Connecticut is full of old buildings just waiting to become new places. Many of them make beautiful restaurants. Nothing creates ambiance quite like old floors that creak, oiled wood handcrafted by artisans, exposed brick, and the many other details that you often find in Connecticut's historic buildings. These spaces make great places to eat food.
If you're opening a restaurant in a historic structure, a renovation is likely in order. There are many things to consider as you move forward with renovating historic restaurant.
It's important to work with a team of people who are experienced in historical renovations. Assembling the right group of construction professionals, from architects to engineers to contractors, can help ensure your remodel will be successful.
Focus On Preserving Architectural Details
Preserving beautiful architectural details during a renovation can be a challenge. Hiring a contractor with experience and understanding of these materials, and knowledge of preserving materials during renovations, is important. Contractors must know how to renovate buildings without using invasive procedures that destroy the craftsmanship. They must also know how to work with materials that are not often found in modern buildings.
Be selective when selecting a contractor for this project. Ask questions, such as:
- Have you ever renovated a historic building? What were the challenges you encountered? How did you overcome them?
- Can I see pictures of the work you've done?
- Do you have references?
- What is the greatest challenge you anticipate for this particular renovation?
Work Within Rules and Regulations
Historic buildings are usually protected spaces that fall under the authority of a historical society or district that establishes standards for renovation. Every community has a different system for approving renovations and protecting historical structures.
When you renovate a historic building, you must work within the system that protects the structure to maintain the integrity of the building. Some historical societies and districts have much stricter rules than others. If you're thinking about buying a building for renovation but haven't gone through with it yet, you may want to explore the rules you'll be working following to renovate the structure.
Although every historical society and district is slightly different, here's what you can expect:
- Designs to renovate the structure will be approved in advance before work can begin.
- Changes to the structure's appearance, especially the facade, may not be approved. Additions are not always approved, but when they are, they're usually installed at the back or in a location where they cannot be easily seen from the street.
- The historical society or district may approve the renovations at various stages of completion.
Integrate New Mechanicals Into the Space
Integrating modern mechanicals (plumbing, electrical) into old buildings is usually the most challenging part of a historical renovation. Restaurants rely heavily on good plumbing systems to stay functional, and require a modern kitchen for cooking and washing dishes. Older buildings typically come with plumbing that is old, unsuitable or likely to break. When a restaurant moves in, installation of an appropriate kitchen with adequate plumbing takes time.
Meanwhile, knob and tube wiring still exists in some Connecticut buildings, and any old wiring of this type should be replaced. The older the building, the older the plumbing and wiring might be. Integrating new wiring and plumbing into an older building is a challenge.
This is another reason why it's very important to choose a contractor with experience working in older structures. It's important to work with a contractor that can recognize old features that need replacement. Your contractor also needs to have the experience required to make changes without doing damage to the historic features you love. Once a feature is torn down or destroyed, it can't be replaced. Hire a contractor with knowledge of this type of work to keep the building protected.
Know the Process
Knowing the process for renovating a historic building can help you get started with this project. Here's what to expect:
- Familiarize yourself with the historical society rules for your renovation. Review the standards and rules that dictate what is and is not acceptable during a renovation of your building. This will help you set a direction as you move forward with your renovation.
- Set goals. Know your vision for your project, including must-haves and nice-to-haves for your space.
- Create a budget. Know how much you can afford to spend on your upcoming renovation, and be clear about your budget at every step of the process. Tell your architect, your contractor and any other involved parties.
- Find the architect, make a design. Finding the right architect for the job is important for ensuring a design that will work within the historical society's requirements while meeting your goals.
- Get designs approved. Follow the procedures established by the historical society to get the designs approved for your upcoming renovation. You will also need approval from the permitting office and zoning authority in the area.
- Hire the contractor. Your architect may recommend a contractor, but it's important to vet multiple contractors to find the right one for your project.
- Finish the project. Renovations take time. Work with all parties to maintain good communication, and perform a final walk-through before the renovation is complete to ensure you're happy with the work.
Do the Work Right With a Team of Experts
Historic renovations are sensitive projects. Taking care to preserve the features that make a building beautiful and unique can help preserve the value of your property and the ambiance of your restaurant.
Assemble a team of experts that you can trust with your project. Download Litchfield Builder's free guide to hiring a contractor, or contact us for a free consultation to discuss your coming renovation project.
