Old London properties benefit from modern materials

One of the most appealing things about living in London is the array of wonderful period town houses and older properties on offer. These stunning properties often make fantastic, comfortable homes and they make a wonderful impression on your guests, friends and family.

However, it is important to remember that older properties in the capital city are sometimes in need of significant modernisation. If no previous owner has taken the steps to bring the property into the modern era, then it will be up to you to make the necessary changes. Sometimes, a refurbishment has been completed but it was over 20 or 30 years ago and is tired and needs completely renovating. The woodwork might be worn, the flooring tired and creaking, the doors might not be closing properly or the windows might be in need of attention.

It can seem like something of a challenge to update one of London’s older properties to make it suitable for today’s modern lifestyle, especially in a conservation area or if it is a listed building. You should use the expertise of one of the capital’s reputable construction and local building companies. They can often advise on what is possible and what is not, before you go and meet with an interior designer or an architect. If you are looking for qualified architects, expert craftsmen, specialist trades and interior designers, London is definitely the place to be. It is sensible for property owners to seek the opinion of a respected residential architect, discussing their ideas with a local building company at the initial design stage. Considerations such as what might work well, what could be a challenge to build, is there  a different way to build something or achieve almost the same effect without the expense, what’s possible, what elements need to be considered and how long the renovation of this old property might take.

Local building companies bring all aspects of renovation under one roof to make the process of having your home refurbished or modernised much easier. Importantly, you need to have the whole project managed as well – and if your construction partner knows their stuff, they can often do this for you at no extra charge. When the builder and architect are working closely, they can incorporate modern building materials that more energy efficient, smaller, neater, stronger, lighter or more malleable. Working as a team with you as the captain, is the best way to transform your older property into a home that meets the contemporary needs of you and your family.