Renovating an old house allows you to preserve its charm while adapting it to current uses. However, behind a characterful facade may lie a weakened structure, outdated systems, or moisture problems. Before choosing the finishes, a complete diagnosis is essential to build a realistic project.
Examine the building's structure
The first step is to check the foundations, load-bearing walls, floors, framework, and roof. Cracks, a sagging floor, or signs of infiltration can reveal issues more significant than a simple aesthetic defect.
Opening a wall, converting the attic, or modifying the framework should never be decided without prior study. Depending on the nature of the project, the intervention of a structural engineer may be necessary to verify the feasibility of the transformations and plan the appropriate reinforcements.
Investigate the source of moisture
Old houses were often built with materials capable of allowing water vapor to circulate. Capillary rise, a defective roof, insufficient drainage, or poor ventilation can cause stains, odors, and mold.
The cause must be addressed before redoing the walls. Installing a waterproof covering or insulating without analyzing the behavior of the building can trap moisture and worsen the damage. The choice of materials must therefore remain compatible with the existing walls.
Check for the presence of asbestos
In Switzerland, any building constructed before 1990 may contain asbestos. It can be present in tile adhesives, floor coverings, fiber cement boards, coatings, sealants, or insulation.
An asbestos diagnosis must be carried out before any transformation, repair, maintenance, or deconstruction work on a building built before 1990. Suspected materials should not be drilled or removed without precautions. If asbestos is identified, its treatment must be entrusted to qualified professionals.
Check technical installations
An old electrical installation may be insufficient for current equipment. Plumbing may also have leaks, irregular pressure, or damaged pipes. The electrical panel, grounding, pipes, drains, heating, and hot water production should be checked.
These checks allow for integrating upgrades into the budget and avoiding reopening recently renovated walls.
Consider insulation, windows, and ventilation together
Improving energy performance does not mean replacing each element separately. In an old house, the roof, facades, windows, heating, and ventilation must be studied as a whole.
New windows are much more airtight. Without appropriate air renewal, moisture can then condense on cold walls and promote mold. Therefore, insulation must be accompanied by a reflection on ventilation and the treatment of thermal bridges.
An energy assessment, supplemented if necessary by a CECB Plus, helps prioritize interventions. As assistance varies by cantons and municipalities, applications must be verified before the start of work.
Check permits and building protection
In Switzerland, construction rules depend on the canton and the municipality. A permit may be required to modify the facade, roof, openings, volume, or use of the building. Additional constraints apply when the house is protected or located in a conservation area.
Before finalizing the project, contact the municipal construction service. This check helps avoid designing transformations that are incompatible with local regulations.
Allow for a margin in the budget
Renovating an old property can sometimes reveal surprises after removing coverings: damaged beams, pipes to be replaced, or uneven supports. It is wise to set aside a budget for unforeseen expenses and prioritize the work: safety and structure, sanitation, envelope, networks, followed by fit-outs and finishes.
Why choose Avenir Rénovations Suisse?
Renovating an old house requires a comprehensive vision and precise coordination of different trades. Avenir Rénovations Suisse supports you from the initial assessment to the completion of the project.
Your Project Manager assesses your needs, estimates the interventions, and organizes the craftsmen in the correct order. You benefit from a single point of contact to preserve the character of your house while improving its safety, comfort, and performance.
Are you considering renovating an old house? Contact Avenir Rénovations Suisse for a free and personalized quote.
