Historic Home Remodels: Keep Character, Add Comfort

Historic home remodel: preserve character, add modern comfort and efficiency. Explore ideas, costs, and tips. Start your timeless renovation today. Get a quote now.

Why a Historic Home Remodel Is Different

A historic home remodel blends artistry with problem solving. Older houses were built with materials and methods that breathe and move. They were not designed around central air, spray foam, or open concept layouts. A successful project keeps the soul of the house while updating the parts that affect safety, comfort, and livability. That takes careful planning, the right craftspeople, and a contractor who understands how to respect original architecture. Elite Improvements brings that balance to every project, delivering craftsmanship and modern performance for homeowners across southeast Wisconsin.

Balancing Preservation and Modern Living

What to Preserve

Before making changes, identify the elements that give your home its historic character. Preserving these details helps your remodel feel authentic rather than new inside an old shell.

• Original wood floors with patina or parquet patterns
• Millwork such as baseboards, crown molding, wainscoting, and built-ins
• Solid wood doors, transoms, and vintage hardware
• Plaster walls and ceilings with decorative details
• Staircases, newel posts, and railings
• Brick or stone fireplaces and chimney facades
• Lead glass or divided light windows, especially at the front elevation

Elite Improvements documents these features during the first site visit and protects or salvages them during construction. When original items cannot be saved, we can replicate profiles and finishes to maintain a seamless look.

Smart Upgrades That Add Comfort

Modern living should never mean losing character. Strategic upgrades can improve comfort, safety, and efficiency while preserving the home’s personality.

• Electrical: New panels, grounded outlets, GFCI and AFCI protection, and discreet lighting upgrades
• Plumbing: Replacing galvanized lines, adding shutoff valves, and installing efficient fixtures
• HVAC: Right-sized systems, zoning, and unobtrusive ducting or high velocity mini-duct systems
• Insulation and air sealing: Careful methods that avoid trapping moisture in old walls
• Windows: Repair and weatherstrip original sash. Add interior or exterior storm windows for efficiency
• Layout adjustments: Gentle reworking to improve flow without stripping away walls that define the era

Elite Improvements helps you prioritize these upgrades so your budget goes where it makes the biggest impact.

Planning Your Historic Home Remodel in Southeast Wisconsin

Our region’s climate demands durable solutions. Freeze-thaw cycles, lake-effect humidity, and temperature swings can stress older foundations, masonry, and exterior wood. A historic home remodel in Burlington, Milwaukee, Racine, Kenosha, or Waukesha should include a close look at the building envelope. Proper water management, roof ventilation, and exterior detailing will extend the life of your investment. Elite Improvements understands local conditions and building codes, which helps reduce surprises during construction.

Step-by-Step Planning

1. Assess condition: Document structural, mechanical, and moisture issues before design.
2. Research restrictions: Check for local historic district rules and any required approvals.
3. Create a wish list: Separate must-haves from nice-to-haves to guide design choices.
4. Set a realistic budget: Include design, permits, construction, contingencies, and finishes.
5. Assemble the right team: Choose a contractor experienced in historic home remodel projects.
6. Design for compatibility: Select materials and details that suit the home’s era.
7. Plan permits and inspections: Build time into the schedule for reviews and approvals.
8. Protect the site: Establish dust control, floor protection, and salvage plans.
9. Phase the work: Sequence trades to avoid rework and preserve historic elements.
10. Confirm communication: Set regular updates with Elite Improvements for clarity and peace of mind.

Following these steps helps manage cost, time, and expectations. Elite Improvements guides you from the first walk-through through punch list, making the process smooth and predictable.

Typical Costs and Budgeting

Every historic home remodel is unique, but the following ballpark ranges can help you plan. Costs vary based on size, scope, and the level of preservation or custom details required.

• Kitchen remodel: 45,000 to 120,000 plus, depending on custom cabinetry, layout changes, and appliance choices
• Bathroom remodel: 25,000 to 60,000 plus for tile, plumbing upgrades, and specialty fixtures
• Basement finishing with moisture control: 40,000 to 100,000 plus
• Primary suite remodel: 50,000 to 140,000 plus based on layout and finishes
• Whole home historic renovation: 200 to 400 per square foot in many cases
• Additions that match historic exteriors: 300 to 500 per square foot due to custom millwork and exterior detailing

Cost drivers include structural fixes, custom millwork replication, plaster repair versus drywall, masonry restoration, and utility upgrades. To stretch your budget, preserve and refinish existing features, use ready-to-finish inset cabinetry with custom trim, and phase the project in logical stages. Elite Improvements will provide a detailed scope and transparent pricing so you know where every dollar goes.

Design Ideas That Respect History

Kitchens

A historic home kitchen can feel classic and still function beautifully. Consider inset cabinets with simple Shaker or beaded frames, unlacquered brass or oil-rubbed bronze hardware, and a mix of painted and natural wood finishes. Soapstone, honed granite, or wood countertops pair well with historic styles. Use a furniture-style island, paneled appliances, and period-appropriate lighting. Add modern storage inside cabinets to keep counters clear without changing the exterior look. Elite Improvements can integrate under-cabinet lighting and quiet ventilation that does not distract from original charm.

Bathrooms

Vintage-inspired baths stand the test of time. Try classic hexagon or basketweave floor tile, subway tile wainscoting, and pedestal or console sinks. Clawfoot tubs and bridge faucets echo traditional design while new valves provide reliability. For small baths common in older homes, a compact vanity and a tiled shower with clear glass can create more space without moving walls. Elite Improvements pays attention to waterproofing and ventilation, which are critical to protect plaster and woodwork adjacent to wet areas.

Living Spaces and Bedrooms

Maintain original trim profiles and refinish hardwood floors. Use soft, warm paint colors that fit the era. Consider adding built-in bookcases or window seats that mirror existing millwork. In living rooms, keep fireplace surrounds and restore tile or brick. In bedrooms, preserve doors and transoms for ventilation and character. Elite Improvements can discreetly add sound control and insulation between floors without thickening wall lines that would hide trim details.

Additions and Bump-Outs

When you need more space, a sensitive addition can complement the original house. Good design respects the scale, rooflines, and materials. Place additions toward the rear or side and use matching siding, window proportions, and trim. Sunrooms, home offices, and kitchen bump-outs are popular, especially when they improve everyday function. Elite Improvements designs additions that look as if they have always been part of your home, with proper flashing, air sealing, and insulation for long-term performance.

Structural and Envelope Essentials

Older structures can hide issues. Before finishes go in, address the bones of the house and the building envelope. This prevents callbacks and protects your investment.

• Foundations: Check for settlement, cracks, and water entry. Improve drainage and add sump systems where needed.
• Framing: Sister or replace damaged joists and sills. Use proper connectors to meet current code while preserving appearance.
• Roofing: Choose quality shingles or appropriate materials, ensure proper ventilation, and integrate flashing with existing masonry and trim.
• Siding and trim: Repair rather than replace when possible. If replacement is needed, match profiles and use durable materials.
• Windows: Restore original sash, upgrade weatherstripping, and add storms. This approach often rivals replacement for efficiency while preserving character.
• Masonry: Use compatible mortar on brick or stone. Avoid hard cement mortars that can damage historic masonry.

Elite Improvements addresses these essentials early so your historic home remodel delivers lasting results.

Energy Efficiency Without Compromise

You can reduce energy use without stripping away original details. The key is to manage moisture and airflow while improving insulation and equipment efficiency.

• Air sealing: Target the attic, basement rim joists, and penetrations. Keep historic walls breathable.
• Attic insulation: Dense-pack or blown-in options, with proper ventilation to avoid condensation.
• Basement and crawlspaces: Insulate rim joists and manage humidity with sealed sump lids and dehumidifiers.
• HVAC upgrades: High efficiency furnaces, heat pumps, or mini-splits sized to your home. Zoning for comfort in two-story homes.
• ERV or HRV: Balanced ventilation improves indoor air quality in tight spaces.
• Storm windows: High quality storms paired with restored wood windows perform well and look right.
• Efficient lighting and appliances: Modern performance tucked behind classic design choices.

Elite Improvements will tailor efficiency upgrades to the way your home was built so you get comfort without risking damage to historic materials.

Working With Historic Districts and Codes

If your property lies in a local historic district, plan for design review and approvals. Many communities require a Certificate of Appropriateness for exterior changes. If you pursue tax credits, your project may need to meet specific standards. Elite Improvements coordinates with local boards, inspectors, and design professionals to streamline approvals and keep your schedule on track.

Why Choose Elite Improvements for Your Historic Home Remodel

• Local expertise: Family-owned and based in Burlington, Wisconsin. We know southeast Wisconsin homes and climate conditions.
• Craftsmanship first: Skilled carpenters and trusted trade partners who respect historic details.
• Accredited and ethical: BBB accredited and Milwaukee NARI member. We stand behind our work and our word.
• Clear communication: Dedicated project management, regular updates, and detailed scopes of work.
• Design-to-build support: We collaborate on design, selections, and engineering to reduce changes and surprises.
• Comprehensive services: Interior remodeling, thoughtful additions, and exterior improvements under one roof.

Elite Improvements has earned the trust of homeowners from Milwaukee to Lake Geneva by delivering quality, service, and results that feel right for each home’s era.

Our Services for Historic Homes

Historic homes benefit from a team that can handle both delicate preservation and modern upgrades. Elite Improvements offers:

• Remodeling: Kitchen, bathroom, basement, master suite, and living room remodels. We handle flooring, cabinetry, fixtures, lighting, and layout improvements.
• Additions: Bathroom, bedroom, kitchen, home office, and sunroom additions, plus bump-outs that match original profiles and materials.
• Exterior improvements: Roofing, siding replacement, and custom deck installations that complement your home’s style.

We tailor solutions to your house and lifestyle, then execute with attention to detail that shows.

Timeline: What to Expect

1. Intro call: Share goals and schedule a site visit. Call 262-716-6663 to begin.
2. On-site consultation: Evaluate conditions, capture measurements, and discuss your wish list.
3. Design and scope: Refine layout options, materials, and budget ranges.
4. Selections and final pricing: Choose finishes and fixtures for a clear final proposal.
5. Permits and approvals: Submit drawings and coordinate with local review boards if needed.
6. Pre-construction: Set the schedule, protection plan, and communication cadence.
7. Construction: Skilled crews perform work with care for your home and daily life.
8. Inspections and quality checks: Verify details meet code and design intent.
9. Punch list and walkthrough: Address final touches and provide maintenance tips.
10. Enjoy: Your revitalized historic home blends timeless character with modern comfort.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Removing character-defining features: Stripping original trim or doors can lower value and charm.
• Replacing historic windows too quickly: Restoration and storms often outperform replacement for looks and cost.
• Trapping moisture: Incorrect insulation can cause rot, peeling paint, and indoor air issues.
• Skipping hazardous material checks: Test for lead paint and asbestos before demolition.
• Ignoring water management: Gutters, grading, and flashing protect your foundation and walls.
• Hiring the wrong team: General experience is not the same as historic home remodel experience.

FAQs About Historic Home Remodels

Can I open up the floor plan in a historic house?

Often yes, with care. Strategic openings, cased beams, and wider doorways can improve flow while preserving the sense of separate rooms. Structural engineering and thoughtful trim details make the difference. Elite Improvements designs openings that feel original to the home.

Do I need to replace my old windows to improve efficiency?

Not always. Restoring wood windows and adding quality storm windows can be highly efficient and maintain historic character. Weatherstripping and sash repair often solve drafts. Replacement is usually a last resort for windows too damaged to repair.

Are there grants or tax credits for historic renovations?

Depending on your home’s designation and the type of work, incentives may be available. Local programs vary. Elite Improvements can help you connect with the right resources and plan work that aligns with potential requirements.

How long does a historic home remodel take?

Timelines depend on scope. A single bathroom can take 4 to 8 weeks. A kitchen may take 8 to 14 weeks. A multi-room renovation or addition can range from 3 to 8 months. Historic approvals, specialty materials, and unforeseen conditions can add time, so a clear plan and contingency help keep the schedule on track.

Will a remodel increase my home’s value?

Quality renovations that respect historic character often improve market value and marketability. Buyers appreciate homes that blend original details with reliable systems and beautiful finishes. Elite Improvements focuses on durable upgrades that age gracefully, which supports value over time.

Start Your Timeless Renovation With Elite Improvements

When you care about your home’s heritage, the right partner matters. Elite Improvements is a family-owned remodeling company based in Burlington and serving southeast Wisconsin. We specialize in historic home remodel projects, additions that look original, and exterior improvements built to withstand our climate. We are accredited by the BBB and Milwaukee NARI and we back that with attentive service and skilled craftsmanship. Ready to preserve character and add comfort to your historic home remodel? Call 262-716-6663 or visit eliteimproves.com to schedule your consultation and get a detailed quote. Your home’s next century starts now.