The reason why many of us choose to live in older homes is that they can provide a specific sense of tradition, intimacy and character not often found in newer construction. But just like anything that has a bit of age, they require a lot of work. Most owners enjoy those challenges, and go into historic home ownership with eyes wide open. A lot of people do not.

Old houses don’t come with owner’s manuals. And it takes a certain breed of individual, who is willing to invest the time and money into what could become a herculean task. If you are lucky enough to own an older home, or you are considering purchasing an historic building, there are several guidelines and resources available to consider. They cannot only make your job easier, but could save costs as well.

One of the main reasons people choose older homes is that they offer a unique aesthetic, inherent to a particular time period, that may speak to them in a particular way. Owners are rewarded in recreating the sense of beauty reminiscent of a time past, which is quite difficult to replicate in new construction. Historic-home enthusiasts often spend long periods of time scouring architectural salvage yards, attending antique shows and researching websites on historic architecture.

But along with the thrill of the hunt, there can be real headaches involved. Older buildings often require much more labor intensive, and less interesting, work to maintain them. And if they have not been renovated in a while, the cost to bring them up to code could be substantial.

Identifying the right professionals to get this work done properly and sensitively has become more difficult, as real craftsmen and architectural experts may not be as available as they once were. But a renewed interest in conservation has sparked a resurgence in companies that have the expertise required to bring an historic renovation, or even just a redesign, to a very successful fruition.

As an owner of an interior architecture and design firm for many years, it is always important to follow guidelines and critical design tenets specific to appropriate renovations and restorations:

1. Approach your project “as a whole.” Identify any architectural features that should be preserved in order to maintain the historic character of the space.

2. Research the appropriate methods and practices that will ensure correct rehabilitation.

3. If historic features do need to be replaced, make sure they are replaced “in kind.” Substituting with less expensive materials, or features that are not exact to the existing, creates a poor representation of the original historic character, and will reduce the home’s value overall.

4. If you have purchased a “fixer upper,” rank the projects in order of importance with code and mechanical issues addressed first. Proceed slowly in determining the best applications for any architectural preservation measures. Uncover transoms, skylights and original windows that may have been plastered over. Check for pocket doors and shutter boxes that may have been nailed shut. Remove drop ceilings that could be hiding magnificent crown moldings. Uncovering these architectural treasures becomes one of the most rewarding aspects of an renovation.

5. All aesthetic features like paint color coordination, room layouts and furnishing specifications can be accomplished with a focused design plan that will consider all the related elements of the space, and guarantee a well designed project.

6. Seek out professional assistance whenever possible. The U.S. Department of the Interior has an extremely helpful document called “The Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties.” It provides vital information on appropriate measures in older home renovations, and is an excellent resource.

Lastly, approach any renovation with a positive attitude. Cultivate clear expectations with your partner and all your project collaborators. Consistent research, communication and planning will be the keys to a challenging but extremely rewarding outcome.

Patricia Cove is Principal of Architectural Interiors and Design. Her firm provides direction in all aspects of both modern and historic renovations.