If you are considering renovating an old building, you may be facing a lot of questions and decisions. One of the most significant decisions is deciding what to keep and what to replace. Generally, you will want to replace infrastructure such as electricity, plumbing, roof, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning while preserving the details and craftsmanship that made you fall in love with the building. In this way, you can have the best of both worlds – modern functionality and historical charm. However, some decisions are not cut-and-dried, and you may need expert advice to make the best choices for your budget and desires. At Precision Home Renovations, we can help you make these decisions, and we specialize in saving you money by recycling pieces and finding vintage replacements. Additionally, we recommend restoring the original floor plan and preserving original features like hardwood floors, fireplaces, windows, doors, molding, and trim to enhance the building’s charm and character. By doing so, we can provide you with a beautiful renovation that meets your wishes and your budget.
When renovating an old building, it is essential to consider the existing floor plan and preserve it as much as possible, especially in the original portion of the house. Bob Vila, a pioneer in antique home renovation, suggests restoring elements removed by previous owners to respect the home’s floor plan. He advises against ripping up an original floor plan, as it may seem inflexible at first glance but can be adapted to accommodate intended renovations. Similarly, if the building has original windows and doors, you may want to keep them and refurbish them to retain their historic appearance. Refinishing original hardwood floors and molding can also enhance the building’s charm and character.
When considering renovations, it is also essential to examine the existing infrastructure, including wiring, HVAC, plumbing, and security systems, to ensure they are up to code and functioning correctly. Precision Home Renovations of New Jersey can provide initial assessments, demolition, design, and remodeling services to help you achieve your renovation goals.
The historic charm of old buildings can be tempting to restore, but it is important to understand the process of renovating an old building before jumping into it. Restoring an old building can be stressful, as there are a lot of decisions that need to be made, such as what to keep and what to replace. Generally, you would want to replace the infrastructure, such as electricity, plumbing, roof, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning, while keeping the details and workmanship that made you fall in love with the building. This means you would probably want to keep and refinish the windows, frames and sills, hardwood floors, fireplaces, staircases, doors, trims, and moldings.
However, these decisions are not always cut-and-dried. For example, can the floors be refinished? Are the old windows too drafty? Can you get several more years from the current roof? It can be challenging to determine what to keep and what to replace, which is why it is important to consult with a professional.
At Precision Home Renovations, we have the experience and insights needed to help you make the best decisions to meet your budget and desires. We know how to save you money and authenticity by recycling pieces and scouring salvage yards for inexpensive yet vintage replacements.
Floor Plan
Over time, many buildings have been significantly remodeled, changing the floorplan and the uses. Bob Vila, a pioneer in antique home renovation, favors a return to the original design. “If possible, respect your home’s floor plan, at least in the original portion of the house. This may mean restoring elements removed by previous owners,” Vila wrote.
For instance, the popularity of open floor plans, which began 50 years ago, means that dining rooms and other areas have been converted into multi-use spaces. Reverting to the original floor plan may seem daunting, but Vila urged people to give it serious thought. “In general, avoid ripping up an original floor plan in your older home. At first glance, it may not seem flexible enough to allow for your intended renovations, but take a breath and think again.”
Roof
A slate roof can be very expensive to replace, but slate-like tiles can be used at a fraction of the price. You could also consider replacing the roof with a metal one, which is more durable and can last longer than traditional roofing materials. However, it is important to ensure that the new roofing material matches the style of the building and complies with local building codes.
Floors
With luck, the hardwood floors have endured for decades, often protected by carpet. However, you should still check for warping, cracks, and other damage. Well-refinished wooden floors are a great showcase for a home. Hardwood floors are also relatively easy to clean and maintain.
Fireplaces
In New Jersey, just about every old building has one or more fireplaces, but their conditions will vary. Some may be drywalled over or bricked up. Our craftsmen can find ways to restore the fireplaces to provide heat as well as charm to your rooms. Restoring old fireplaces can also add value to your property.
Windows
If your building has the original windows, you would probably want to keep them. They can be refurbished with weather-stripping and storm windows to make them more energy-efficient while retaining their historic appearance. If you must replace the windows, choose ones that match the original design and complement the building’s architecture.
Electrical & Plumbing
When it comes to the electrical and plumbing systems of an old building, it’s important to prioritize safety and efficiency. Old wiring and pipes may be unsafe and require updates to meet modern safety standards. It’s also important to ensure that the new systems are up to code to avoid potential issues down the line.
It’s recommended to hire a professional electrician and plumber to assess the existing systems and provide recommendations for updates or replacements. They can also help you plan for any changes in layout that may require rerouting electrical or plumbing lines.
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) System
The HVAC system is another crucial component to consider when renovating an old building. Modern HVAC systems are designed to be energy-efficient and provide better indoor air quality than older systems.
Upgrading the HVAC system in an old building can be a significant expense, but it can also provide significant benefits in terms of comfort, energy efficiency, and improved air quality. It’s also worth considering incorporating smart home technology into the HVAC system to increase efficiency and allow for remote control of the temperature.
Final Thoughts on Renovating an Old Home or Building
Renovating an old building can be an exciting and rewarding process, but it requires careful planning and consideration of a variety of factors. The decisions regarding what to keep and what to replace can be challenging, but it’s important to strike a balance between modern functionality and historical charm.
Working with experienced professionals like Precision Home Renovations can help ensure that the renovation meets your budget and desires while also preserving the unique character of the building. By considering the points discussed above, you can create a beautiful and functional space that pays homage to the building’s history while also incorporating modern amenities.
In summary, renovating an old building can be a challenging but rewarding experience. When deciding what to keep and what to replace, it’s important to prioritize safety, functionality, and efficiency while also preserving the building’s historical charm. Working with experienced professionals can help ensure that the renovation meets your needs and budget while also achieving the desired aesthetic and functionality.
At Precision Home Renovations, we aim to deliver you the home of your dreams. We work with our client’s to meaningfully curate their homes based on their tastes and vision. Our Team of New Jersey Renovation Experts are here to help make your dreams become reality. Contact Us Today or Give Us a Call at (732) 680-2000 to Schedule Your Free Home Remodeling Project Estimate.
