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Tips and Tricks to Updating your Historic Home
Historic homes are the gift that keeps on giving. While they're certainly not for everyone, a historic home offers an intangible uniqueness that many new homes don't have. Of course, some of these qualities may mean less efficient windows, smaller rooms, and lower ceilings, but it also means stunning architectural features, quirky frames, and countless stories behind the walls.
For many who buy a historic home, it's with the intent of fixing it up or restoring it. This is no small task and can definitely feel very overwhelming, very quickly. Sometimes, it can be hard to envision the home with its renovations in a way that is not dated and doesn't take away from the home's personality. Trotter Roofing and Gutters has years of experience, and we have a few tips and tricks to share about renovating your historic home.
What is a historic home?
Firstly, it's important to know what makes a home historic. Historic homes can simply be a home that has survived through the ages or can even be certified as such. Historic homes are deemed "architecturally significant" by the National Register of Historic Places. This is where historic homes are typically listed, as well. Historic homes must uphold specific architectural styles or be owned by or associated with a specific famous person from history in order to be registered as a historic home.
Either way, it's incredibly important to know the status of your historic home before you start the renovation or restoration process. Often, homes that are registered as historic will have specific requirements and rules you'll have to follow while you renovate and restore.
1. What Do You Love?
Start with the list of things that you don't want changed, removed, or damaged during the restoration or renovation process. Unique elements like the fireplace mantle, window shape, or arches are what make a historic home appealing to historic home buyers, and you don't want those elements to be removed or forgotten about.
2. Check With Your Insurance Company
In fact, some updates might actually be covered by insurance! Homes that have weak spots caused by water damage or a crumbling foundation are considered dangerous to the people who live in and around the home. So, before you start to spend all your money yourself, check with your insurance to see if they can help cover the costs!
3. Combine Old & New Styles
Restoration doesn't have to mean outdated! Honor the historic elements of your home by mixing them with the modern. Nodding to a certain time period with your furniture and décor might make your home start to feel more like an antique store, and less like yours. Choose items that complement the style of your home but add new life to it.
4. Work With Your Home's Space
Like we mentioned earlier, older homes are usually built with shorter ceilings and smaller spaces. Many times, the rules for renovating historic homes prevent the owner from knocking down walls or adding extensions, so you have to learn to work with the space rather than creating a new one. Choose lighter ceiling colors, hardwood floors, and wall hangings to give the illusion of a bigger space!
Whether your new-to-you historic home needs a few fresh coats of paint, updated shingles, or even some added insulation to make it more energy efficient, Trotter Roofing and Gutters is your one-stop shop for all things home improvement! We work to preserve the space of your home, while honoring its unique elements and history.
Do you need help improving your historic home? Don't do it all by yourself, call the home improvement specialist you can trust!
