Preserving Oakland County’s Historic Charm: The Art of Updating Heritage Homes with Modern Style
Oakland County, Michigan, is home to a remarkable collection of historic properties that tell the story of our region’s rich architectural heritage. From magnificent mansions of the roaring 20’s to Mid-Century Modern and Doo Wop architecture of the originators, Oakland County showcases diverse historical periods that make our communities special. For homeowners fortunate enough to own these architectural treasures, the challenge lies in maintaining their historic character while updating them for contemporary living.
Understanding Historic Preservation Requirements
Before beginning any painting project on a historic home in Oakland County, it’s essential to understand the preservation standards that may apply. In reviewing plans, commissions must follow the United States secretary of the interior’s standards for rehabilitation and guidelines for rehabilitating historic buildings. The Planning Division provides a range of historic preservation services and trainings to local governments, non-profits, and property owners, including design and technical assistance for historic properties, heritage sites, and Main Street businesses.
Historic homeowners should be aware that a permit shall be obtained before any work affecting the exterior appearance of properties within designated historic districts. This ensures that any updates maintain the architectural integrity that makes these homes historically significant.
The Secretary of Interior’s Standards: Your Preservation Guide
The Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties are common sense historic preservation principles in non-technical language. The Secretary’s Standards are the “gold standard” of Preservation, commonly used to evaluate the preservation, Rehabilitation, Restoration, and Reconstruction of the country’s architecturally and historically significant sites, promoting responsible preservation practices through four specific approaches: preservation, rehabilitation, restoration and reconstruction.
When it comes to historic paint colors, accurate identification of historic paint colors is an important part of restoration programs. Professional paint analysis can help identify original color schemes, allowing homeowners to make informed decisions about whether to restore original colors or select compatible contemporary alternatives.
Balancing Character with Contemporary Style
The key to successfully updating a historic home lies in understanding which elements define its character and which can be thoughtfully modified. Historic preservation doesn’t mean freezing a home in time—it means making thoughtful choices that respect the property’s architectural significance while meeting modern needs.
Color selection plays a crucial role in this balance. While some homeowners may choose to research and restore original paint schemes, others may prefer colors that complement the home’s historic character while reflecting contemporary tastes. The important consideration is choosing colors and finishes that enhance rather than compete with the home’s architectural features.
Professional Expertise Makes the Difference
Working with experienced professionals who understand both historic preservation principles and modern painting techniques is essential for success. When searching for a qualified Painter oakland county residents can trust, it’s important to find contractors who appreciate the unique challenges and opportunities that historic homes present.
Legends Painting is built on more than 10 years of hands-on painting experience, specializing in delivering exceptional residential and commercial painting services as a family-owned and operated business that prioritizes superior workmanship, customer satisfaction, and competitive pricing. Their approach to historic properties demonstrates the careful attention these special homes require.
Technical Considerations for Historic Homes
Historic homes often present unique technical challenges that require specialized knowledge and techniques. Documents should be reviewed by qualified preservation specialists for general consistency with the Secretary of Interior Standards, requiring project-specific editing and professional judgement regarding the applicability of procedures to particular buildings, projects or locations.
Surface preparation becomes particularly critical with historic materials. Many older homes may have lead-based paint, requiring special handling and disposal procedures. Additionally, historic materials like original plaster, wood siding, or decorative elements may need gentle treatment methods that differ from standard modern practices.
The Value of Preservation
The State Historic Preservation Tax Credit provides a 25% credit against state income tax liability for qualified rehabilitation expenditures. This financial incentive recognizes the value that historic preservation brings to communities and can help offset the costs of appropriate restoration work.
Beyond financial incentives, properly maintained historic homes often see increased property values and contribute to the character and desirability of their neighborhoods. Quality interior painting services can increase home value by up to 10% while preserving the architectural elements that make historic properties special.
Planning Your Historic Home Painting Project
Success begins with careful planning and consultation. The process begins with understanding specific needs and vision, discussing color options, paint types, the scope of work, and assessing the surfaces involved. For historic homes, this assessment should include evaluation of existing materials, identification of any historic elements that require special treatment, and determination of appropriate preservation approaches.
Proper preparation is paramount because it directly impacts how well the paint adheres and how good the final result looks. This is especially true for historic homes, where surface preparation may involve careful removal of failing paint, gentle cleaning of delicate materials, and appropriate priming to ensure compatibility between old and new materials.
Moving Forward with Confidence
Updating a historic home’s paint scheme doesn’t have to compromise its character. With proper planning, appropriate materials, and skilled application, homeowners can achieve beautiful results that honor their home’s heritage while meeting contemporary lifestyle needs. The key is working with professionals who understand both the technical requirements of quality painting and the special considerations that historic properties require.
When customer satisfaction is the #1 priority on every project, and work is performed by professionals passionate about quality craftsmanship, historic homeowners can feel confident that their architectural treasures are in capable hands. The result is a home that maintains its historic charm while serving the needs of modern living—a perfect blend of preservation and progress.
