Dramatic mantels, carved newel posts, elaborate crown moldings, original hardwood floors and other features give your Pittsburgh house character. Unfortunately, those details can become casualties of the remodeling process if you’re not careful. Keeping these considerations in mind can help you ensure that your home’s charm and character remains intact when you remodel.
Don’t Rush Into a Remodeling Project
When your kitchen is hopelessly out of date or your family room is much too small, it’s understandable that you’d you like to start renovations as soon as possible. Rushing into anything, whether it’s remodeling or marriage, is seldom a good idea.
Before you even begin to research remodeling companies, make a list of your renovation goals and the features you want to preserve in your home. For example, you may want to expand your kitchen and modernize the plumbing without losing the Victorian baseboards and crown molding or the ornate French door that leads to your back porch. Or perhaps you’d like to turn two adjoining bedrooms into a master bedroom suite but want to keep the fireplace between the two rooms and the pegged hardwood floors.
It’s much easier to share your vision for your new space when you’ve thought about the features that you want to preserve and those that can be eliminated without ruining your home’s charm.
Think Carefully Before Incorporating Trends
Are you looking forward to upgrading your ancient, inefficient kitchen? Choosing the trendiest cabinets and most unusual countertops may satisfy your longing for newer and better features but can strip the charm from the room. Generally, it’s a better idea to choose classics styles that complement your home and will look just as good 10 years from now as they do today.
Have you been wondering if you should convert your first floor to an open floor plan to improve your home’s resale value? It may be more difficult to retain character if you tear down walls in some cases. Although open concept may be popular now, that could change by the time you’re ready to sell. In fact, some home buyers are now adding walls to add privacy and keep kitchen messes out of sight. Your contractor can offer recommendations that will help your home retain its character if you decide to open the space.
Choose the Right Contractor
Finding a contractor who shares your appreciation for character is crucial when you’re renovating your home. The photographs on the company’s website can provide important clues regarding the contractor’s experience with homes like yours. Do all the photographs look pretty much the same or is each house unique? If the online portfolio reveals bland, cookie cutter rooms with no imagination or charm, it’s best to continue your search.
Create a list of questions when you see a portfolio you do like. Ask the contractor if he’s renovated houses in your part of Pittsburgh, or if he’s worked on houses built in the same era as yours. Discuss your preferences and ask the contractor how he would ensure that your home’s character will remain unaffected by renovations. The best contractors know how to incorporate character without sacrificing modern conveniences.
Are you ready to remodel your home? We’ve helped Pittsburgh homeowners create character-filled homes since 1988. Contact us and learn how our design/build process can help you improve your home.
Sources:
Realtor Magazine: Are Open Floor Plans Just Too Open?
