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Basic Rehabilitation 10 Basic Principles to Keep in Mind When Rehabilitating a Historic Building

When possible, make every effort to use the building for its original purpose – but, if you can’t, make sure the new use requires minimal change to its historic features.

1. Consider its original purpose.

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Identify those unique and historic elements that define the building’s character and make every effort to preserve and protect them. Do not remove or alter elements that are critical to maintaining the original historic fabric of the building.

2. Preserve its character.

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Recognize that all buildings are physical products of their time. Avoid changes that may create a false sense of historical development.

3. Buildings are a physical record.

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Respect and retain changes to the property that have occurred over time and have acquired historic significance in their own right.

4. Respect changes.

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Carefully save and preserve the distinct materials, features, finishes, and examples of craftsmanship that characterize the property.

5. Save distinct materials and features.

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Whenever possible, repair – rather than replace – deteriorated historic elements. When replacement is necessary, new materials should match the old in design, composition, and color.

6. Repair, not replace.

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Avoid sandblasting and other damaging processes, and always test materials first (especially with chemical or physical treatments).

7. Clean facades gently.

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Keep surrounding archeological areas intact; however, if an area must be disturbed, take every step necessary to mitigate harm.

8. Preserve archeological areas.

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Compatible, contemporary alterations are acceptable if they do not destroy significant historical or architectural fabric.

9. Make compatible alterations.

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Build new additions so they can be removed without impairing the underlying structure.

10. Build removable additions.

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Ten on Tuesday features ten preservation tips each week. For more tips, visit blog.PreservationNation.org.