Architectural Elements You Should Never Touch During Renovation

Older homes have plenty of charm, but they also have their inconveniences: drafts, slanting floors, closed-in kitchens, and tiny bathrooms. The way we live now is just different. So if you’re considering updating an older home to incorporate modern comforts, there’s something appealing about just doing a gut renovation and starting with a clean slate. Then you can finally create your dream home exactly as you see it in your mind.

But while in general you want to get rid of outdated, inefficient features, you should hold off when it comes to certain unique architectural details,

If you’re lucky enough to own a home with historic flair, here are some of the elements that you should endeavor to preserve.

1. Molding

The traditional look of molding is so popular that it’s even found in most newly built homes. If your older home already has these original elements, rejoice!

2. Exposed brick

Before you take a sledgehammer to your exposed brick walls, consider this: Many homeowners are actually stripping away their bland drywall to expose the beautiful brick behind it.

3. Columns, exterior trim, and siding

There’s a lot of character in the exterior of an older home.

A historical porch with columns may be the home’s most notable exterior feature.

4. Built-in bookcases and window seats

These space-saving features add charm and functionality to a home’s interior.

And window seats are an amenity that could tug at future buyers’ heartstrings.

5. Stained glass

Upgrading windows is a usual part of any reno—but think twice if those windows are made of stained glass. Original stained glass is pretty rare, and that increases the desirability facto.

6. Fireplaces

A fireplace used to be necessary to generate heat, but now it can help generate interest in your home.

7. Solid core/paneled doors

The doors in your older home are nothing like the variety at the big-box store down the street.

Paneled doors with brass knobs and hinges are definitely worth keeping because this type of hardware can be hard to find and is quite expensive.