Very few homes are classified as “historic,” because as they age, they are typically torn down and replaced with something new. Not many people are willing to do the work it takes to keep an older home comfortable to live in. Those homes that do manage to last 75 to 100 years are usually homes that have a certain charm and lots of character about them. Homes of this period were built during a time when craftsmanship mattered, and each part of the home was built with care and attention.
The moldings, trim, carved doors, pocket doors, and specialty hardware make these homes comfortable and inviting as soon as you enter one. However, once you live in one for a while, you quickly realize that they are not always as wonderful as their first impression. Often these historic homes need multiple upgrades, including electric, plumbing, and especially windows and doors. The house has settled over time, the structure needs some help, and it seems like just about every major component needs repair or replacement. The good news is that there are many suppliers who specialize in renovation products for historic home owners – either original salvage or modern reproductions.
Windows and doors are often the first thing historic homeowners replace, and with good reason. New windows and doors help refresh the appearance, and they offer an immediate return on investment in the way of reduced energy bills. The good thing about windows and doors is that many window and door manufacturers carry products specifically designed to be used in historic homes. Features like special carvings, stained glass, arched transoms are not long gone; they are making a comeback, and some top-quality replacement window companies are now handling period reproductions as well as offering historic hardware options.
This way, historic home owners can replace their old windows and doors with new, energy-efficient ones and still maintain that historic look. If your home is earning any type of credits or tax discounts from being historic, details like this can make or break the value of your historic property. Also, if your home is in an historic district, most likely there are regulations as far as what is acceptable for most renovation work, including doors and windows.
If you’re planning on renovating the exterior of an historic home, contact us for a free consultation. We specialize in historic homes, and we’re used to dealing with historic districts to help homeowners find energy-efficient building solutions that meet the historic requirements and maintain that traditional charm and appeal you purchased your home to enjoy.
Window Outfitters is a premier Window Replacement, doors, siding contractor and installer. As Contractor in the St Paul, Minneapolis, (Twin Cities) Minnesota (MN) metro, we proudly serve, but are not limited to, the following areas: Minneapolis Energy Efficient Vinyl Windows, Replacement Window Contractors Minnesota, Burnsville, Apple Valley, Lakeville, Savage, Bloomington, Edina, Richfield, Eagan, St Paul, Hastings, Minnetonka, Plymouth, Maple Grove, Eden Prairie, Farmington MN, Chaska, Shakopee, Chanhassen, Victoria, Mendota Heights Anderson Windows Minneapolis, Marvin Windows Minneapolis.
