Avoid These Mistakes When Renovating Your Historic Home
There’s a certain charm about old homes that you cannot find with newer designs. Not only can you not deny the sheer character of the design, but it’s also hard to beat that upfront price tag. While these homes may need a little extra renovation, the pros of purchasing an old home far outweigh the cons.
Unfortunately, many homeowners make these common mistakes when starting the historic remodeling process. By avoiding these pitfalls, you can ensure you maintain the charming historic exterior with modern interiors that will last for years to come.
1. Taking the Cheap Way Out
Renovations are a pricey part of homeownership. Historic home renovations typically cost more because problems go all the way to the structure or foundation of the home. There are certainly ways to cut costs on the renovation, but you shouldn’t skimp on remodels that impact the day-to-day life of your home.
You should also do your research before hiring a contractor for the project. You’ll want to invest upfront in someone with experience in historic remodeling.
2. Ignoring Permits
Depending on the remodel you have in mind, many historical homes require an extra step before any renovations begin. Old homes, especially those in historic neighborhoods, are likely protected by local entities. This means you will need to get approval from these entities before beginning any work on the home. You’ll want to ensure you have all paperwork in place before you cause issues in your new town or neighborhood.
3. Prioritizing Fashion Over Function
With any historic remodeling project, you should keep your future living situation in mind. At the end of the day, you will have to live in this home for years to come. While keeping the charming style should be a priority, you want to ensure it’s a comfortable living space. You’ll want to update appliances, make additional room for outlets, and invest in good plumbing and wiring. You’ll also want to think about you and your family’s traffic patterns throughout the house and plan the layout accordingly.