- Pros of historic restoration include an improved sense of community and a better local economy.
- Cons of historic preservation include possible renovation restrictions and upfront costs.
- Restore your historic building today with Old Home Rescue in OKC!
Do you know of a historic building that could use some preservation? A lot of historic buildings have used some sort of restoration or preservation to keep them looking beautiful. Preservation connects people to their shared history and is able to enhance a community’s sense of identity. Historic buildings also tend to have a level of craftsmanship that simply isn’t seen in modern architecture. With that being said, sometimes the level of durability isn’t quite what we would want today for a building to last several hundred years. This is where historic preservation comes into play.
What’s Historic Preservation?
Historic preservation, to put it simply, is the practice of protecting and maintaining buildings or objects of historical, cultural, or architectural significance to ensure their longevity and integrity for future generations.. Often included in the historic preservation process is the reuse of the original materials and design from the initial build of the original architecture. There are several different things that historic preservation includes, but some of the more common things would include restoring windows & doors to their original condition or rehabbing exterior bricks and wood.
Pros of Historic Preservation
There are many important pros of historic preservation to go over. Most notably, historic preservation is able to maintain and preserve the original architecture and unique look of the building. By preserving historic buildings, we see communities thrive and tourists flock to these areas, which in turn, helps the local economy. Below we will dig into some more pros of historic preservation.
Maintain Distinctive Property Character and Proof of Past
One of the most important pros of historic preservation is the proof of the past. By preserving the original architecture it will help to maintain the distinct look of historical structure. This is an amazing pro of historic preservation because it can help safeguard your communities identity by keeping visual evidence of the past. The historic buildings are something that offers a tangible link to the past that can give us stories of that time.
Local Residents and Community Relationships
Another pro of historic preservation is the benefits to the local residents and the community. By investing in your community with the preservation of historic buildings, you will see many benefits through strengthened communities and neighborhood engagement. This pro of historic preservation helps to maintain communities by tying historical buildings to local heritage. This fosters a connection, both physical and emotional, across generations.
Available Tax Breaks
A great pro of historic preservation is the available tax breaks. For a lot of towns & cities, the local government may offer federal or state tax incentives when you plan to restore a historic building. Grants and tax programs can offset the higher prices that preserving may have upfront. Depending on the city you are located in, these governments may provide additional tax abatements or credits for historic building maintenance.
Increased Tourism
Increased tourism is another great pro of historic preservation. Preserving buildings will attract tourists to the area, especially in designated historical districts. This is a pro of historic preservation because increased tourism will help to boost the local economy. This is due to tourism spending through various avenues. Cities with stronger preservation efforts from historic preservation will often be known for their historic appeal.
A Starting Structure Point
A key advantage of historic building preservation is the ability to use the starting structure as a foundation for authentic restoration. This ensures that the building’s historical and architectural integrity remains intact. The starting structure, encompassing the existing materials, design, and character of the building, provides a tangible blueprint that guides preservationists in recreating or maintaining its original appearance and craftsmanship. This fidelity to the original structure preserves the unique story and cultural significance of the building while fostering a deep connection to the heritage of the community. By working from the starting structure, preservation efforts can avoid generic modernization and instead, celebrate the distinct aesthetic and historical value that makes the building a cherished landmark. This enhances both community pride and educational opportunities for future generations.
Cons of Historic Preservation
The cons of historic preservation are very limited. One of the main cons pertains to construction restrictions. When you preserve historic buildings, you will face upfront price tags but in the long run, these costs will be worth it. Available tax credits will also help.
Possible Historic Property Renovation Restrictions
One of the main cons of historic preservation is the fact that there may be restrictions when it comes to demolition or renovation. Properties that are listed on a historic registry can face some limits on alterations. Approvals from preservation boards or city councils may be required. This is a con of historic preservation because you may have to encounter a few extra bureaucratic steps on your preservation journey.
Potentially Higher Insurance Costs
Another con of historic preservation is the potentially higher insurance costs. Insuring older buildings may cost a bit more because of the specialized materials and/or the increased risk of working on a historic building. These historic buildings are truly irreplaceable. This has become a con of historic preservation because of the possible risks with the potential lack of modern safety features. Restoration materials can also increase the cost of preservation, which adds to the overall cost.
Potential For Complicated Repairs
The last con of historic preservation is the potential for complicated repairs. Arguably the biggest con of historic reservation is the fact that some older buildings may have outdated electrical, plumbing, or insulation systems. Widows and doors may not meet modern efficiency standards, making it even harder. This will increase the difficulty level of the restoration and can even increase the costs
Is Historic Preservation Worth It?
If it were up to us, we would say historic restoration is definitely worth it! Some of the best pros of historic restoration is that it enhances property value, greatly supports the local economy, and is able to keep cultural identity alive. Historic preservation can get expensive, but with available tax credits, it is possible to lower the starting prices. Historic building preservation is a labor of love and the results are definitely worth it.
Experience the Benefits of Historic Restoration With Old Home Rescue
Our skilled historic building remodeling contractors bring extensive experience in both residential and commercial historic building restoration. We enjoy taking on projects that require precision and a deep knowledge of preservation practices. From unique home renovations to old house renovations, and restoration of aging properties, our historic building preservation services breathe new life into each space while honoring its unique past. At Old Home Rescue, we believe every historic home and building tells a meaningful story. One that deserves to be protected and passed down to future generations. Our mission is to thoughtfully repair, restore, and renovate historic structures with care, craftsmanship, and respect for their original character. If you’re looking for historic building restoration services, then Old Home Rescue is the right place to be.