How to Update Historical Homes

Update the electrical systems in the home. Homes that had electricity in the late 1800s and early 1900s usually used what was called "knob and tube" wiring. This type of wiring is no longer approved by the national electrical code, so replace the wiring throughout the home with updated, shielded triplex electrical wire. The electrical box feeding power from the street should also be replaced. This should only be done by a qualified electrician, however, as the power in the box, if mishandled, can easily kill. Updating electrical wiring helps prevent fires and is not a renovation that historical societies frown upon.

Renovate the home's kitchen. The historical society in your area may have guidelines as to what should be done to renovate a kitchen, so check with them before beginning. Few homes from the late 1800s, however, still have their original kitchen in place, as styles have changed over the course of a century. Most notably, you might find hardwood floors if you peel up existing linoleum, as the easy-to-clean material came into fashion over hardwood between 1860 and 1950. This will give you the opportunity to refinish the original or install new hardwood floors, updated appliances and custom cabinets to the home.

Replace the home's siding. Improving the appearance of the exterior of a historical home is the trickiest part of the renovation. Your local historical society will practically be camped out on your front lawn to make certain that you don't deviate from the original appearance of the home. Original materials are easily replaced with updated materials that are more weather- and bug-resistant. There is a caveat, however. The use of vinyl siding is generally looked down upon by preservationists as well as real estate agents as diminishing the character and value of historical homes. Therefore, it's a good idea to stick with wood siding when replacing, and repainting when the original siding is in good condition.

Update the home's bathrooms. Like the kitchen, the bathrooms are usually of only minor interest to historical societies, so adding comforts like a garden tub, dual sink or updated fixtures can significantly improve the comfort and value of the home, while still retaining its historical character. Choose high-quality fixtures that have a classic look to them, as opposed to modern examples, regardless of how good they might look in the magazine ads.