Preserving Brooklyn’s Heritage: The Charms and Challenges of Renovating Historic Homes
Historic homes are an integral part of Brookly’s landscape. Founded in the 17th century, the borough is rich in architectural and cultural heritage.
Within each neighborhood, you’ll find an abundance of historic homes that span various architectural styles and periods, reflecting the diverse history of the area. This legacy has also made Brooklyn a hotspot for people who appreciate and value historical architecture and the unique charm it brings.
The cultural significance of many homes and the strong sense of community pride in preserving the borough’s heritage is the catalyst behind the renovations of many historical properties.
Renovating a historic home can be a rewarding yet challenging endeavor. Anyone who has renovated a home, historic or otherwise, will tell you it is a big undertaking but one that is incredibly rewarding.
Historic homes in Brooklyn often come with unique architectural features and a rich history and when it comes time to renovate them, they often come with their own set of challenges due to the need to balance preservation with modernization.
That’s not to say one shouldn’t take on the renovation of a historical home. As long as you understand the challenges ahead of time, navigating through the process won’t be as difficult. In the end, the reward outweighs any of the hurdles it may take to get there.
Some of the common challenges faced in renovating historic homes include:
Regulatory Hurdles
Historic homes may be subject to strict preservation regulations which would require approval from local historic preservation boards. These regulations can limit design choices and add time and complexity to the renovation process.
According to the City of New York’s official website, owners of a NYC landmark or a building located within a designated NYC historic district, must receive a permit from the Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) before performing any type of work. Owners of these properties also need a permit from LPC for any work that requires a permit from the Department of Buildings (DOB). Before moving forward on any projects, do your homework to ensure all requirements are addressed prior to getting started in the renovation process. .
Budget Constraints
Home renovations in general can be costly. When looking to renovate a historic home, take into consideration the cost to restore certain aspects to its original features, the use of specialized materials, and compliance with preservation requirements, all which can significantly increase the project costs.
Aging Infrastructure
You may find outdated electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems in a historic home. Updating these systems while preserving the home’s historical character can turn out to be complex and costly.
Hidden Issues
In many older homes (historical or not) you may find structural problems such as mold, termite damage, or lead paint. These issues can be challenging to uncover and address.
In addition, these types of issues drive up renovation costs. Make sure to have your home inspector look for any potential situations that will add additional costs on top of your home renovation costs.
Limited Modern Amenities
Historic homes often lack the modern amenities and space configurations that are desirable to many homeowners, such as open floor plans, larger bedrooms and bathrooms, en suites, and spacious closet space. Integrating these amenities while maintaining historical integrity can be tricky.
Despite the challenges, renovating a historic home can be rewarding because it allows homeowners to preserve a piece of history and create a one-of-a-kind home that reflects both the past and their personal vision.
Some of the rewards to renovating a historical home include:
Unique Character
Historic homes in Brooklyn often feature architectural details, craftsmanship, and historical significance that cannot be replicated in newer constructions. Owning a piece of history can be immensely rewarding.
Community and Aesthetic Value
The restoration of a historic home helps to maintain the distinctiveness of a neighborhood, making it more attractive. These areas often have a strong sense of community, and homeowners take pride in preserving the unique character and charm of the neighborhood.
Resale Value
Well-preserved historic homes tend to hold or appreciate in value over time, making them a potentially wise investment.
Tax Benefits
Some local governments offer tax incentives or grants for the restoration and preservation of historic properties, which can help offset renovation costs. In the State of New York, tax incentives for the rehabilitation of historic commercial and residential properties, and historic barns are available. Certain qualifications apply so be sure to do your research before moving forward with any renovations.
Personal Satisfaction
Restoring a historic home can be a labor of love, and many homeowners find immense satisfaction in bringing an older structure back to its former glory.
Despite the challenges that may arise when taking on a historic home renovation, many homeowners find the rewards of preserving and renovating historic homes to be worth the time and effort. The unique character, historical significance, and the satisfaction of breathing new life into an old structure often outweigh any of the potential difficulties they may face during the renovation process.