Renovation projects are no small feats. A lot of work will accompany the process, no matter the size of the job. You can expect things to get more extensive when restoring historic homes. It’s a delicate matter, and we’re here to lend a helping hand with some essential tips for renovating historic homes.
Learn the History
It would be a mistake to start renovating a historic home without learning its history. Knowledge is always power. Historic buildings and homes have plenty of public information on them, so tracking down the details shouldn’t be hard.
The more information you gather, the better you’ll handle the renovations. Study how the original builders designed and constructed the home. You’ll know what areas might cause problems down the line, allowing you to brainstorm a few solutions before getting started.
Keep the Character
Historical homes come with a lot of character, as most homes do. It’s important to keep some of these quirks intact. Renovating a historic home doesn’t mean modernizing it and completely stripping it bare.
The old home probably has many gems that deserve preservation, such as crown moldings, fireplaces, or door knobs. These small details make up the essence of the house, so you should keep them. If you plan to sell the historic home after renovations, it will be easier because future homeowners will recognize its uniqueness.
Proceed With Care
Proceed with care and caution. You might want to add modern updates and amenities, but don’t be intrusive. Here’s where technology comes into play. Incorporating an updated heating, cooling, and electrical system may make you think you need to rip the home apart, but you don’t.
Modern technology allows you to break down a mechanical system into smaller units, otherwise known as a split system. This way, you can feed the upper floors from the attic and the lower floors from the basement. It’s a great way to reduce the amount of damage done in historical home renovations.
Start With the Roof
The roof will more than likely be the area needing the most work. You might face other issues, like bad plumbing and water damage, but it’s best to start with the roof. Chances are you’ll need to replace all those shingles.
Since roofing is such a big job, you’ll want a 30-yard dumpster dimension rental from us at Vine Disposal. Our dumpsters come in various sizes to handle any job. If you have concerns about where the old shingles will go, we’ll also assist with the disposal process.
Renovating historic homes is such a rewarding job, especially when you manage to preserve all the important elements of the building. It’s even better when you let us handle the mess for you! For more information, visit our website.