TL;DR – What’s Inside
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.
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
Renovation Don’ts
Manage your historic home renovation with respect and restraint. Well done, your home can look timeless on the outside and contemporary on the inside.
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:
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.
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.
TL;DR: A historic home renovation allows homeowners to preserve the architectural character and craftsmanship of the past while thoughtfully integrating modern comfort and functionality. In this post, you’ll learn: What makes historic home renovation different from standard remodeling projects How modern systems can be updated without compromising historic character The role of regulations in protecting value […]
TL;DR: Renovation and remodel are often used interchangeably, but they involve completely different levels of change, cost, and planning. Knowing the distinction helps you choose the right project, stay on budget, and get the results you actually want. Renovations refresh a space without altering its layout. Remodels change structure, function, or flow entirely. Costs, permits, and […]
TL;DR: Thinking about building an accessory dwelling unit (ADU)? This guide explores what states allow ADU development and what to know about San Diego ADU regulations specifically. Learn how state and local laws affect your ability to build. Key Takeaways: Many states now allow ADUs, including California, Oregon, and Washington. California ADU laws provide protections […]
See What People Are Saying About Us
What should I expect from a custom home remodel?
When you decide to remodel your home in San Diego, count on our team of experienced builders and talented home design contractors to handle every stage of the design-build process diligently and professionally. We apply a wide range of skills to transform your living space with style and precision:
How long should my whole home remodeling project take?
We’ll discuss the length of your project during an initial consultation. Although the scope of a project will determine its length, we can provide you with an approximate estimate early on.
For more information, get in touch with our home remodeling contractors in San Diego. We’ll ask you a series of detailed questions about the upcoming home remodel, which will help us prepare a preliminary estimate.
How much should I budget for home remodeling?
It’s the complexity of each remodel, as well as the desired goals and needs of each client, that makes each project unique. Besides the type and size of your home improvement in San Diego, the cost of materials needed plays a key role in setting up the budget.
Feel free to give us a call if you have any questions regarding the final costs of the project and consult with our experts directly. Our home design contractors will be happy to answer all of them and provide you with a more accurate estimate.
What should I know before adding on to my house?
Before adding a room addition to your San Diego property, conduct a thorough inspection of your home and clarify your objectives:
Finally, you should know who to turn to for advanced assistance. Luckily, there’s a reputable local company serving San Diego communities. We at Lars Remodeling & Design would be happy to offer a detailed outline of the key aspects of your project.
Is it safe to live in a house while renovating?
For substantial additions or major renovations, it might be a good idea to think about staying somewhere else. To stick to your budget, you could stay with friends or family, or rent a place nearby so you can easily keep an eye on the remodeling progress. As experienced remodeling contractors, we’re eager to learn more about your project and explore all your options with you. Don’t hesitate to give us a call!
Is renovating an old house worth it?
Absolutely. However, the value of such a renovation largely depends on factors like the property’s location, the extent of work required, and the current market conditions. For any home design or design-build project, it’s advisable to consult directly with our experienced contractors. We’ll access your San Diego residence to identify the type of remodel that would offer you the best return on investment.
