6 Things No One Tells You About Remodeling Old Homes
It’s easy to fall in love with a historic home: the charm, the architecture, the remarkable character! However, sometimes even these enchanting old homes need a little extra love.
At Eby Exteriors, we’re experts in the restoration and renovation of old houses. Being in the industry since 1997, our specialized team has learned the trade secrets of old home restoration – and today we’re sharing them with you!
Keep reading to discover all you need to know before remodeling an old home, as well as 6 things no one tells you about remodeling one yourself!
Use the links below to jump ahead to the sections covered in this article:
What to Know Before Renovating an Old House
Like any home renovation, it’s wise to do some planning before swinging a sledgehammer or picking up a paintbrush.
Whether you are thinking of renovating an old house yourself or with a professional crew, here are some things to consider when remodeling a historic home:
- There are ALWAYS hidden surprises – When renovating an old house, there are always – yes, always – unforeseen problems. Given the age of the home, it’s very common for there to be hidden structural issues, rotted materials or other costly, necessary upgrades. Take this into consideration when budgeting your old home renovation!
- Permitting is a necessity – Although you may own the building and plan to do your old home restoration yourself, you still must get a permit and inspection from your local township or historic commission. When working with a professional old home restoration company like Eby Exteriors, they’ll navigate this confusing and time-consuming hassle for you.
- Materials must get approved – Similar to permitting, the new materials and even the designs you’re hoping to implement into your old home renovation most likely need to get approved by a local historical commission or board. Depending upon your area or the specifics of your home, approvals from multiple layers of government may be required. These parameters are in place to help preserve the natural beauty of the home and maintain the desired community standards!
- Energy-efficiency is EVERYTHING – In many instances, remodeling old homes or historic sites is all about updating the energy efficiency of the building! Since proper insulation, seal-tight windows, and HVAC were not around in the days your home may have been built, updating the aesthetic of your home is also a great way to update the efficiency of your home.
- New windows and doors are most popular – As a historic old home renovation company for more than 25 years, we know that door and quality window replacements are the top demand when remodeling old homes.
- It’s best left to the professionals – Handy homeowners may try renovating an old house themselves, but 9 times out of 10 end up quitting halfway through! Considering the permitting, warranties, approvals, renovations, and other factors that go into the renovation of a historic house, you’ll soon see for yourself – this challenge is one best left to the professionals!
Looking for some inspiration for remodeling your old home? Check out our Historic Mayer Mansion Restoration in Lancaster, Pa, Smithton Inn Renovation in Ephrata, PA, or our favorite Schendel Window Replacement in Glen Rock, PA project!
Signs of a Trustworthy Historic Old Home Renovation Company
To keep ROI up and costs down, we recommend utilizing a specialized historic old-home renovation company for your project.
Pros can help you jumpstart your restoration by handling all the confusing technical information up front, as well as:
- Offering extensive warranties
- Bringing advanced knowledge on materials & process
- Possessing unique tools to enhance your restoration
- Managing permits & historic commission approvals
- And so much more!
One of the biggest benefits of working with a professional old-home renovation company is the advantage of product and workmanship warranties! Who provides the warranty on work you did yourself? Extend your peace of mind from the day of demo to years past completion when you work with trusted historic home restoration contractors like Eby Exteriors!
Old Home Renovation FAQ’s:
Do I need permits and/or an inspection for my historic home restoration?
Yes, for nearly any home restoration, you’ll need to get approval and permitting from your local municipality or historic commission.
Can remodeling an old home make it more energy efficient?
Yes! Many old or historic homes typically have many opportunities to improve their energy efficiency through upgraded windows, doors, insulation, flooring, and other updates.
Are the products and materials Eby Exteriors uses historically and architecturally correct?
Absolutely! As the case in any renovation of an old house, the products and materials we use are approved by the historic commission. This not only creates a beautiful recreation of the original design, but also updates the home with modern efficiencies.
Is hiring an old home restoration company worth it?
Based on our own customers and experiences, this answer is a resounding YES. Hiring an old home restoration company provides many benefits like your own peace of mind, time savings and overall satisfaction. Plus, most contractors will stand behind their work with warranties that you won’t benefit from if you DIY a restoration!
Remodel an Old Home with Eby Exteriors!
Living in a historic home can be a dream-come-true opportunity. But digging into and remodeling an old home can feel like something out of a nightmare if it’s not handled properly!
At Eby Exteriors, we’re a proud team of experts specializing in the restoration and renovation of old houses in PA and surrounding states. We bring our skilled professionals and unmatched experience to every historic home jobsite, as well as our famous fair prices and quality craftsmanship.
We’ll guide you through every step of the way and make sure that by remodeling your old home, you are getting the beautiful transformation you are envisioning.
Don’t wait another day – contact Eby Exteriors now!
