If You Own a Historical House, Can You Renovate It? Understanding Historical Property Regulations

TL;DR – What’s Inside

1. If You Own a Historical House, Can You Renovate It?
   Yes—but there are rules.
2. What You Can (and Can’t) Do
   Know the dos and don’ts before you start.
3. Navigating Approvals and Permissions
   Understand permits, review boards, and the risks of skipping approvals.
4. Renovating Historic Houses with The Right Help
   Work with experts to modernize beautifully while preserving architectural integrity.

A historic home is more than a real estate investment. As a homeowner, you become a steward of architectural history. Rare craftsmanship, timeless detail, and deep character characterize such properties, many of which are in storied neighborhoods.

But you’re right to wonder: if I own a historical house, can I renovate it​?

It’s a valid question. You need to know what happens when elegance meets the realities of modern living. For instance, when the kitchen no longer functions for today’s lifestyle, or the layout doesn’t support the way you entertain, relax, or raise a family.

The good news is, yes, you can renovate—but there are ground rules. Understanding these requirements is vital to modernizing your house without compromising its long-term value.

Historic House Renovation​: What You Can (and Can’t) Do

Renovating a historic property is possible, provided the right steps are taken. What’s permitted depends on whether your home is listed on a local, state, or national register—and whether it sits within a designated historic district. The tighter the designation, the more oversight you’ll face.

In general, interior changes are more flexible. Exterior alterations are often subjected to detailed review. That said, certain interior features, such as original staircases, fireplaces, windows, or moldings, require approval before they can be altered or removed.

Here are a few key dos and don’ts to guide your planning:

Renovation Dos

• Do check with your local historic preservation or landmark commission before making any changes
• Do your best to preserve original materials and details
• Do hire an architect or builder with experience in historic renovations
• Do some research on your home’s history, as certain features may be protected without being readily apparent
• Do look for hidden modern upgrades (e.g., radiant floors, smart wiring, climate systems)

Renovation Don’ts

• Don’t assume interior work is exempt, as some interiors are protected
• Don’t replace windows, doors, or roofing without approval
• Don’t use incompatible modern materials on historic façades
• Don’t start construction before obtaining permits and design review approval
• Don’t demolish any part of the structure without knowing the legal and financial consequences

Manage your historic home renovation with respect and restraint. Well done, your home can look timeless on the outside and contemporary on the inside.

Historic Home Remodels: Navigating Approvals and Permissions

Before you can remodel a historic home, you’ll need approval before beginning any major changes. This typically means working with a Historic Preservation Commission, Landmarks Board, or similar body.

The process often involves steps such as:

• Obtaining a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) for exterior work
• Offering architectural drawings or samples of materials
• Demonstrating historical sensitivity and visual compatibility of the work

Be patient. Approval can take weeks or even months, depending on the jurisdiction and complexity of the renovation. The risk of cutting corners is expensive, so do it right the first time.

Renovating a historic home without proper approval can have serious repercussions. At best, you may be fined or required to reverse the work at your own cost. At worst, you could lose your property’s historic designation, suffer reputational damage, and face legal action.

This is particularly true for demolitions. Tearing down a registered historic house, or even part of it, without authorization, is one of the most heavily penalized actions in historic preservation. A minor unauthorized change, like replacing historic windows with off-the-shelf options, can negatively impact a property’s value and eligibility for historic protections.

In short: don’t assume you can “ask forgiveness later.” In the world of historic properties, permission is everything.

Luxury design firms and contractors, such as Lars Remodeling & Design, are essential partners in this process. We can help you understand what’s negotiable, navigate approvals smoothly, and bring your vision to life without compromising the home’s historical integrity.

Renovating Historic Houses​ with The Right Help

A historic home renovation requires precision, patience, and respect. However, when done right, it results in a luxurious living space that honors its past while fully embracing the present.

In the hands of the right team, your historic home will not look like a museum piece. Lars Remodeling & Design is here to make sure your home becomes a sanctuary of modern convenience without losing its soul.

Ready to start the renovation? Check out our whole house remodeling services.