5 Things To Know Before Renovating a Historic Home
Updated: Jul 27
There’s nothing quite like the charm of a historic home. They’re all over the place in Charlottesville, and especially throughout Central Virginia. Incorporating details from previous eras can be highly cost prohibitive these days. However, many of these details capture a space in ways that modern homes have yet to truly achieve. Between detailed woodworking, larger than seemingly possible windows, and the multitude of built-in design elements, renovating a historic home is exciting. It also comes with its own unique challenges. Unlike modern builds, these homes require careful planning, carefully working around or preserving existing elements, and often require a much larger budget than expected.
It is definitely worth the time and expense when factoring in the old growth timber and details that you cannot replicate, or in some cases find, no matter how much money you are willing to spend. Ultimately, many of these older homes have stronger craftsmanship and stronger bones. if you can handle some surprises, you will have a home that will last generations.
If you’re preparing to update your own antique historical 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.
Designer 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 Outdated wiring, lead paint, asbestos, foundation settling, hidden water damage, and unexpected structural issues can all quickly turn into costly repairs.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 can surprise even the most experienced homeowners and suddenly 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:
As another example of huge, unexpected cost overruns, at one of our historic preservation projects, an antique mansion in 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.
Designer 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 the incredible craftsmanship. Original wood floors, stained glass, intricate handcrafted mouldings, and hand-laid tile add an irreplaceable aesthetic charm. 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, along with electrical and HVAC systems.
Designer Tip: Blend the old and new thoughtfully. Keep architectural details intact while making way for our modern functional requirements. This mix 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.
Designer 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.
Designer Tip: Build flexibility into your schedule and make alternative living arrangements, if needed.
In the end, remember that renovating a historic home isn’t just a standard remodeling 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 generations to come. And, preserve a piece of history along the way.
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