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Home History: 4 Ways Home Renovators Are Preserving Classic Architecture

Written by Posted On Thursday, 22 June 2017 16:57

When restoring a historic home with classic architecture, you may be torn between preserving the beauty of the existing details and style of the home and modernizing the space to make it more livable and practical. This is a common challenge faced by many renovators, and some have taken great strides to preserve classic architecture while still generating the modernized results they desire. These are some of the strategies that you can incorporate into your own renovation project to generate beautiful results in your home, and your contractor can help you to better determine how these strategies may apply to your specific project.

Reusing Existing Materials

Certainly a renovation requires you to bring fresh, new materials into the space, but there are many instances when existing materials can be used with a historic home renovation with beautiful results. For example, restoring shiplap that is underneath damaged drywall is a great way to keep the historic ambiance of the home alive while also keeping costs low. Keeping an old log-burning furnace or the same stones on the fireplace can also pay off beautifully. Each classic home is unique, so carefully inspect your home from room to room to determine which details should remain in place. In some cases, you may find beautiful materials that have been covered over during the renovation process. Be flexible with your design plans to incorporate any additional materials you discover.

Refinishing Wood Details

Classic architecture is often defined by incredible woodwork throughout the home. This may include details on the staircase handrail, on door or window trim, moldings and more. Rather than scrap this material, bring it up to date by refinishing it. This can be a labor-intensive project, and it should be done with care to protect the condition and detail of the wood. However, your time and effort will be well-rewarded with a gorgeous finished result.

Restoring Old Floors

Many older homes have gorgeous wood floors. Wood floors that are well-cared for and properly maintained over the years can last for 80 years or more. You can have a wood floor restoration expert inspect your floor to see if the condition of the wood is worth saving. Restoring existing floors can retain character in the home and may be more affordable. In the event the wood floors cannot be restored, consider replacing them with a very similar color and style of wood to match the overall look that the home has had for decades.

Keeping Quirks and Nuances

Many older homes have quirks and nuances that have been in place since the original construction. This may include severely sloping ceilings in some of the upstairs bedrooms, a small crawlspace under the stairs and more. Some quirks may be bothersome and completely unnecessary, and you can remove these during a renovation. However, some nuances add character and charm to the home, and they should remain if they are tolerable or manageable from an everyday living perspective. For example, if a previous homeowner left an imprint on the home that has a special story to tell, this can be a charming detail to leave intact over the years, and it can add true value and appeal to the home. Your contractor may advise you about the details that should remain in place in your home.

If you are preparing to restore an older home with classic architecture, it is important to create a carefully detailed plan that incorporates existing features as much as possible. If you’re doing it yourself, brush up on renovation skills by taking courses like Success Path, watching videos online, or finding a professional to teach you. It is wise to work with a skilled contractor who has successfully restored classic homes in the past. Consulting with an experienced professional up-front can help you to craft a beautiful plan for your home.

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