Preserving your home’s original architectural details can be difficult, but it is also very important. Homes in the Northeast are full of unique and interesting architecture that adds charm and value. Learn more on how to preserve your historic Northeast home’s value by following the tips shared in this article.
Preserving the original features of your vintage northeast home is both valuable and important. Making sure that your historical home is kept up to date with modern amenities, while also preserving its original charm, is key to keeping its value and appeal.
It is important to keep all of the original trim and exterior features of your historical home intact. Ignoring outdated materials and styles might result in an upgrade that detracts from the original value.
Repair and Upgrade Period-Correct Materials
Wherever possible, repair or replace period-correct materials and finishes with as close as possible products. Instead of replacing windows, find ones that match the style of the originals. A more expensive option is finding original windows for replacement.
If you find a cracked or broken piece of trim or siding, replace it with an accurately-replicated version. If the design has been changed, such as with new designs for railings or porch posts, replace them with a historical version that has been accurately copied.
Paint and Re-Paint Carefully
Old paints often contain lead, which is dangerous in any form. If your home has flaking paint, you should hire a professional to safely remove it. If your home still has an original paint job, you’ll want to retain as much as possible.
If the paint on the home is still in good condition, it can be note to seek the services of a paint conservator rather than a typical painting contractor. These professionals have trained in historical paint conservation to restore and preserve original surfaces. They use such techniques as cleaning and stabilizing, stripping back to the original paint layers to reinstate colors, and using fillers to restore loss of detail.
If your home is already in need of a repainting job, it is essential to chose the right colors. The key style elements can often be preserved by simply changing the color scheme. However, make sure you use colors historically appropriate to retain the character of your home’s era.
Preserve Original Features
- Keep original architectural features intact wherever practical.
- Seek professional advice and research local history before making changes.
- Repair and restore rather than replace architectural features.
- Not all upgrades are necessary to maintain the character and historic value.
- Make sure the chosen materials and designs are historically accurate.
Conclusion
Maintaining the historic value of your Northeast home is an important endeavor. With the right precautions, you can ensure your home’s architectural integrity and historical charm are preserved without sacrificing modern amenities. It is important to carefully and accurately repair, restore, and upgrade period-correct materials and features, to keep your home’s value intact.