I find that most of my clients working through a historic home renovation came into their houses for a reason. They either bought it for its unique charm and architectural details, or it was handed down through generations of family members. Either way, they all share one thing in common – they are looking to update the functionality of their home while honoring its history. Most of the time, off-the-shelf furniture or materials do not fit the bill, and they need a custom-built solution. Below I offer many reasons why a woodwork craftsman is the best person to help these homeowners achieve their goal.

Custom Woodworkers & Historic Home Renovation

The Right Tools for the Job

Since I have worked on many historic home renovations, I have invested in the specialized equipment necessary to ensure a new element looks like it has always been there. Often the architectural detailing I am trying to match requires unique router bits that most contractors do not have. Also, it is rare (and not preferable anyway) when I can craft what is needed on-site. I have a large workshop with specialty tools where my work will not get in the way of the homeowner. 15-20 ft pieces of trim that need multiple router cuts and custom cabinetry that creates a lot of dust and fumes are much better managed in my workshop than in my clients’ garages.

Thinking on Your Feet

You never know what surprises await under a floor, behind a wall, or above a ceiling in a historic home. Also, things are no longer square! Ingenuity and an engineering approach are needed to problem solve the unique challenges of renovating an older home. For example, I had to recreate columns in the Parry Mansion from just a few architectural hints in the existing base molding. I designed and crafted something that no longer existed with little information that ended up looking original to the space. I thoroughly enjoyed that challenge!

Not Off-The-Shelf

Mass market furniture and trim manufacturers are in the business of building things that suit a large number of people. Historic homes are filled with elements that were handcrafted on-site years ago and need the same custom work today. For example, my client wanted built-in cabinetry along a wall with a window. I designed a window seat with a shelf above, and cabinetry on both sides. However, the two sides were not the same width. I built the unit with all of the doors the same size and filled the extra space on one with a cubby for stereo equipment. The design makes it look balanced, but if you really look at it you can see one size is wider than the other. There was no way my client could have found a piece of furniture to suit her needs. The custom solution made the most of the space and looks like it always been there.

If you are planning a historic home renovation, reach out to me. You will work directly with the craftsman (me), not a crew. I am the guy who does all the measurements, planning, building, finishing and installing. That attention to detail is what makes a project successful, ensuring you get the customization you are looking for. Send me an email or give me a call at (317) 679-5890.