Renovating an old house in Belgium: where to start?

Renovating an old house in Belgium is a project as exciting as it is demanding. Whether it's a master house, a workers' dwelling, a row house, or a brick building typical of Belgian heritage: these homes offer a unique charm but also present numerous technical constraints. According to construction sector data, over 60% of Belgian homes were built before 1980, and a significant portion has never undergone a comprehensive renovation. Non-existent insulation, outdated installations, humidity issues, or low energy performance are therefore common. To successfully carry out renovation work on an old house in Belgium, it is essential to adopt a structured approach, tailored to old buildings and strictly compliant with current Belgian regulations. At Avenir Rénovations, we support individuals at every stage of their project, with a proven method, a comprehensive vision, and a high level of demand regarding quality, safety, and compliance. The characteristics of old Belgian buildings Old Belgian houses were built using traditional methods. They often feature solid brick or stone walls without integrated insulation, wooden floors, shallow foundations, and old roofs made of natural slate or tiles. From an energy perspective, these buildings frequently display poor energy performance scores. In Wallonia, an unrenovated old house often falls into class F or G, with consumption potentially exceeding 400 kWh/m²/year. The specific constraints of renovation Renovating an old house involves dealing with significant technical constraints. Humidity affects a large majority of these properties, manifesting as rising damp, infiltrations, or condensation. Electrical and plumbing installations may date back several decades and no longer meet current requirements. Without a comprehensive and coordinated approach, certain work can destabilize the building. This is why renovating an old house in Belgium requires the intervention of experienced professionals. Renovating an old house in Belgium: where to start? The success of a renovation project primarily relies on rigorous preparation. Before starting the work, several steps are essential. Conduct a complete building diagnosis A thorough diagnosis allows for precise identification of the property's condition. It covers the structure, roofing, framework, floors, humidity, technical installations, and energy performance. As part of a complete renovation, this diagnosis typically represents a cost between 1,000 and 3,000 euros, depending on the size and complexity of the building. This investment is essential to avoid costly mistakes and prioritize the work. At Avenir Rénovations, this phase is managed by a dedicated Project Manager, ensuring the technical coherence and regulatory compliance of the project. Define a realistic budget and prioritize the work The budget for renovating an old house in Belgium varies significantly depending on the condition of the property and the scope of the work. On average, it is estimated: - Partial renovation: between 600 and 900 €/m² - Complete renovation: between 1,000 and 1,500 €/m² - Heavy renovation with restructuring: up to 2,000 €/m² It is recommended to allow a safety margin of 10 to 15% to account for unforeseen circumstances, which are common in older properties. Check urban planning regulations and permits In Belgium, certain work requires a planning permit, particularly facade modifications, structural transformations, or extensions. Timelines can vary from a few weeks to several months depending on the municipality. Avenir Rénovations assists you throughout these processes to secure your project from the design phase.