What to Change and What to Preserve When Remodeling an Old House

Older homes can be charming and have unique features that more modern homes just don’t have. Before taking on historic remodeling in your new home, it can be a good idea to consider what changes can be made to elevate it into something great and what changes will detract from its built-in character.

Get a Feel for Your New House

While it is great to plan ahead, you may find that once you actually move into your home, you change your mind about what needs historic remodeling. Especially with older homes that may have a different layout than you’re used to, you may find there are things you thought you would dislike that you come to enjoy and vice versa. Taking the time to really get a feel for the new space you are in can help you avoid making changes you may come to regret down the road.

Preserve Historical Details

If you’ve purchased an older home, chances are it’s because you love the features that make it unique. When remodeling and making changes, be sure to preserve those details that give the home character. Don’t try to change critical features such as window frames, unpainted wood details, and the layout of the rooms too much, as these are some of the things that make a historic home special. Good historic remodeling can be a great investment that restores areas that may be worn out while preserving the things that don’t need to be changed.

Change Some Things and Leave Others Alone

While it can be a tough decision to make, recognizing what to change and what to leave alone is one of the most important parts of remodeling an old house. You may need to accept that living in a historic home is very different than buying one that was just built, but doing so can mean that you get a house that comes with its own charm and beautiful architectural details.