17 Tips for Renovating a Historic Home

Bringing a historic home back to life through careful renovation and restoration is a challenging process that requires patience, persistence, and attention to detail. When done well, the past shines brilliantly through modern updates that make living in the home a pleasure. But a slapdash renovation can cause more problems than it solves. If you’ve taken on the task of restoring a historic home, here are 17 tips to guide you through the process.

1. Start with research

Research your home’s history before adding a single stroke of paint. Look through any historical records in your area using resources like your local library or historical society, if one exists. Research the architectural style of your specific home and the period in general. This information can help guide the decision-making process when it comes to retaining the home’s original character.

2. Talk to an expert

Local historic preservation officers, architects, and builders are a great resource. They have experience and background knowledge and can offer valuable advice and insight as you plan and renovate. They’ve worked or consulted on projects like yours in the past and can surface potential issues or opportunities you would have otherwise overlooked.

3. Look for funding

Many local governments want to encourage investors and developers to renovate historic homes. For this reason, cities and towns often offer tax credits and other financial incentives for those who buy historic properties. Investigate these possible funding sources for a shot at making your renovation more affordable.

4. Get permission

Permits are required for all major construction projects, although the definition of “major” varies from place to place. Historic homes are often subject to more stringent requirements, too. Don’t start any work (demolition included) until the necessary permits are in place.

5. Make a plan (and a budget)

As with all renovation projects, it’s critical to create a detailed plan and a budget. Historic homes may be more tricky, as some period details and trims can be far pricier than new ones, and you may need to fabricate copies of fixtures. Make a comprehension plan as to the scope and schedule of the renovation and include a contingency fund for any unexpected expenses that arise.

6. Pick the right contractor

If you aren’t doing the work yourself, select a contractor carefully. You’ll need someone with experience in historic preservation and renovation. They will be more likely to understand the specific issues that come with restoring a historic home.

7. Start with safety

The most important renovations are those that deal with safety and structural soundness. You want the property to last, so address any issues with the foundation and roof, along with the electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems before diving into the cosmetic details.

8. Preserve original materials

Preserve and restore the property’s original features as much as possible. This includes not only architectural details but also woodwork, flooring, windows, and doors. These unique pieces help the property retain its character, as many were made by hand and bear their maker’s mark. This authenticity is nearly impossible to recreate and makes the home even more desirable.

9. Shop secondhand

Secondhand shops (including builder salvage and donation sites) can be a rich source of more affordable period details. Look for doors, windows, fixtures, and finishings that match your historic home. However, be prepared to put in some work cleaning them up and making minor repairs. This elbow grease is worth it, though; many of these cast-offs are in great shape and just need a little TLC.

10. Stick with period-appropriate materials

Where possible, renovate using period-appropriate colors, textures, and metals. You can mix and match interior design, but the bones of the renovation should be in keeping with the home’s age.

11. Be efficient

Renovating with period detail in mind doesn’t mean sacrificing energy efficiency. Heating and cooling are a major cost of owning a historic home that has yet to be renovated. Incorporate energy-efficient solutions like insulation and restoring original windows with added storm windows. These improve efficiency without sacrificing authenticity.

12. Consider sympathetic additions

Sympathetic additions are those that match the home’s original structure and architectural style. They use similar materials and are placed in a way that is in keeping with the time period. Don’t add a mismatched room that detracts from the property’s original style.

13. Expect the unexpected

Once your renovation is underway, be prepared for surprises. A demolished interior wall might reveal a hidden room; a floor might be rotten or infested with pests. With historic homes, anything is possible, so it’s essential to be flexible and ready to adapt.

14. Modernize carefully

No one expects you to live in a home that still uses wood for cooking or buckets for carrying bathwater. But properly renovating kitchens and bathrooms can set a fine restoration apart from a haphazard one. When choosing appliances and updating bathrooms, try to source modern versions of period designs that pay homage to the original aesthetic. You can still mix modern touches in, such as frameless glass shower walls surrounding a large clawfoot tub and marble countertops in a kitchen with state-of-the-art gas stoves.

15. Hide the most modern touches

Smart features and whole-house vacuums and speakers don’t exactly scream authentic period detail, but they do make an old home more comfortable to live in. If you choose to add these modern touches, be discreet and conceal them so they don’t stand out.

16. Renovate in stages

Completely renovating a historic home from the ground up can be a big and expensive endeavor. If you have a property with good bones and a solid foundation, it’s possible to renovate respectfully, one room or feature at a time. You can start anywhere you like or wherever your budget allows. Kitchens and bathrooms cost the most; bedrooms and living rooms can be more affordably updated.

These budget-friendly renovations can be as simple as swapping out the room’s hardware, adding a period-specific paint color, or renovating a fireplace to be more in keeping with the home’s age. You can also add a statement piece of furniture or swap out a rug while saving for bigger projects.

17. Document the process

Taking pictures and keeping a record of the entire process is critical. This helps the renovation stay on track but also serves a higher purpose. If the home is of historical significance, the renovation adds to the official historical record. Even if not, your documentation serves as valuable information for future caretakers of the home.

Written by Billy Guteng. April 19, 2024

Billy is a content writer for Kukun. He was born in France, and has lived in multiple cities around the world ever since. He loves art, design and architecture as well as construction and real estate.