A Guide to Historic Home Remodeling
Buying and restoring a historic house is a dream for many people, but the process can be more taxing than some new homeowners anticipate. Here are eight points to consider when planning your historic renovations.
Bring in an Expert
The first thing on a historic homeowner’s to-do list should be to hire an expert on historic home remodeling, which can be more complicated and delicate than modern remodels, so no DIY projects!
Prioritize
When planning a course of action to revamp your historic home, homeowners should talk to their contractors about what alterations are the most important. Once vital repairs are complete, like securing support beams, you can move on to building features that are more for style.
Preserve the History
Some remodeling companies specialize in historic renovations and are knowledgeable about the preservation regulations of historic buildings in your area. Knowing the history of your house and your neighborhood is important if you want your remodel to have some authenticity.
Decide Style Preference
Do you want to restore your home to its original design, or are you looking for some modern updates? Make sure your contractor can provide the end results you are looking for.
Make a Budget
Historic renovations are often more expensive than modern home renovations, and you should plan your budget accordingly. Sometimes, the extent of the damage to a historical building in unknown until the renovations are already underway, so having money on the side for contingencies is important.
Understand Environmental Hazards
Old homes can be toxic without proper precaution. For example, a lot of homes built from the 1880s to the 1920s used lead paint. Do some research on the materials used when your home was built and talk to your contractor about your concerns.
Get Creative
Try to get creative with how you use your home’s existing structure. That third extra guestroom could become a beautiful walk-in closet, or a home office.
Be Patient
Renovations will typically take at least a year to complete, and if you are preparing to take that journey, don’t expect an overnight miracle. With some patience, the end result should be worth the wait.
Hopefully these tips will help you get started with your home’s historic renovations with more confidence and clarity. With a professional contractor and a well-laid plan, remodeling your historic home can be a fulfilling and successful endeavor.
Buying and restoring a historic house is a dream for many people, but the process can be more taxing than some new homeowners anticipate. Here are eight points to consider when planning your historic renovations.
Bring in an Expert
The first thing on a historic homeowner’s to-do list should be to hire an expert on historic home remodeling, which can be more complicated and delicate than modern remodels, so no DIY projects!
Prioritize
When planning a course of action to revamp your historic home, homeowners should talk to their contractors about what alterations are the most important. Once vital repairs are complete, like securing support beams, you can move on to building features that are more for style.
Preserve the History
Some remodeling companies specialize in historic renovations and are knowledgeable about the preservation regulations of historic buildings in your area. Knowing the history of your house and your neighborhood is important if you want your remodel to have some authenticity.
Decide Style Preference
Do you want to restore your home to its original design, or are you looking for some modern updates? Make sure your contractor can provide the end results you are looking for.
Make a Budget
Historic renovations are often more expensive than modern home renovations, and you should plan your budget accordingly. Sometimes, the extent of the damage to a historical building in unknown until the renovations are already underway, so having money on the side for contingencies is important.
Understand Environmental Hazards
Old homes can be toxic without proper precaution. For example, a lot of homes built from the 1880s to the 1920s used lead paint. Do some research on the materials used when your home was built and talk to your contractor about your concerns.
Get Creative
Try to get creative with how you use your home’s existing structure. That third extra guestroom could become a beautiful walk-in closet, or a home office.
Be Patient
Renovations will typically take at least a year to complete, and if you are preparing to take that journey, don’t expect an overnight miracle. With some patience, the end result should be worth the wait.
Hopefully these tips will help you get started with your home’s historic renovations with more confidence and clarity. With a professional contractor and a well-laid plan, remodeling your historic home can be a fulfilling and successful endeavor.