If you own a heritage home, count yourself lucky!
There is plenty to love about these older character houses, from their old-fashioned, charming aesthetic, to their wide-open floor plans and big windows. Not to mention the fact you’re your home is steeped in historical importance, as is the neighborhood you likely live in.
However, that’s not to say that heritage homes are perfect. Some are drafty, creaky, not very well insulated, and provide little in the way of containing noise. If you are thinking about renovating your heritage home, you might be wondering what you can and can’t do, or are worried about making changes that will ruin the antiquated feel of the home.
Fortunately, you don’t have to sacrifice appearance for the sake of modernity, or comfort in the name of preservation. There are things you can do that combine the traditional charm of a heritage house with modern comforts. How? Read on to find out more about the dos and don’ts of heritage home restoration.
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- Renovating a Heritage Home will Cost More
A lot of people assume that more materials will be used to renovate a heritage home, but that is not often the case.
The quality of building materials was much higher back when most of these homes were built, so just because they’re old and in need of reinforcement, doesn’t necessarily mean they need to be replaced. What’s more, you can find contractors who specialize in heritage home restoration who know how to save you even more.
Additionally, plenty of heritage homeowners are averse to renovating because they think it robs the home of its antique integrity, lowering the property value. A heritage home that has been well taken care of is worth more than dilapidated heritage homes.
- You Won’t Be Able to Do Much to Change the Interior of the Home
Homes that were built many years ago weren’t made to accommodate modern life. Some rooms are very small, oddly shaped, have no space for modern overhead lighting, etc. You might feel like you have limited options when it comes to changing the layout of your heritage home’s interior, but that’s not the case, especially when you bring on a contractor who specializes in heritage homes. They know how to re-use old material to make changes that suit you and your family’s needs.
- If you Want to Live in a Heritage Home, you’ll Have to Get Used to Living Without your Comforts
One of the most common problems that face people who live in heritage homes is poor insulation. However, that doesn’t mean that you need to resign yourself to the fact that you will be cold all winter and too hot all summer. Some minor changes you can make are installing newer, modern windows, adding insulation, and upgrading or installing an HVAC system.
Another area that doesn’t tend to age well is the plumbing system, especially if it’s made from copper. Have an expert take a look every year or two and decide if you’re able to make changes that blend in with some of the home’s older features.
- You Can’t Make Changes to Heritage Homes
While it’s true that changes need to be approved by the city you live in before any work can begin, it is possible to renovate a heritage home. This is also why it’s especially important to hire a team that specializes in heritage homes.
To discuss your options for home renovations in Langley, turn to the experts at Nicons Entreprises.
