Photo by OpenClipart-Vectors on Pixabay
Restoring a historic home can be an incredibly rewarding experience, but it can also be a daunting task. With so many factors to consider, it’s important to have a plan in place before starting any restoration project. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take you through the essential steps of restoring your historic home, from understanding the difference between an old and historic home to finding the right contractor and maintaining your home for years to come.
Understanding the Difference Between an Old and Historic Home
Before embarking on a restoration project, it’s important to understand the difference between an old and historic home. While both types of homes have unique character and charm, a historic home is one that has been placed on the National Register of Historic Places by the National Park Service. To be deemed historic, a property must meet certain criteria, including being at least 50 years old, having a connection to historical people or events, and maintaining the look and feel of the house’s era.
While owning a historic home comes with certain benefits, such as financial assistance and tax credits for renovation projects, it also comes with limitations. There may be state and local laws that restrict what you can do with your property, especially if it is located in a historical district or has been designated historic. It’s important to research these restrictions before starting any restoration project.
Researching Your Home
Once you’ve established that your home is historic, the next step is to research its history. Pinpointing the style of the home can help you identify what materials were commonly used at the time, which can guide you in finding historic and modern options for materials that need updating. Researching the particular era in which your home was built can also provide great renovation ideas, such as installing glass doorknobs, exterior shutters, or wood flooring to preserve the look and feel of your home’s history.
Finding pictures of your house, or similar houses, can also provide inspiration and inform exterior renovation ideas. Inquiring at local libraries, museums, or with neighbors who have lived in the area for years can be a great place to start.
Finding Financial Assistance
Restoring a historic home can be expensive, but there are resources available to help fund your renovation plans. Historic home restoration grants often go to nonprofit groups, but you may be able to find some at the state or local level. The National Trust for Historic Preservation and your state preservation office can provide information on available grants and tax credits.
Renovation loans and historic home renovation tax credits are also available, providing financial relief for your dream home. However, it’s important to note that federal law states there are no restrictions on what private owners can do with their property, but this law can be void if you use federal grant money to help fund the renovation.
Finding the Right Contractor
Restoring a historic home requires a specialized skill set. Unless you’re a home renovation professional or have previously managed similar restoration projects, it’s important to find a contractor who specializes in historic home restoration. These professionals know how to do the work while respecting the original structure of the home.
When choosing a contractor, be sure to check their credentials, references, and previous work. It’s also important to establish clear communication and a detailed contract outlining the scope of work, timeline, and budget.
Prioritizing Restoration Projects
Restoring a historic home can be a long and expensive process, so it’s important to prioritize restoration projects. Start with the highest-priority rooms, such as the kitchen and bathroom, so the home will be livable. It’s also important to add “replace old electrical wiring” to the top of your to-do list, as outdated wiring can be a safety hazard.
It’s important to note that while old houses can age gracefully, their mechanicals do not. Plumbing, electrical, and HVAC all have specific lifespans that are shorter than your old house. Copper plumbing can last 80-100 years before having problems, electrical systems have improved greatly from knob & tube or cloth covered wiring, and your old boiler may be nearing its last boil. These are expensive elements to replace, and while old mechanicals shouldn’t necessarily deter you from buying an old house you should know what you are getting into and how much it will cost.
Maintaining Your Historic Home
Proper maintenance and prevention are key to preserving the beauty and integrity of your historic home. Keep a maintenance checklist and regularly inspect your foundation, roof, exterior siding, chimney, windows, and doors. These items can deteriorate rapidly in older homes, so staying ahead of any foundation issues, roof leaks, rotted wood, and more is critical.
It’s also important to use appropriate cleaning methods and materials when maintaining your historic home. For example, when cleaning antique Staffordshire transferware, it’s important to use an effective and affordable method for cleaning transferware that won’t damage the delicate pieces.
Conclusion
Restoring a historic home can be a challenging and rewarding experience. By understanding the difference between an old and historic home, researching your home’s history, finding financial assistance, choosing the right contractor, prioritizing restoration projects, and maintaining your home for years to come, you can preserve the unique character and charm of your historic home for generations to come.
Remember, owning a historic home is a responsibility and a privilege. With careful planning and attention to detail, you can restore your historic home to its former glory and enjoy it for years to come.
Talis Historic Restoration
If you’re looking for the most experienced professionals specializing in the custom replication of historic wood windows and millwork throughout Western New York, Central New York, Western Massachusetts, and the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Region, look no further than Talis Historic Restoration. As experts in this trade, we have years of combined experience to ensure that all restorations will be done with precision and attention to detail. We understand that every project needs special care and attention, which is why our team is dedicated to offering only the highest-quality services at competitive prices. Don’t hesitate – give us a call today and let us restore your classic windows, doors, banisters and railings back to their former glory.
Phone Number: 585-318-4787
Social Links
https://www.facebook.com/TalisHistoricRestoration
https://www.instagram.com/talishistoricrestoration
https://www.pinterest.com/TalisHistoricRestoration
Window Restoration from Start to Finish
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RvFxphIMY7k
