Sensitive Rehabilitation

Using a building for the purpose for which it was built is best – and usually easier!

Although historic houses can be sensitively converted to commercial use, a home restored as a home can better utilize an existing floor plan.

Avoid removing or changing historic material and architectural features that add to the character of the building.

Simplifying a Queen Anne by removing a tower or the gingerbread detail destroys features that make it a fine example of an eye-catching style.

Recognize the building as a product of its time.

Resist the temptation to add elements that were never there, or that come from another architectural style; they diminish rather than add to your home’s character.

Remember that buildings evolve over time and that some alterations done by previous owners are now historic.

At least consider retaining them if their condition allows.

Recognize distinctive features and examples of craftsmanship and preserve them.

Learn to appreciate the nuances that make your home unique; that damaged parquet floor in the entrance hall, for example, really is worth the work of restoration.

Repair a deteriorated feature if at all possible.

If it’s beyond hope, replace it by matching its design and materials if you can. Replace a missing element only if you know what it looked like.

If you need to clean historic surfaces, use the gentlest means possible.

For example, removing lichen from stone may be achieved with a power washer and plain water; harsh chemicals are probably unnecessary. Never sandblast, as it damages surfaces.

Protect any archaeological resources.

While much more important for federally-owned properties where specific laws apply, you may want to leave in place the old paving stones you found when digging up the garden.

Make sure any new additions will not destroy the historic materials of original construction.

While you want the addition to be compatible with the existing building, it should also be recognizable and documented as a later feature.

Additions or other new construction should be removable.

In other words, if you (or the next owner) should ever decide to remove the addition, the integrity of original construction should remain intact.