How would you future proof a house whilst completing renovation?

[Tweddle]

We’re about to start a major renovation of our new home that hasn’t been touched in decades. Most of the rooms need taking back to brick so we’re in a position where we can design each room from scratch.
it’s a Victorian property and I’m keen to keep as many features as possible but I also want to future proof it as much as possible as it’s unlikely that we will ever have the funds in the future to undertake a major overhaul.
Our youngest dc is in her mid teens so we don’t need to think about babies/young children, and there’s not much we can do to the garden as it’s quite small and has been well kept by the lady who lived here.
What would you include in the referb if you were in our position?

As much insulation as humanely possible

A decent number of plug points.

Some system to get WiFi through the house without having to have repeaters plugged in.

Lighting circuits so you can have mood lighting in each room at the flick of a switch.

Energy efficient and up to date energy technology. Heat source pump, solar panels, good insulation, good windows that are energy efficient and can also reduce solar gain in hot weather. I’d consider air flow heating/cooling rather than water radiators. Plenty of plug sockets.

Definitely plenty of plug sockets, yes.

Don't make everything open plan.

Don't pick the latest trends for fittings and fixtures. Stick to classic styling but quality products.

If you want to move a doorway or a radiator, don't just not do it to save some money. It'll grate for YEARS.

I wouldn't bother with bells and whistles novelty technology. The tech will move on or it will break and the replacement parts won't be available anymore.

Don't get rid of a bath cos everyone prefers showers now. In a few years' time when you're of an age where you get aches and pains you might just long for a hot bath to relax your muscles. Or have grandchildren who stay over and need a bath rather than a shower.

All of the above plus things like wider doors (in case of wheelchair) downstairs shower room, waist height plug sockets (can’t remember why but I think so you can access without bending down). Im thinking of when/if you are older and physically compromised, which seems to sneak up on us rather quickly.

A layout that allows you to access a bedroom, bathroom and kitchen (and maybe garden) without needing to go up or down stairs.

Allow space for a lift to be installed.

Waist height sockets, taps that can be turned on without using fingers, a walk in shower, ground floor bathroom and bedroom, easy flush toilets - these are all things I have needed since being diagnosed with arthritis.

On plug sockets, don’t just fit the ones for a three pin plug. Get the ones with USB ports too. So many devices - not just phones and iPads, but rechargeable lamps and speakers etc - now come with only a usb cable.

I agree with insulation ++. Don’t know the depths of your renovations but if you’re replacing windows go for triple glazed wood sash and case. Perfectly in keeping with the property but really insulating. Don’t fit a wood burning stove - I can see issues with emissions and smoke control.

If you can, have a vaguely accessible downstairs shower room. If anyone’s incapacitated, or elderly, it’s a godsend.

From experience, having not done it as it tested ok (no idea how), a complete rewire, anything that's remotely dodgy on the roof etc. Whatever the latest version of data cabling is while floors are up etc. We also had to update our drainage arrangements as our septic tank would have made the house unsaleable now (very long convoluted story).

I'm not sure if you're talking future proofing in terms of living in it for the rest of your life or in terms of making it stay saleable etc.

If it’s a house you are intending to stay in until you die make sure you can have a bedroom and shower room on the ground floor.

These are all brilliant. Thank you so much.
This will be our forever home now so definitely future proofing for growing older and all the challenges this might bring. We’re also really conscious of reducing energy bills so will definitely be insulating as much as humanly possible and putting in triple glazed windows.

I'm nearly finished this at mine. The works weren't specifically for future proofing, but builder suggested some great things.

I had no d/s loo, so that was a priority. Not much room in my little house, but builder came up with a great reconfigure so I now have a d/s shower room, and the washing machine fits there too. I didn't fit the shower as it was over my budget but it is wired and plumbed for one if needed in the future. I will get more use from a baby utility room with loo for now anyway!

Got switches at chest height. Got new loos in the "comfort height" range, it is a tad higher than normal loo, but my god it makes such a difference getting on and off the throne!

Drawers galore in the new kitchen, so much easier to reach and find things. Overhead cupboards are for seldom used items.

Got a rail on both sides of the stairs. That is so good especially for coming down.

I got rid of the bath, and got a walk in shower (not a wet room) upstairs. Inset shelf in the shower stall is fab. No more things dangling around the shower head. A n LED lighted mirror is great for plucking those goddam whiskers, and it has a demister so it doesn't steam up. Grab rails and a fold up seat in the shower.

Very pleased with it all. I am 66 and live alone, and touch wood am ok at the moment. But we never know. I can use space downstairs to sleep if necessary, but not needed right now.

Downstairs shower room with space for a wheelchair. Also a downstairs room that could double as a bedroom.
As much flat access as possible.

If I could do my house again, I'd put air con in my south facing bedroom

An electric car charging point

Automatic lighting in bathrooms and stairs. For safety and energy efficiency.
At present we have rechargeable sensor lights in all bathrooms and stairs so anyone getting up in the middle of the night can see but not be dazzled.

Definitely lower drawers in kitchen instead of cupboards.

Wide enough doorways to allow for a wheelchair and/or walking frame to fit through easily. Level access to your outdoor area with something that isnt gravel for a wheelchair to move easily on and as others have said bedroom and bathroom downstairs with a level access shower.

Downstairs bathroom / wet room or level walk in shower so you can add a shower chair in the future
also the option of turning a downstairs room into a bedroom at a later stage
This is what my parents did. And it made a massive difference in there later age

that would be my main things if I was thinking of future proofing and not moving

and then access downstairs as level as possible no steps

usb and plug sockets & LED lighting

Aircon. If our summers carry on getting warmer and warmer, you’ll appreciate it.

An oven that you don’t have to bend down to the floor to use.

Another vote for the possibility of a downstairs bedroom and wet room. Also all bathroom doors opening outwards. Light switches at waist height, sockets at knee height. I would get advice from Age UK or similar.

I’d make sure to future proof against both very hot summers and cold winters. So insulation, triple glaze windows, window overhangs, find out what type of heating will be best for your house. I’ve also read that there’s some type of paint that can be used to reflect light off houses that will help in the summer

From my cold Victorian house I'd insulate everything - floors, ceilings, exterior walls.

Get a heat source pump. Get a classic kitchen that won't date. Locate the shower knobs at a convenient location so you don't get soaked when you turn it on! Get plain white tiles.

Get wooden floors and tiled flooring downstairs, wool carpets in the bedrooms. Inherited wool carpets in this house and they are soft and clean up a treat with an industrial machine. Also, invest in the best underlay you can afford.

Good luck!

Think about flood prevention - https://hoa.org.uk/advice/guides-for-homeowners/i-am-improving/how-can-i-flood-proof-my-home/