3 Important Things To Consider When Renovating a Historic Home

Historic home restoration is no easy feat; in fact, it’s quite the opposite. They need a lot of TLC and can come with unexpected surprises and hidden costs that are enough to send you to the hospital with a heart attack. But fear not! With some patience and a whole lot of careful planning, you can get your historic home looking like the cover of a magazine.

Before you begin the process of historic home restoration, it’s important to do plenty of research to get a good idea of what to expect. We’ve put together 3 important things to consider when renovating a historic home:

Obtain Necessary Permits & Licenses

Before you even pick up a hammer, you’ll need to review and obtain certain permits and licenses. Depending on the cost of your renovation project, you may have to hold a home improvement or contractor license, as required by law. The homeowner is the one responsible for obtaining the necessary building permits before any work can commence, not the contractor. If your home is designated as historic at the federal, state, or local level, you may need to obtain additional permits to remain in compliance with the regulations governing your historic designation.

Remain Compliant with Codes & Regulatory Requirements

Historic home restoration must abide by local and state regulations to avoid hefty violation fees. These codes and regulations are often put in place not to be annoying (though sometimes they can be a pain), but rather to ensure the safety and comfort of the residents who occupy the home. When it comes to historic homes in particular, codes protect and preserve the historic character of the home while accommodating today’s standards. It is best to research your state and local codes before beginning. Remember, an inspector can drop in at any time. Avoid the fine and remain compliant.

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Apply for Historic Designation

If you’re willing to put in the time and effort, your home could get the official recognition it deserves. Historic Designation essentially ties your home to important historical events, people, or architectural styles. The term “Historic” generally constitutes 50 years or older. There are also different levels of designation (Federal, State, and Local), which have different application processes, costs, and benefits. Learn more about How to Get a Historic Designation for Your Home.

Adhere to Your Home’s Architectural and Historic Integrity

Your home has a story to tell. To tell it well, align renovations with your home’s architectural and historic integrity. Modern convenience is complex for an older home and sometimes necessary; however, you’ll need to maintain a healthy balance between the latest in home improvements and the traditional, more notable methods from your home’s era. This will help keep the integrity and character of your historic home intact during the restoration process.

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Historic Home Restoration & Renovation in Maryland

Are you overwhelmed with questions? Not sure about your next steps? Set up a free historic home restoration consultation with James R. Irvine Construction’s general contractors. Give us a call today or leave a message to get in touch with our experienced home renovation professionals.