By building your own custom home you can avoid the cost and headache of actually owning and renovating an older home. Renovations can be time consuming and you’ll often unearth new issues. New features don’t always fit in as you had intended. Replacing something as simple as a door can end up being a hassle because you either have to have a custom door made or you have to reframe the doorway. This is especially true if you’re going to want to modernize and update most of the home anyway. If you’re going to put all of that time and effort into changing the home, you might as well build new. In many cases this will be much more efficient and cost effective because you’re less likely to run into some of the challenges you’d face with existing construction (historical society, old wiring and plumbing, etc.).
How to Replicate the Feeling of an Older Home
Some of the most frequently mentioned reasons for purchasing an older home include the craftsmanship and unique features of bygone eras. What most people don’t consider is the fact that these features are easily replicated by a skilled and experienced custom home builder.
The key to replicating the style of an historical structure is to do some research into the styles, color palettes, and construction that was used in the era you want to replicate. You’ll typically find features such as crown molding, natural materials (wood, stone, brick), and built-ins. By looking at photos of restored homes from that era, you’ll be able to replicate aspects of that style in your new home. You can also camouflage modern touches, such as exterior vents, in order to create the illusion that your home is older than it is.
One thing to keep in mind when planning your custom home is the surrounding structures that already exist in your neighborhood. While you want your home to encompass your unique personality, you also want it to fit in with the rest of the neighborhood. It may seem strange, but when a home or its features feel out of place it can negatively affect the property values of the whole neighborhood. This should be considered prior to purchasing your property, as an old-world Italian villa may fit in perfectly in some communities, but look completely out of place when surrounded by country style homes.
When planning your new custom home, consider the final results you desire. If you truly want to replicate the craftsmanship and style of an older home, it’s important to choose an experienced builder that is dedicated to quality. Contact Empire Custom Homes today to learn how we can help you accomplish this goal.