Taking on a huge project like restoring a historic house may seem a bit daunting at first, but it can actually be one of the most exciting adventures you’ve ever embarked on. Whether you’re updating your dream home or trying to preserve a house you’d like to put on the market, here are three genius tips for this chapter in your own history book.
1. Work with a Historic Society to Preserve History
Collaborating with a historic society on the restoration of a historic house is a rich and rewarding endeavor that brings together the past and the present. These organizations play a pivotal role in preserving our cultural heritage, offering invaluable guidance and sometimes even financial grants to aid in the meticulous restoration process.
However, one must approach this partnership with a keen awareness of the nuanced guidelines and regulations that accompany it. In the pursuit of authenticity, there may be constraints on certain aspects of the restoration, such as paint colors, which must adhere to historical accuracy. This ensures that the house is restored in a manner that honors its original character and time period.
While these limitations may require compromises, the collaboration ultimately results in a beautifully restored historic house that stands as a testament to our shared history and architectural legacy.
2. Be Prepared for a Variety of Issues
Historic homes have naturally been around for a while, some even over a hundred years. That’s a long period of time to incur a variety of repairs and problems. Here are issues you’re very likely to come across in a historic home:
Water Damage
Water damage is a common issue in historic houses due to aging roofs, plumbing, or improper drainage. To address this, start by identifying and repairing the source of the water infiltration. Replace damaged or missing roof tiles or shingles, repair leaky pipes, and ensure proper grading to divert water away from the foundation.
Once the source is fixed, address the interior damage. Remove any wet or moldy materials, such as drywall or insulation, and allow the affected areas to dry completely. Depending on the severity, you may need to consult a professional for mold remediation.
After the space is dry and free from mold, replace damaged materials with historically appropriate materials, such as plaster and lath, and repaint using period-authentic colors.
Outdated Electrical Wiring
Outdated electrical wiring can be a significant safety hazard in historic homes. When updating the electrical system, it’s crucial to preserve the home’s historical integrity while ensuring modern safety standards.
Hire a licensed electrician experienced with historic properties to carefully remove old wiring and replace it with new, code-compliant wiring that can safely accommodate modern electrical demands.
Conceal new wiring within walls and ceilings to maintain the historic appearance. Ensure that electrical fixtures and outlets are chosen to match the time period and style of the house, keeping the aesthetics consistent with the original design.
Termites and Pests
Termites and pests can wreak havoc on historic houses constructed with wood framing. To combat this issue, start with a professional pest inspection to identify the extent of the infestation.
Depending on the findings, treatment may include chemical or non-chemical methods. For wooden structures, consider preventative measures such as installing termite barriers during restoration. Replace any damaged or weakened wooden elements, like beams or floorboards, with new wood that matches the species and style of the original.
Additionally, consider periodic inspections and maintenance to catch potential infestations early and prevent further damage. Engaging with a local pest control expert knowledgeable about historic homes can be invaluable in safeguarding the property from future pest threats.
3. How to Address the “Quirks” in Your Historic House
Choosing to invest time and money in restoring an older home means there’s something really special about it. It also means potentially uneven measurements, janky corners, and odd layouts.
Rather than get frustrated, appreciate the quirks and keep them if you can. Whether it’s hand-painted embellishments on the rafters, oddly shaped windows, or a unique floor plan, these are the highlights of the home and should be admired for as long as they can. And some valuable advice from those who have restored older, historic homes: “Do your best and caulk the rest.”
Make Your Own History with HFS Financial
Restoring and preserving a historic home is no easy endeavor – however, applying for a home improvement loan through HFS Financial is! If you need a loan to address a certain repair, whether it’s replacing the roof, updating the siding, or remodeling rooms like the kitchen or bathroom, HFS Financial can help you find the financing you need quickly and efficiently.
Take 60 seconds to submit an inquiry today. There’s no effect on your credit score, so why wait? “You Dream It, We Finance It.”