit more personality. This includes color schemes for your walls, any intricate plasterwork you might want, flooring, furnishing, etc. For many, the interior design is the fun part of these renovation projects!

Exterior

Finally, although the main house is the main feature, it’s important to pay attention to the exterior of the property. Not just the exterior walls of the home, but the garden spaces you may have. If you consider yourself gifted with green fingers, you might want to do this second part of the project yourself. Alternatively, you can always hire a landscape gardening firm to do this for you for some stunning results.

Turning a sad, derelict house into a breath-taking home is a very impressive feat. Just make sure you’re paying attention to all of these key features to achieve your renovation goals.