Historic Renovations

Historic renovations are carried out to preserve older buildings, often while updating their interior systems. It is often more desirable to maintain the attractive architecture of a bygone era than to replace it with something new but less visually interesting. Sometimes a historic structure can be adapted for a new use, such as when an industrial building becomes residential apartments or a train station becomes a shopping center. Historic buildings can also be expanded, whereby a new section is added that should be as indistinguishable as possible from the original in terms of style.

Renovations can also involve returning a historic structure to its original condition, trying to make it look as much as possible as it did when it was first built. Sometimes a renovation allows a building to continue to be used for the same purpose as before. Other times, the interior can be gutted and revamped with new materials for an entirely new purpose while the exterior retains its historic look and feel.

Tricks of the Trade for Historic Renovations
Modernizing the inside of a building usually involves new electrical, plumbing, and HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) systems. Sprinklers are often added for fire safety. Access for handicapped individuals is another area of concern in historical renovations.

Historic buildings often contain surprises for those who are doing renovations. Old buildings have often seen many years of changes and rebuilding, including earlier renovations. Construction crews may find walls, pipes, electrical equipment, and other things that no one knew were there. Adding a new air conditioning system, for example, can lead to problems if it introduces too much moisture to the interior. For more information on historic renovations, contact The KPA Group at www.thekpagroup.com for more information.