5 Things To Know Before Renovating a Historic Home

There’s nothing quite like the charm of a historic home. They’re all over the place in Charlottesville, and especially throughout Central Virginia. Replicating details from bygone eras is oftentimes cost prohibitive nowadays, but they capture a space in so many creative and unique ways. Between the detailed woodworking, the large windows,  and a plethora of built-in design elements, renovating a historic home is exciting but comes with a lot of unique challenges. Unlike modern builds, these homes require careful planning, working around and carefully preserving existing elements, and often a bigger budget.

If you’re preparing to update an antique historic property, here are five crucial things to know before you begin.

1. Know the Preservation Laws in Your Area

Before you start any work, check if your home is in a historic district or protected area. Many jurisdictions, and especially historic districts, have renovation restrictions and require permits for exterior changes. Some will even regulate what materials you can use to preserve the architectural authenticity of the structure.

✅ Tip: Contact your local preservation board or planning department before starting your renovation, to make sure you don’t accidentally run afoul of any jurisdictional ordinances. Officials will almost certainly be glad you contacted them, and will be helpful throughout the process.

2. Plan for Unexpected Costs

Renovating any home can come with surprises, but historic homes are notorious for hidden issues. Outdated wiring, lead paint, asbestos, foundation settling, hidden water damage, and unexpected structural issues can all quickly turn into costly repairs. These repairs add up quickly and can push you over budget.

Where asbestos and lead paint are concerned, cost overruns and schedule delays can add up quickly. Asbestos is required to be remediated in a very specific way, which involves sealing off the contaminated area and bringing in a licensed, qualified disposal team. Since asbestos proliferated the building market for decades in a huge number of different building products, it's still commonly found today.

For more information on the specifics of asbestos and what appropriate course of action to take should you find it in your home, the Lanier Law Firm has compiled a comprehensive guide here:

https://www.lanierlawfirm.com/mesothelioma/asbestos-exposure/homeowners/

As another example of huge, unexpected cost overruns, at one of our historic preservation projects, the Dunnington Mansion in Farmville, Virginia, it was discovered that the floor joists above the crawlspace had succumbed to over a century of being exposed to the damp earth just below. The contractor had to reinforce the floor and replace almost every single one of the original floor joists. Budgeting for these hidden costs will save you from budget overruns later.

✅ Tip: Set aside 20–30% of your renovation budget for unexpected expenses.

3. Respect the Character, Upgrade the Functionality

The charm of a historic home often lies in its craftsmanship. Original wood floors, stained glass, mouldings, and hand-laid tile add irreplaceable charm that can be cost-prohibitive to recreate today. Preserve what you can whenever possible, but don’t forget that historic homes weren’t designed with TV’s, computers, phones, and modern-day appliances in mind. Don’t overlook necessary functional upgrades to the kitchen, and electrical and HVAC systems.

✅ Tip: Blend the old and new thoughtfully. Keep architectural details intact while making way for modern-day functional requirements can have amazing results if done right.

4. Source the Right Materials and Craftspeople

Finding period-appropriate materials can be a challenge, but they’re crucial to maintaining the home’s authenticity. If your home is on the National Historic Register, finding period-appropriate materials will actually be required by preservation boards. Finding skilled tradespeople who know how to work with plaster, masonry, or woodwork from another era can be equally challenging.

✅ Tip: Research salvage yards, specialty suppliers, antique stores, and preservation experts in your area. Investing in the right people and products will ensure your renovation respects the home’s history.

5. Expect a Longer Renovation Timeline

Renovations on historic homes almost always take longer due to approvals, sourcing, and specialized work. Permitting alone can add months to your timeline, if the jurisdiction decides that your renovation needs special attention. One of our projects, an addition to a 1950's tract home in Charlottesville, was estimated at six months. With all of the unpleasant surprises we found and had to remedy, from water infiltration to a squirrel's nest above the porch ceiling, it actually took 10 1/2 months instead.

✅ Tip: Build flexibility into your schedule and make living arrangements, if needed.

Remember, renovating a historic home isn’t just a standard run-of-the-mill remodel project, but a way to preserve history while creating a comfortable yet functional modern living space for you and your family. By understanding local laws, budgeting wisely, respecting the craftsmanship, and preparing for the inevitable unexpected challenges, you can protect your home’s character and enjoy it for years to come, and preserve a piece of history along the way.