In Atlanta's neighborhoods, there are plenty of charming homes that tell a vivid, complex, and beautiful story of the city's past through an architectural lens. For most homeowners considering remodeling one of these gems, the appeal of restoring historic homes lies in preserving the home's history while bringing it into the 21st century. 

However, although renovating vintage homes is a rewarding process that allows your residence to meet your current lifestyle needs, it can be a challenging endeavor. In our latest blog, the team at Silver Oak Remodel has detailed the home remodeling challenges you need to be aware of if you’re considering an East Atlanta historic home renovation any time soon. 

Common Challenges of Renovating Historic Homes

Knowing more about historic home challenges will help you better prepare for issues that might arise during your remodel. That’s why our team has shared a few common problems associated with old home renovations, so you can plan accordingly.

Challenge 1: Uncovering Structural Surprises and Hidden Issues

One of the biggest hurdles when figuring out how to update a historic home is uncovering what is behind the walls. Older homes often hide outdated wiring, structural settling, termite damage, or outdated plumbing systems. These issues can quickly escalate into significant problems if they aren’t addressed promptly. 

That is why detailed inspections are essential before design work even begins. By knowing what you are working with, you can prevent costly surprises that lead to delays or change orders later on. At Silver Oak Remodel, our team can assist you with this and keep you informed about any issues that are uncovered with the structure, plumbing, or electrical systems in your home. 

Challenge 2: Preserving Character While Modernizing Spaces

We’ll be the first to admit that a historic home’s character is one of its greatest assets. Beautiful features, such as original woodwork, plaster walls, or stained glass, bring a timeless quality to a home and contribute to its character. However, balancing the preservation of these features with the need for modern comforts can be tricky. 

Kitchens and bathrooms, for instance, require thoughtful upgrades. Many homeowners find themselves weighing the appeal of a fresh kitchen remodel or bathtub refinishing project against the desire to keep vintage details intact. Fortunately, this isn’t something you need to worry about too much if you work with experienced historic preservation contractors in Atlanta who you can trust to ensure the modern updates respect the home’s original style.

Challenge 3: Navigating Historic Regulations and Permits

When renovating classic homes in Atlanta, GA, homeowners often discover the complex extra step of navigating historic preservation regulations. In this city, some neighborhoods are subject to local or federal historic designations. This means that you will need to secure permitting approvals before renovations are undertaken. 

These rules are intended to protect architectural character, but can lengthen timelines and add complexity, which can be frustrating. That’s why, whether you’re pursuing an East Atlanta historic home renovation or updating a Craftsman bungalow in Inman Park, understanding these requirements early prevents costly backtracking. If you work with a design-build firm, they should be able to steer you in the right direction regarding permitting and regulations. 

Challenge 4: Managing Higher Costs

Our team hates to be the bearer of bad news, but it's better to know upfront that the cost to renovate historic houses in Atlanta can be higher than that of standard remodels. This is because special materials, additional labor, and structural reinforcements often drive budgets upward. 

While there are grants for restoring historic homes available in some instances, most homeowners should be prepared for a higher upfront investment. Depending on the investment amount, you may need to consider financing options. However, the financial implications are usually worth it, as the reward is knowing that your efforts help preserve a piece of the city’s history and maintain your property’s long-term value.

Two Old House Renovation Mistakes to Avoid

Unfortunately, even when we have the best intentions, it's all too easy to fall victim to old house renovation mistakes. For starters, we know it might be tempting to tackle your historic house remodel on your own. Still, DIY fixes, installations, and patchwork repairs can create significant problems if not now then later down the line, costing you time and money unnecessarily. 

Secondly, another common pitfall you’ll want to avoid is rushing into a historical home renovation without a clear plan. Without a detailed historic house restoration guide to follow, homeowners and historic preservation contractors in Atlanta won’t be on the same page, nor will there be a plan of action for unexpected discoveries, which, as you know, are common with older homes. 

So, work with design-build contractors like Silver Oak Remodel, who can ensure a plan is in place that details how each part of your historic home remodel will be completed and challenges navigated. 

Pros and Cons of Renovating Older Homes

Every project has its advantages and drawbacks, and the same can be said for historic home renovations. On the one hand, you’re preserving unique architecture, living in a charming neighborhood, and enjoying the privilege of residing in a home with one-of-a-kind details that newer homes cannot match. 

On the other hand, you face challenges such as limited layouts, energy inefficiency, and additional costs. At the end of the day, it's important to have realistic expectations about the pros and cons of going into a historic renovation so that you can ensure you’re making the right decision.

Renovating Historic Residences: The Silver Oak Remodel Difference

Not just anyone can renovate historic homes in Atlanta, GA, but at Silver Oak Remodel, we have the expertise, experience, and know-how to get the job done. We’ve spent years remodeling homes of historic value, so we’re well-acquainted with the nuances of these projects. 

If you’re ready to explore your options or simply looking for renovation tips for historic homes before committing, you can speak with us here. We’ll be happy to answer any questions you might have surrounding historic home renovation costs, timelines, and processes.