Estate agent Plaza Estates offers seven tips on how to renovate a period property in central London.
London in particular and the UK in general has a large reservoir of period houses, houses which have been standing for decades, centuries even. And the majority of these properties have been occupied since the day they were built.
For most of this time, the occupants only made cosmetic changes to their homes: the odd coat of paint, some new wallpaper, superficial decorating that never changed the appearance of the property’s interior. The rooms in these houses stayed the same over the years. Then the 1960s arrived, and everything changed.
The rush for modernisation
Even in the humblest of homes, panelled doors were covered up with large sheets of hardboard and then painted white, fireplaces were covered up or ripped out, and in the grander houses, cornices were torn down, classic mantel shelves and chimneypieces were pulverised, all in the name of modernisation.
But fashions have since changed, and now there is a preference for conservation and preserving the architectural glories of the past. Period features are being restored, and ornamental cornices, architraves, mouldings and the like are highly sought-after.
Why renovate?
Renovation does not have to mean buying an empty shell of a medieval barn or a derelict early-Victorian vicarage and starting from scratch. Renovation can mean just upgrading a kitchen or bathroom in a relatively modern property.
However, we are talking about people who want to do some serious renovation to a period property. The reasons for this vary: some want to increase the value of their property with an eye to making a profit, others just want conserve the past and create a charming, comfortable home to live in.
Whatever the reason for renovating, here are seven tips to consider before restoration work can begin:
1. Check the location. If you are thinking of living there for several years, make sure you and your family will be happy to live there several years into the future. If you are renovating with a view to sell and make a quick profit, make sure the area you have chosen will attract the kind of buyer you are looking for.
2. Check to see if it is a listed building. If it is, there may be some restrictions on what you can do when renovating.
3. Make sure you can afford the renovation you are planning. Carry out a thorough costing and then allow an extra 15 – 20% on top to cover any unseen extras.
4. Do not cut corners. Only employ tradesmen who are specialists in renovation work. Tradesmen who are familiar with timber, roofing and the problems damp and mould can cause. They may cost slightly more than non-specialists, but the extra cost will be worth it in the long run.
5. When you obtain quotes from the various tradesmen, give them as much information as you can of what you want. You will not have to give them a technical breakdown but a clear specification of what work you need will avoid future arguments about costs.
6. Beware of the local planning laws. Depending on the type of renovation you are undertaking, it would be wise to check with the local planning authority. Not all renovations will require planning permission, but it’s prudent to check if you are planning a major renovation.
7. Will you need an architect? This really depends on how ambitious your renovation plans are. On a major renovation involving possible structural alterations, the services of an architect would be a good idea. Also, an architect will be able to help you with dealing with planning authorities.
Call Plaza Estates
The above tips are only some of the things you need to consider when thinking of renovating. If you are buying, you should research the background of the property you are considering buying. If the renovation is a major undertaking, you may want to consider hiring a project manager.
These and other questions can be answered if you call us for advice.
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Maurice Shasha
The Property Industry has always and continues to interest me, and after joining Plaza Estates in 2008 I have experienced a market which has taught me alot. In my role advising clients on their purchases (together with our sales teams), managing the refurbishments for them (together with our management and design team), preparing the property for rentals (together with our rentals teams) or sales and being responsible for the Companies digital marketing I have seen the market from various aspects. The market is always changing and it is essential we constantly adapt, which since Plaza Estates was established in 1972 is something the company has always done. We pride ourselves in the personal relationship and service we have and give all our clients and being part of a company which is "big enough to cope and small enough to care" is something I really enjoy.
If you want 5-star reviews and want to remove negative reviews from Google, contact me via my profile; my contact details are listed there.
SM
Dear Eitan
In this whole sorry saga, with headbutting, unproactive lawyers, and a comatose estate agent etc etc, you have been a beacon of light throughout. Efficient, professional and responsive. This would never have got done without you.
Thank you.
All the best.
Maurice Shasha
We have been using Plaza Estates for many years for all our property requirements (sales, letting and management) and are delighted with the results and service they constantly deliver and provide!
KS
I generally dealt with the Marble Arch branch most of the time, but I can also say that the Knightsbridge office was also exceptionally helpful and professional on the occasions I did deal with them. Plaza Estates in general are excellent.
YZ
Have interacted with Plaza Estates across a couple of sites and always been impressed. Maurice must be the hardest working, most dedicated, helpful and knowledgeable account manager for any company anywhere! A real asset to the team!
LI
I have been a client of Plaza Estates for over 30 years and received excellent service. Both Rodney on the rental side and Fiona in the property management area have been have been attentive and helpful and always willing to go the extra mile on the few occasions when there were problems.
SA
Hope both of you are doing well. I wanted to thank you for always being there for us and for addressing our concerns promptly; safe to say you have been the best agents I have had the pleasure of interacting with.
KR
We have owned our Flat since 2008, which we purchased through Plaza. Our relationship with Plaza goes back to 1982 when we purchased a nearby flat and Plaza have handled all our lettings since then. I would have no hesitation in recommending Plaza - they will find you a good tenant and ensure your ...
MS
Thank you again for all your advice and calm attitude and charm. Nobody could try harder than you, and for which, we really thank you and appreciate it all, not just now, but over the years.
Thanks again for everything!
