Two homes in Charleston SC

Top 4 Challenges of historic Charleston homes South of Broad, and solutions to them!

While nothing compares to living in one of the beautiful homes South of Broad, they come with a unique set of challenges and considerations.

1.Termites!

While Charleston homes are beautiful, they often prove to be the nourishment of choice for both Eastern Termites and Formosan Termites. The damage is done before you know it. Forewarned is forearmed. Keep up with repairs and keep that termite bond current. You are almost guaranteed to find the disastrous creatures doing their dirty work when renovating an old home. Strip out and replace eaten wood, seal and treat. With a competent team, like those at Luxury Simplified Group, you can be rid of them before you know it.

 

2. Flood Zone

The views, the breeze, the ability to get out and sail—it’s a treat to live as close to the water as we are in Charleston, but it can be quite a headache too. Most of Charleston is in a flood zone and when heavy rain and high tide combine, they can push a foot or two of water towards our homes. Lifting a home a few feet can not only be safer, but also visually appealing. It gives you the opportunity to create crawl space and the ability to match other nearby properties. If you’re interested in another property in this beautiful city, we suggest investing in an old map from the Historical Society or the Preservation Society. You can even stop by Luxury Simplified to find out where those creeks once were and how high your risk of flooding might be.

3. Short-term or long-term?

When renovating a historic home, or really any home, it’s important to think about why you’re renovating. Is it for you and your family’s future generations? Or is it for the short term in expectation of a sale? Regardless of your reasoning, you can never go wrong with quality. A beautiful countertop and sturdy cabinets can do wonders for a kitchen. You don’t have to completely change your house to make it a home for you or others. A few key touches—neutral paint colors, clean lines, and new flooring—can make all the difference.

4. Renovate vs. Restore

Renovation involves cutting a hole in the wall, repairing a floor, or repainting a staircase. Restoration is much more complex. As time has past, Charleston’s historic homes have not been immune to changing times. Each era brings a new design sensibility and, as a result, an originally Georgian home may be disguised by Victorian details. Restoring your home to its original design can breathe new life into an old building. Simply matching the cornices of your home can make a world of difference. Investigate your home’s history to enlighten its future.

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