5 Harsh Truths About Renovating a Historic Home in Maryland (That No One Tells You!)
While no renovation is easy, historic renovations have unique challenges.
There’s nothing quite like the character of a historic home—ornate trim, solid craftsmanship, and unique details that tell a story. But if you’re planning to renovate one, buckle up. Historic homes don’t always play nice.
From surprise repairs to strict preservation rules, there are things no one tells you before diving into a historic renovation. So, let’s talk about the five biggest truths every homeowner should know before taking on a historic home remodel in Baltimore or anywhere in Maryland.
1. Your Budget Will Go Over—Plan for It
You might have a budget in mind, but historic homes have a way of blowing right past it.
Why?
Hidden issues. Think rotting wood, termite damage, or lead-based paint (which requires abatement).
Surprise upgrades. Outdated electrical and plumbing systems often need full replacements.
Preservation rules. If your home is in a historic district, you may have to use custom materials instead of modern (and cheaper) alternatives.
Baltimore-Specific Reality Check:
If your home was built before 1978, Maryland law requires lead paint safety compliance if you disturb painted surfaces.
If you’re in a CHAP Historic District, you’ll need approvals before making any changes to the exterior—right down to the color of your front door.
Our Advice: Plan for at least 20-30% more than your initial budget to cover unexpected issues. You’ll thank us later!
Original clawfoot tubs refurbished to perfection.
2. You Can’t Just Use Any Materials
Historic homes have strict rules when it comes to renovations.
Many homes in Baltimore and Maryland’s historic districts fall under local preservation guidelines, meaning you have to:
Match materials and designs (no swapping wood siding for vinyl).
Get approval for exterior changes (including doors, windows, and even shutters).
Use historically accurate materials, which are often more expensive.
What This Means for You:
In Baltimore’s CHAP Historic Districts, replacing old windows may require custom-built wood replacements instead of modern options.
Certain types of brick-and-mortar repairs require traditional materials—using modern methods can get your project shut down.
Our Advice: Before planning your dream remodel, check if your home is on the Maryland Inventory of Historic Properties or in a CHAP district. This will save you time, money, and headaches down the road!
3. Outdated Wiring & Plumbing = Expensive (but Necessary) Fixes
Let’s talk about what’s behind the walls. If your home still has:
Knob-and-tube wiring (pre-1940s electrical that’s a major fire hazard)
Old fuse boxes that can’t handle today’s appliances
Lead or galvanized steel pipes (which can cause water contamination)
Then, you’re in for a big upgrade.
Baltimore-Specific Reality Check:
Baltimore City’s rental and resale requirements often require plumbing and electrical updates before selling—so if you plan to sell later, you’ll need to do it anyway.
If your home has lead pipes, you may be eligible for Baltimore City’s lead service line replacement program—but only if you act before the law forces a change.
Our Advice: If you’re working with outdated systems, don’t wait for something to fail. Upgrading now will save you from costly emergency repairs later.
4. Structural Surprises Can Blow Up Your Timeline
If your historic home looks solid, that doesn’t always mean it is. Many older homes in Maryland have:
Shifting foundations (especially row homes with brick footers).
Rotting support beams hidden inside walls.
Masonry issues—historic brickwork needs specialized repairs to stay intact.
These aren’t just cosmetic issues—they’re safety concerns that can stall your project for weeks (or months).
Maryland-Specific Reality Check:
Some Baltimore row homes have shared structural walls—meaning if one is failing, your neighbor’s home could be affected too.
Many older homes weren’t built to support today’s modern appliances or additions—so structural reinforcements may be needed.
Our Advice: Before starting a big remodel, get a structural assessment so you don’t hit a “We have to tear out the whole foundation” moment halfway through.
5. Preserving Architectural Heritage Isn’t Optional—It’s Required
We get it—you want to modernize your home while keeping its historic charm. But if you live in a designated historic district, you might have to jump through a few hoops first.
In some cases, you may not be able to:
🚫 Open up floor plans if it removes too much original structure.
🚫 Add certain modern fixtures (like skylights or dormers) that alter the historic look.
🚫 Change the home’s exterior without CHAP or historic commission approval.
Baltimore-Specific Reality Check:
Baltimore’s CHAP review board can deny renovations that don’t fit the historic aesthetic of a neighborhood.
If you’re planning an addition or major exterior changes, it will likely require a formal review and approval process.
Our Advice: Work with a historic renovation expert (hey, that’s us! 👋) who knows the rules, regulations, and workarounds to keep your project moving.
View from the second floor of a historic home in Historic Lutherville, Maryland. The floors, staircase, spindles, and balustrade are original.
So, Is It Worth It?
Absolutely—if you’re prepared.
Restoring a historic home is rewarding, but it’s not a weekend DIY project. With the right planning, expertise, and team in place, you can:
Preserve your home’s charm while making it livable for today’s standards.
Avoid costly surprises by knowing the rules upfront.
Create a lasting investment that maintains (or increases) its value.
At Donjo Construction, we specialize in Baltimore’s historic homes. We know the local regulations, materials, and best ways to tackle historic renovations—without the stress.