Restoring Historic Homes in Atlanta
Historic homes in Atlanta are scattered throughout the metro area and beyond. If you’re lucky enough to have come into possession of one of these architectural gems, you may wonder how to incorporate modern updates while preserving the house’s original beauty. Each structure tells a unique story, bearing witness to a second, third, or fourth lease on life. These historic homes offer unmatched charm and potential for restoration.
Renovating a historic home is a little different from standard remodeling projects, so it's important to take extra precautions. We’ll provide some key insights to guide you through the distinctive process of historical renovating.
What to Know before Remodeling Historic Homes in Atlanta
Historic Homes in Atlanta Need Structure
When restoring historic homes in Atlanta, it may seem appealing to start by enhancing the aesthetic details like kitchen cabinets or crown molding. While these aspects are important and enjoyable, they shouldn't be the main focus.
Instead, prioritize the structural elements. Start by checking the integrity of essential components such as the roof, windows, floors, and masonry. Address any compromised areas in these elements first. Also, consider testing these areas for hazards like radon, asbestos, and lead paint. Remove these toxic elements safely before moving on to the cosmetic aspects of the renovation.
Additionally, keep in mind that elements like wiring and plumbing, which were originally built according to standard specifications, may no longer meet current codes. Updating these components according to contemporary building practices is essential for effective home remodeling.
Historic Homes in Atlanta May Have Water Damage
When remodeling historic homes in Atlanta, it’s a priority to address potential structural issues that may have accumulated over time—especially water damage. This damage can occur to the sill plate, roof leaks, deteriorating floorboards, and crumbling masonry.
Water damage is a common concern during the renovation of historic homes in Atlanta. While it may be visible in noticeable areas like cabinets under sinks, a comprehensive inspection should also cover ceilings, basements, and the sill plate. (The sill plate, which is the horizontal structure to which all walls are attached, can often be seen around the base of your home outside. Before proceeding, it's crucial to ensure that the sill is not deteriorated!)
No Cheaping Out on Historic Homes in Atlanta
Renovating historic homes in Atlanta presents challenges not encountered in modern renovations. Historical materials, though more expensive and difficult to find, play a significant role. For instance, slate is a common roofing material found in historic homes. It’s also more expensive than modern roofing. If your home has a slate roof, despite the higher cost, investing in slate installation helps ensure that the character of your house remains intact.
What Makes Your Home Historic?
Historical homes in Atlanta are priceless treasures. Make a concentrated effort to understand the unique story of your antiquated home. Research the history of your home and what makes it special. This knowledge allows you to make informed decisions about what to keep and what needs to be replaced. Doing thorough research upfront lays the foundation for a successful interior design plan that honors the stories contained within the walls.
Is Restoring Historic Homes in Atlanta Worth It?
Reviving historic homes in Atlanta is definitely a worthwhile pursuit. As time passes, various elements such as flooring, walls, and fixtures inevitably start showing signs of wear and tear. That's why it's important to prioritize periodic renovations to maintain your home's condition. By breathing new life into your older home, you not only ensure its upkeep but also potentially increase its overall value.
Contractors Who Can Restore Historic Homes in Atlanta
Updating historic homes in Atlanta requires careful consideration, starting with choosing the right contractor.
Expertise
Not all contractors are experienced in updating historic homes. Look for professionals with a proven track record in revitalizing residential properties with historical significance. During the selection process, inquire about their challenges in updating historic homes—and make sure they can explain their experiences.
Portfolio Examination
Review the contractor's portfolio, including before-and-after pictures of their previous historic home renovations. These visuals will demonstrate their ability to preserve a home's historical character while incorporating modern updates. Evaluate how well they balance tradition and modernity.
References
Thoroughly check the contractor's references to confirm that previous clients had positive experiences. Ask about their satisfaction levels and whether they would enthusiastically recommend the contractor for historic home updates. This step ensures that your project is entrusted to a reliable and commendable contractor.
Expectations for Historic Homes in Atlanta
Renovating historic homes in Atlanta often comes with a lot of expectations. From dealing with judgmental neighbors who criticize changes to worrying about seamlessly blending modern additions, it’s helpful to ignore the outside noise. Instead, focus on making your vision of transforming a historic house into your own home a reality. Trust that your remodeler will guide you in the right direction.
Consider these creative ideas to give your space a contemporary touch while still preserving its historical charm:
1. Create an open floor plan by removing a few strategic walls.
2. Choose furniture and decor that match the era of your home. Embrace items like claw-foot tubs, free-standing sinks, and furniture with curved legs.
3. Achieve a unique balance by incorporating modern art, contemporary light fixtures, and other features that reflect your personal style.
4. Add vibrant splashes of color to your kitchen cabinets, accent walls, or other prominent features.
5. Increase the amount of natural light in your home by installing additional windows or updating fixtures. This will contribute to the overall transformation of your historic home.
National Register of Historic Places
The National Register of Historic Places is the official repository for significant homes and locations nationwide. Typically, properties on this register are at least 50 years old, and in areas with historical significance, many homes may be part of this national catalog.
Yes, it is possible to renovate a National Historic Home—but it’s important to note that there may be limitations on the renovations allowed. However, these restrictions on renovations are only imposed if the property has previously received federal funding.
Before making any changes to your home, consult your city's planning department, especially if your home is located in a designated historic district. These districts also may have regulations in place regarding renovations and alterations to maintain the historical integrity of the area.
Additionally, if you’re planning significant modern changes such as painting the exterior or adding an extension, it’s crucial to submit your plans for approval to the planning department. This proactive step will ensure compliance with regulations and protect the historical value of your property.
Renovation Plans for Historic Homes in Atlanta
When you want to transform your beloved older home, it's important to acknowledge that it's more than just walls and rooms. It has a unique architectural style and structure. Keep in mind that some modifications you may have in mind might not be possible due to the existing physical and structural limitations of the house.
Respecting the original design is crucial, particularly when it comes to style and aesthetics. Try to avoid projects that undermine the inherent design of your home. However, this doesn't mean you can't add a fresh or more modern touch to historic homes in Atlanta.
Plus, preserving the existing structure and design doesn't mean you can't make additions that suit your lifestyle and needs. For example, incorporating a wine cellar or optimizing your home's basement space could be feasible options.
As you plan upgrades, ensure that the new designs blend well with your home's original intent. While it's acceptable to modernize functionality and introduce contemporary aesthetics, it's advisable to ensure that these enhancements complement rather than clash with the home's original aesthetic.
Choose discerningly which elements add character and charm, and which are less crucial for preservation. This can be challenging since some features may not be immediately obvious, having been concealed by previous owners.
Living in a historic home means you're likely not its first or second owner. Therefore, it's important to understand and contribute to the narrative that’s already in place. Whether building upon enhancements introduced by previous owners or rectifying style statements they made, consider each era of ownership and thoughtfully add to the ongoing conversation. Collaborating with the design team of your historic home remodeling company can provide valuable guidance throughout this process.
Historic Homes in Atlanta Are Totally Worth Saving
Historic homes in Atlanta have something beyond special about them. The remarkable craftsmanship, the utilization of exceptional materials—and above all, the profound value lies in the historical tales they hold. Restoring these memories is the reason we do what we do! Even if you have to go through a few hoops to renovate a historic home in Atlanta, it's still worth it.