Historical Home Renovation Hints

Historical architecture styles are timeless. Some neighborhoods are even landmarked for their beauty and prominence. When buying a historical home, mass amounts of research must go into your plan before you make a decision on buying a historical home, or if you should renovate the historical home you already live in. Consider these tips before you begin your home renovation journey. 

• Research: In Washington, D.C. alone there are 30 neighborhoods designated “historic.” With that distinction, the Historical Preservation Office (HPO) oversees the physical characteristics of these neighborhoods. As a historic homeowner it is important to understand all the requirements of any renovation of the home. The HPO also needs to approve all building permits.
  
  
• Physical Condition: Researching the physical condition of the home before you begin home renovation is a must. From the inside of your home to the street view, there are many elements to take into consideration. If your home is in need of new windows or a renovated bathroom, you must work with sensitive judgment. When it comes to historic preservation, the front of your house is one of the most important aspects of the home. If windows are molded or letting drafts in, you most likely need window replacements; a project that would need professional consulting from an expert in historical preservation. Windows define a home’s architectural style. Most of the time the HPO or other regulatory commission requires windows to keep original look in order to maintain the neighborhood’s original aesthetic beauty and culture. After you research the needs to preserve the home, you should weigh your options and see if the home is worth your time, money and patience.
  
  
• Flexibility: It’s important that you remain flexible throughout home renovation. As it is in any home, timelines are always being pushed to the limit. In renovation for historic homes, you will be faced with even more hiccups throughout the process. Whether you find deteriorating wood or major leaks in a ceiling, older homes are more likely to have problems found along the way. Keep in mind, the more problems you find in the home renovation process, the more money you will spend; keep your budget firm, but be flexible when needed. To maintain the culture of your home it will take some time to find the correct wood, décor and elements to maximize historic preservation. As long as you have a trusted professional preservationist, your wait and patience will be worth it in the long run.
  
  
• Make Your Own History: Even though your end goal is historic preservation, your home renovation can still highlight parts of your lifestyle as well. Respect your home’s vintage style and the era it was built in, but don’t be afraid to hang items on your wall to make it feel like home for you. The culture of your home is important, but at the end of the day you are living in it. Your home should acquire to your needs and portray its history simultaneously.