5 Tips to Consider When Rennovating your Historic Home in 2024

In this day and age, it is hard to not find current housing trends showcasing convenient, streamlined structures prioritizing technology. However, there is something that has to be said about historic homes. From the artistry and attention to the hand-crafted detail showcased in historic architecture, it is hard to come by in new builds. Buying and renovating a hundred-year-old house is quite a commitment, both emotionally and financially.

Pros and Cons of Buying and Renovating Historic Homes

Pros

1. Historic Homes Can Be Bought for Less. 

If you love a good fixer-upper, you know that you are going to want to pay less to keep money in your pockets for renovations. If you do the renovations yourself, you can end up saving thousands in the long run and you will end up with a great investment after the fact. Flipping and selling is a popular method of making money and can prove to be a fulfilling hobby for many who love DIY work.

2. Historic Homes Have Character.

Historic homes hail all of the beauty of the past, especially when it comes to extravagant interior and exterior design. From old woodwork, and carefully handcrafted designs in the molding, to quirky light fixtures and even stained glass windows, and hardware, there is plenty that renovators will want to keep, if not replicate in the renovation. Bringing a house up to date does not mean you can't keep the uniqueness of the house while making it your own.

3. Historic Homes Were Built to Last.

Vicki Knieper of the Knieper Team had this to say about the integrity of historic home construction:

One of the best things about renovating a historic home is finding that the foundation and the skeleton of the home are in great condition. The reason? Historic homes were built to last. The process of construction was done differently hundreds of years ago, with the same fundamentals of today's construction, however, the materials were more hardy and durable, carrying over into the next century. While things such as plumbing and electrical need updating, you will find that not much else will, with cosmetic updates being made to make the home your own.

Cons

4. Historic Home Renovations Can Be Costly with Unforeseen Issues.

The price of renovating a historic home can be a steep one, especially if there are any unforeseen issues, namely with toxins. The most expensive areas in a historic home to renovate include roof and foundation replacements, electrical and plumbing, and updates to the HVAC system. A thorough inspection should be conducted to pinpoint all of the things that require fixing, as well as issues such as toxin exposure.

Old homes can house toxins. Materials from lead to asbestos are most common in historic homes, both a health hazard to prospective residents. To be dealt with properly, a professional should come to your home and remove them, however, it can make the total cost of your renovation skyrocket.

5. Historic Home Renovations Can Take A While.

Because there are so many intricacies that went into the original construction of a historic home, when renovating, it should be handled with care. Considering historic homes are not cookie-cutter modern homes, many surprises can pop up during renovation. The timeline, plans and overall price are subject to change at any point in time, and sometimes, it is not for the better.

Is it Worth Buying and Renovating a Historic House?

No old home is made ready to move in without some elbow grease. You can't sashay on restored 100-year-old real wood floorboards if you aren't willing to invest the time and money that it will take to bring an ancient beauty back to life so it can thrive in the 21st century. The aesthetic, just as important as the cost, is what can make or break a renovation. Weigh the pros and cons, and ask yourself if it is worth it to you financially, emotionally, and physically. Let the professionals at Benchmark Realty guide you in finding the best neighborhoods in Nashville, TN to call home today!