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!

Your Guide to Creating a Basement Rental with Remodeling

So, you built your home several years ago, and all this time, your basement has remained an unfinished, unappealing storage space that’s collecting dust and cobwebs. It’s time to finally finish your basement and achieve your home’s full potential.

As you decide how to best use the space, consider the benefits of creating a basement rental unit to bring in some extra income, boost your property value, and open up a world of future possibilities. In this blog post, we’ll explore the basics of basement rentals and some things to keep in mind as you plan your remodel.

The Benefits of Basement Rental Units

The advantages of creating a basement rental include:

Versatility and Adaptability

Finishing your basement with the goal of renting it out doesn’t mean you’ll have strangers living in your home forever. Basement rentals are incredibly versatile spaces that can serve many purposes over the years depending on your needs. It’s all about planning for the future.

For example, you can list it as a short-term vacation rental, or if you live in a college town, it can serve as an apartment for students who don’t want to live in the dorms. When your kids grow up and want more space of their own, your basement can serve as a transitional space for them to gain some independence while still living at home.

As your parents get older and need extra assistance, you’ll have the option of having them come to live with you rather than a nursing home. Your basement can even be a deluxe accommodation for overnight guests, making your home your grandkids’ favorite place to visit. Creating an extra living space in your basement is truly a versatile home improvement project that will serve you for years to come.

Additional Income

While finishing your basement can come with a large price tag, as long as you have a steady stream of tenants, your basement rental can be a great source of supplemental income. After a while, your basement will pay for itself! Think of all you could do with that extra money — improve other areas of your home, go on a nice family vacation, or maybe even retire early. Plus, if you ever decide to sell your home, a finished basement will add significant resale value.

Things to Keep in Mind

As you plan your basement remodel, there are some things to keep in mind, including:

Feasibility, Legality, and Safety

Sometimes, creating a basement rental unit just isn’t feasible. Check local regulations and research what permits and inspections are required in your area to ensure your project is allowed. You’ll need to meet certain safety requirements in order to convert your basement into a living space, including egress windows in bedrooms, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and sprinklers or fire extinguishers.

You also need to have the budget for renovations. While a basement rental will likely pay for itself, it may take a while to recoup the costs of finishing your basement. You may be able to DIY certain aspects of the project to keep costs down, but there are some things — like plumbing, electrical, and demolition — that are best handled by professional contractors.

Addressing Utility and Structural Needs

If your basement is unfinished, you’re basically starting from scratch. Ensure the basement’s electrical system can handle additional appliances and fixtures. Add plumbing if needed to create a functional bathroom and kitchen. You may also need to upgrade your HVAC system or add separate controls for tenants, along with adding proper insulation and ventilation throughout the space.

Because basements are underground, they require waterproofing to avoid future damage, flooding, or mold problems. Consider solutions like exterior waterproofing, sealing cracks, and sump pumps to keep everything dry.

Designing the Space for Rental

Once all the safety and utility aspects are taken care of, it’s time to design your basement rental. Plan where different areas will go, including the bedroom, kitchen, bathroom, and living room. You’ll likely want to add a separate entrance to the basement to ensure privacy for both you and your tenants.

If square footage is limited, an open concept floor plan can make it feel more spacious. Keep in mind that someone will be living here; in order to be comfortable, they need a full bathroom, adequate kitchen space, and plenty of natural light from windows.

When it comes to interior design, choose durable flooring options like laminate or vinyl, along with easy-to-clean, low-maintenance finishes. Stick to a neutral color scheme that will appeal to a wide range of potential renters. Consider adding built-in shelving and closets to maximize storage space.

Finish Your Basement with Rosewood

Whether you’re creating a basement rental or want to use the space yourself, Rosewood is your partner in home improvement. Contact us today to get started!

Partial vs. Full Bathroom Remodel: Which is Right for Me?

Are you dreaming of upgrading your bathroom but feeling overwhelmed by decisions? If so, you’re not alone. The first step is choosing between a partial and full bathroom remodel. This initial decision will guide your journey and help you narrow down your options, making a significant difference in the outcome of your project and your overall satisfaction.

To help you make an informed decision about your bathroom remodel, let’s take a look at the pros and cons of each option.

Partial Bathroom Remodels

Partial remodels are a great choice for homeowners who want to update specific elements of their bathrooms without completely redoing the whole space. If you’re on a tighter budget or have less time to spare, a partial bathroom remodel is likely the ideal solution.

Pros

Let’s explore the advantages of opting for a partial remodel:

Cost-effectiveness: Since partial remodels focus on specific areas rather than entire spaces, they typically cost less. This makes partial bathroom remodels a great choice for anyone looking to refresh their home without breaking the bank.
Saving time: Partial remodels generally take less time to complete than full remodels because they involve targeted changes rather than complete transformations. This means you’ll experience less disruption to your daily routines.
Targeted upgrades: When you choose a partial bathroom remodel, you have the flexibility to concentrate on the specific areas that need the most attention. Whether you plan to replace the shower, update fixtures, or install new flooring, you can prioritize the improvements that are the most important.

Cons

While there are many compelling reasons to go forward with a partial bathroom remodel, there are disadvantages to this approach, as well. Let’s take a closer look at some of the cons:

Limited transformation: Partial remodels can definitely breathe new life into an old or outdated bathroom; however, this option may not achieve the same level of transformation as a full remodel. If your bathroom requires significant structural changes or updates to the electrical or plumbing systems, a partial remodel may not be sufficient.
Design constraints: When you have to work within the confines of an existing layout, your design options are limited. To accommodate your bathroom’s existing structure, you may need to compromise on certain design elements.

Full Bathroom Remodels

As you can imagine, full bathroom remodels involve a complete overhaul of the entire space, from floor to ceiling. As the more comprehensive option, full remodels are a great choice for homeowners seeking a dramatic transformation and are willing to invest time and money into a bigger project.

Pros

Full bathroom remodels come with their fair share of benefits, including:

Unlimited potential: When you choose to undergo a full remodel, the possibilities are truly endless. You have the complete freedom to reimagine your bathroom layout, incorporate your desired features, and add amenities that align with your unique needs.
Customization possibilities: Unlike partial remodels, which are limited by the existing space, full remodels allow you to completely customize your bathroom. With the help of designers and contractors, you can create a bathroom that reflects your personal style and preferences.
Increased property value: In addition to the aesthetic and functional benefits, a full bathroom remodel can significantly increase the resale value of your home. Potential buyers are often willing to pay more for a beautifully updated bathroom, making it a wise investment.

Cons

Despite the pros, there are also some cons when it comes to full bathroom remodeling projects, such as:

Higher cost: Due to the more extensive scope of the work involved, full remodels tend to be more costly than partial remodels. From demolition to plumbing to installation, the costs can add up quickly.
Extended timeline: Transforming an entire bathroom takes time. Depending on the project’s complexity, you can expect disruptions to your daily routines.

Which Option is Right for You?

All things considered, the decision between a partial or full bathroom remodel comes down to three factors: your timeline, budget, and goals. If you’re looking for a quicker, more cost-effective solution, a partial remodel is your best option. On the other hand, if you want complete creative control over the project and you’re ready to invest in a complete transformation, a full remodel might be the better choice.

Trust Rosewood for Bathroom Remodeling in Utah