Planning is everything when it comes to a project, as it guides everything from the budget to the design choices. A good plan begins with understanding what you want to accomplish with your historic renovation.

• Do you want to preserve as much history as possible?
• Are there any areas that need a serious upgrade?
• Do you want the layout to remain the same?
• Is this a permanent home or a vacation?
• What will you need this space for, such as working from home?
• Will there be small children or pets?

These are important questions because they provide the information needed to develop a good plan. If you want to preserve the home’s history, look for items that can be reused or recycled, such as old floorboards, windows, and even things like the sink. Designers can often incorporate these items into the new design. If you want to preserve the home’s original layout, be sure to tell your designer, as they can follow it while making improvements to the space, such as creative storage and a few modern conveniences. If you work from home, your space will need to meet certain requirements, such as a reliable internet connection and the ability to handle multiple devices, including computers and a printer, which may require upgrading the electrical wiring. If you still have small children or even pets, both can be a little hard on the surroundings, which might require some creative thinking to protect older items on the property and make it safe for everyone. Bringing an old home up to date means taking a little extra time to think through and understand the ultimate goal you want to achieve, which will help you form a great plan with stunning results.