A complete guide to renovating an old house in 5 steps | The complete process of renovating an old house + cost-saving secrets revealed!

Many urban residential buildings in Taiwan were built in large numbers during the 1980s and 1990s and are now over 30 years old. Over time, problems such as peeling exterior tiles, rusted steel bars, and water seepage have gradually emerged, not only affecting the exterior but also threatening structural safety and the quality of living.

Against this backdrop, "renovation" of old buildings has become a hot topic in building renovation. A renovation involves renovating existing structures without demolishing the entire structure. Renovating existing structures involves applying a variety of coatings, such as cement, tiles, paint, waterproofing materials, metal cladding, or stone-like coatings. This not only addresses the potential for tiles to fall off due to disrepair, posing a safety risk to pedestrians, but also includes strengthening the earthquake-resistant structure, giving the building a fresh look while enhancing its waterproofing and protective properties.

Why do you want to do a house lift?

The problem of aging exterior walls isn't just about peeling or fading; it's also a warning sign of underlying, long-term structural damage. Buildings gradually age, especially as the concrete's load-bearing capacity and earthquake resistance weaken over time. Ignoring these signs can lead to irreversible damage.

Before renovating the exterior wall, you must first understand "Why do you want to lift the wall?"

1. Aging exterior walls pose safety concerns.
Old tiles, exposed to wind, rain, and temperature fluctuations, experience a loss of adhesion, leading to common "tile rain" incidents and hazards to pedestrians and residents.

2. Aging structures lead to corrosion of rebar.
Concrete loses its alkaline protection due to neutralization, causing rebar to rust and expand, resulting in cracks and spalling in the wall, further compromising earthquake resistance.

3. Aging waterproofing leads to water seepage and wall cancer.
Taiwan's hot, humid climate and high rainfall mean that long-term failure to update waterproofing can easily lead to water accumulation and wall cancer, accelerating structural deterioration.

4. Urban renewal and rising housing prices.
Exterior walls are the "face" of a building. Renovating them not only enhances the visual quality but also increases the building's value and rental appeal.

Exterior wall renovations aren't just about making a building "pretty"; they're a comprehensive improvement project that balances aesthetics and safety. For homeowners and building managers, exterior wall renovations are no longer just cosmetic improvements; they're crucial for residential safety, the city's image, and asset value.

Common problems and potential risks in renovating old houses

In Taiwan, many early buildings, due to their age and inconsistent construction quality, often have excessive porosity in their concrete. This increases the area of contact with air and accelerates the neutralization reaction. When concrete loses its alkaline protective layer, the steel bars are susceptible to rust and expansion, leading to structural cracks and spalling, which can even threaten building safety in severe cases.
Therefore, before undertaking a facade lift or renovation, a structural safety inspection is a crucial step. It's recommended to entrust a qualified professional structural engineer to assess the building's concrete strength, steel corrosion, and earthquake resistance.
Only by ensuring structural safety can the subsequent renovation truly achieve the dual benefits of "beautifying the exterior and improving safety," giving the old house a fresh look while also ensuring greater safety and durability.

Common Problems and Causes

Question Type	Causes	Corresponding solutions
Tile bulging or peeling	Thermal expansion and contraction, adhesion deterioration, and hollowing	Remove and re-paste or cover with imitation stone paint
Wall cancer and water seepage	Aging of waterproof layer and penetration of cracks	Local removal, soil leveling, waterproof primer
Steel bar corrosion and concrete spalling	Long-term water seepage and neutralization reaction	Steel bar rust removal, mortar repair, structural reinforcement
Exterior wall powdering and fading	UV exposure, low-quality paint	Use highly weather-resistant inorganic coating

If these issues are not addressed promptly, they could lead to structural damage or exterior wall collapse. Therefore, before a facelift, a safety inspection and structural assessment of the exterior wall should be conducted to select the appropriate construction methods and materials.

The solution lies in treating the problem from the inside out.
If the paint is simply repainted, the problem will reappear in a short time. However, if the paint is applied all at once, from base repair to surface reinforcement, waterproofing, and exterior painting, the service life can be extended many times over.

Structural safety inspections are the starting point of any renovation project. The following process is recommended:
1. Visual inspection and self-assessment: Observe for cracks, wall cancer, and water seepage.
2. On-site inspection by a structural technician: Verify beams and columns for cracks, steel corrosion, or neutralization.
3. Seismic assessment: Determine compliance with current regulations (such as CNS 11756).
4. Reinforcement and repair planning: If the structure is stable, proceed with exterior wall waterproofing and refinishing.
5. Safe construction management: The construction process must comply with safety regulations for working at heights.

Through professional exterior wall renovation and structural reinforcement, not only can tile peeling and water seepage problems be effectively prevented, but also earthquake-resistant reinforcement, corrosion-proofing and crack-proofing treatment can be carried out on old houses to enhance the stability of the overall building structure.

The construction process and steps of the old house facelift

The key to a successful renovation of an old house lies in "correct assessment × reasonable construction methods × professional execution".

Common problems with the exterior walls of older homes are like aging in the human body: initially minor cracks can lead to significant water seepage and structural deterioration. Early detection and proper diagnosis can avoid costly repairs later.

The following is a standard exterior wall resurfacing process:

Process stage	Main assignment content	Construction purpose
1. Preliminary testing	Knock and check tiles, test for hollows, and inspect for cracks	Determine the area to be removed or retained
2. Leveling and waterproofing	Soil leveling and waterproof primer construction	Block water seepage and stabilize the base
3. High adhesion interface treatment	Use interface agent to improve adhesion	Ensure the bonding strength of new and old coatings
4. Construction of main coating layer	Use paint spraying or other main materials to decorate the surface	Presenting three-dimensional texture and beautiful effect
5. Surface protection layer	Transparent protective paint coating	Enhanced anti-fouling, anti-UV and weathering resistance

Tips:

If the original wall structure is stable, "high adhesion interface coating + imitation stone paint construction" can be performed directly on the tiles, eliminating demolition and waste disposal, significantly saving construction time and costs.

Comparison and selection suggestions of commonly used materials for old house renovation

Different construction methods and materials significantly impact a building's appearance, budget, and construction time.

The following compares the characteristics of various common facelift methods:

Material Type	advantage	shortcoming	Applicable Scenarios
Tile veneer	Classic appearance, scratch and wear resistance	Heavy weight, high risk of brick falling, and water seepage in joints	New construction or structurally intact buildings
Cement batch coating	Low cost, fast application	Prone to water absorption and cracking, not weather-resistant	Temporary repairs or flat wall surfaces
Natural stone veneer	High-quality texture, strong weather resistance	High cost, complex construction, heavy structural load	High-end residential or partial decoration
Metal cladding	Various shapes, quick upgrades	Poor insulation, loose fastening, and easy to come loose	Commercial and industrial buildings
Stone-like paint	Realistic appearance, lightweight, safe, and quick to apply	Requires a skilled artisan for spraying and troweling	Old house renovations, exterior wall renovations
Love Recycling Paint (Recommended)	Low-carbon, environmentally friendly, UV-resistant, long-lasting waterproof, made from recycled materials, with a highly realistic texture	Requires application by a skilled sprayer or troweler	Sustainable building, high-rise exterior walls, and renovation projects

Expert Recommendation:

The modern trend in face lifts is centered around "inorganic waterproof materials + a recycling coating system," combining environmental friendliness, aesthetics, and durability.

Cost and budget analysis of old house renovation

Key factors influencing the budget for renovating an older home include the condition of the walls, whether tiles need to be removed, the type of materials used, and the difficulty of the renovation.

In many renovations, the most common mistakes occur in the decision-making process, not the construction itself.

1. Focusing on appearance over structure
Many homeowners only consider the color and material of the exterior walls, but overlook the condition of the internal steel and concrete. This results in superficial cosmetic improvements that only address the symptoms.

2. Blindly pursuing the lowest quote
Low-cost solutions often sacrifice material quality and coating thickness. While this may seem cost-effective in the short term, it may actually require rework within two to three years.

3. Incorrectly selecting the right paint and construction method
Exterior wall renovations must consider waterproofing, weather resistance, weight, and construction speed. Improper tile or paint application can overload the wall, causing cracking or peeling.

Professional reminder: Renovating an old house is not just about "changing the appearance" but a process of building regeneration, which must strike a balance between safety, functionality and aesthetics.

Comparison of old house renovation methods

Construction method type	Average price (per ping)	Remark
Traditional tile re-tiling	NT$3,000～4,000	High cost, heavy weight, and difficult to repair
Stone veneer	NT$8,000～12,000	Additional structural reinforcement required
Imitation stone paint lift	NT$1,800～2,500	No need to remove tiles, saving labor and time
Aicycle coating system	NT$2,800～3,5 00	Waterproof and sustainable, low-carbon, with a good structure that eliminates the need to remove tiles

Since the paint is a lightweight coating, it not only reduces the load on the exterior wall but also avoids the risks of high-altitude construction.

Assuming a building with a 400-square-meter exterior wall, the average price of stone-like paint is NT$2,500 per unit, resulting in a total construction cost of approximately NT$1 million. If the structure is sound, tile removal can be avoided, saving an additional 30% in construction time and removal costs.
If the original wall does not have serious hollowing, it can save an average of about 50% of labor hours and 30% of total costs. It is currently the most popular solution for old house renovation in the market.

To encourage the renovation of older homes, both central and local governments have introduced subsidy programs. Leveraging these policies not only saves costs but also speeds up construction approvals.

The Central Construction and Planning Agency and the building management offices of each county and city announce annual subsidies for the renovation and maintenance of older homes. For example, for 2025:

Taipei City: Exterior wall repairs receive a maximum subsidy of NT$8 million.

New Taipei City: Facade repairs receive a maximum subsidy of NT$12 million.

Kaohsiung City: Maximum subsidy of NT$3,500 per square meter, capped at NT$150,000.

Taoyuan City, Taichung City, and Tainan City also offer different subsidies and application requirements.

Recommended application process:
1. Apply to the local competent authority.
2. Submit a building permit, project budget, and construction plan.
3. Construction may only begin after approval.

Making good use of grants is the smartest investment in renovating an old house. Early planning and application can provide more flexibility in your renovation budget.

Maintenance and warranty suggestions for old houses after facelift

If regular maintenance is carried out after renovation, the lifespan of the exterior wall can be extended by more than 10 years. Renovation doesn't mean the end; ongoing maintenance is key to maintaining the exterior wall's "lasting beauty."

Maintenance Key Points

1. Regularly inspect cracks and joints.

It is recommended to conduct an annual inspection before the rainy season to prevent water seepage through microcracks.

2. Surface Cleaning:

Lightly brush the wall surface with clean water or a neutral detergent, avoiding strong acids or alkalis.

3. Reapply a clear protective coating:

Reapply a clear protective coating every 3-5 years to maintain UV and stain resistance.

4. Waterproofing Inspection:

Inspect the joints of the roof and window frames simultaneously to ensure overall waterproofing continuity.

Maintenance is the most cost-effective investment. With regular inspection and cleaning, maintaining the exterior gloss and color stability, the lifespan of exterior walls can be extended to over 20 years.

Risk Control and Acceptance Criteria

1. Pre-application: Test coating on a sample area to confirm color and texture.

2. During application: Record temperature and humidity, and check coating thickness.

3. Post-application: Test adhesion, water permeability, and film thickness.

4. The acceptance report should fully document the application date and material batch number for each coat.

A professional acceptance system is the foundation of a warranty. Only by maintaining complete records can the rights of homeowners be protected.

Revitalize an old house with iRecycle's colorful textured stone-like paint

Huacai Paint's professional team has extensive experience and skills in coating and can provide you with customized services. Whether it's an interior space, exterior wall renovation, or commercial space design, we can meet your needs. Contact us to give your space and building a brand new look and enhance your quality of life!

The core purpose of renovating an old house isn't just to enhance its aesthetics; it's also a "safe, weather-resistant, and sustainable" restoration project.
Without damaging the original structure, a specialized coating system can achieve waterproofing, crack prevention, stain resistance, and a fresh color.

Huacai Paint has launched a number of exterior wall renovation solutions, including:

• Love Cycle Colorful Textured Stone-Imitation Paint: Developed from recycled raw materials, it combines low carbon and environmental friendliness with a highly realistic stone texture.
• Inorganic Crystal Mineral Thermal Insulation Waterproof Material: Effectively reduces wall and floor temperatures, providing both waterproof and thermal insulation properties.
• Ceramic Crystal Stone Floor Coating: An alternative to traditional PU and epoxy, it offers wear resistance, non-slip properties, and weather resistance.
  
  

Energy saving and sustainable value of old house renovation

Modern building renovations pursue not only aesthetics but also sustainable value.
Using thermally insulating and waterproof coatings not only reduces air conditioning energy consumption but also slows down wall aging.

• Thermal Insulation and Cooling: AiCycle paint combined with an inorganic crystal base layer reflects solar heat, reducing wall temperatures.
• Extended Lifespan: Prevents water seepage and cracks, extending the lifespan of exterior walls by 2–3 times.
• Environmentally Sustainable: Made from recycled raw materials and a carbon-reducing process, it's certified as a "Resource Recycling Green Product."

Therefore, choosing the right exterior paint can not only make old houses look new, but also contribute to the sustainability of the earth.

Choose Huacai Paint to give your old home more than just a renovation; it's a rebirth.
From structural restoration to facade renewal, we create a next-generation building that combines safety, beauty, and sustainable value.

Further reading:[Common Problems in Paint Engineering: A Complete Analysis] What to Do About Peeling, Bubbling, and Discoloration? Quick Remedies Revealed

Further reading:Environmentally friendly materials, highly realistic, Huacai paint, creating a recycling economy

Further reading:Huacai Paint: The best solution for weather-resistant coating building materials

Further reading:Huacai Paint's ESG implementation wins 2025 Taiwan Excellence Award

Further reading:Taiwan Excellence Award-Love Cycle Colorful Texture Imitation Stone Paint

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