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Planning a Historic Home Renovation - Don’t Forget to Consider the Pros, Drawbacks, and Costs Involved!

Written by:
Sujain Thomas
Photography:
Freepik

When you are trying to renovate a historic home, it is like breathing new life into the architecture. These homes are considered architectural gems but have weathered over the years due to climate and seasonal change. 

If you plan to take on the challenges of restoring this timeless home, first consider the pros, cons, and budget involved. 

Pros that you should know about:

   - When you renovate a historic home, you are taking a step towards preserving the architectural structure and contributing to the preservation of the local history and cultural heritage of the place.

  - Historic homes have unique craftsmanship that is rare to find, as well as architectural elements that are not found in the modern era. Proper restoration allows you to preserve these unique features, which add charm and warmth to the structures.

   - When a historic home is well preserved, it attracts buyers with an eye for unique properties or landmark structures. Renovating landmark homes increases market appeal and property value by maintaining the house's character. It enhances the overall aesthetic of the space and also the selling price.

   - The government offers many initiatives, including tax incentives, to restore historic property. So, if your budget has become immense, this incentive can help reduce the total renovation charges.

Drawbacks to consider:

  - When trying to renovate a historic home, you must comply with strict zoning laws and preservation regulations and present yourself before committees that review the renovation design.

   - If the review is not in your favor, it can limit the design and construction choices. You also have to face regulatory challenges, which is quite a hassle.

   - Getting the approvals and permits for renovating a timeless possession like this can take longer than you expected. The entire process is time-consuming.

   - It would help to review the historical guidelines for restoring historic homes.

   - Historic homes usually turn out to be outdated and lack modern infrastructure such as electrical, plumbing, or even HVAC systems. So, you have to upgrade it and repair the aging pipes.

   - When restoring an old home, you should always be prepared for unforeseen structural issues due to age. Also, while renovating, you may find hidden problems that would make the project more expensive.

   - When dealing with an old house, you need a general contractor in Austin TX, who knows the materials or the skill to handle these buildings. You need to look for premium labor and materials, which affects the overall cost. 

SF Historic: Renovation of a historic Italian Renaissance style home in San Francisco, California by Walker Warner Architects

Cost or overall estimates:

The cost can be divided into five segments, which include:

   - The initial purchase price varies from location to location.

   - The restoration expenses, including material, labor, and structural plan, come.

   - You have to engage architects and skilled men and provide the accurate material used in the renovation.

   - They can be unforeseen issues that are accounted for by the unexpected cost.

   - Finally, you must spend on long-term maintenance to preserve and maintain its integrity.

Summing it up

Renovating historic homes is not just about restoring a building, it's about creating a bridge between the past and the present. It's a captivating journey that is both challenging and adventurous. So, consider the pros, cons, and costs before you embark on this exciting adventure of renovating the house, and feel the thrill of preserving history. 


By Liliana Alvarez

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