Our Non-Negotiables for Remodeling Historic Homes in San Francisco
Bill, our president, and Hayley, our designer, made it clear that 415 Remodeling is not your typical San Francisco remodeling firm. During a chat about remodeling dos and don’ts, Bill bluntly stated, “We’ll turn down a project if it means entirely gutting the interior of a Victorian.” Hayley added, “We're tired of seeing realtors and uninformed homeowners put 'lipstick on a pig' by gutting historic San Francisco homes and painting over original moldings. These superficial renovations erase unique character and charm, turning distinctive properties into bland, cookie-cutter replicas.”
Every San Francisco Home Has a Story
San Francisco bursts with history and character, its architectural tapestry reflecting diverse eras and styles. From charming Victorians to classic Craftsman bungalows, each home tells a unique story. Victorian homes dominate neighborhoods with their narrow, tall structures, intricate woodwork, high ceilings, and prominent bay windows, though they often have limited bathrooms and storage. Edwardian homes, built in the early 20th century, are more spacious and functional, featuring simpler yet elegant decorative elements, larger rooms, and built-in furniture. Craftsman bungalows, popular in the early 1900s, are known for their open floor plans, exposed wooden beams, built-in cabinets, and expansive front porches. Queen Anne homes, a substyle of Victorian architecture, boast asymmetrical facades, complex rooflines, and rich interior detailing, creating cozy, compartmentalized spaces. Mission Revival homes, reflecting California’s Spanish colonial history, are characterized by smooth stucco walls, red tile roofs, arched openings, and interior courtyards. Marina style homes from the 1920s and 1930s blend Spanish Revival and Mediterranean influences, featuring ground-level garages, spacious interiors, and decorative wrought iron elements, while maintaining numerous interior walls for structural integrity.
Historic Features and Modern Challenges
Many historic San Francisco homes have unique layouts and features that present both charm and challenges. Limited bathrooms, minimal storage, and numerous walls are common due to the construction techniques and social norms of the time. Narrow lots led to vertical designs, with small, distinct rooms for privacy and structural support. Built-in storage was rare, and bathrooms were a luxury often added later. So it raises the question: what changes will we make in a historic San Francisco home to accommodate modern living in the 21st century, and what will we absolutely not change? Plus, what are some creative workarounds for enhancing a historic home without compromising its integrity? Here’s where 415 Remodeling stands:
Our Dos and Don'ts:
Do Preserve Original Wood Trim and Custom Millwork:
These elements are the gems that give your home its unique character and historical charm. Why strip away the features that make your home a standout piece of San Francisco's history? Keep the period details intact to maintain the authenticity of your home. Don’t let anyone convince you to whitewash your home’s soul just for the sake of modernization.
Do Adhere to Historic Preservation Regulations:
San Francisco has strict rules for historic preservation, and we follow them diligently. San Francisco homeowners should know that any remodeling of historic properties over 50 years old may require a CEQA review to ensure changes don’t negatively impact the historical significance of the building. Obtaining a Certificate of Appropriateness is necessary for exterior alterations on Article 10 Landmarks or within historic districts to maintain compatibility with the historic character. Additionally, programs like the Mills Act can provide tax incentives for those who preserve and maintain their historic homes. We’re experts in navigating the regulatory landscape with the Building Department, ensuring that your home’s history is respected and all compliance requirements are met. You can trust us to handle the hoops, so you don't have to worry about a thing.
Do Upgrade Dated Systems with Design & Build Expertise:
Address outdated electrical and plumbing systems, inadequate insulation, and structural issues with thoughtful design solutions that respect the original layout and functionality of your home. Given the complexities involved, hiring a design-build firm can provide comprehensive space planning and assess how to manage such an upheaval effectively, ensuring the integrity and charm of your home remain intact.
Do Keep Header Heights Consistent:
When adding new walls, ensure windows align with the original header heights to maintain the architectural integrity and visual harmony of the space. Incorporating windows in these new walls can enhance natural light while staying true to the home's historic proportions.
Do Repurpose Small Rooms and Historically Divided Spaces:
Instead of knocking down walls, repurpose small rooms and divided spaces to maintain the home's original charm and functionality. These distinct areas can be transformed into cozy reading nooks, home offices, or additional storage without losing the historical layout that gives your home its unique character.
Do Partner with Experts:
That turn-of-the-century lighting fixture? Why rip it out? We partner with specialists, like Dogfork, who can transform those fixtures by rewiring them for safety and modern convenience. And that original hardwood floor you just discovered under the linoleum? We know how to restore and repair it, bringing back its timeless beauty. By working with these professionals, we seamlessly blend old-world charm with contemporary safety standards, preserving the essence of your home while making it perfectly functional for modern living.
Do Prepare for the Future:
Regulations are always changing, and we’re always ready. We prep homes for the shift to electric appliances, adding dedicated circuits and getting garages ready for electric car charging. We're experts at seamlessly integrating these features into your historic San Francisco home, ensuring it stays ahead of the curve. We’re thinking ahead so you don’t have to.
Don’t Turn Your Historic Home into a Cookie-Cutter Replica:
Avoid generic renovations that strip away your home’s unique features. Celebrate what makes each San Francisco home special instead of erasing its character.
Don’t Do Unnecessary Demolition:
Don’t demolish walls or original structures unless absolutely necessary for functionality. Respect the original design and structural integrity of your home.
Don’t Solve Issues with Patchwork Renovations:
Don’t rely on previous patchwork renovations that compromise the home’s authenticity. Restore original features properly rather than covering them up with modern, less valuable materials.
Walking the Talk: Projects that Showcase Our Commitment
We recently worked on a project in the avenues where we planned to delicately modernize a historic home with beautiful tile that flowed seamlessly from the kitchen into the dining area. But during construction, when we pulled up the linoleum in the dining area, we uncovered a pleasant surprise: the same gorgeous parquet flooring found in the rest of the home. Instead of covering it with new tile, we discussed the benefits of restoring the damaged parquet with the homeowner.
"It was almost a no-brainer," our designer Hayley recalls. "Finding that original parquet was like discovering a hidden gem. Restoring it was not just exciting, it felt like the only right choice to maintain the home's historical flow and charm." The decision not only preserved the historical significance of the space but also enhanced the home's overall character. The result was a beautifully cohesive look that honored the home's original style while updating it for modern living.
“Finding that original parquet was like discovering a hidden gem. Restoring it was not just exciting, it felt like the only right choice to maintain the home’s historical flow and charm.”
Conclusion
At 415 Remodeling, we’re all about preserving the charm and history of San Francisco’s homes. We believe in thoughtful design, respect for original features, and prepping for future needs. If you’re looking to upgrade your historic home without sacrificing its unique character, we’ve got you covered. Just don’t ask us to turn your Victorian into a bland, modern box – that’s a hard no from us.
