If you’ve been considering renovating a historic property, you’re in the right place. While it can be a daunting task, with a little help it’s possible. Let’s navigate the twists and turns of historic home restoration with some insider tips on what to consider, or even where to begin.
Three things to remember before you begin
Preserve the Historical Architecture
Historic home restoration is much more than just clearing cobwebs and slapping on a fresh coat of paint. Renovating historic homes is a tangible connection to the past. Every decision has to be thoughtfully considered. “Is this what the original builders had in mind?” “Does this update detract or add to the story of the house?” Even when focusing on functionality and sustainability, it has to be done thoughtfully so that the home will be loved for generations to come.
Preservation Vs Modern Functionality
One of the greatest challenges in antique home renovation is finding harmony between the old and the new. Original builders, although experts in their field at the time, certainly weren’t working with our contemporary needs and specifications in mind. This is why hiring a historic home specialist is often a smart decision when restoring your home. Some things just need to be updated to make the home comfortable and livable, but don’t go overboard modernizing, you bought a historic home for a reason.
Navigating the Pitfalls
Renovating your historic home, although ultimately rewarding, comes with a myriad of logistical headaches and hardships. Sinking foundation? Drainage issues? Misaligned windows and doors? Dry rot? TERMITES?? The seemingly never-ending list of roadblocks can be incredibly intimidating at first blush. Don’t let that deter you, though. With enough research, a healthy dose of patience, and possibly even hiring an expert to work with you, you can safely and effectively overcome any obstacles on your renovation journey.
Three Steps To A Successful Renovation
You’ve acquired the property you wish to restore. Now comes the fun part; building your
dream.
Researching Your Home and Assembling Your Dream Team
What makes your home historically significant? Chances are you weren’t handed a pamphlet upon purchasing your home detailing its lore, so before embarking on a historic home restoration project, you must first come to understand what qualifies a house as historic. It is only after a home’s historical significance is known that we can begin to restore it to its former glory. At Sheppard and Company, we can spend hours researching a home’s story. Plan on consulting one newspaper, historic societies, and even good old-fashioned talking to old timers. Once you have a handle on the history, it’s on to building the team you’ll need to get the job done.
Permits and Compliance
This is a major area in which it pays to have an expert on your side. From an encyclopedic knowledge of building codes and necessary permits to an insider’s perspective on dealing with your local historical society, a historic home restoration specialist will prove to be an invaluable resource. If you decide to go at it on your own, your county will have helpful resources to make sure you dot all your i’s and cross all your t’s.
Crafting Your Vision
All the forms have been filled out and the permits have been filed. Now the work to bring your dream to life begins in earnest. Following a meticulously modernized version of your home’s original plan and utilizing any usable remaining resources along with carefully curated
period-appropriate new materials, it’s time to set to work on making your vision a reality. Just remember to always stay true to the rich history that makes your home special while giving it your spin.
Get Your Hands Dirty… or give us a call
This all may seem like an enormous undertaking. Well, it is, but it’s worth it. The good news is you don’t have to do it alone. Sheppard and Company Historic Home Renovation are willing to help guide you through the joys of your project. While you may be set on doing it yourself,
sometimes it’s nice to have someone willing to point you in the right direction.