The restoration on a residential property takes a lot of time, expense and an eye for historical detail. Restoring the dwelling, whether it is for personal use or is planned for a later sale, requires some major decision making that needs to be addressed before starting the project. Below are a few things to be aware of.
One of the main things that need to be checked out is whether or not the dwelling is in a historical district. If so, usually going in front of the local Architectural Review Board is mandatory. It has been designated to oversee changes or improvements on dwellings in that particular neighborhood. Such improvements or changes that may require approval can be in the architectural design or the colors that have been chosen to be painted on the outside of the dwelling. Many times, even the changes in the landscape need to be approved.
The reason for warranting these approvals is because the Architectural Review Board is in charge of the overall historical integrity of the neighborhood. It wants to make sure that the neighborhood’s historical presence stands as it did when it was first built.
Safety should outweigh the cost in any restoration. The fact that an old dwelling is old brings up some safety issues such as the electrical wiring. Since it was installed decades earlier, it can be frazzled and unsafe. The method of installation and the electrical boxes used then, by today’s standard, can be considered dangerous. If the dwelling has never been restored, than replacing the electrical wiring might be your only alternative.
Restoration takes a lot of patience and guidance. Once it is finished and the graceful appearance of years past emerges, it is truly an awesome feeling. By taking the initial steps at the beginning of the project, it will save a lot of frustration and confusion down the road.
Source:
Personal Experience