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EZiD's Best Tips for Renovating an Older Home in Singapore

Written By
Stephen Chan
Date Written:
24/1/2024

EZiD's Best Tips for Renovating an Older Home in Singapore

Credit: Renologist

If you’ve just purchased an older home in Singapore, congratulations! Purchasing a home is always a special moment in anyone’s life, and there’s a certain charm of owning an older home as compared to a spanking new BTO. When it comes to renovating homes, renovating an older place is always going to be an exciting adventure, with fruitful rewards at the end. But, where do you start? Here are some tips from EZiD to help you get going!

Inspect Your Home First

If the house you’re eyeing was built before the 1980s, the structure and foundation should be high on your assessment list. These elements form the bones of a home, so you’ll want to make sure they’re solid. Before beginning your project, check for signs of water damage or pests and repair or replace elements like flooring, beams or wiring as needed.

Update the Electrical and Plumbing Systems

Updating your home’s electrical and plumbing systems is crucial for safety, efficiency, and comfort. Outdated or inefficient systems waste resources and can be safety hazards. Consider upgrading to meet current standards for peace of mind.

Electrical

Have an electrician evaluate your home’s electrical system. They can spot issues like outdated wiring, lack of proper grounding or circuit breakers, and insufficient amperage for today’s needs. Upgrading to a modern system with safety mechanisms like residual-current devices (RCDs) and circuit breakers can prevent dangerous shocks or fires. They may also recommend installing more power outlets, especially near appliances and in entertainment areas.

Plumbing

Similarly, have a plumber inspect your plumbing. They can find leaks, corrosion, or pipes that need replacing before causing water damage or mould issues. Updating to copper or PVC piping improves water flow and quality. Installing a water filtration system provides cleaner, better-tasting water.

Upgrading these critical systems, while potentially expensive, gives you peace of mind and a home suited for modern life. An investment in safety, efficiency and comfort is always worthwhile. An interior designer who has renovated an older home before will be able to coordinates the checkups and evaluate your needs and options so you can make the best choice for your budget and home.

Decide What Vintage Elements to Preserve

When renovating an older home, preserving some original vintage elements can give it character and charm, instead of just another home on your ID’s portfolio. As you update the essentials, consider keeping a few accent pieces that showcase the home’s history.

Look for architectural details worth highlighting, like decorative tiles, or accents. Instead of swapping them out completely, you can refinish or repaint them to freshen them up while retaining the original style.

See if any furniture came with the house that’s still in good shape. A vintage cabinet, sideboard or bench might work well in your new design. Some old appliances make for fantastic display items too! What’s important here is to look for pieces that complement your renovation style so they don’t seem out of place.

With some TLC and the right accents in place, vintage character can shine through a newly renovated home. Keep your reno style and the home’s era in mind as you decide which elements to preserve for a seamless blend of old and new. Your home will have its unique story to tell for years to come!

Give the Kitchen and Bathrooms a Facelift

Credit: Renologist

The kitchen and bathrooms are two of the most important areas of any home, so they should be high priorities for renovation in an older property.

Kitchen

An outdated kitchen can make the entire home seem old and dingy. Look for ways to open up the space by removing any unnecessary walls or cabinets. If you don’t need the wok hey, you can consider replacing your gas stove to a more energy-efficient and safe induction cooktop-.

For cabinets, choose a simple, minimalist style in a neutral shade that will withstand the test of time. Quartz or sintered stone countertops are attractive, durable options. Undercabinet lighting and pendant lights over the island or sink are easy ways to make the space brighter and more stylish.

Tile, wood, or stone are ideal flooring materials for kitchens due to their water resistance and durability. However, iIf your existing flooring is in good shape, you may be able to keep costs down by simply re-grouting tile or refinishing wood floors.

Bathrooms

Dark, cramped bathrooms are unappealing and take away from the warm welcome whenever you return home. As a starter, we recommend removing any non-load-bearing walls to open up the space if any. Replace outdated fixtures like sinks, toilets, tubs, and lighting. Instal new tile, stone, or waterproof flooring.

For showers, consider frameless glass doors and a stone surround for an upscale look. Double vanities provide storage and convenience for couples while wall-mounted toilets and floating vanities create an open, minimalist feel.

Dim lighting and lack of ventilation are common issues in older bathrooms. Add recessed or overhead lighting along with an exhaust fan to prevent moisture buildup. You should also get a coat of anti-mould paint for your ceiling.

With some strategic renovations to the kitchen and bathrooms, you can modernise an older home and make the spaces much more inviting, valuable and livable. Focusing on opening up the rooms, improving functionality, and upgrading fixtures and finishes will give you the most dramatic transformation.

Refresh the Walls, Floors and Windows

Refreshing the walls, floors, and windows of an older home is key to giving it a modern facelift. Scuffed floors, and draughty windows a la your primary school classroom can make a space seem dingy and lupsup. Focus on one area at a time, starting with what bothers you most.

Walls are often easiest to refresh by simply painting over existing wallpaper. Use a primer first, then apply two coats of paint in a contemporary, neutral shade. For wooden walls or ceilings, sand lightly and stain or repaint. If there are any cracks or holes to patch, do this before painting for the smoothest finish.

Replacing old carpeting with hardwood, tile or stone floors will completely transform the look and feel of your home. Hardwood and tile also improve air quality and are easier to keep clean. When selecting new flooring, choose a durable, low-maintenance option suitable for high-traffic, multi-purpose areas.

Replacing the windows in your home with double-glazed windows can make the home look and feel more comfortable. Look for windows with built-in UV protection and soundproofing (especially if it faces the common corridor).

Refreshing these three elements creates a solid base for any renovation. With new walls, floors and windows, your older home will feel open, airy and more welcoming.

Find an Interior Designer Experienced in Older Homes

Credit: Renologist

As we said earlier, renovating an older home is an adventure. You'll most probably uncover some hidden gems in your older home, as well as a few not-so-pleasant surprises. While these may pose a challenge for even the most experienced homeowner, you can be assured that  an experienced interior designer can strategise your renovation accordingly  to bring out the best in your space.

Looking for an interior designer who is well-versed in the intricacies of renovating an older home? Don’t hesitate to shoot the folks at EZiD an enquiry! Our platform connects you directly with the top interior designers in Singapore, many of whom have had experience in renovating older homes. They’ll approach each area of your home with a discerning eye, and help you strike that delicate balance between updating what needs fixing with preserving what gives your home character. The possibilities of renovating an older home are endless,  so best of luck for your adventure!

Share this article
Articles
/
Guides

EZiD's Best Tips for Renovating an Older Home in Singapore

Written By
Stephen Chan
Date Written:
24/1/2024

EZiD's Best Tips for Renovating an Older Home in Singapore

Credit: Renologist

If you’ve just purchased an older home in Singapore, congratulations! Purchasing a home is always a special moment in anyone’s life, and there’s a certain charm of owning an older home as compared to a spanking new BTO. When it comes to renovating homes, renovating an older place is always going to be an exciting adventure, with fruitful rewards at the end. But, where do you start? Here are some tips from EZiD to help you get going!

Inspect Your Home First

If the house you’re eyeing was built before the 1980s, the structure and foundation should be high on your assessment list. These elements form the bones of a home, so you’ll want to make sure they’re solid. Before beginning your project, check for signs of water damage or pests and repair or replace elements like flooring, beams or wiring as needed.

Update the Electrical and Plumbing Systems

Updating your home’s electrical and plumbing systems is crucial for safety, efficiency, and comfort. Outdated or inefficient systems waste resources and can be safety hazards. Consider upgrading to meet current standards for peace of mind.

Electrical

Have an electrician evaluate your home’s electrical system. They can spot issues like outdated wiring, lack of proper grounding or circuit breakers, and insufficient amperage for today’s needs. Upgrading to a modern system with safety mechanisms like residual-current devices (RCDs) and circuit breakers can prevent dangerous shocks or fires. They may also recommend installing more power outlets, especially near appliances and in entertainment areas.

Plumbing

Similarly, have a plumber inspect your plumbing. They can find leaks, corrosion, or pipes that need replacing before causing water damage or mould issues. Updating to copper or PVC piping improves water flow and quality. Installing a water filtration system provides cleaner, better-tasting water.

Upgrading these critical systems, while potentially expensive, gives you peace of mind and a home suited for modern life. An investment in safety, efficiency and comfort is always worthwhile. An interior designer who has renovated an older home before will be able to coordinates the checkups and evaluate your needs and options so you can make the best choice for your budget and home.

Decide What Vintage Elements to Preserve

When renovating an older home, preserving some original vintage elements can give it character and charm, instead of just another home on your ID’s portfolio. As you update the essentials, consider keeping a few accent pieces that showcase the home’s history.

Look for architectural details worth highlighting, like decorative tiles, or accents. Instead of swapping them out completely, you can refinish or repaint them to freshen them up while retaining the original style.

See if any furniture came with the house that’s still in good shape. A vintage cabinet, sideboard or bench might work well in your new design. Some old appliances make for fantastic display items too! What’s important here is to look for pieces that complement your renovation style so they don’t seem out of place.

With some TLC and the right accents in place, vintage character can shine through a newly renovated home. Keep your reno style and the home’s era in mind as you decide which elements to preserve for a seamless blend of old and new. Your home will have its unique story to tell for years to come!

Give the Kitchen and Bathrooms a Facelift

Credit: Renologist

The kitchen and bathrooms are two of the most important areas of any home, so they should be high priorities for renovation in an older property.

Kitchen

An outdated kitchen can make the entire home seem old and dingy. Look for ways to open up the space by removing any unnecessary walls or cabinets. If you don’t need the wok hey, you can consider replacing your gas stove to a more energy-efficient and safe induction cooktop-.

For cabinets, choose a simple, minimalist style in a neutral shade that will withstand the test of time. Quartz or sintered stone countertops are attractive, durable options. Undercabinet lighting and pendant lights over the island or sink are easy ways to make the space brighter and more stylish.

Tile, wood, or stone are ideal flooring materials for kitchens due to their water resistance and durability. However, iIf your existing flooring is in good shape, you may be able to keep costs down by simply re-grouting tile or refinishing wood floors.

Bathrooms

Dark, cramped bathrooms are unappealing and take away from the warm welcome whenever you return home. As a starter, we recommend removing any non-load-bearing walls to open up the space if any. Replace outdated fixtures like sinks, toilets, tubs, and lighting. Instal new tile, stone, or waterproof flooring.

For showers, consider frameless glass doors and a stone surround for an upscale look. Double vanities provide storage and convenience for couples while wall-mounted toilets and floating vanities create an open, minimalist feel.

Dim lighting and lack of ventilation are common issues in older bathrooms. Add recessed or overhead lighting along with an exhaust fan to prevent moisture buildup. You should also get a coat of anti-mould paint for your ceiling.

With some strategic renovations to the kitchen and bathrooms, you can modernise an older home and make the spaces much more inviting, valuable and livable. Focusing on opening up the rooms, improving functionality, and upgrading fixtures and finishes will give you the most dramatic transformation.

Refresh the Walls, Floors and Windows

Refreshing the walls, floors, and windows of an older home is key to giving it a modern facelift. Scuffed floors, and draughty windows a la your primary school classroom can make a space seem dingy and lupsup. Focus on one area at a time, starting with what bothers you most.

Walls are often easiest to refresh by simply painting over existing wallpaper. Use a primer first, then apply two coats of paint in a contemporary, neutral shade. For wooden walls or ceilings, sand lightly and stain or repaint. If there are any cracks or holes to patch, do this before painting for the smoothest finish.

Replacing old carpeting with hardwood, tile or stone floors will completely transform the look and feel of your home. Hardwood and tile also improve air quality and are easier to keep clean. When selecting new flooring, choose a durable, low-maintenance option suitable for high-traffic, multi-purpose areas.

Replacing the windows in your home with double-glazed windows can make the home look and feel more comfortable. Look for windows with built-in UV protection and soundproofing (especially if it faces the common corridor).

Refreshing these three elements creates a solid base for any renovation. With new walls, floors and windows, your older home will feel open, airy and more welcoming.

Find an Interior Designer Experienced in Older Homes

Credit: Renologist

As we said earlier, renovating an older home is an adventure. You'll most probably uncover some hidden gems in your older home, as well as a few not-so-pleasant surprises. While these may pose a challenge for even the most experienced homeowner, you can be assured that  an experienced interior designer can strategise your renovation accordingly  to bring out the best in your space.

Looking for an interior designer who is well-versed in the intricacies of renovating an older home? Don’t hesitate to shoot the folks at EZiD an enquiry! Our platform connects you directly with the top interior designers in Singapore, many of whom have had experience in renovating older homes. They’ll approach each area of your home with a discerning eye, and help you strike that delicate balance between updating what needs fixing with preserving what gives your home character. The possibilities of renovating an older home are endless,  so best of luck for your adventure!

Share this article