Restoration vs. Renovation: Preserving Historical Integrity

Restoring a historic home is a delicate endeavor that requires balancing the preservation of its original character with the integration of modern amenities. Achieving this harmony involves understanding the distinctions between restoration and renovation, adhering to best practices, and navigating common challenges.

Restoration vs. Renovation: Understanding the Difference

Restoration

focuses on returning a home to its original state by preserving and repairing existing features using period-appropriate materials and techniques. The goal is to maintain historical authenticity, often guided by historical documentation and physical evidence.

Renovation

involves updating or altering a home to meet current standards and personal preferences. This process may include modernizing systems, reconfiguring spaces, or adding new features, which can sometimes compromise historical elements.

Best Practices for Preserving Historical Integrity

Conduct Thorough Research

Before initiating any work, research the home’s history, architectural style, and original materials. This knowledge informs decisions that honor the property’s heritage.

Consult With Preservation Experts

Engage professionals experienced in historic preservation, such as architects, historians, and craftsmen. Their expertise ensures that restoration efforts align with best practices and respect the home’s historical significance. Red House is a great resource for all of these professionals. Our in-house team is well-versed in historic home projects. Being familiar with these types of projects, we can also help aquaint you with local professionals to help the process along.

Prioritize Preservation of Original Features

Identify and retain key architectural elements like moldings, fireplaces, and flooring. Restoring these features maintains the home’s character and adds value.

Historic Moldings: What architectural style are yours?

Colonial Style (17th to 18th Century): Basic profiles such as flat boards and simple crown moldings. Emphasis on functionality with modest decorative elements.

Georgian Style (18th Century): More elaborate than Colonial, featuring dentil moldings, paneled wainscoting, and decorative cornices. Use of egg-and-dart and bead-and-reel motifs.

Federal Style (Late 18th to Early 19th Century): Delicate and narrow profiles, including elliptical and circular motifs. Common use of fluted pilasters and fanlight designs above doors.

Victorian Style (Mid to Late 19th Century): Highly decorative elements such as elaborate crown moldings, corbels, and brackets. Frequent use of gingerbread trim and spindle work.

Craftsman Style (Early 20th Century): Wide and unadorned trim, including substantial baseboards and window casings. Exposed beams and built-in cabinetry with simple, clean lines.

Modern Style (Mid 20th Century to Present): Minimal or absent moldings to maintain sleek surfaces. When used, profiles are simple and unembellished, such as flat stock trim.

How to tell if your flooring is historic

Plank Width and Length: Early flooring often featured wider planks (6 to 12 inches) compared to modern standards. The lengths and widths of floorboards can indicate the era of installation.

Nail Types: Hand-forged nails with irregular heads suggest pre-19th-century construction, while machine-cut nails became common in the 1800s.

Parquet Flooring: Geometric patterns like herringbone or chevron were popular in historic homes.

Tile Patterns: Checkerboard or hexagonal tile patterns were prevalent in Victorian-era homes.

Look for Signs of Wear and Aging

• Patina: A natural sheen developed over time indicates age.
• Wear Patterns: Uneven wear, such as grooves or indentations, can suggest long-term use.

Consult Historical Records

• Property History: Researching your home’s history can provide insights into its original features.
• Local Archives: Historical societies or local libraries may have records or photographs of your home.

Seek Professional Assessment

• Historic Preservation Experts: Consulting professionals can provide accurate identification and advice on preservation.

Use Appropriate Materials and Techniques

When repairs are necessary, use materials and methods consistent with the original construction to ensure compatibility and authenticity.

Integrate Modern Amenities Sensitively

Modernize systems such as plumbing, electrical, and HVAC in ways that minimize alterations to historic fabric. For example, conceal new wiring behind existing walls to preserve original surfaces.

Common Challenges and Solutions

Regulatory Compliance

Historic homes often fall under preservation regulations that dictate permissible changes. Navigating these rules can be complex, but it is essential to maintain historical integrity. Consult local preservation boards and obtain necessary permits before commencing work.

Here are a few examples of projects that are typically forbidden unless given explicit consent and direction for moving forward:

• Demolition of Historic Structures: Removing or demolishing buildings that contribute to the district’s historical significance is typically forbidden. Such actions can only proceed with explicit local historic district commission consent.
• Unauthorized Exterior Alterations: Making changes to a property’s exterior appearance, including modifications to architectural features, materials, or colors, often requires approval. This ensures that alterations are in harmony with the district’s historic character.
• Inappropriate New Construction: Erecting new structures that are incompatible with the district’s historical context in terms of scale, design, or materials is generally prohibited. New construction must align with established guidelines to maintain the district’s aesthetic cohesion.
• Installation of Incongruous Features: Adding elements such as modern signage, satellite dishes, or solar panels in visible areas without approval can be restricted, especially if they detract from the historic appearance. Some districts may have specific guidelines for integrating modern amenities in a historically sensitive manner.
• Neglect of Maintenance: Allowing a historic property to deteriorate through neglect can be considered a violation. Owners are often required to maintain their properties to prevent decay that would compromise the district’s integrity.

Structural Issues

Aging structures may have hidden problems, such as foundation instability or deteriorated materials. Conduct comprehensive inspections to identify and address these issues early in the process.

Sourcing Authentic Materials

Finding materials that match the original construction can be challenging. To achieve the desired authenticity, work with suppliers specializing in historic materials or consider custom fabrication. Red House Design Build performs its own millwork, and our skilled craftsmen can manufacture period-specific materials to match the existing custom millwork.

Balancing Budget Constraints

Restoration can be costly, especially when using specialized materials and skilled labor. Explore financial incentives such as tax credits or grants available for historic preservation projects to offset expenses.

Federal Incentives:

• Federal Historic Preservation Tax Incentives Program: This program offers a 20% tax credit for rehabilitating income-producing historic buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The credit applies to qualified rehabilitation expenses and is distributed over five years.

State Incentives:

• Rhode Island Historic Preservation Tax Credit: For properties in Rhode Island, this program provides tax credits for restoring historic income-producing buildings. The Rhode Island Division of Taxation manages the application process.
• Massachusetts Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit: In Massachusetts, owners can receive up to 20% of qualified rehabilitation expenditures as a state tax credit for certified historic structures. The Massachusetts Historical Commission administers this program.

Local Incentives:

• Property Tax Abatements: Some municipalities offer property tax reductions or freezes for owners who rehabilitate historic properties, thereby encouraging preservation at the local level.

Additional Resources:

• National Trust Community Investment Corporation (NTCIC): NTCIC assists in financing historic rehabilitation projects by syndicating tax credits, making it easier for owners to fund preservation efforts.

Important Considerations:

• Eligibility Requirements: To qualify for these incentives, properties typically must be listed on the National Register of Historic Places or located within a registered historic district. Rehabilitation work must adhere to the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation.
• Application Process: Engaging with state historic preservation offices and local preservation commissions early in the planning stages is crucial to ensure compliance and maximize available benefits.

By thoughtfully balancing restoration and renovation, homeowners can preserve the historical essence of their properties while adapting them for contemporary living. This approach safeguards architectural heritage and enhances the home’s functionality and comfort for future generations.

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