Remodeling a historic home can feel like walking a fine line between honoring the past and meeting the demands of modern living. But then again, you don’t choose to own a historic home because it’s easy. Whether it’s for the rich history, a specific aesthetic style, or the classic charm only an old house can provide, finding ways to make your old home work for you is often well worth the effort.
At Lamont Bros., we know historic homes. We know their charm and character, and we also know the issues they often present. From historic preservation laws to outdated building methods and materials, we know what you’re up against when you embark on a project like this. Fortunately, we’ve seen dozens of homeowners come out on the other side with a historic home that’s both rich in history and built to the needs of the modern homeowner.
In this article, we’ll discuss 6 of the most common challenges we see in the process of remodeling historic homes. Once you’ve finished reading, you’ll have a more realistic picture of what to expect when remodeling an older home. With that information, you’ll be ready to overcome many of the challenges these types of projects present. The 6 common challenges we’ll discuss include:
- Historic Preservation Regulations
- Period-Appropriate Building Materials
- Structural Issues
- Zoning & Code Variances
- Contemporary Features & Amenities
- Finding Qualified Contractors
1. Understanding Historical Preservation Laws
One of the biggest challenges in remodeling a historic home in Portland is adhering to historical preservation guidelines. Neighborhoods like the historic Irvington District, for example, require homeowners to comply with strict rules about what can and cannot be altered on the exterior of a home.
When you plan to make changes to the street-facing exterior of your home, such as adding a new structure or replacing windows, these changes typically need to be approved by a historical review board. This means any additions or modifications must be designed to blend seamlessly with the original architecture. Homeowners frequently find themselves balancing the scope of their own vision with the requirement to preserve historical aesthetics.
Tip: Before starting a renovation, consult with local authorities and a design expert experienced in working with historical homes. This will help you make sure that your designs meet the local preservation regulations and avoid unnecessary delays.


2. Sourcing Authentic Materials
Another common challenge when renovating historic homes is finding authentic materials that match the original construction.
In many cases, older homes feature building materials and craftsmanship that are difficult or even impossible to replicate today. For example, many older homes in the Portland area used dense, slow-growth wood, which is no longer readily available today. There were also specific types of window glass and siding that were typical of the time period but no longer commonplace today.
Another common issue with renovating historic homes is the presence of hazardous materials.
Lead paint was popular throughout most of the 20th century, and can pose serious neurological risks for pets and children. In addition, asbestos, which is linked to lung damage, was used commonly in many flooring materials and plasters.
If your historic home contains any of these hazardous materials, consult with a professional about how to safely remove it.
Tip: Homeowners can often source custom materials from specialized mills or salvage yards. Consider keeping original materials intact where possible rather than demolishing and discarding them. This will allow you to integrate these materials into the design to preserve the authenticity of the home.
3. Managing Structural Issues
Historic homes, particularly those that haven’t been well maintained, often have significant structural problems that must be addressed before the renovation can move forward. These issues may include sagging roofs, rotting frames, or walls that aren’t up to modern building codes. Additionally, homes built before 1993 typically require a seismic retrofit to meet current earthquake protection codes.
In a recent project completed by our team, the home had major structural concerns, including water damage and rot in the roof and structural columns. Some homes may even have foundations made with weak or brittle concrete. Cases like this may complete foundation replacement to ensure the home’s safety and longevity.
Tip: It’s important to conduct a thorough inspection of the home’s structure before beginning any renovation. Be prepared to address underlying issues like deteriorated foundations or outdated wiring that may require extensive work before you can move on to more cosmetic updates.
4. Navigating Zoning and Code Variances
Curent zoning laws in Portland are written for modern-day homes and construction practices. Because of this, many homeowners working on historic homes find themselves needing to apply for zoning exemptions called “variances.” For example, in older neighborhoods, lot sizes and home orientations often don’t conform to modern codes, which can make it difficult to add new structures like garages or expand the home’s footprint.
During one such renovation of a historic home in the Orenco Townsite district of Hillsboro, our design team had to request variances for the height of the foundation walls and the orientation of the garage door. Because the lot was oriented differently from others in the neighborhood, conforming to modern zoning standards was particularly challenging. To complete the project according to written laws would have been astronomically more expensive.
Tip: When planning a renovation, consult with city planners early in the process to understand potential zoning or code conflicts. If variances are needed, work with an experienced architect or designer who can help navigate the approval process.

5. Incorporating Modern Features & Amenities
While the focus on renovating historic homes is often maintaining its original charm, it’s also important for the updates to meet the needs of the modern homeowner.
When renovating a historic home, common projects involve updating and expanding kitchens, adding extra bathrooms, refreshing the exterior, or removing interior walls to make the floor plan more open.
Tip: When integrating modern elements, work with a professional designer to ensure a seamless blend with the existing design. Carefully planned updates can enhance the home’s functionality and appeal, making it more suitable for modern living without losing its character.
6. Finding the Right Contractor
Renovating a historic home requires a team of designers and construction professionals who understand older construction methods and materials. Not every general contractor has experience with historic preservation, and it’s crucial to work with professionals who have the expertise required to handle the unique challenges of these homes.
Our recent project in the Orenco Township involved a close collaboration between the homeowner, who was a contractor himself, and the design team. However, certain aspects of the project were beyond the scope of what the homeowner could manage on his own. This included creating plans for the historical review board and working with structural engineers, which our design team handled on behalf of the client.
Tip: When choosing a contractor, look for professionals who clearly demonstrate experience and expertise in renovating historic homes. This can save time and reduce the risk of costly mistakes, ensuring that the renovation meets both historical guidelines and modern design and safety standards.

Want to Learn More About Remodeling a Historic Home?
After reading about these common challenges of remodeling historic homes, do you feel more prepared to tackle your own home improvement projects? Now, take the next step in your research by downloading our free Contractor Selection Guide. Written by our team of remodeling pros at Lamont Bros., this educational resource will help you understand everything you need to know in order to find and hire the best contractor for your next project.
Think it’s time for you to start remodeling? If so, click the button below to get connected with a member of our design team. We’ll set up a free consultation to help you plan out your timeline, budget, and design.