In essence, FadyReno isn't just about renovations; it's about building dreams, brick by brick, stroke by stroke. With a promise of quality, a legacy of trust, and a future of transformative projects, FadyReno beckons those seeking spaces that tell stories, exude charm, and stand the test of time.
Once the roof structure has been repaired (or built in the case of extensions), felted and battened, the entire structure should be made weathertight to keep out the elements and to secure the building.
Whilst the scaffold, is up check that any chimney stacks and pots are stable and clear, put on bird guards, and to repair lead flashings around the chimneys, in valleys, on hips, dormers and any abutments.
If any new parts of the roof intersect with the old, it is always preferable to match the existing/original roof covering either by buying reclaimed tiles/slates or by replacing one plane of the roof at the back and using the salvaged tiles/slates at the front.
Doors and windows can also now be installed and glazed. Where doors and windows are not yet on site, the openings should be covered in plastic sheets or even better — boarded up.
This is also the ideal time to carry out decoration to external joinery such as fascias and soffits, barge boards and windows, render and timber siding.
For many people renovating a house, one of the main attractions tends to be the potential to incorporate original features that may still be in place — all of which add to the character and charm of old buildings.
Sadly, not all renovation projects will have survived years of neglect in tact, meaning original features might be missing or damaged. Work out which features are worth saving and which are later additions in order to avoid spending money unnecessarily.
Renovating a house presents homeowners with the opportunity to restore and embrace original features. Here the original staircase has been repainted to really make the detailed design stand out. (Image credit: Pete Helme Photography)
In some cases, the cost of repair work does not practically make sense and you may need to consider sourcing sympathetic, matching replacements. However, unless you are prepared to spend more, these replacements may not capture the fine detailing of the originals.
In order to retain the original character of your renovation project, there are certain features which you should pay particular attention to, including:
Rewiring and replumbing a renovation project are expensive jobs but both these projects offer you the chance to install systems specifically tailored to your lifestyle, your energy usage and can be designed around any future plans you may have for the house. Updating heating and electrics will also add significant end value to the property.
If you are lucky, you might find that the heating and electrics have been updated to a good standard quite recently, in which case all that will be required may be new radiators. Old radiators can suffer from cold spots caused by a build up of sludge — having them power flushed will be a big help in improving their performance.
Of course many people renovating a house and particularly those adding extensions will want to consider underfloor heating as an alternative to radiators.
Fitting new bathrooms is a common undertaking in house renovation projects — but don’t forget that an entirely new plumbing system may also be required. (Image credit: Walls and Floors)
In the case of most renovation and remodelling projects, an element of structural change will be necessary in order to make the house suitable for modern-day living.
Period houses were often designed to incorporate lots of smaller spaces and may have been subject to a hotchpotch of ill thought-out additions over the years, meaning the general flow of the layout can be left lacking.
You may want to extend or change the use of your spaces by knocking down internal walls, building out into the garden or perhaps making use of existing redundant spaces, leading to a basement conversion, garage conversion or loft conversion.
Many renovation projects require internal walls to be knocked down. Before removing load-bearing walls consult the advice of a structural engineer. You will also need Building Regulations approval. (Image credit: Getty Images/Mats Silvan)
Once internal stud wall frames can be built and any walls removed, flooring grade chipboard or floorboards can be fixed to joists, and ceiling joists can be added where required.
Staircase InstallationDoor linings can now be fitted ready for the plasterers to work to (these are added later for dry-lining), and window reveals and cills can also be inserted.
Once the first fix carpentry (including new staircases) is complete, new first fix wiring and plumbing work can be undertaken, including soil pipes and drainage connections.
With first fix complete it is time to look at plastering walls, apply plasterboard/dry-lining to ceilings and any stud walls (tacking), and to repair any damaged plasterwork/mouldings.
In an older buildings, avoid using modern metal angle beads around arises, unless you want crisp clean lines: instead use timber beads.
You also want to consider the type of plaster you use — many older houses will have been finished with lime plaster and adding a new modern plaster could well result in damp issues.
Make sure you protect the stairs and any other vulnerable features while the plasterers are in, as it is a messy job.
New floor screeds for the ground floor will be laid at this point, usually after plastering to help keep it clean, but some like to screed and then plaster in order to create a neater joint between plaster and floor.
New floor screeds for the ground floor will be laid at this point, usually after plastering to help keep it clean, but some like to screed and then plaster in order to create a neater joint between plaster and floor.
If you are laying underfloor heating, the pipes or cable elements will usually be laid after plastering, so that the manifolds can be fixed in place, but before screeding so that the pipes and elements are covered.
Once plastering begins the house takes shape — be prepared for lots of dust and mess! (Image credit: Getty Images/James Osmond)
Connecting the consumer unit and fit all light fittings, sockets, switches, phone and TV points and the extractor hood
Jobs such as fitting switches and sockets and hanging doors can take place once plastering has been carried out (Image credit: Jeremy Phillips)
In fact, an increasing number of people are now waking up to the potential of post-war properties that, whilst not as visually attractive at the outset, are often cheaper, full of natural light and come with large open internal spaces. They also tend to be cheaper than those their more attractive renovation counterparts.
Post-war houses provide a huge amount of potential for a stunning exterior makeover, including new cladding, roofing materials, window treatments and driveways.
New cladding, such as timber boarding or render can completely transform a house, as can new windows and doors — as the renovation of this 1970s property, designed by Remagination, proves. (Image credit: Jonathan Gooch)
It is important to look at the smaller details that you could change without breaking the bank before you take on a large-scale makeover — these are vital when it comes to creating kerb appeal. Small alterations to consider include:
Many of these changes can be carried out under Permitted Development, but if your home has a special designation (i.e. listed) these rights are removed.
