Having a remodeling company that has been based in Kirkwood for 50 years, we have participated in many historic renovations. We have also done dozens of projects in other communities such as Webster Groves, University City, Soulard and downtown St. Louis. In fact, RIGGS Company & Design won a Chrysalis Award for the best historic renovation in the nation on a home on South 9th Street in the City of St. Louis.
There is a secret to historic renovation that I learned by serving on the Landmarks Commission in Kirkwood. First, you are restoring the home, not remaking it. And second, any additions to the home must be built in such a way that the original structure is still recognizable.
During an historic renovation, demolition of existing moldings, architectural details and other parts and pieces must be carefully monitored and documented. Digital photography has helped tremendously in this endeavor. From a green perspective, it is best to reuse those pieces if possible. If they are water or termite damaged – or just plain worn out – a little footwork to the local antique shops or recycled building material shops is the next best solution. If you can’t find what you are looking for at these places or the internet, there are many millwork shops that specialize in wood moldings and the better ones will already have the special knives it takes to make them. There are specialty shops that can make anything you may need and in certain instances, you will find that some of the more common items will be in stock or readily available.
Restoring a home to its original architectural glory is a labor intensive project and is not suited for many remodeling companies. It is not just the materials that need to be duplicated but the care and respect that was originally put into the home by the old world craftsmen as well. Pride in workmanship and genuine respect for the work of years past really do show up in the final product.
It is true that we build a much better home than 100 years ago because of the structural and mechanical engineering that has improved dramatically. The products are better, more energy efficient and do more for the homeowner than ever before. We have improved indoor air quality and are finally beginning to lower our carbon footprint. But in same respect, the care and quality of the building trades has lessened due to the pressure of labor costs and speed of production. Patience is a lost virtue in the construction industry and it’s driven by the consumer wanting it sooner rather than later.
In restoring an historic home, we as Remodelers have to produce a product and be competitive in doing so. But we must also find it within ourselves to be the patient, confident, old world craftsman that did things the right way, knowing that it may take a little longer, but it will last a lot longer.
