How to renovate an Edwardian and Victorian house?

Do you want to know how to renovate an Edwardian and Victorian house? Maybe you want to retain your Edwardian or Victorian house's key features and want to add some modern touches to make it look updated?

Victorian and Edwardian houses are renowned for their beautiful architecture and decorative detail.These kinds of homes do appear to be designed to be sturdy and long-lasting, making them common designer choices when it comes to home renovation.

They make fine homes for the 21st century with clever additions, an exterior makeover, and a rework of their layouts.However, before we jump on the process of how to renovate a house, let us first discuss the difference between Victorian and Edwardian houses and how a building construction company can help with the renovation.

Difference Between Edwardian and Victorian House

Both structures are built to last, not to mention they define the two most interesting and important eras in Britain’s history. Below is the information that you need to know about Edwardian and Victorian houses.

What is a Victorian House?

During the industrial revolution, the Victorian era was well known for its thousands of terraced buildings designed for workers living in the vicinity of industrial areas, particularly in the North and Midlands.

Various larger buildings have also been built for the houses of rich members society. A Victorian property has several distinguishable characteristics such as brickwork, high ceilings, bay windows, brick porches, and ornate gable trim among others.

The Victorian era is the second-longest in British history. Therefore, it can’t be denied that the previous Georgian and Edwardian periods have been passed. However, the characteristics above are typical of Victorian properties.

What is an Edwardian House?

The Edwardian period (1901 - 1910) is often considered the height of Britain's global influence. In Germany, technological advances were coupled with the resources of skilled architects to build properties to meet the needs of a rapidly changing population.

As the middle class migrated out of the town into the cities, housing was constructed that mirrored their shifting values. The characteristics of an Edwardian house are timber-framed porches, Georgian revival architecture, Mock-Tudor cladding, and large proportions.

Exceptions to the rule exist in every generation. However, the above features are a general guide for you if you are planning to do an Edwardian house renovation.

Prior to the Edwardian era, Georgian and Victorian houses influenced its construction, but when exactly are they built and how does the property look like?

When Were Edwardian Houses Built?

With their large and spacious features that can accommodate several people, Edwardian houses have been long considered a symbol of elegance, luxury, and almost royalty. They were built during the reign of Queen Victoria’s successor, King Edward VII, which started from 1901 until his death in 1910.

The Edwardian period was heavily influenced by the arts and crafts movement which valued simplicity and the uniqueness of handmade products – something that directly opposed the mass-production mentality of the preceding era.

Other factors that influenced the construction of Edwardian houses were the increase in household servants as well as the availability of electricity – both of which required a more modern type of architecture to accommodate them.

Houses built in this era featured two stories and were roomier and wider, with more windows that let more light in as opposed to Victorian-era houses which were darker and smaller due to the construction boom that happened during that time.

The majority of these houses were constructed on the outskirts of bigger towns as more space was required to build them. Another common characteristic of Edwardian houses are porches which were almost a requirement during the time. This was considered a reflection of the property owners’ financial status which meant those with more financial capacity had larger porches while those with less had smaller ones.
Although it ended abruptly with the death of King Edward VII in 1910 and the sudden outbreak of World War I in 1914, the Edwardian era left a significant mark in the field of architecture.
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When Were Victorian Houses Built?

The Victorian era was a time of increased housing development and a growing middle class. It was from 1837 to 1901 when Victorian house construction started under the reign of Queen Victoria I.

The majority of the homes constructed before the Victorian Era were inherited by people of noble position or the wealthy landlords. The Industrial Revolution allowed the wealth to be more evenly distributed, resulting in more people being able to buy a property. As a result, more affordable terraced houses were introduced.

This indicated that more houses had to be constructed, and that explains why the Victorian era was marked by a series of terraced houses that are built on narrow streets. Within the property, large windows and high ceilings were a part of Victorian houses, but the rest became somewhat cramped with an oddly shaped frame in contrast to earlier Georgian designs.

Generally, Victorian houses are one room wide with a narrow hallway which leads to other rooms and entertaining areas.

What is the Process of Renovating an Edwardian and Victorian House?

Renovation of an old home is a challenge. One major thing that you have to think about is tearing it down because the existing structure should be dealt with.

Due to this, a house renovation checklist is necessary to make sure that every step is finished in a proper way. You also have to consider contacting a renovation company that is already an expert in older structures.

Edwardian and Victorian House Renovation Process

Listed below are some of the steps involved in a typical Edwardian or Victorian house renovation process:

Modernising the loft – it’s up to the owner’s decision whether he wants to modernise the loft or not. However, it is worth doing if the loft area is not well kept. Doing so implies to do some research or a consultation to experts to know the best loft conversion that suit your home.
Extending the rear or side area – most people choose to extend the house’s area to accommodate the extra room.
Changing the room’s colours – this is specifically beneficial when you are doing an Edwardian house renovation as some of its interiors are dark. Choosing a bright coloured palette to paint it will make the house more inviting.
Changing the bathroom fixtures – this only applies if you don’t want the look of old fixtures in your bathroom. However, this helps a lot since old ones tend to have plumbing issues.
Improving the basement – we have to admit that most basements from old houses are scary because they’re seldom used. Improving its interior by designing it with lively colours will add character to the house

Like all sensitive structures, Edwardian and Victorian houses need a professional with a specific skill and great focus when planning modifications to ensure that its structure won’t be ruined.

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