Love Old Houses? Here’s How to Renovate Them Right

Hey there, neighbor!
It’s me again from MAS Home Improvement—your hometown renovation team right here in Bethlehem, PA. And today, I want to talk about something close to our hearts here in the Lehigh Valley:

Historic homes.


The kind with creaky floorboards, tall windows, and a whole lot of soul.

Whether it’s a colonial, a farmhouse, or a Victorian beauty, restoring a historic home takes a special kind of care—and trust me, we’ve done it.

So if you’re lucky enough to own one (or thinking about buying one), let’s walk through how to bring out its best without losing its heart.

What Is a Historic Renovation, Anyway?

Great question.

Historic renovation (sometimes called historic restoration) is all about updating a home for today—without erasing its past. That means:

• Fixing what’s broken
• Keeping what’s special
• Upgrading what’s outdated
• Staying true to the home’s original style

It’s part remodeling, part time travel, and 100% worth the effort.

Why Choose to Renovate a Historic Home?

I’ll be honest—restoring a historic property isn’t always easy. But if you do it right, the payoff is huge.

✅ The perks of a proper historic renovation:

• You get to preserve local history
• These homes often have strong bones and quality materials
• The craftsmanship is unmatched
• You’ll boost property value and curb appeal
• You can qualify for restoration tax credits and grants in some cases

💡 And let’s face it: Nobody walks past a beautifully restored historic home without saying “Wow.”

Common Features to Preserve and Highlight

Every old house has its treasures. Our job is to spot them, save them, and shine them up.

Look out for:

• Original hardwood floors
• Hand-carved moldings and trim
• Plaster walls
• Wood-burning fireplaces
• Antique windows with wavy glass
• Built-in cabinetry
• Stone or brickwork

These details tell the home’s story—and they’re nearly impossible (or wildly expensive) to recreate today.

Modern Updates That Won’t Ruin the Charm

Don’t worry—you’re not stuck with 1902 wiring or 1950s bathrooms. We can still give you the comfort and convenience of modern living… just done thoughtfully.

✅ Smart upgrades we recommend:

• Electrical rewiring (safe and hidden!)
• Updated plumbing and HVAC
• Energy-efficient insulation
• Hidden ductwork or mini-splits
• Restored or replica windows
• Stylish but functional kitchens and baths

💡 Design tip: Choose finishes that look like they belong—think subway tile, brass fixtures, or apron sinks instead of neon green Formica.

Common Renovation Mistakes in Historic Homes (And How to Avoid Them)

You know we’re all about doing things the right way. Here are some big “don’ts” we’ve seen—so you don’t have to live through them.

❌ Mistake #1: Ripping out original materials

✔️ Instead: Restore what you can. Refinish floors, repair plaster, reuse old doors.

❌ Mistake #2: Mixing styles that clash

✔️ Instead: Let the home’s era guide your design choices. It doesn’t have to be a museum—just thoughtful.

❌ Mistake #3: Skipping research and permits

✔️ Instead: Know your local regulations (especially in historic districts), and pull the right renovation permits.

❌ Mistake #4: DIYing delicate work

✔️ Instead: Trust pros who have experience with historic renovation techniques. (That’s us, by the way.)

Our Historic Renovation Process at MAS Home Improvement

We’ve worked on historic homes across Bethlehem and the surrounding Lehigh Valley. Our process keeps your home’s story front and center while giving you the upgrades you need.

🛠️ Here’s how we work:

1.  Walk-through and evaluation – We get to know your home, its condition, and your goals.
2.  Research and planning – We dig into the home’s history and create a tailored design.
3.  Permit review and code compliance – No skipped steps, no nasty surprises.
4.  Craftsmanship with care – We restore, rebuild, and respect the original work.
5.  Final touches – We ensure everything flows—and feels like home.

We’ll even help you explore renovation financing options if needed.

Ideas for Historic Home Renovations

Looking for some inspiration? Here are a few ways we’ve helped clients modernize with care:

Kitchen with Classic Charm

• White shaker cabinets
• Soapstone or butcher block counters
• Apron sink
• Period-inspired lighting
• Hidden outlets and smart appliances

Timeless Bathroom Makeover

• Hex or penny tile floors
• Clawfoot tub
• Antique-style vanities
• Matte black or brass fixtures

Warm and Welcoming Living Spaces

• Restored wood floors
• Original fireplace with tile surround
• Updated built-ins
• Crown molding and ceiling medallions

Thinking About Commercial Historic Renovation? We Do That, Too

Historic buildings aren’t just homes. They’re also churches, shops, and downtown gems.

If you own a commercial property that needs a renovation, we can help you:

• Restore facades
• Upgrade interiors without losing charm
• Improve efficiency and access
• Follow all local business and historical codes

We love working on projects that honor the past and support the future of Bethlehem’s business scene.

Final Thoughts: A Home with History Is a Home with Heart

Old homes aren’t just buildings. They’re time capsules. With the right team, you can honor what’s special about your space—while making it better than ever.

At MAS Home Improvement, we don’t just renovate—we restore with purpose. We know what it takes to make historic homes shine, and we’re proud to be part of preserving the Lehigh Valley’s charm, one project at a time.

📞 Ready to bring your historic home back to life? Let’s start with a conversation.