And Why Your Kansas City Home Remodeling Project Should Fit the Historical Precedent
When we talk about Tudor architecture in Kansas City neighborhoods like Roanoke, what we’re really talking about is the American version of the Tudor Revival. In fact, true Tudor homes were built between 1485 to 1558, combining Renaissance and Gothic styles in England. Replaced by Elizabethan architecture in the late 1550s, the Tudor style reemerged in the United States some centuries later.
With their unmistakable charm, Tudor Revival homes in Kansas City draw in home shoppers with their unique facade and details. But because they’re older homes, they need a careful hand during home remodeling.
Keep reading to learn more about Tudor homes in Kansas City and how to get the most from a home renovation near you.
When Was the Tudor Revival?
As compared to other American architecture styles, such as the craftsman-style house, you’ll find Tudor Revival homes to be fewer in number in our area, with most built between the 1890s and the 1940s. This architectural style fell out of fashion in the United States after World War II, mostly because of the expense of building them – more on that later.
The Hallmarks of a Tudor Home Exterior
A Tudor Revival possesses striking features that stand out, especially the half-timber detailing on the facade. These are long beams positioned vertically, with lighter, perhaps off-white stucco or stone between them to create a two-toned color scheme. The beams are completely decorative, and not meant to be structural.
Many Tudor Revival homes are also made of red brick, a contrast to the original architectural features. The details in the brick tend to be ornate around windows, doors, and even the chimney. Regardless of their construction materials, they have multiple front-facing, asymmetrical gables with steep roofline angles.
The front door is off-center, and may be arched or detailed. The fenestration – or windows – tend to be clustered and made of several panes of glass each, usually with a darker-colored division between them.
The Interior Features of a Tudor Home
Tudor Revival architecture style commonly involved accenting the interiors with dark wood details on the walls, ceilings, and floors. Porcelain tile and plaster walls are also hallmarks of the design style, but also of the historic era.
Don’t expect a cookie-cutter interior in a Tudor. In fact, their complex layouts vary by size, number of gables, and other exterior features. As such, they tended to be more expensive to build than other homes. But that doesn’t mean they’re all large! In fact, Tudor homes come in a variety of sizes.
Can Just Any Home Remodeling Company Work on Your Tudor Home?
Ultimately, it’s up to you, the homeowner, about which home remodeler to choose to renovate your home. But take into consideration the fact that your home was built in the 1940s or earlier, which means its construction is very different from newer homes typical of many Kansas City neighborhoods. A typical contractor may not understand the nuances of your house in order to deliver the results of your dreams.
Especially if you want to preserve the story of your home and its distinct character, you’ll want to partner with a home remodeling company who understands historic homes and how to polish them back up to the former beauty with all the modern functionality and features your family needs. That’s where the master craftsmen at Architectural Craftsmen come in.
The Architectural Craftsmen Approach to Home Remodeling
Our unique approach starts with our discovery, during which time we’ll tour your home, get to know you and how you use the spaces inside your house, and listen to your ideas for home renovations. We’ll also talk about the investment.
If you like what you hear, we’ll document your home as it currently is, compile a list of what you must have, need to have, and any big wishes. This information inspires the new design and the budget for your historic home remodel.
During the construction phase, we’ll keep in touch with you via our online project management tool, while our certified lead carpenters manage day-to-day progress on your Tudor home. We’ll keep you informed throughout the process, until it’s time for you to move back into your gorgeously updated – but historically appropriate – house.
Ready to Remodel Your Tudor Revival Style Home?
Your distinctive Tudor home deserves a distinctive remodeling team. To see what Architectural Craftsmen can do for you, get in touch with us by phone at (913) 963-2246 or send us a message on our website. We’ll get back to you shortly, and can’t wait to learn more about your home design goals.
