High ceilings, original windows, heritage detail. Older properties have an obvious appeal, and it’s easy to let that appeal carry you straight into a renovation without checking what’s underneath it. The risk on an older property isn’t the charm. It’s what the charm is sitting on top of.
Asbestos
The older the property, the more likely it contains asbestos. Get a building, pest and asbestos report done before you purchase or renovate. It’s a small cost against what it could save you. If asbestos is found, only a licensed professional should assess and remove it.
Ageing services
Plumbing and electrical systems in an older home may not have been upgraded in decades. If you’re moving plumbing or installing modern fittings, budget for the possibility that the wiring and pipework behind the walls needs upgrading too, not just the visible fixtures.
What's under the floor
Older buildings often have timber floor joists rather than a concrete slab, which changes what’s possible structurally. Any structural work on an older property should involve a structural engineer with a track record on older buildings specifically, not just experience with new builds.
Site access
Older buildings, particularly apartments, often mean stairs rather than lifts. Talk to your builder early about how that affects materials access, rubbish removal and where a skip bin can actually go. It’s a logistics question, but it affects your budget and your timeline.
Fire safety compliance
If you’re in an older apartment building, check with your owners corporation on whether fire safety has been upgraded to current standards. If it hasn’t, council can issue a notice requiring the work, and the cost is generally shared across every owner in the building. Check the strata’s sinking fund and whether this is already on the horizon.
