The Complete Guide to Antique Home Restoration

Antique Dealers Restore a Historic House - Old House Journal Magazine

The Complete Guide to Antique Home Restoration has a unique approach to the process. It prioritizes the preservation of character-defining and historic features of a home and helps the reader learn the techniques necessary to restore such a home. This resource includes a wealth of information for both homeowners and professionals. So whether you’re looking to convert a single room or a whole house, the book has the answers you need. You can learn more through antique home restoration Easton.

Restoring Your Historical House

Research the house’s history. Use resources like the Internet Public Library to learn more about the former owner. It has census records and public records about the house’s history. By researching the house’s history, you can recreate it as if it was built in a particular period. You can also consult the state’s Historic Preservation Division for help. They can also point you in the right direction. In addition to these resources, you may also want to contact preservation nonprofits.

The most crucial step in restoring a house is to determine the period it belongs to. Homes built in different periods may have radically different room layouts and styles. Therefore, it is better to renovate a house that matches its kind, which means fewer alterations and more preservation of character-defining details. An excellent way to research a house’s style is to study what features are typical of the style you’re planning to renovate. Alternatively, you can hire an architectural historian to help you find the details that define a house’s character.

Restoring Antique Furniture

Restoring antique furniture in antique homes requires a thorough knowledge of the materials and construction methods used in the past. Often, pieces are held together by mortise and tenon, dovetail, or joinder construction. Usually, famous furniture makers mark their works with their name, monogram, or inventory number. Attempting to repair or replace loose parts can cause significant damage to the piece and make the restoration process more difficult.

Whether a piece of furniture is in poor condition or has minor blemishes, restoration can add value to its details. Furniture undergoing restoration undergoes several steps, including cleaning, waxing, polishing, and replacing fabric or hardware. In the case of worn-out upholstery, a simple wash can bring new life to the piece. If the original material is still intact, you can make minor repairs without compromising the piece’s overall value.

Restoring Old Windows

Restoring old windows can be daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. These windows are a great way to add character to your home without sacrificing energy efficiency. Many resources can help you find window replacement options that retain their historic character. Building supply companies, carpenters, and local woodworking mills all have product information to help you select the right window for your home. You can also contact your state historic preservation office for more details on products available.

If you can’t find replacement windows for your historic home, try restoring old windows yourself. These windows are typically made of high-quality