Old houses are a treasure, but very old houses are ugly and pose a health and safety hazard. Old townhouses mostly hold sentimental value to their owners, who often chose to renovate as opposed to demolishing and bringing up a modern house.
As much as renovation may be a more complicated decision, it proves to be cheaper and eliminates the need for architects since the plan is already there. And if you are looking at investing in property in Malta, it’s a great idea to get your hands dirty and do it yourself!! Below are some basic steps in renovation.
- Have a work-plan
This plan is the part you as the owner sets down a list of objectives and expectations you expect. It also works as a chronological benchmark, to know if the work is being dragged. All parties involved in the renovation should be involved in this step.
- Make a budget
The owner should then sit down and decide on what they are willing to spend on the renovation. This is then divided into the various needs, such as finishing, furniture, flooring and roofing and many more tasks.
- Consult on insurance
This step will help you as the renovator know the extent to which the current insurance provider will cover the house after the renovation.
- Hire a contractor
The hiring of a contractor company should be done based on their track record for a good renovation job. The best fit would be working with recommendations from friends and family. The contractor should promise a good job and to do it within the budget.
- Have a permit
For renovations works to be done flawlessly, the local jurisdiction, who include the local council should be considered. They, in turn, offer a notice of consent in the form of a permit, which would allow any form of demolition and construction to take place.
- Start on the handy work
The difficult work includes bringing down any weak walls, which would pose a risk to the sturdiness of the new building. This would also include bringing down the roof and undoing the floor solution if there is one in place.
- Reconstruct the walls, install flooring and roofing
This is a critical step since it gives the house the new intended look. The walls are brought up, and a roof is placed. The renovator can opt to maintain the old rustic look or incorporate a modern look by bringing in new designs.
- Painting
When panting, the renovators should ensure to either have the floor covered to avoid spillages or flooring can be done after painting is done. Painting includes the internal and external surfaces.
- Install basic furnishing
Basic furnishing includes wall units and wardrobes which are attached to the walls. These can now be fixed after the painting has dried down since most do not require painting, unless if the owner requests so.
- Finishing
This is the final part before moving in and includes electrical renovations, final plumbing checks, and installing any internal décor. In this last step, any potted plants are brought in, and curtains or blinds are installed.
Conclusion
Renovation not only ensures the longevity of a family’s memory of their heritage but is also one of the cheapest ways of ‘acquiring a new home’.
For more information about investing in property in Malta, visit the Malta Sotheby’s Realty Youtube page.
