| There are many things to take into consideration if | | | | into consideration. Are you recklessly installing windows |
| home renovation is your only option for creating your | | | | into the side of a 100 year-old brick townhouse, |
| most comfortable living environment. Make sure you're | | | | possibly endangering neighbors in the process? |
| considerate of others, the structure itself, and realistic | | | | Do you have contractors scheduled to embark on |
| limitations before kicking off such a significant project. | | | | noisy projects from 7 a.m. until late in the evening? |
| Before embarking on structural renovations to your | | | | Remember that some people work at home or have |
| home, consider its architecture. Are your changes or | | | | small children who need mid-day naps. Is your loud and |
| additions compatible with and complimentary to its | | | | lengthy project worth ongoing bad relations with the |
| design? | | | | people you may well live adjacent to for years to |
| Will the changes you have in mind really add to the | | | | come? |
| property value in the long run, or are you simply | | | | While in the process of any home refurbishment, it's a |
| exercising your personal creativity? If it is the latter, | | | | good idea to reassess your home security. Do you |
| consider instead using paint to 'express yourself' on the | | | | have a house alarm system in place? If not, did you |
| interior of the home only. | | | | know there are very reliable and affordable wireless |
| Be mindful of the home's historic significance. Homes | | | | systems that can be set up in mere hours? Not only |
| that are old enough to be included on historic registries | | | | are they easy, but because they do not require drilling |
| are often protected from demolition as well as | | | | and complicated wiring, you can be assured that they |
| significant renovation (with the exception of upgrading | | | | won't damage your walls, door frames or window sills. |
| to safe and efficient electrical, heating and plumbing | | | | Should you decide that home renovation really is your |
| systems). | | | | most viable option in creating your ideal living |
| If your home is protected for its 19th century features, | | | | environment, it can be done well, as long as it's done |
| for example, you should be aware (and respectful) of | | | | thoughtfully. Keep the welfare of your neighbors in |
| this. Could you strong-arm city officials into giving you a | | | | mind, be respectful of your home's historical relevance, |
| refurbishing permit even on a historically protected | | | | and make yourself aware of any limitations well |
| property? Probably. But should you? Probably not. | | | | before putting a project of such enormity into motion. |
| If you have neighbors, it's highly advisable to take them | | | | |