Planning a Historic Home Remodel? Don’t Do These Things!
Historic homes have a level of charm you simply can’t find in new builds. Distinctive architectural elements and character that harkens back to days past make these properties so beloved by appreciators of classic beauty.
Although owners of old houses are fond of their home’s unique features, it’s not unusual to want to make updates that add modern functionality. Historic home remodeling is an art, however, and requires thoughtful planning and construction to achieve results that both look great and feel authentic.
Too often, homeowners rush into historic home remodeling out of excitement and forget to go through all the proper steps to ensure a smooth and streamlined renovation. Mistakes can be costly, making it essential that you pay close attention to even the smallest details of your project.
In preparation for your historic home remodel, check out these all-too-common errors and how you can avoid them.
Historic Home Remodeling Mistake #1: Poor Budgeting
A historic home remodeling project is an investment and can add significant value to your property. You can not only create a more enjoyable space for you and your family, but you can also boost your home’s curb appeal and make it more attractive to buyers should you ever decide to sell.
With that being said, it’s of the utmost importance that you set a budget that makes sense. Older homes may warrant a larger investment to bring them up to code and address any surprises, so it’s a good idea to allocate a little more than what you think you need to accomplish your vision. Electrical, plumbing, and other behind-the-walls issues can quickly eat into your budget and force you to sacrifice on another aspect of your project.
By carefully thinking through your investment goals, you ensure you have a buffer in place for whatever unforeseen circumstances may be in the pipeline. And should you not need the full amount, you can splurge on a different part of your historic home remodel, like materials and finishes.
Historic Home Remodeling Mistake #2: Not Considering Your Home’s Architectural Style
What makes an older house so special are the one-of-a-kind details that evoke the time period in which it was built. Concealing or taking out these features would be like erasing history.
You want to work with a renovation team who understands your home’s architectural style and has the tools and techniques to implement a period-appropriate design. Experts will be able to restore original pieces to their former glory or craft replacements that don’t appear out of place. New elements can easily look odd next to something old in a historic home remodel, but when you hire an experienced remodeler, it’ll be difficult to spot the difference.
Historic Home Remodeling Mistake #3: Opting for Lower Quality Materials
It can be tempting to cut corners and save a few bucks on your historic home remodeling project by selecting builder-grade materials, but it’s not in your best interest for the long term. Low-quality materials begin to show wear and tear quickly, and there’s a greater chance you’ll have to replace them sooner.
When making your material selection, don’t just consider what looks nice. You must also think about durability and longevity. By spending more on well-made materials, you’ll save yourself money down the road and can look forward to a lasting design.
Historic Home Remodeling Mistake #4: Thinking Only About Aesthetics
Good design is about so much more than what’s on the surface. It’s natural to get caught up in aesthetics, but it shouldn’t affect your decision-making to the point that you overlook safety and functionality.
For example, if your historic home remodel includes your kitchen, you want cabinets that not only boost visual interest, but also provide plenty of room for organization. Added organizers, pull-outs, and more can go a long way to make your space easier to use. Or let’s say, you’re renovating a bathroom. If there are any leaks or other signs of damage, these should take precedence before you start on any cosmetic work.
It all comes down to balance. By giving equal attention to what looks great and what’s practical during your historic home remodeling project, you’re able to realize a gorgeous design with livable style.
Historic Home Remodeling Mistake #5: Not Partnering with a Professional in Historic Home Remodeling
Not just anyone is cut out for historic home remodeling. It takes a trained eye and careful hand to get the job done right and preserve the characteristics that set your home apart. General remodeling contractors near you typically don’t have the knowledge and skills for this type of work and focus only on covering up old with new.
A professional in historic home remodeling will be committed to highlighting your home’s uniqueness, not hiding it. Look for a local, trustworthy specialist who understands how to combine architecture, design, and history and has an inspiring portfolio to prove it.
Get in touch with an expert for more information about historic home remodeling in Kansas City.
