It’s easy to fall in love with a house that dates back to a bygone era, flush with historic period details and breathtaking Old World craftsmanship. Preserving such a home, however, can be a significant challenge. While it’s likely far simpler to maintain a house that was more recently built, caring for a historic home is a true labor of love that can be endlessly rewarding. If you’re considering purchasing an antique home, here are several tips to help preserve its integrity while still enjoying a modern living space.
Identify Original Details
Homes that date back a century or two, have often been updated over the years. For this reason, it’s a good idea to identify what’s original, as well as what’s been added since it was first constructed. Antique floors, vintage windows and ornate period details are irreplaceable and will usually require special attention, which is why it’s important that you know how to best care for them and avoid accidentally causing any damage.
Work With Specialists
When undertaking any sort of restoration or renovation project, working with someone who specializes in homes of this particular era or style is crucial. Whether it’s an architect, designer or artisan, they’ll be able to carefully update your living space without losing any character or historical significance. From millwork to masonry, antique homes were built using intricate techniques that are no longer widely practiced, which is why they can be more expensive, but ultimately worthwhile, to preserve.
Obtain Historical Status
The good news is that you can usually offset those extra expenses if you’re able to obtain historical status for your home. By registering the house as a place of significance, you may qualify for grants and tax benefits when authentically restoring it.
Modernize Strategically
As much as you may love the idea of living in a home that was built a hundred years ago, there are certain modern amenities that we simply cannot live without. Using timeless finishes and materials makes it easier to design kitchens, bathrooms, and even media rooms that are consistent with the home’s original aesthetic while providing the best in modern living.
