Have you ever seen a historical home that you’ve just fallen in love with? You see past the blemishes to how it can be restored to its former glory. Savannah, Georgia and its surrounding areas are full of historic homes or older homes that need some TLC. Renovating a historic home takes a lot of work, but the payoff is so rewarding. We’ve compiled a list of do’s and don’ts for bringing life back into your historic home.
The Do's
- Check to see if your home is in a historic district. If it is, there may be specific guidelines to follow when restoring.
- Have a realistic expectation of the work that you need to complete. The house has it’s beautiful pieces like the gorgeous hardwood floors, but there will be problem areas, including uneven flooring, windows refusing to open, and much more.
- Set a realistic budget. This home is going to be a substantial investment, and there’s going to be a lot to renovate.
- Prioritize what you need to repair first. Those repairs will include the roof, the windows, the doors, etc. Also, keep in mind whether you’re planning on moving in during the renovation. If that’s the case, make sure a bedroom, bathroom, and kitchen are accessible as well.
- Research thoroughly for a contractor. Not every contractor knows how to work with a historic home. Talk with a few people before making your decision. It will save a lot of headaches down the line.
The Don'ts
- Don’t go crazy with over-restoring. You don’t need to replace every piece. Try getting it refurbished instead of replacing it. with drywall joint tape. It needs to lay flat over the seam without any wrinkles or bulges.
- Don’t get sidetracked by the pretty details. It’s very tempting to jump in and restore the cosmetic features like the crown molding or fireplace mantlepiece. Start with the essential things like electrical and plumbing.
- Don’t ignore energy use. Historic homes didn’t always have the best insulation, or over the years, it’s broken down. Make sure you fix the insulation and close up the drafty areas to help keep your energy bills down.
