Renovating a 1950s or 1960s Home in Crawley: What Homeowners Should Know
Many of the most popular family homes in Crawley were built during the 1950s and 1960s as part of the town’s post-war development. These properties are well-located, practical and often sit on generous plots, making them ideal candidates for renovation rather than moving.
However, homes from this era also come with specific construction features and limitations that homeowners should understand before starting work. This guide explains what to expect when renovating a 1950s or 1960s home in Crawley, including common issues, popular upgrades, planning considerations and typical costs.
Why 1950s & 1960s Homes Are Popular in Crawley
Post-war homes remain highly sought after because they typically offer:
- Larger gardens than modern homes
- Practical layouts with good room sizes
- Solid construction methods
- Strong potential for extensions and reconfiguration
- Established residential locations
For many homeowners, renovation is the best way to modernise these properties while staying in a preferred area.
Common Issues in 1950s and 1960s Crawley Homes
1. Outdated Layouts
Many homes from this period were designed with:
- Separate kitchens and dining rooms
- Smaller kitchen spaces
- Limited open-plan living
Modern renovations often focus on opening up the ground floor to create kitchen-diner or kitchen-living spaces better suited to modern family life.
2. Aging Electrical Systems
Electrical systems in older Crawley homes may include:
- Outdated wiring
- Old fuse boards
- Limited socket outlets
Electrical upgrades or full rewiring are often required as part of a renovation to meet current safety standards.
3. Older Plumbing and Heating
Plumbing systems may feature:
- Aging pipework
- Inefficient boilers
- Poor water pressure
Many homeowners choose to upgrade plumbing and heating as part of a wider renovation for improved efficiency and comfort.
4. Insulation and Energy Efficiency
Homes built in the 1950s and 1960s often lack:
- Adequate wall insulation
- Modern loft insulation
- Energy-efficient windows
Upgrading insulation and glazing can significantly improve comfort and reduce energy bills.
5. Structural Changes
Some homes from this era include:
- Load-bearing internal walls
- Concrete or non-standard construction elements
Structural changes such as removing walls often require steel beams (RSJs) and professional structural assessment.
Popular Renovation Projects in Crawley Homes
Open-Plan Kitchen Renovations
One of the most common upgrades involves:
- Removing internal walls
- Creating larger kitchen-diner spaces
- Improving natural light
- Installing modern glazing or patio doors
This dramatically improves how the home functions day to day.
Home Extensions
Many Crawley homes have the space to support:
- Rear extensions
- Side extensions
- Wrap-around extensions
Extensions are often used to create larger kitchens, family rooms or utility spaces without sacrificing garden usability.
Loft Conversions
1950s and 1960s homes often have roof structures suitable for loft conversions, providing:
- Additional bedrooms
- Home offices
- En-suite bathrooms
Loft conversions are a popular way to add space without expanding the footprint.
Full Property Renovations
Some homeowners opt for a full renovation, which may include:
- Structural alterations
- Rewiring and replumbing
- New layouts throughout
- Energy-efficiency upgrades
This approach transforms older homes into modern, long-term family properties.
Planning Permission Considerations in Crawley
Many renovation projects fall under Permitted Development, particularly:
- Internal alterations
- Single-storey rear extensions within size limits
Planning permission is more likely to be required for:
- Double-storey extensions
- Large side house extensions
- Properties in specific planning zones
Regardless of planning permission, Building Regulations approval is always required.
How Much Does Renovating a 1950s or 1960s Home Cost in Crawley?
Costs vary depending on the scope of work, but typical ranges include:
- Kitchen renovation: £15,000 – £35,000+
- Bathroom renovation: £6,000 – £15,000+
- Full renovation: £40,000 – £100,000+
- Extensions or loft conversions: Additional costs depending on size and complexity
A detailed survey and clear project plan help control costs and avoid surprises.
Challenges to Plan For
Renovating older properties can reveal:
- Hidden electrical or plumbing issues
- Asbestos in certain materials
- Structural limitations
Allowing a 10–15% contingency in your budget is strongly recommended.
Why Use a Local Crawley Builder for Renovation Work
A local builder understands:
- Common construction methods used in Crawley homes
- Local planning expectations
- How to modernise older layouts efficiently
- Typical issues found in post-war housing stock
Local builder experience helps ensure renovations are completed safely, efficiently and to a high standard.
Final Thoughts
Renovating a 1950s or 1960s home in Crawley offers excellent potential to create a modern, spacious and energy-efficient property while retaining the benefits of a well-established location. With careful planning and professional guidance, these homes can be transformed into ideal long-term family spaces.
Whether you’re opening up the layout, extending, or carrying out a full renovation, understanding the unique characteristics of Crawley’s post-war homes is key to a successful project