Can I modernize a historic home without losing its character?
Answered by Chris Deutsch, Founder & Editor
Licensed Minnesota Realtor #20382264 ·
The short answer
Yes — and the best historic home owners do exactly that. The secret is knowing what to keep, what to update, and what to never touch.
On stage The 60-second answer
Captions on · Transcript below
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Chris's video answer is on its way. Until then, the short answer above says the same thing.
The transcript posts with the video.
The longer answer
Always keep: Original woodwork, built-ins, stained glass, plaster walls (they're superior to drywall for sound and moisture), original hardwood floors.
Always update: Electrical, plumbing, HVAC, insulation, kitchen appliances. These are infrastructure, not character.
The gray area: Kitchens and baths. Here's my advice — modernize the function, honor the era. A 1920s Tudor can have a modern kitchen, but use materials that feel like they belong: subway tile, shaker cabinets, soapstone counters. Don't put a ultra-modern European kitchen in a Tudor. It looks like a mistake.
The tax advantage: Minneapolis has a Heritage Preservation Commission. If your home is in a historic district, there may be tax credits for exterior renovations that maintain the home's character. Check before you plan.
The homeowners who get this right? Their homes are the ones that sell in a weekend with multiple offers.
The next department over
What people in this spot usually ask next.
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- Divorce & separationHow do we sell the house without the whole neighborhood knowing why?Read the answer
- Pricing & equityHow much money do we actually walk away with when we sell?Read the answer
From the editor's desk
“As Founder and Editor, I review, correct, and stand behind every answer.”
Is your situation more specific than the market? That's the one worth talking through.