Three Tips For Building Homes That Match In An Historic Neighborhood

With more construction being done in in-town areas, it is not always possible to renovate a building. Sometimes, buildings have been removed and new ones built in their place. Even if you are building a new building in an historic neighborhood, you may want to stay with the historic design and details of the surrounding buildings, which can be Victorian, craftsman-style or other historic home designs from the 19th and 20th centuries.

If you want to keep your new construction project in line with the historic neighborhood, here are three tips that will help you make your project look like it has always been there:

1. Observe Designs And Features Of Homes In The Area

The first step in building in an historic neighborhood is to observe the design of homes. You may want to look at existing homes to get ideas for the design of your home. You can also look in local archives and check with historic associations to get pictures and documents of buildings that no longer exist. This is a great way to get ideas for designs and adhere to the architecture of the time.

You will want to design your home according to the design of the era. This means that you may want to use some of the features you have seen in other buildings. You can also use new materials like things like composite exterior trim for things like siding, which can match typical historic designs and give you a modern exterior finish that is durable, long lasting and will require less maintenance and repairs.

2. Using Reclaimed And Restored Materials In The Construction Process

Reclaimed materials can also be a good resource for materials to build a home in an historic neighborhood. There are many resources, such as building supply businesses that deal specifically in reclaimed materials. If there are any buildings, being removed in the area you are building in, you can also check them to see if they have materials like interior wood trim and flooring that you can use in your new home.

In many old factories that are being demolished, you can find wide-plank flooring, which can be a great material for different types of renovations in an older home. It can be used as flooring, or even be used for wall coverings, trim and other features of your home. Reclaimed materials can also be good resources for restoring things that cannot be replaced in an older home, with materials such as woodwork, glass, fixtures and appliances

3. Check For Regulations And Restrictions Before You Build

It is also important to check with local authorities about regulations when building in an historic neighborhood. There may be requirements, such as the amount of trees, structural features and design regulations. Sometimes, local building authorities can require these things, but there may also be homeowners associations and other entities that have their own rules when building in an historic neighborhood.

There may be a moratorium on things like additional buildings, floorspace and other things that you may be considering doing with your renovations. Before you do things like additions, detached structures or other major changes, check with all the appropriate authorities to see if it is permitted first.

These are some of tips to help you with new construction in historic neighborhoods to help you follow historic designs of homes. If you need help with these things on your new project, contact a custom home builder to get the help you need to build in historic neighborhoods. (For more information, contact K Gordon Construction)