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 Renovating any home is an adventure, but historic homes are special. Working with an older house can be more like archeology than construction. What’s concealed beneath that orange shag carpeting? Is the deck actually old-growth redwood under all those coats of paint? These are some of the thrilling surprises that come with historical renewal. However, many of the surprises are not so thrilling, so we have drawn this treasure map to help you avoid the hidden trap doors.
Many resources are available to the historic homeowner. Thanks perhaps to Bob Villa and “This Old House,” preserving historic homes is big business. Shows on HGTV, magazines and catalogs such as Van Dyke Restorers, Old House Journal and Antique Hardware and Home abound. Even better, many associations devote themselves to helping preserve the integrity of historical buildings, and their services are readily available.
Bruce Coons is the executive director of one such group, the Save Our Heritage Organisation of San Diego. He says there is more interest in historic renovation than ever before, as people want unique homes and more quality materials. Most significantly, though, “People are seeking more gracious living,” he says. When these earlier homes were built, people spent more time at home and they worked to create a comfortable atmosphere.
Keeping up with the Indiana Joneses
Dan and Deanna Allen have spent the last 20 years restoring historic homes, including a Victorian built in 1890 in San Diego, and a Craftsman-style home believed to be designed by famed architect Irving Gill in 1910 in La Mesa. This house, known as the Grable House, has, in fact, been designated as a historic landmark.
Dan Allen sees the parallel between archeology and renovation. “Everything is a product search when restoring an old house,” he says. For instance, he spent a full two months searching for reproduction vintage window cranks. The Internet has simplified the search process substantially, but finding just the right item can still be a Holy-Grail hunt. Sometimes original materials can be found at architectural salvage stores, but generally, the Allens recommend reproductions for their availability and quality. Either way, “The items are more expensive, but you don’t care once you’ve found it, you just buy it,” Dan says.
Don’t make changes right away
So, you’re ready for your role as Indy, but aren’t sure how to begin. Coons recommends living in your historic home for at least one year before making any changes. “Try to live with it for four seasons to see how it actually works,” he says. “Many people I’ve worked with are sick about changes they made without waiting.”
The Allens lived in the Grable House for nearly five years before making major changes while they decided exactly what to do. Then they went for it, completely gutting the kitchen and replacing cabinetry, appliances, flooring and countertops; refinishing hardwood flooring throughout; replacing the asphalt roof with fire-treated cedar shingles; converting a bedroom to the master bath; gutting and remodeling the other bathrooms; moving the guest house to the side of the property to reveal the spectacular view; building a carriage garage and restoring the exterior entirely. The result is breathtaking.
Wise choices reveal hidden treasures
Making changes to the exterior of a historic home, even to restore it to its original glory, requires special permits from the local jurisdiction. In the Allen’s case, that included a Historic Review Committee and a Design Review Board, both made up of professionals in the restoration industry and volunteers in the community.
“Regulations are related to the exterior of the house, public views in particular,” says Coons. “They want to see an effort to maintain the historical look of the building. The home can be added to, but it needs to stay within the guidelines.”
Dan Allen adds, “All exterior work had to be approved and we had to reuse glass and other original materials as much as possible.”
These rules apply to potentially any home over 50 years old. “There will be an environmental review of your plans for exterior renovation,” Coons forewarns.
What style do you choose?
Once you start on the inside, renovating gets much more fun, as there are no official rules to follow. To help choose a style, Coons advises evaluating the house to recognize what periods are represented – either on your own or by hiring a preservation group. Historical societies, libraries, newspapers and neighbors are all excellent resources.
Deanna Allen elected to stay with the Craftsman style for the interior design, but veered away from the style’s traditional use of dark wood, paint and heavy wallpaper. The result is light, friendly and full of character, particularly the hand-stenciling on the floors in the living room and dining room.
If you decide to hire a contractor for the work, choose one that specializes in historic renovations. Your local preservation society is an excellent resource for finding one. Either way, don’t be discouraged when the work takes two to three times longer – and costs two to three times more – than you expected. But as Coons says, “I rarely run into anyone who thinks it wasn’t worth it once they’re done.” H&O
Elisabeth Handley of San Diego County is a regular contributor to Southern California Home and Outdoor Magazine.
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