Preservation Guidelines
- The dangers of replacing too much historical material
If historic features are deteriorated and missing, DON'T end up with an all new building! - Loss of interior finishes
If it was unpainted historically, DON'T paint it ... If it was painted historically, DON'T strip it! - Loss of a distinctive rear elevation
If it's a historically distinctive side or rear elevation, DON'T damage, destroy, or hide it! - Porch alteration
If the porch is a prominent feature, DON'T alter it! - Window alteration
If historic windows need to be replaced,DON'T install different looking new windows! - Loss of a significant building site
If landscape materials and features arehistorically distinctive, DON'T destroy them! - Subdividing a large significant interior space
If a large interior space is significant, DON'T subdivide it and DON'T destroy distinctive features! - Inappropriate rooftop addition
DON'T put on a new addition that changes the building's historic character! - Intro: Rehabilitation vs. Remodeling
From the U.S. National Park Service, a condensed guide to rehabilitating historic buildings - Part 1: Defining the terms
Preservation, rehabilitation, restoration, reconstruction - Part 2: The 10 Commandments
Key rules to follow when involved in a restoration project. - Part 3: Standards for Rehabilitation
Introduction to the Guidelines for Rehabilitating Historic Buildings - Part 4: Identify, Retain and Preserve
Identify, Retain and Preserve:The keys to rehabilitation of historic properties - Additions to Historic Buildings
An attached exterior addition may radically change the appearance of an historic building and should be considered carefully. - The National Park Service's Preservation Briefs
This series of booklets offers enormously detailed information on issues facing owners of older houses. We've reprinted all 44 of them. - The Preparation and Use of Historic Structure Reports
Documenting the history and significance of a historic building is essential to its thoughtful preservation - Preserving Historic Log Homes
An exposed log house dweller needs to vigilantly defend against water and insects.
