What counts as a historic home in Louisville
Three layers: (1) National Register of Historic Places (federal tax credits available), (2) Local Louisville Metro historic district overlay (Landmarks Commission approval required), (3) Individual landmark designation (strictest rules). The Highlands, Old Louisville, Crescent Hill, and Limerick are the biggest local districts. Cherokee Triangle, Deer Park, and parts of Germantown also have overlays.
What you cannot do without Landmarks approval
Any change visible from the street: exterior paint color, window replacement, door replacement, roofing material, porch railings, siding, additions, demolitions. Interior work is mostly unrestricted unless the property is in a local historic district AND the interior has been designated a landmark. Most homeowners do not have that, but check before you start.
The typical Louisville historic renovation cost premium
20-40% over a comparable non-historic home. The premium comes from: (1) custom millwork to match existing profiles, (2) lead paint and asbestos abatement, (3) structural reinforcement of old framing, (4) electrical system replacement (most pre-1960 homes have insufficient service), (5) plaster repair instead of drywall, (6) wider material sourcing effort.
What to keep, what to replace
Keep: original wood floors (refinish, do not replace), original millwork (repair, do not replace), original windows (repair, do not replace if you can), original doors and hardware (refinish), original fireplace mantels (refinish). Replace: electrical panel and wiring, plumbing supply and drain lines, HVAC system, insulation (most pre-1960 homes have none), single-pane windows only if truly failed beyond repair.
Lead paint and asbestos in Louisville homes
Pre-1978 homes likely have lead paint. Pre-1980 homes may have asbestos in floor tiles, pipe insulation, or attic insulation. Federal law requires RRP-certified contractors for lead paint work that disturbs more than 6 sq ft indoors. We are RRP-certified. Asbestos must be tested before any disturbance and abated by a Kentucky-licensed asbestos contractor.
The 3 most common historic renovation mistakes
1. Replacing original wood windows with vinyl. They are not as energy efficient as you think, and they destroy the home value. 2. Removing original plaster walls to "get to the studs." This is almost never necessary. 3. Putting vinyl siding on brick or wood. The Landmarks Commission will not approve it, and it will not appraise for what you spent.
How long does a historic renovation take
A 1,500-2,500 sq ft historic home with kitchen, 2 baths, mechanicals, and some restoration: 4-8 months. This assumes no surprises with the structure, no Landmarks Commission rejections requiring redesign, and ready access to materials.
Our approach to historic homes
We are a Landmarks Commission-approved contractor. We will tell you upfront what needs approval and what does not. We will not propose work that the Commission will reject. We have done historic renovations in the Highlands, Old Louisville, Crescent Hill, and Cherokee Triangle.