Houses with History: what to renew, what to enhance

Old houses often present historic aspects you would be well-advised to preserve. But at the same time, you may want to modernise an old house to make contemporary living more convenient. The trick is to find a way to update a historic home without losing its enduring qualities.

It's a plan that can easily become both a privilege and a puzzle. Updating is a fine balance between modern engineering and maintaining the architectural fundamentals, charm and craft. Deciding what to change, what to protect, and what to enhance can present a tricky journey.

Planning is the key to success

As with any renovation, start with a master plan. Before picking up a hammer, assess the entire structure with a clear-eyed understanding of its historical significance, architectural style, structural integrity, and potential for modern livability.

To kickstart your plan, hire a professional with experience in historic preservation, such as an architect, contractor, or home inspector who knows how to read the bones of an old house, identify what must be updated for safety or function, and what details are worth preserving for authenticity.

The basic question: What should you renovate?

The Nitty-Gritty: electrical and plumbing

Old wiring and plumbing are often outdated and, in some cases, hazardous. Knob-and-tube wiring, corroded pipes, or poorly grounded outlets are common in older homes and must be brought up to code. So first up on your list for updating would be electrical panels and wiring for modern appliances and safety. Additionally, you would check outlets and switches, especially in kitchens and bathrooms. Plumbing systems are equally important. Thorough checking is required to prevent leaks or water damage.

HVAC and insulation

Historic homes were built long before energy efficiency became a concern. As a result, they often leak heat in winter and trap it in summer. Replacing or retrofitting HVAC systems can significantly improve comfort. Changing heating and cooling systems to energy-efficient models would be a key decision. Insulation in attics, crawl spaces, and walls can be very useful, ensuring you use materials that won't harm historic finishes. And finally, sealing around windows and doors without replacing them is a sensible, practical approach to maintaining the heat or the cool.

Kitchens and bathrooms: the mainstream areas that invariably call for updating

These are the most used and most remodelled, and modernised spaces in any home. Period kitchens and bathrooms are often charming but functionally outdated. Keep your eye on what's practical, what's functional, and what presents eye-catching aesthetic design. Whatever the age of your house, you are going to need to modernise these areas one way or another. You would be looking at: appliances, plumbing fixtures, and lighting. In addition, you would also have to consider cabinets and layout for usability; in this respect, choosing finishes that echo the home's period is a useful aspect to keep in mind.

Structural repairs

It's no good pretending that historic homes may come without foundation issues, sagging floors, or outdated framing methods. These require expert repair but can be done in ways that retain original character. But first on your list would be a thorough review of load-bearing walls and joists; issues here may threaten the home's stability, and need careful assessment and attention early on. Fixing the old requires specialised skills, so make sure you check through for: rotting wood, water damage, or insect damage. Roof and gutter systems will also need your attention, again keeping replacement in line with the age of the house.

What to Enhance: Character, Craftsmanship, and Charm

• Original woodwork and trim: Broad, strong wooden flooring, along with crown moulding and wainscoting, invariably reflect the indelible print and old soul of many historic homes. So you would be advised to resist the urge to replace these - clean, repair, and maybe even repaint instead. You can sand and refinish original floors; strip or repaint ornate trim with historically appropriate colours; reinstall any missing pieces if possible.
• Windows and Doors: Old windows are often seen as energy-wasting, but replacing them can destroy a home's character. Instead, repair and weatherstrip the original sashes. Storm windows (interior or exterior) can add efficiency without removing the original glass. You must definitely seek to preserve original windows with wavy glass, old latches, and wood sashes. Solid wood front doors are good to keep; refinish and reseal rather than replace.
• Fireplaces and mantels: Even if no longer functional, old fireplaces offer architectural weight. Restore rather than remove. If the chimney is no longer usable, consider adding a gas insert or simply using it decoratively. Keep the original brick or stone surrounds, as well as wooden mantels - refinished or painted, depending on the era. Hearth tiles are incredibly popular - clean or replace with the relevant vintage-look versions.
• Light fixtures and hardware: Details like old doorknobs, brass hardware, or antique light fixtures are easily overlooked but help maintain the home's integrity. Clean, rewire, or replicate rather than discard.

We can still respect the past while embracing the present

Restoring a historic house isn't about freezing it in time - it's about breathing new life into something built to last. By knowing what to renovate and what to enhance, homeowners can create a space that's not only beautiful and functional but also honours the stories etched into its walls. When done with care and imagination, updating a historic home becomes an act of stewardship - preserving heritage while writing the next chapter of its extraordinary life.