Owners of historic brick homes are often drawn to the house's timeless elegance. But sometimes that charm comes with a few concerns, like cracked mortar, drafty windows, layout constraints and worn cosmetic features. Renovating these homes is extremely rewarding, but there is a delicate balance between modern convenience and historic integrity. Understanding how to preserve the home's unique identity while enjoying updated features will ensure your home maintains its significance and charm.
Preserve or Replicate Distinctive Features
The character of a historic brick home lies in the irreplaceable, distinctive features indicative of the time it was built. Original wood trim, detailed ceiling work, handcrafted ironwork, and brickwork are testaments to craftsmanship that is no longer readily available.
To maintain historical accuracy and your property's value, avoid removing original features like exposed brick walls, ironwork, windows, doors and casings. All of these features can be restored to their original condition with the help of a historic home expert.
Your exterior brickwork is another original feature that can be restored by historic brick specialists using traditional tuckpointing techniques, ensuring the structural functionality and appearance of your brickwork remains solid and beautiful. When the original features cannot be restored, an expert can help source period-appropriate replacements or reproductions that fit perfectly with your home's style.
Choose Modern Conveniences Carefully
Historic brick homes usually have smaller, clearly defined rooms, which is a different aesthetic than today's more open-concept spaces. Keeping these rooms separated is paramount to maintain authenticity, and it can sometimes be a bit frustrating. However, it's important to remember that there is a reason your historic home is considered timeless—smaller rooms add a sense of coziness, and the clear definition of each room allows for different design choices without upsetting the balance needed in wide-open spaces.
This doesn't mean you can't do anything to make your home more functional while maintaining its charm. Kitchens and bathrooms are great places to incorporate modern amenities. With careful planning, a kitchen redesign will flow seamlessly with your home's original character, and opting for traditional backsplashes, cabinet finishes and classic fixtures will blend everything seamlessly.
One of the best upgrades is switching to modern electrical conveniences. Removing knob and tube or aluminum wiring improves safety, and adding additional, unobtrusive outlets provides untold convenience while eliminating the need for extension cords. So long as the updates are done without disrupting other original features, like baseboards and moldings, it is typically money well spent.
Be Wary of Cosmetic Fixes
Painting, power washing, or do-it-yourself patching of exterior brickwork and iron railings may seem like a cost-saving measure, but it will do more damage in the long run. Using the wrong methods and materials won't solve any underlying problems. It can even make things worse by trapping moisture or compressing the existing brick, leading to rapid deterioration. Inviting a historic brick expert to assess and repair your brick and ironwork ensures the time-tested results will last, enhance your home's curb appeal, and help the house hold its value.
Trust the Experts
Renovating a historic brick home can provide for modern needs without sacrificing your home's heritage. A historic brick expert can address the fundamentals, including sourcing the proper materials, and offer suggestions for making the most of your renovation dollars.
At Renaissance Development, we are proud to preserve the architecture of the Washington, D.C. area with our traditional tuckpointing, brick repair, and ironwork services. When you’re considering renovations or restoration, contact us for an expert consultation. Whether it's interior or exterior brick, ironwork restoration, retaining walls, or any of the other features that are original to your house, we will ensure it remains beautiful for generations to come.
