Planning Your Historic Home Remodeling Project Can Be a Rewarding and Exciting Experience, If You Know Where to Start!
When you bought your older home, you likely realized you’d need to make some modifications so your house meets your family’s everyday needs. Of course, home remodeling is often easier talked about than done.
The perfect historic home remodeling project will honor your home’s past, while adapting and transforming your home for modern life. Even seasoned home improvement experts will be the first to tell you that to make that happen you need research, planning, and professional advice – so you’ve come to the right place.
Whether you’re upgrading your kitchen, adding modern amenities, or restoring original features, here are six key considerations to help your historic home remodeling project strike the perfect balance between honoring the past and modernization.
1. Research the Time Period Of Your Home
Before you start searching for home remodeling ideas, take the time to fully understand the historical significance of your unique property. Every historic home has a story to tell, and each architectural style, whether it’s Victorian, Craftsman, Colonial Revival, or Tudor, brings its unique design elements worth preserving. Understanding your home’s period, architectural features, and craftsmanship is the first step to determining what aspects you should protect during the remodel.
For instance, original moldings, woodwork, fireplaces, and stained glass windows are common elements in historic homes that add authenticity. These features were crafted with meticulous attention to detail and period-specific technique, which likely require the expertise of craftsmen during a renovation project.
By understanding your home’s time period and its original historical elements, you can ensure that you’re set up for success. When looking for local professionals to help you, narrow your search to historic home remodeling companies with portfolios of completed projects that demonstrate experience in homes across different time periods.
2. Consider Obstacles and Local Regulations When Remodeling a Home
When remodeling a historic home, be aware of construction-related regulations, building codes, and obstacles. Certain properties in historic districts, for example, are subject to preservation rules. These regulations are designed to protect the architectural and historical significance of the area, and they may affect what changes can be made.
Even homes outside these special preservation districts will come with unique challenges relating to bringing them up to modern code. Historic home remodelers are well-versed in these requirements and know how to obtain permits and adhere to code while keeping charm and character intact.
Other obstacles common in historic home remodeling projects include remediation of lead and asbestos, out-of-date wiring, and foundation issues. Fortunately, none of these problems need to be as concerning as they sound if you’re seeking help from a professional historic home remodeling company who not only are familiar with identifying problems but proactively incorporating the solutions into the construction process.
3. Balance Preservation With Modernization
A successful historic home remodel seamlessly blends the old with the new. You can simultaneously have goals of keeping the important historic features of your home while having it function for your lifestyle. This can include upgrading plumbing, electrical systems, and HVAC to modern codes, as well as creating functional spaces.
For example, kitchens and bathrooms often require significant updates to meet current needs. While you might choose to retain historic elements such as cabinetry or fixture styles, integrating modern functionality can bring your space up to date without compromising the home’s historic charm. It’s about blending the beauty of the past with the conveniences of today.
4. Choose Period-Appropriate Materials
The materials and techniques used in historic homes often differ significantly from those used in modern construction. During your home remodel, you may encounter historic features like ceramic or porcelain tile, authentic millwork, original fireplaces, or leaded glass windows. When replacing or repairing these elements, seek the help of craftsmen who are familiar with techniques that match the original style as closely as possible or are experienced in sourcing period-appropriate materials that mix well with your home’s original features.
Sourcing period-appropriate materials can be a challenge, but it’s well worth the effort to maintain the authenticity of your home.
5. Plan For the Long Term
A historic home remodel is a labor of love and an investment in the future, so include planning for long-term needs in the process. Consider your future home requirements as well as the ongoing maintenance of your property. While restoring original features is a priority, think about how your renovations will age and what upkeep they will require.
As you gather your home remodeling ideas, whether on Pinterest or by browsing renovation portfolios, consider your family’s evolving needs. Will your updates accommodate future changes in your lifestyle? What will your family need in the future, and how can that be incorporated now?
6. Partner With an Experienced Home Remodeling Company
One of the most critical decisions you’ll make during your historic home renovation is selecting the right professionals. Not all home remodeling contractors have the expertise required to handle the complexities of renovating a historic property. You need a partner who specializes in historic authenticity, accuracy, and craftsmanship.
A professional historic home remodeling company will be happy to guide you through the nuances of local regulations, sourcing period-appropriate materials, and addressing the specific needs of older homes. This expertise will help ensure that your home remodel maintains the architectural integrity of your home and is ready to fulfill all your needs for modern living.
