The Complete Guide to Historic Home Renovation

Renovating a historic home can be a labor of love, but it's essential to approach the project with care and respect for the original architecture. Historic homes often feature unique materials and craftsmanship that can be expensive to replicate.

Many historic homes have original woodwork that is worth preserving, as it adds character and charm to the space. This woodwork can include intricate moldings, ornate doors, and beautifully crafted cabinetry.

Before starting a renovation project, it's crucial to research the history of your home and identify any original features that are worth preserving. This will help you make informed decisions about what to keep and what to replace.

A typical historic home renovation project can take anywhere from several months to several years to complete, depending on the scope of the project.

Consider reading: Historic Home Renovation Rules

Buying a historic home is a unique opportunity to own a piece of history. These homes are characterized by their age, architectural significance, and association with important events or figures.

The unique charm and character of historic homes are hard to find in newer constructions. They often feature crown moldings, hardwood floors, and handcrafted features that set them apart.

Owning a historic home means you're a steward of history, with the privilege of preserving a piece of the past for future generations.

Many states, including Maryland, offer tax credits and incentives for the restoration and preservation of historic properties. This can help offset the costs of renovation and maintenance.

Historic homes tend to retain their value better than newer homes, especially in designated historic districts. This makes them a stable investment for homeowners.

Living in a historic home often means being part of a tight-knit community that values preservation and history. There's a sense of pride in owning and maintaining a piece of local heritage.

Here are some key benefits of buying a historic home:

Research and Planning is a crucial step in historic home renovation. It's essential to start with a solid plan to ensure the project stays on track and within budget.

Begin by gathering documentation on your home's history, including original blueprints and photographs. This will help you understand the home's original architecture and design.

Next, assess the home's condition and identify any structural or electrical issues. This will inform your renovation plan and help you prioritize repairs.

Develop a comprehensive budget that accounts for all aspects of the renovation, including materials, labor, and permits. A budget of 10% to 20% over the estimated cost is a good rule of thumb.

Consider hiring a professional to help with the planning process, especially if you're new to historic home renovation. Their expertise can save you time and money in the long run.

Take the time to research local preservation guidelines and regulations. These may impact the renovation process and ensure your home remains historically accurate.

A thorough research and planning phase can make all the difference in a successful historic home renovation.

Suggestion: Historic Home Renovation Grants

Renovating a historic home can be a complex process, but understanding the regulations can make it more manageable.

Adhering to regulations can add time and cost to your project, but it also offers valuable benefits such as protecting you from shoddy construction, code violations, and safety hazards.

Permits are a crucial part of the process, and an inspector will visit your home at each stage of the job to verify building codes, city codes, and applicable ordinances are being completed correctly by licensed technicians.

In Maryland, homeowners must obtain the necessary permits before starting any renovation work on a historic property, ensuring that the renovations adhere to the guidelines set by the local historic preservation commission.

Zoning regulations also play a significant role in historic home renovations, with different districts having their own historic preservation ordinances.

Properties in Atlanta, for example, may have a Historic, Conservation, or Landmark District designation, with restrictions regarding changes to the interior and exterior of the property.

To make unapproved alterations, you must apply for a variance with the city before proceeding, which can be a lengthy and complicated process.

Fortunately, there are resources available to help you navigate these regulations, such as historic home renovation grants that can provide financial assistance for your project.

Suggestion: How to Plan a Home Renovation

Assemble the right team for your historic home renovation, and you'll be well on your way to a successful project. It takes a village, or rather, a team of planners, strategists, creatives, and visionaries to restore an old property.

Frampton recommends having a team that plays well in the sandbox with architects, engineers, builders, and designers all aligned on the functional and aesthetic goals for the home. This ensures everyone is on the same page and working towards the same vision.

Partnering with a preservation consultant early on is also a good idea, especially if you're committed to preserving the historical authenticity of your home. They can create a detailed restoration plan and advise on the specifications of suitable materials and restoration techniques.

Finding qualified professionals is crucial, so don't skip the step of checking their credentials and past work. Recommendations from local historic preservation societies can also be invaluable. Always ask for references and visit previous projects to ensure the quality of their work.

You should also consider factors like reputation, professionalism, transparency, reliability, and responsiveness when choosing your advisers. Are their processes and construction documents clearly communicated? Are they fully insured and properly licensed for your protection?

Our team of experts will see your historic home renovation project through from start to finish, analyzing your exact needs and creating a plan to be executed with diligence.

We understand that renovations can be a labor of love, and we'll help you celebrate the small victories and milestones along the way, whether it's uncovering a hidden gem or watching sunlight stream through newly restored windows.

Our team is dedicated to troubleshooting creative resolutions to any construction problems that arise, including outdated electrical wiring and concealed structural issues. We'll work with you to find a solution that meets your needs.

Here's a brief overview of our construction process:

Plan for extra time, because redoing an older home is not for the faint of heart. Unpredictability is a general expectation of renovation projects, and it's normal to find surprises within the walls, basements, and attics of an older home.

You can expect to find structural challenges that cause delays, and weighing out options like removing and restoring windows versus buying new ones might take more time than expected. It's also common to have to take a few steps backward before moving forward.

Austin interior designer Amity Worrel stresses that taking time to remain mindful of the home's character will make for a more successful reveal. If you're being thoughtful and preserving what's right to preserve, restoring what's right to restore, and carefully starting over or adding in the spirit of the older home when needed, the results will be worth it.

Worrel's own experience renovating her childhood ranch-style home, which dates back to the '70s, shows that patience is key. She knew firsthand the emotional investment and rewards that come with a complex renovation project, and she's glad she took the time to weigh each decision carefully.

At M & T Construction, we pride ourselves on providing excellence in the restoration, renovation, and repair of residential, commercial, and historic properties. Our team of highly skilled home renovation experts can see through projects from start to finish.

We have a dedicated team of experienced managers and well-trained technicians who work together to deliver effective, fast, and efficient solutions. Our contractors undergo periodic training to ensure they can accomplish any challenging project.

Our top priority is customer satisfaction, which enables us to expand our market and locations. We invest a lot of effort, talent, knowledge, skills, and resources in fulfilling customers' needs.

Here are some key benefits of our property restoration and renovation services:

Embracing the restoration journey can be a labor of love, especially for historical home owners. Each step of the process presents an opportunity to honor the craftsmanship of generations past.