Remodeling Ideas for Historical Homes

Old architecture never seems to go out of style. Like a fine wine, it gets sweeter with age. If you’re fortunate enough to live in a home with Victorian architecture, there are a few steps you can take to really bring out its unique style.

While you may have spacious rooms with high ceilings, it’s the exterior of the home that most people see. You may have plush furniture and modern décor, but if your siding is stained and your windows are outdated, people won’t notice its attractive structure.

This article will introduce a few remodeling ideas for getting the most out of your historical home. Some of these are just as practical as they are attractive. You can increase the value of your home, reduce power bills and live a more “green” lifestyle.

1. Install Fiber Cement Siding

If you live in a Victorian-style home, then vinyl siding simply won’t do. Even vinyl that’s designed to mimic other materials still won’t provide the texture and appearance that you’re after.

But fiber cement siding offers a more natural appearance. With wider panels and a more earthy texture, you can truly create an old-fashioned, homey look.

Best of all—fiber cement siding offers incredible return on investment. In fact, Remodeling magazine published a report that ranks this siding as #1 in a list of 35 common renovations. These include room additions, kitchen remodeling and bathroom renovations.

With proper maintenance, fiber cement siding can last for decades. It’s a practical investment that’s the perfect complement your historical architecture.

2. Top It With a Metal Roof

Today, metal roofs are more popular than ever, so many people assume that it’s a new innovation. But many old homes are standing today because the builder installed a strong, weather-resistant metal roof. In fact, some homes in Europe are said to have maintained for more than a century with copper or zinc roofs.

But metal-roof technology has advanced over the last few years. Today, homeowners can choose from metal shingles, panels or a combination of the two. With endless design and color combinations, metal offers a lot more visually than asphalt.

For your historic home, almost any metal-roof design will do the trick. They all offer a sleek appearance and excellent functionality. But if you want to keep it traditional, go with metal shingles. These were particularly popular in the mid-19th century, when they replaced tile roofs because they were easier to install.

A metal roof can also reduce electricity bills. If you live in a particularly sunny climate, the metal will reflect heat. Asphalt, on the other hand, can absorb heat and put more pressure on your air conditioner.

3. Marvin Wood Windows

Wood windows are particularly effective in historic designs. They add to the natural, homey feel, and they’re the perfect complement to fiber cement siding.

Marvin wood windows offer both aesthetics and practical functionality. The designs meet or exceed ENERGY STAR guidelines, which is a plus for homeowners that want to save on energy bills.

Marvin windows also tend to last longer than other manufacturer’s products. Their paint is coated for moisture resistance, and the windows are engineered to withstand harsh environmental pressures.

Keep Up Routine Maintenance on Your Historic Home

Chances are, your home is your most valuable investment. If you leave problems unaddressed or put off routine maintenance, you might be looking at some costly repairs.

One of the main benefits of the three ideas featured in this article is they require minimal maintenance. If installed correctly and cared for responsibly, they can last for decades and significantly increase the value of your home. Ultimately, this adds up to a generous return on investment, should you decide to sell your historic home.