Victorian House Renovation – 14 Steps You Must Follow

During the reign of Queen Victoria, some of the most iconic buildings in the UK were constructed. The Victorian period (1837-1901) marked a significant era for architecture and design, characterized by innovation and ornate detailing. Given their often ornate appearance, the demand for such properties can be high, resulting in great investment potential.

As with all ornately designed structures, Victorian buildings—known for their decorative trim, bay windows, and steeply pitched roofs—can often require specific competence and a greater attention to detail when planning alterations.

Introduction: Why Renovate a Victorian House?

Renovating a Victorian house is more than just a home improvement project—it’s an opportunity to breathe new life into a piece of history. Victorian houses, built during the Victorian era, are renowned for their striking architecture, high ceilings, and intricate period details that set them apart from modern houses. These properties offer a unique blend of character and charm, making them highly desirable for homeowners who appreciate original features and timeless style. A well-executed renovation project allows you to preserve the best of the past while seamlessly integrating the comforts and conveniences of modern life. Whether your goal is to restore your Victorian property to its former glory or to create a contemporary look that respects its heritage, a thoughtful house renovation can transform your house into a dream home that stands the test of time.

What type of Victorian property do you have?

The most common types of Victorian homes:

Victorian architecture evolved significantly throughout the 19th century, transitioning from early ornate styles to the more eclectic and decorative late Victorian period.

Gothic Revival

Inspired by medieval churches and castles, this style became fashionable after the design of the Houses of Parliament. Typically you can recognise them by steep pitched roofs, pointed arches and front-facing gables.

Italianate

Inspired by Italian villas and in contrast to other Victorian styles, these houses typically have only two floors. They are characterised by low roofs and wide eaves, often with a huge front porch, Corynthian columns and arched windows.

Second Empire

This style became fashionable when American cities started to develop in size and cultural variety. They typically have very tall facades and a mansard style roof. Typically they have a simple rectangular or square base.

Stick-Eastlake

These houses are primarily made of wood. They are recognisable by their decorative trussworks and angled wood framing. Other distinguishable elements include  a pitched shingle roof and simple gables.

Folk Victorian

A combination of romantic Victorian and American homestead style, this style of house is rarely found in urban areas.  Though the design is more simpler, they  nevertheless retain their Victorian roots, through  decoration to the porches and roofs.

Queen Anne

The most common of Victorian designs. These homes feature heavy ornamentation, porches with gables, circular towers, and bay windows.  Large windows are also typical and will contain both functional and decorative elements.

Assessing Your Victorian Property

Before you dive into your Victorian house renovation, it’s crucial to thoroughly assess the condition of your property. Start by inspecting the roof, external walls, and floors for any signs of wear, damage, or structural issues. Most Victorian houses feature sash windows, which, while beautiful, are often poorly insulated and may need careful restoration or replacement to improve energy efficiency. Don’t overlook the original fireplaces—these are standout features in many Victorian homes and can often be restored to add both warmth and character. Pay close attention to any signs of damp, rot, or subsidence, as these issues are common in older houses and can impact your renovation plans and budget. By understanding the strengths and weaknesses of your Victorian property from the outset, you’ll be better equipped to plan a successful house renovation that enhances both its beauty and functionality.

Creating a Renovation Plan

A successful Victorian house renovation starts with a clear and detailed plan. Begin by setting your priorities—decide which period features you want to preserve, what modern amenities you’d like to add, and how you can make the most of your internal space. Victorian terraces, for example, often have compact layouts, so creative solutions may be needed to maximize living areas and improve flow. Establish a realistic budget and outline the scope of your renovation project, considering both essential repairs and desired upgrades. Consulting with an experienced interior designer or architect can help you visualize your ideas and ensure that your plans respect the unique character of your Victorian house. By investing time in careful planning, you’ll set the stage for a house renovation that balances historical charm with the needs of modern living.

Conservation and Planning: Permissions and Regulations

When renovating a Victorian house, it’s important to be aware of conservation and planning regulations, especially if your property is located in a conservation area or is a listed building. Many local authorities require permissions for changes that affect the external appearance or period features of Victorian properties. Most Victorian houses boast unique elements such as stained glass, ceiling roses, and original wooden floorboards, all of which should be preserved wherever possible to maintain the integrity of the original architecture. Working closely with conservation officers and planning experts will help ensure your renovation work complies with all relevant guidelines, protecting both your investment and the historical value of your Victorian home. By respecting these regulations, you’ll help safeguard the character of your house for future generations.

What changes can you make to a Victorian house?

Victorian houses offer a wealth of possibilities when it comes to renovation and improvement. You might choose to install new sash windows for better insulation, add a rear extension to create more living space, or undertake a loft conversion to make use of unused attic areas. Updating your home’s electrical and plumbing systems can bring your Victorian home up to modern standards, while preserving original features like fireplaces, dado rails, and ceiling roses will retain its period charm. For those looking to make their house more energy efficient, options such as secondary glazing and improved insulation can help lower energy bills without compromising on style. By carefully considering your options and working with skilled professionals, you can transform your Victorian house into a comfortable, functional, and beautiful home that celebrates its unique heritage and period features.

In a Victorian property, you can:

• Convert the loft

• Extend the rear and the side

• Add a side extension

• Enlarge the kitchen or living room, possibly creating a dedicated dining space

• Install a new bathroom or ensuite

• Convert the basement

When planning your renovation, consider creative design ideas to maximize the potential of your space.

Plus, in a Victorian property there are always minor fixes needed.

For both major works and minor fixes, it’s important to carry out the work in the most respectful manner. When undertaking major works, especially those affecting the ground floor, careful planning is essential to improve flow and maximize space. You want to maintain, strengthen, extend while making sure the original structure and features are not damaged or lost.

1. Repair brickwork and pointing

If your property’s exterior isn’t too badly damaged, you can restore it using breathable lime. Matching bricks from reclaimed yards, also known as a reclamation yard, can be used in case the damage is more extensive.

For extensive repairs, the best choice is always to appoint specialists in restoring period properties, especially for period homes.

2. Look at the plasterwork

Cornicing and plaster ceiling roses were the norm for Victorian houses. Often they can become very ornate, so that they can be more tricky to restore.

When restoring Victorian plasterwork, it is important to address issues with internal walls, such as cracks, uneven plaster, or moisture problems, to ensure a lasting and authentic finish.

To replace damaged plasterwork or recreate part of the decorations, make sure you use the best quality materials.

There are suppliers specialised in recreating matching mouldings, roses and other elements.

It’s always better to employ specialist period decorators for the best results.

3. Restore/Replace sash windows

If your original Victorian windows are in reasonable condition, it may be possible to restore them, which helps preserve original details such as period glass, sash cords, and decorative mouldings.

If refurbishing them is neither viable or desirable, remember that planning permission is almost always required for window replacement, especially if your house is located in a conservation area.

Replacing the windows will almost certainly mean a far greater energy performance, particularly if double glazing is an option. However, it should be noted that many planning requirements may stipulate to change the windows like-for-like and the original frame may not allow space for a double glaze option.

When replacing or restoring windows, ensure that air bricks are unobstructed to maintain proper ventilation and prevent moisture issues.

4. Work on the floor

If you can retain the original floorboards, this will maximise the resale value of your property. It will also add to the feeling of space, giving your open-plan area a more modern ambience. Strip back your floorboards or visit salvage yards to find reclaimed ones.

Before restoring or replacing floors in Victorian houses, it is important to check for the presence of damp proof courses and to conduct a damp survey. This helps identify and address any moisture issues that are common in older buildings, ensuring the long-term durability of your floors.

You want to make sure to add insulation to the original flooring. You should be able to lift the existing floorboards without causing damage. It will then be fairly straightforward to drape a membrane into position and fill the space between the joists with insulation, before replacing the boards. It’s always better to appoint a professional to avoid damaging the original joists and boards, and to be able to repair any hidden damage that becomes visible during the work.

5. Repair or replace the roof

You can try to replace your roof slates like for like, or have your old roof repaired instead. If you have only a few slates to be replaced, it may be possible to recover some original ones from a salvage yard.

Many Victorian houses feature sloping roofs, which are a distinctive architectural element and can present unique challenges during roof repairs. Remember roof repairs can have a big impact on the health of your property. Unless it’s very straightforward work, make sure you use professional roofers to do the job.

6. Restore or repair the front path

If you have only a few damaged tiles to replace, it is worth starting your search from salvage yards.

If the damage is more extensive or your original path is beyond repair, take inspiration from your neighbouring properties for the right style.

7. Update your kitchen

You can choose any style for your new kitchen and still highlight the original features in your Victorian home.

Details like cornices, alcoves, and the chimney breast can be incorporated into your new kitchen, giving it a unique character. The chimney breast, a traditional architectural feature in Victorian homes, was often the original location for a wood stove and can serve as a striking focal point in your kitchen design.

Choosing a traditional style will work perfectly. But you don’t have to stick to the traditional. Modern crisp lines and curves can make for a stunning kitchen and by contrasting together with the original Victorian features, they will give the room balance and character. Draw inspiration from a Victorian style house to achieve an authentic and timeless kitchen design.

8. Update your bathroom

Advancements in both sanitary technology and ceramics and iron manufacturing, made the bathroom an increasingly important part of the house in Victorian times. Today, you can use period touches such as roll-tops and copper ‘slipper' baths.

This may also be an opportune moment  to update your plumb work, pipes, boilers and other bathroom fittings, so that future maintenance and durability are guaranteed.

9. Extend your Victorian home

Adding an extension is the best option to improve a dark kitchen or create more living space in your Victorian house, especially if you own a Victorian terrace, which often benefits from a side extension.

If your property is not located in a conservation area and is not listed, there are many options open without the need to apply for planning permission.

For a more cost effective solution, you could opt for a double storey extension, thereby acquiring more space for a lower cost per square metre.

You can check our house extension page for more details on the process and the costs of your Victorian house extension. When planning and executing extensions, it is important to seek expert advice to ensure proper modifications and to prevent issues such as damp, insulation problems, or structural concerns.

10. Add space with a rear extension

Rear extensions are possible under permitted development in most cases, if you have a detached or semi-detached house.

A side return extension will also allow for more space gain, using the L-shaped space to the side of your house.

If your property is listed, you live in a conservation area, or your home is a period house such as a Victorian or Edwardian property, regulations for extensions are stricter, and you will need planning permission for the works.

11. Loft conversion

Victorian properties were generally built with spacious lofts, which means they are ideal for loft extensions. Maximizing your loft space allows you to create additional rooms, such as a comfortable master bedroom, making the most of the available area. The steeper the pitch of the roof, the more head height you will find.

When planning your loft conversion, consider incorporating features like dormer windows or rooflights to enhance natural light, creating a bright and airy atmosphere in the new space.

Check our loft conversion page for more details on what you can achieve with loft in your Victorian house.

12. Convert the basement

Basement conversions have a limited impact on the exterior appearance and may be easier to receive  planning permission for.

Converting an existing basement space is relatively straightforward, and with modern techniques you will achieve reliably waterproofed and spacious rooms.

See our basement conversion page for all the info on the process, the options and the average costs.

13. Interior decoration

When it comes to decoration, you have more choices than you think.

If you like the traditional style, you can redecorate Victorian rooms with bathroom fittings, tiles, flooring, windows, coving etc that are reminiscent of the period, yet all modern in materials and function. This approach helps you achieve an authentic Victorian style.

If you want a completely new feel to your home, you can go for modern and crisp fittings. The contrast can enhance the original features, increasing the character and highlighting the uniqueness of the details.

It’s always a good option to speak to interior designers regarding your decoration and aesthetic ideas, especially if you need help customizing Victorian interiors. They can offer professional assistance in sourcing pieces and integrating modern technology with traditional design elements.

14. Structure and alterations

When you’re planning building works, major or minor, in your Victorian house, remember that old buildings can be delicate. Alterations are safer and more cost effective if they are performed by specialists familiar with period property. Victorian homeowners often value maintaining historical integrity during renovations, ensuring that any changes respect the unique character of the building. To ensure that your property will live long into the future, make sure the work is carried out with competence and respect for the original building.

How much does it cost to renovate a Victorian house?

The cost of a Victorian renovation will depend on the specifications and the finishes, especially joinery, flooring and other fittings. Compared to Edwardian houses, Victorian renovations can sometimes be more expensive due to the intricate details and period features that require specialist restoration.

Details that are specific to Victorian renovations can increase the cost compared to a standard renovation. Character bricks, Welsh slates, special coving and other plasterwork decorations add to the average prices. Renovation costs can also be affected by changes made by previous owners, such as unsympathetic alterations or outdated installations that need to be rectified. It is essential to obtain an up-to-date electrical safety certificate to ensure the wiring is safe and compliant, which can also impact the overall renovation budget.

Depending on the location of the property, extensions will be between £1,500 and £2,500 per square metre, loft conversions between £1,000 and £2,000.

In houseUP we specialise in renovations of Victorian buildings, especially where structural alterations are needed. We recommend budgeting for contingencies to avoid renovation horror stories caused by unexpected issues.

Get in touch for a free site visit and a free estimation for your Victorian renovation project