5 Important Principles of Historic Home Renovation

So, you’re the proud owner of a historic home, every square inch filled with memories of the past and oozing with character. The only problem is that your home isn’t quite suited for modern life and requires some renovation to become comfortable and functional. As you plan your projects, keep these principles in mind to ensure you strike the right balance between honoring the past while embracing the present.

1. Explore Your Home’s History

Before beginning your renovations, do everything you can to learn about your home’s history. Search public records to learn about previous occupants, check whether the city has the original blueprints on file, talk to local historians, and take note of any physical clues that could help you understand the journey your home has taken thus far. This knowledge will guide you as you work to preserve your home’s history.

2. Check Local Regulations

Depending on the age of your home, its significance, and whether it’s on the National Registry of Historic Places, it may be subject to certain restrictions when it comes to renovations. Before making any changes, check with your local government and see whether you need special permits or approvals for your project. If you proceed without permission, you could be subject to costly fines, putting your renovations on hold.

There’s also the obstacle of building codes. Your home must meet certain requirements to be considered safe, whether it’s from earthquakes, fires, or asbestos exposure. These requirements have evolved over the years, so if your historic home hasn’t been updated in a long time, you can expect to need to do some extra work to get it up to code and ensure your family is safe.

3. Prioritize Preservation Wherever Possible

Preservation experts agree: If you wanted a modern home, you should’ve bought a modern home. There’s no shortage of new builds out there, but there’s a finite number of historic homes still standing. Every old house that gets transformed beyond recognition is a tragic loss of historic knowledge.

They don’t make homes like they used to, which gives you the incredible opportunity to enjoy the craftsmanship and charm of days gone by. This means that as the owner of a historic home, you have a responsibility to respect the past and prioritize preservation. Unique details, structures, and materials should be treated as precious windows into history, and keeping them around is typically the right thing to do. 

However, not everything can be preserved. Decay and extensive damage sometimes necessitate the removal or replacement of certain elements. In these cases, changes are okay, as long as you respect the home’s original aesthetics and structure. The National Trust for Historic Preservation gives these guidelines for rehabbing historic homes the right way:

• Make every effort to use the building for its original purpose, when possible.
• Do not destroy distinctive original features.
• Recognize that all buildings are physical products of their own time.
• Recognize and respect changes that have taken place over time.
• Sensitively treat and preserve distinctive stylistic features or examples of skilled craft work.
• Whenever possible, repair rather than replace worn architectural features.
• Clean facades using the gentlest methods possible.
• Protect and preserve archaeological resources.
• Compatible contemporary alterations are acceptable if they do not destroy significant historical or architectural fabric.
• Build new additions so they can be removed without impairing the underlying structure.

4. Work with an Expert

Don’t underestimate the value of working with an expert. Historical preservationists, local history buffs, and architectural historians have a wealth of knowledge that can help you determine the best course of action for your home. They can guide you through the renovation and restoration process and help you make the right decisions. 

Whenever possible, work with expert artisans who understand the nuances of your home’s architectural style and know how to imitate historical craftsmanship. It may be more costly in terms of time and money, but the end result is worth it. When you invest in quality, you’re likely to save money in the long run by avoiding frequent repairs and replacements.

5. Upgrade Building Systems

We’re used to our modern conveniences and comforts, from air conditioning and insulation to outlets on every wall and hot water at the turn of a knob. You want your historic home to fit your lifestyle, which means you’ll likely need to upgrade certain building systems. Work closely with electricians, plumbers, and HVAC technicians throughout your renovation to ensure your historic home is functional in the modern world.

Your Partners in Preservation

At Rosewood, we would be honored to partner with you as you tackle the challenges of historic home renovation. We promise to treat your home with the respect it deserves as we help bring your vision to life. Contact us today to get started!