C.J. Braden • 2 Minute Read
6 Mistakes to Avoid When Restoring a Victorian House
The Victorian period is a time of great architectural glory. With their intricate details and exteriors, these homes are popular among homeowners today who want to restore them to their original form.
The last house my husband and I owned was in a neighborhood full of Victorian homes. Ours wasn’t quite as grand as the surrounding houses, but we did enjoy restoring it, gaining ideas from all of the ornate homes that surrounded ours. We were very careful to keep as many original details in tact, such as the ornate woodwork that was all over our home interior.
One thing we learned from others that tried to renovate the houses in our neighborhood: Many people make mistakes when restoring a Victorian house. So if you're dreaming about owning one of these beauties but don't know enough about the process, here are some helpful tips.
Green Victorian House
1- Don't Rush It
The first mistake people often make when restoring a Victorian house is trying to do too much at once. It's important to take things one step at a time and not try to restore the entire house in a weekend. It's important to have a clear plan before starting the restoration process. This will help avoid costly mistakes down the road.
It took 12 years for my husband and I to fully complete the renovations of our 1800’s home. We completed renovations while living in it and did it all in our spare time (we had full time jobs outside the renovation too). We replaced walls, ceilings, and more. It took time, but it was worth it in the end. It will always be the house that made our move to Sanibel Island, our dream, come true.
Victorian House Yard
2- Research Is Crucial
Another common mistake is not researching what needs to be done before starting the restoration process. Victorian-style homes were popular from the 1860s to 1910, so it's crucial that you understand what was popular during these years before making design decisions for your home. Again, there are many resources available online and in libraries that can help with this.
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Ornate Victorian House Details
3- Keep It Authentic
A third mistake is using modern materials or colors when restoring a Victorian home. Often, it's best to use traditional materials and colors as they were used back in the day. This will help keep the authenticity of the home intact. It's important to remember that these houses were designed for people who loved opulence and detail, so choose colors and finishes that reflect this. These homes were made out of wood, plaster, and glass because those were cheaper than steel back then. Avoid all types of metal as much as possible throughout your restoration project.
Pink House with Wood Details
4- DIY Not Always The Best Solution
Fourth, many people try to save money by doing some of the restoration themselves. While this can be cost-effective, it's important to be careful and not do any damage that can't be fixed.
My husband and I became experts as we completed our home renovations. We watched a lot of YouTube videos, including many from This Old House. If there was anything we weren’t sure we could do, like installing a new HVAC system or exterior painting, we called experts to help.
Ornate Victorian House
5- Don't Turn A Blind Eye
Fifth, when it comes to Victorian-style houses, the worst mistake you can make is ignoring problems that could lead to bigger issues in the future. This includes not repairing water damage or mold as soon as possible. Instead, don't be afraid to hire a professional like Moport restoration for help. This will ensure all of your hard work pays off when the restoration is complete.
Victorian Home Porch Details
6- Important Features To Not Mess With
Finally, it is important to restore a Victorian house back to its original state as much as possible. This includes keeping the original features and details of the house. It is important to restore every part of a Victorian house, not just the exterior. This includes restoring the interior, as well as any decorative features.
I’d steer clear of removing things like bay windows when restoring a Victorian house look. Avoid erasing details such as crown moldings and baseboards in your restoration process. Ensure that you do not change the exterior too much when restoring the house.
By avoiding these common mistakes, you can successfully restore your Victorian home without ruining its historic charm and result in a beautiful Victorian house that you can be proud of.
C.J. Braden is a regular contributor and editor for Carolyn’s Blooming Creations. She has been featured in numerous media publications such as InStyle Magazine, on HGTV, on Bustle.com, and more. She is the author of the books Georgia McMasters in Amethyst Lake Cemetery, How To Be Yourself: 3 Little Ways to Get Back To You Being You, and the illustrator for the children’s book Bridging Connections. She is a former classroom teacher that now dedicates her life to educating others on how to live their most healthy, creative and happy life. Learn more about her visiting our About Us page.
This is a collaborative post and may contain affiliate links. All opinions and ideas expressed in this post, however, are based on my personal point of view.