Renovating an old stone cottage - what you should know?

Start with a thorough inspection

When it comes to renovating an old stone cottage, you want to know exactly what you're getting into - some buildings can be restored quite quickly, but others seem like a bottomless well. That is why it is essential to order a thorough inspection of the property you are interested in. After inspecting the cottage, experts will tell you what needs to be replaced and which parts may remain. You will then have a rough estimate of the amount of work and costs. With this knowledge, you can make an informed decision as to whether this project is something you want to spend your time and money on.

Expect some surprises along the way

Anyone who had to deal with a renovation before is well aware that works usually take way more time than we anticipate. And this is even more true when it comes to stone renovation. Older buildings are more challenging to deal with, and they often surprise the owners. You should be aware that both the timeline and budget of the project can be impacted at any point.

Check for toxins

As you might guess, old stone houses usually contain older building materials that can be considered toxic these days. The most common examples of such substances are asbestos and lead. We now know that they pose a severe health risk and must be removed before any renovation work begins. That, of course, comes at a cost as you need to hire specialists for the job.

Choose materials carefully

While renovating an old stone cottage, you may discover that some of the traditional parts of the design need to be refreshed or supplemented. Usually, it will be wooden or stone cladding elements. In order to maintain the classic look of the building, you will need to find similar materials, which have the right size, shape and colour. This task can be time-consuming and costly, but the final effect will be worth it. Of course, you may also decide to add some modern touches instead.

Find the right people to work with

Some people may want to renovate an old stone cottage completely on their own, but most buyers will want to find some professional help. Be sure to choose workers who already have experience with restoring older buildings and will know how to deal with such a challenging project. You will be able to rely on their expertise, and the whole operation will go much smoother.

Those kinds of cottages often have a beautiful garden - so see also our small garden ideas!