Transforming a beautiful historical home into one that also enjoys modern convenience is something most homeowners likely 
desire. It is extremely important that great care be taken to ensure that irreversible mistakes are not made in this modernization process. What are some of the things that should be avoided?
It should first be noted, that some districts which have historical buildings likely have rules in place by the districts historical committees. What this can mean for you is that you cannot just do whatever you want to the building. You will need to read these rules before you start a project.
It is not a good idea to waterproof old bricks and masonry. The waterproofing could end up trapping moisture which can result in the deterioration of the masonry.
Historical homes usually have many beautiful details in their design which are often made with natural woods or other solid materials. Be very cautious when it comes to trying to replace these durable elements with more modern materials such as plastic and plywood. They will not be as durable and great care needs to be taken to make sure they are in keeping with the age of the building.
When the building work starts, toxic substances such as asbestos and lead dust could be easily released into the air. These materials were used in building work years ago, before much was known about their dangers. Be aware of these possible effects, and take all safety precautions necessary.
Certain modern day materials used in construction could possibly have a damaging effect on already existing materials that were used in the home. An example of this would be certain types of insulation or fire retardants.
Be very wary about removing historical windows, adding aluminum siding or installing dropped ceilings etc.
If you would like more information on this or would like to schedule an inspection, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We will be happy to advise you.