Restoring a historical home can be one of the most rewarding projects you’ll ever take on. But it’s also easy to make decisions that can cost you time, money, and even the original character of the property. Whether you’re tackling a 19th-century farmhouse or a mid-century gem, knowing what mistakes to avoid is just as important as knowing what steps to take.
Here’s what you need to watch out for.
Choosing the Wrong Contractors
Not every contractor is equipped to handle the unique needs of a historical property. It’s not the same as working on a newer build. Materials are different. Construction methods are different. Even the little details, like matching the right type of mortar or restoring woodwork, demand a higher level of skill.
A roofer who’s great with modern homes might be completely out of their depth when dealing with slate roofing or intricate copper flashing common in older houses. This is why it’s imperative to look for someone with historical home restoration experience. The same goes for electricians, masons, carpenters, and plumbers.
Always ask:
● Experience – Have they worked on historic homes before?
● Knowledge – Do they understand traditional building techniques?
● Patience – Are they willing to prioritize preservation over speed?
● References – Can they show you completed historic projects?
● Respect for Authenticity – Will they work with you to keep original features intact?
Don’t assume any skilled contractor is automatically the right fit. Specialized experience isn’t optional for a proper restoration. It’s essential.
Ignoring the Home’s Original Architecture
It’s tempting to jump straight into modern updates when restoring an older home. But ignoring the original architectural style can strip the property of its historical value. Replacing wood windows with vinyl ones, swapping out a handmade front door for a mass-produced model, or slapping on a generic porch might seem like quick upgrades, but they erase the details that make the home special.
Study the home carefully before making changes. Identify what makes it unique. Keep or replicate original features whenever possible. And when updates are necessary, choose materials and designs that complement, not clash with, the original character.
Rushing Through Structural Issues
Cosmetic updates are exciting, but the real strength of a historical home is hidden in its bones. Foundations, framing, load-bearing walls, and roofs need careful inspection. Skipping over structural repairs to move faster toward “prettier” tasks is a mistake that can cost you dearly later on.
Take the time to do it right. If there’s a crumbling foundation, water-damaged beams, or sagging supports, deal with those issues before picking out paint colors. A home with a solid structure can last another hundred years. A patched-up home with hidden issues won’t.
Using the Wrong Materials
Older homes were built with materials designed to breathe and move with the environment. When you introduce modern materials without thinking, you can cause serious problems.
For example, using hard Portland cement on old brick walls can trap moisture, leading to cracks and crumbling. Painting over old plaster with impermeable paint can cause it to bubble and peel. Installing modern insulation incorrectly can actually make the home colder, not warmer.
Whenever possible, stick with materials that match or closely mimic what was originally used. When that’s not possible, work with experts who understand how to blend old and new without compromising the building’s integrity.
Over-Restoring
There’s a fine line between restoration and renovation. It’s easy to cross it without realizing. Over-restoring happens when you make everything so polished and perfect that the home loses its sense of history. A 120-year-old house shouldn’t look like it was built last week.
Preserving a bit of wear and tear — original wood floors with small imperfections, aged brass hardware, slightly uneven plaster walls — adds authenticity. These small imperfections are part of the story. Resist the urge to replace every scuff, every scratch, and every mark of time.
Underestimating Costs
Historical restoration almost always costs more than you think it will. Hidden problems lurk behind walls, under floors, and above ceilings. Custom materials can cost more. Skilled craftsmen charge more, and they should.
Go into the project with a clear, realistic budget. Then pad it by at least 20% to cover the unexpected. It’s better to have a cushion you don’t need than to hit a financial wall halfway through the project.
Skipping Proper Research
You can’t restore what you don’t understand. Research the history of your home before you start tearing anything out. Look into old photographs, building permits, architectural records, and historical archives. Learning what the home originally looked like can guide your restoration decisions and help you stay true to the spirit of the property.
Without proper research, you risk making changes that clash with the home’s original design or wiping out key details that could have been saved.
Neglecting Modern Needs
While preserving the past is important, you also have to make the home livable. Plumbing, wiring, and heating systems from a hundred years ago aren’t going to meet modern safety standards. And let’s be honest — no one wants to live in a museum.
Find a way to balance historical accuracy with modern convenience. Upgrade essential systems, but do it in a way that doesn’t scream “brand new.” For example, hide new wiring behind existing moldings, use period-appropriate light fixtures with updated wiring, or install central air in a way that doesn’t require ripping apart decorative ceilings.
Forgetting About Permits and Codes
Restoring a historic home often comes with extra rules. In many areas, older properties fall under special historic preservation codes. These codes can dictate everything from what kind of windows you can install to what color you can paint your house.
Skipping the permit process or ignoring local regulations isn’t just risky. It can bring your project to a grinding halt and land you with hefty fines.
Always check with local officials before starting major work. It might slow things down a little, but it will save you a lot of trouble later.
Why Careful Restoration Matters
Restoring a historical home isn’t just about fixing up an old building. It’s about preserving a piece of history. Every decision you make — from choosing the right contractor to honoring the original design — shapes the story you’re helping to tell.
The goal isn’t to make the home look new. It’s to make it feel timeless. To respect its past while ensuring it has a long, healthy future.
When you take the time to do it right, you’re not just restoring a home. You’re protecting a legacy.
