Renovating older properties presents unique challenges, but with the right approach, these properties can be transformed into modern, energy-efficient homes.

Whether it's an old farmhouse, a Victorian terrace, or a mid-century bungalow, every renovation requires a tailored approach to overcome these common challenges.

1. Insulation and Energy Efficiency

Older homes often lack the insulation needed to keep them comfortable, making them drafty, energy-inefficient, and expensive to heat.

Without adequate insulation in the walls, attic, and floors, homes lose significant amounts of heat during colder months, which not only makes the space uncomfortable but also increases energy bills.

Insulating key areas of the home is one of the most effective ways to reduce heat loss, improve energy efficiency, and create a more comfortable living environment.

Attic Insulation is one of the most important areas to address.

Heat rises, and without proper insulation in the attic, it can escape through the roof, leaving your home cold and your heating system working overtime.

Earthwool Loft Roll is an excellent choice for attic insulation, offering superior thermal retention to prevent heat loss from above.

This product is made from environmentally friendly materials, ensuring that you can insulate your attic while keeping your carbon footprint low.

If you're looking for a more eco-friendly option, Sheep Wool Insulation is an excellent alternative.

Sheep wool is a natural, breathable material that not only helps regulate temperature but also controls moisture levels, preventing condensation and mould growth.

It’s a great option for homeowners who want to reduce their environmental impact while still enjoying excellent insulation performance.

The material is renewable and sustainable, making it an ideal choice for those prioritising green building practices.

In addition to insulation, heating controls are a fundamental part of creating an energy-efficient home.

Even with the best insulation, without precise control over your heating system, energy can still be wasted.

Smart heating controls like the EPH R37 V2 – 3 Channel Digital Programmer allow you to manage the temperature in different areas of your home, ensuring that rooms are heated only when needed.

This system gives you the flexibility to set different temperatures for each zone of the home, whether it’s the living room, bedrooms, or even the hallway, saving energy and increasing comfort.

This approach not only ensures that your home remains comfortable throughout the seasons but also helps you make the most of your heating system.

Combining top-quality insulation with smart, zoned heating controls will result in lower energy bills and a more energy-efficient home.

Many of these upgrades may even be eligible for grants like the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant, helping to make your renovation project more affordable.

2. Plumbing, Electrical Systems, and Heating

One of the biggest challenges when renovating older homes is dealing with outdated plumbing and electrical systems.

Over time, materials and technology become inefficient, prone to failure, or even unsafe.

From old lead piping to outdated wiring, these systems may not meet modern standards and can even pose serious risks, such as water damage, leaks, or electrical hazards.

Upgrading these systems is vital for both safety and long-term efficiency, ensuring that your home remains functional and secure.

Plumbing upgrades are a key part of modernising an older home.

If you still have old pipes made from materials like lead or galvanized steel, it’s highly recommended to replace them with modern alternatives, such as copper or cross-linked polyethylene (PEX).

These materials are more durable, resistant to corrosion, and offer improved water flow, ensuring your plumbing is efficient and safe.

You may also want to upgrade your water heater to a more energy-efficient model, such as a tankless water heater, which heats water on demand, reducing energy consumption and ensuring you always have hot water when you need it.

Similarly, electrical systems in older homes may not be equipped to handle the demands of modern appliances and gadgets.

Outdated wiring, often installed before the rise of computers, smart devices, and high-powered appliances, can lead to frequent circuit trips or, in the worst case, fires.

Upgrading the electrical panel, adding additional circuits, and replacing old wiring with safer, more efficient materials will ensure your home meets current electrical codes and is safe for modern living.

As you move forward with these essential updates, consider how heating plays a role in your home’s comfort and energy efficiency.

In older homes, traditional heating systems, like radiators or open fireplaces, may no longer be the most effective or cost-efficient.

Fortunately, modern heating systems offer both improved efficiency and better control.

When upgrading your heating, EPH Smart Heating Controls can help you manage temperature throughout your home, giving you complete control over multiple zones, enabling you to adjust your heating remotely from your smartphone or tablet.

You can even set heating schedules, ensuring your home is warm when you return from work or a weekend away without wasting energy while you're gone.

In addition, many heating upgrades may be eligible for grants like the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant, which can offset some of the costs associated with modernising your home.

This makes it easier to invest in top-quality systems that will benefit both your home’s functionality and its long-term value.

3. Exterior Repair and Structural Issues

One of the most challenging aspects of renovating older homes is addressing structural issues that have developed over time.

While the aesthetic charm of these properties is often undeniable, their age means that they may be prone to a variety of structural problems, such as damaged roofs, cracked walls, and weakened foundations.

These issues, if left untreated, can lead to further deterioration of the property and could ultimately affect the integrity of your entire renovation project.

It's important to choose high-quality materials and consult experts to ensure the building’s safety.

Our selection of high-quality plastering materials like skimcoat plaster, designed to strengthen and restore wall surfaces, can be key to addressing these issues.

If the roof is damaged, this can lead to leaks, water damage, and even rot in the attic and ceilings.

Repairing or replacing worn-out roof tiles and gutters is essential to protect the home from the elements.

If the foundation has cracks or signs of settling, it's necessary to assess and repair them to avoid further movement, which could cause walls to crack, doors and windows to misalign, or floors to slope.

Once these major issues are resolved, it's important to reinforce the exterior and protect the structure from future weather damage.

Exterior repair products, such as high-quality sealants are essential for preserving the external integrity of the building.

Sealants can be applied to cracks and gaps in walls, window frames, and doorways to prevent water ingress.

These products create a durable barrier that extends the lifespan of your property and helps prevent further damage due to exposure to the elements.

When working on the roof, using roof coatings can enhance the weather resistance of both flat and pitched roofs, providing a protective layer that prevents leaks and decay.

For wall repairs, if the brickwork is crumbling or the masonry is damaged, it's essential to use appropriate mortar repair compounds that will bond effectively to the existing walls, creating a solid foundation for any additional repairs.

Once the structure has been adequately reinforced and sealed, insulation becomes an important next step in maintaining a comfortable home environment.

Metac Insulation and Insulation Boards are excellent solutions for improving energy efficiency in older homes.

After repairs are made, you can use these high-performance insulation products to fill gaps in external walls, floors, and attics, creating a barrier that retains heat and prevents cold air from seeping inside.

By incorporating insulation into your exterior repair work, you can make your home more energy-efficient, reducing heating costs and improving overall comfort.

4. Modernising Design While Preserving Character

Renovating an older home offers the opportunity to blend modern comforts with the historic charm that makes these properties so unique.

One of the most effective ways to update a room while maintaining its traditional charm is through paint.

A fresh coat of paint can instantly transform a space, rejuvenating tired walls and ceilings without overpowering the inherent character of the home.

Whether you’re dealing with period features or looking to complement modern fixtures, the right paint can make a significant difference.

Walls play a central role in the overall aesthetic of any room.

When choosing paint for walls in older homes, it’s crucial to select products that offer both durability and style.

Dulux Easycare Washable Matt is ideal for high-traffic areas like hallways, kitchens, and living rooms.

Its washable properties ensure that the walls remain looking fresh, even with constant use.

This makes it a great choice for families or homes with pets, where walls are more prone to stains or scuffs.

A well-executed design update will allow you to enjoy the best of both worlds: the timeless appeal of the original features of your home, paired with the comforts and functionality of modern living.

Whether it’s through fresh paint, updated fixtures, or carefully chosen furniture, you can refresh the space while staying true to the essence of the property.

Is your property vacant or derelict?

The Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant offers significant financial support to bring such properties back to life.

The maximum amount available for refurbishing vacant properties can reach up to €50,000, with additional funding for derelict properties.

This initiative is an excellent opportunity for builders and renovators to access essential funding to transform homes and communities.

Eligible properties can receive funding for a wide range of refurbishment works, from structural upgrades to interior fittings.

As an added bonus, the grant can be combined with other schemes like the SEAI Better Energy Home Scheme for further energy improvements.

Whether it’s structural works, plumbing, or even creating a more energy-efficient home, renovating an older property can be costly but incredibly rewarding.

By using high-quality materials and applying for grants such as this one, you can make your project both successful and financially viable.

Shop online or visit our store today for expert advice and find the materials you need to get started on your renovation project.