- Several things must be considered when planning for restoration, including, finding what needs to be done first, finding a timeline, and deciding on a restoration budget.
- Restoring historic buildings should be left to the professionals because of the specific materials used and the difficult techniques needed.
- Restoring a home can be made easy by choosing Old Home Rescue.
Do you live in an old house? Is your business run out of an old building? Restoration can be daunting and with so many types of restoration, it may be hard to get started. We will guide you through some basics including, what is considered a historic building, how to restore a historic building, budgets, timelines, and materials that any restoration project will need. Let’s get started!
What Is Considered A Historic Building?
Historic buildings can be defined by a few different things. Some historic buildings are simply listed on historic registries and some are protected by local preservation ordinances. A lot of the time, historic buildings are defined by their ability to portray aesthetics and the historical context of the time period it was built. These buildings serve as records of a community’s identity as well as records of a time or place.
How To Restore A Historic Building
In order to restore a historic building, it is important to know that there may be specific rules that need to be followed. First, you need to have an assessment that takes place in order to evaluate the historical significance of the building. It is extremely difficult to restore a historic building but choosing professionals, like Old Home Rescue, will work with you every step of the way.
Research The Building’s Historical Significance
Before someone starts thinking about restoration, it is important to investigate the structure’s architectural style and what events may be tied to the building. This information will help guide you in the restoration process. A good place to start with this process is to determine if the building you are working with is officially designated as historic.
Assess The Home In Its Entirety
To assess the home completely, you would want to get a professional evaluation. Some of the people who provide these assessments are structural engineers and preservation consultants. It is good to start with professionals to assist you in this process in order to properly determine the structure’s condition and identify any issues you may run into. Doing this alone is next to impossible, and again, that is what Old Home Rescue does everyday.
Develop A Restoration Plan
In order to start your restoration journey, you have to know how to restore a historic building. Once you know how to restore a historic building, it’s time to develop a detailed plan. Starting with a designated budget, timeline, and standards is what you need in order for there to be an accurate expectation. This restoration plan should prioritize features from the historical period in which the structure was built. This is to ensure that the building keeps the historical accuracy and remains safe. It is also to make sure that the plan is realistic, and remains in your budget.
Decipher what needs done first
When you are in the beginning stages of restoring a historic building, it is important you follow the plan that you and the professionals agree on. The next step is to figure out where Old Home Rescue is going to begin. This step entails prioritizing safety and structural integrity. The features that are from the restoration period need to be identified and protected with restoration standards in this beginning stage.
Budget
While you are deciding what needs to be done when you restore your historic building, an important factor is remaining in the budget. This is a part of your original plan, and it is important to Old Home Rescue that your budget is followed. When thinking about a budget, tax credits and financial incentives are oftentimes available.
Crew
Doing restoration on a historic building is not a task for just one person. There needs to be a crew of experts to ensure your plan is followed and procedures are monitored closely. It is important to use skilled labor that collaborates with preservation specialists. These preservation specialists comply with restoration standards as well as follow specific procedures in order to keep things safe and in order. Old Home Rescue has experienced, skilled workers, who are also preservation specialists. We can also help guide you through other aspects of your restoration.
Timeline
Another thing that goes along with the planning process is following a specific timeline. This timeline is a part of the preservation plan and will need to account for several things. The time frame is decided and agreed on by you and the preservation specialists. The timeline for restoring a historic building should include the time to source and acquire the materials. This also includes thinking about the required oversight from professionals that is needed.
Source Required Materials
Sourcing certain materials is important for restoration because historical buildings need very specific mediums to retain the historical authenticity. Replacement materials need to match original pieces in color, design, and texture.
Windows & Doors
Restoring the original windows and doors will help to maintain the structure’s historical integrity. If that is not an option, replacements should be based on historical evidence to keep the same look, and keep the original aesthetic.
Roofing
It is normal when you restore a historic building for the roof to need updates and even replacement. Restoration specialists support repair to the roof over total replacement. That makes the materials that much more important so the roofing matches and remains strong enough to last many more decades.
Masonry
The masonry for historic structures is another important factor in restoration as well. Stonework is usually a part of the implementation phase of your restoration plan and needs to be handled by experts. Our masonry experts can preserve the original materials and keep the historic craftsmanship intact.
Tiles/Flooring
Flooring is something that requires a lot of time and patience to restore in a historic building. Sometimes people prefer to cover the original floor instead of fixing it. Removing this can also be done by the professionals at Old Home Rescue. It is important to note that sometimes in older buildings the materials used may contain harmful chemicals which is another reason to leave it to the professionals.
Paint
Restoring your building might mean matching the colors and the finishes of the paint used, making it difficult to do on your own. Sometimes restoring can mean using chemical treatments like removing paint. These things require the utmost amount of patience and require an extremely gentle hand to make sure there is no damage to the historic materials.
Implement Restoration Process
We are now onto what it means to implement the restoration process. This phase includes the skilled, detailed work to start. This may entail construction depending on the needs of your structure. The importance of adhering to historical accuracy remains pertinent. The features that need to be replaced and restored need to be professionally reconstructed or fixed using historical evidence and the correct materials
Restore A Historic Building With Old Home Rescue
Our skilled remodel contractors bring extensive experience in both residential and commercial restoration, taking on projects that require precision and a deep knowledge of preservation practices. From exterior home remodeling, and unique home renovations to old house renovations, and aging properties in need of revitalization, our historic building restoration services breathe new life into each space while honoring its unique past.
Contact Old Home Rescue
Needing help with your historic home, building, or structure?
Phone: 405.549.9880
Email: info@oldhomerescue.com