Step 1. Identify all the special historic features that are worth preserving. Rehabilitation (in contrast to “renovation” or “restoration”) is about making a house function like a modern home without losing its unique character.
Step 2. Establish project goals. Besides preservation, what are your non-negotiables? This house has a dated kitchen – updating it may be more important to you than removing the exterior vinyl siding (at least for now).
Step 3. Assess existing conditions to determine priorities. Renovating a kitchen is gratifying and fun, but if the roof is on its last legs, replacing it goes to the top of the list.
Step 4. Specify a scope and sequence of work to sensitively preserve the features identified in step 1 and meet goals/priorities established in Steps 2 & 3. This is the conceptual plan.
Step 5. Explore historic tax credit opportunities. Many states have programs to help homeowners through income tax credits that incentivize high-quality rehabilitation work.
Step 6. Determine expertise and skills needed. Do you need an architect or structural engineer to produce stamped drawings? An interior designer to make spaces function better? Specialized trades to restore significant features?
Step 7. Get other professionals’ input and begin building the team. Test the logic and feasibility of your conceptual plan as you interview designers and contractors to find the right fit.
Step 8. Collaborate on developing the design, including drawings, fixture and material selections. Because you’ve invested in Steps 1-7, it’s all coming together so clearly! Much less uncertainty and indecision.
Step 9. Gather contractor estimates to create a budget. Ouch. Well, it’s better to know up front. Just remember to include a 20-30% contingency (despite best-laid plans, there will inevitably be surprises ahead). Here’s where tax credits can help soften the blow.
Step 10. Identify permit requirements. You need your local building inspector, historical review commission, and planning board on your side, so make sure you’re complying with all codes.
Not exactly child’s play, I know. But so, so rewarding.
For more advice and mentorship on historic preservation strategy, sign up for the Worth Preserving newsletter!
AUTHOR KATE WOOD grew up criss-crossing the country in the family’s Volkswagen Bus, visiting house museums, battlefields, Main Streets, and national parks. Today, she is an award-winning preservationist, real estate broker and principal of the full-service historic rehabilitation consulting firm, Worth Preserving. Kate believes in the essential value of old-building stewardship to sustain community character. For her, each property is a cause and each client a fellow advocate. She specializes in matching people with properties, skilled contractors, historic tax credits and other benefits to support top-tier rehabilitation projects.
