Renovating a flat in an older building calls for different planning from a new one. Behind the visible surfaces there may be aged services, failed plaster, damp and missing insulation. If these are not identified during the consultation, the budget grows during the work. This article lists the eight points to check before starting.
The 8 points to check during the consultation
1. Condition of the electrical installation
Older buildings commonly have unearthed circuits, undersized cables and consumer units without residual current protection. In most cases fully renewing the installation is the safe option; see rewiring a home.
2. Water and waste lines
Old steel and galvanised pipes cause sediment, pressure loss and leaks. Replacing the lines while the bathroom and kitchen are being renewed avoids breaking out tiles later.
3. The structural system
In older buildings, information about load-bearing walls and columns is not always documented. Every wall to be removed needs an on-site assessment; see permits and the design process.
4. Plaster and wall surfaces
Aged plaster may be blistered, cracked or hollow behind. Satin gypsum and paint applied over it will not hold; unsound plaster should be removed and renewed.
5. Damp and moisture
External wall corners, areas around bathrooms and the base of ground-floor walls should be checked, and nothing painted before the source is found. Our article on damp and mould on walls explains how to diagnose it.
6. Insulation
Most older buildings have no external wall insulation. Work carried out inside a flat will not fully solve condensation unless the building facade is insulated; external insulation can be raised as a building-wide decision.
7. Windows and joinery
Single-glazed timber or old aluminium frames are the main source of heat and sound loss. Replacing them as part of the renovation noticeably improves comfort.
8. Communal areas and building management
Stairs, the lift (if any) and the entrance are used for debris and material movement. Protection measures and coordination with management are essential; see renovating in an apartment building.
How does the sequence change in an older building?
The general order of works is the same; the difference is that the strip-out is more extensive and that renewing services and plaster falls within scope on almost every project. Setting aside a contingency for surprises revealed during demolition is recommended.
The advantages of older buildings
- Generous floor areas and high ceilings (in period properties)
- Solid wall thickness and better sound insulation
- Central locations and established neighbourhoods
- Marked increase in value with the right renovation
What to avoid
- Doing only cosmetic work without inspecting the services
- Demolishing a wall whose structural role is unknown
- Painting without resolving the source of damp
- Starting without informing the building management
Demgirişim reports on services, damp and structural points during the consultation on older-building renovation projects, and delivers services, plaster and insulation with a single team.
Frequently asked questions
Why can renovating an older building cost more than a new one?
Fully renewing the services, removing failed plaster, damp problems and missing insulation all add work items. If these are identified during the consultation, the budget can be planned correctly from the start.
Can walls be removed in an older building?
Only non-load-bearing partitions. In older buildings the structural system is not always documented, so an on-site assessment before demolition is essential.
Is renovating an older building worth it?
If the building is structurally sound, an interior renovation improves comfort and value. If there is structural risk, an expert assessment should come first and the decision made accordingly.
The initial consultation and written quote for Renovation & Repair are free within Istanbul. Scope, duration and cost are confirmed after the consultation.