Historical Renovations: How are they different?

Charlottesville and the surrounding areas have a lot of history behind them. We asked the Alexander Nicholson team what makes historical renovations different from other types of projects. Here’s what they said:

  1. Being able to adapt is important. Going into the start of the project with an open mind is key. There are definitely different problems that arise with an older building. You may need to implement things you would not ordinarily.

  2. Be willing to take the time to find the subcontractors who are able to accomplish the specific tasks that need to be done. Finding carpenters is important in that process. You are trying to put something back together that was built many years earlier, so special care is needed.

  3. Patience. Historical renovations are generally longer projects and more calculated ones, too.

  4. To be more calculated, clients generally should have (or the contractor will help curate) contingency plans. This helps with possible unforeseen issues you may run into.

  5. Overall, finding the right architect and contractor is a must. Some have much more experience with historical details, and those are the ones you want working on your project.

Upgrade Your Outdoor Living this Summer

Spending a lot of time at home may make you dream about what your outdoor living space could look like. Alexander Nicholson has built many pools, pool houses and outdoor living rooms, allowing homeowners to expand their living space right in their own backyards. Add a fireplace to enjoy the space for most of the year. Enclose a pool house and let it double as a home office or gym. If you dream it, we can build it.

Featured partners for this project include landscape architecture by Nelson Byrd Woltz and architecture by Sutphin