How to Approach Historic Home Renovation in Ann Arbor
For homeowners lucky enough to live in one of Ann Arbor’s historic neighborhoods, your home has a rare opportunity to experience the continuity between past and present. Many residences hold a unique blend of architectural detail, generational memory, and irreplaceable charm. But charm alone can’t keep the pipes from leaking or the electrical up to code—which is why Ann Arbor residents often seek out historic home renovation.
Historic home renovation in Ann Arbor represents a delicate balancing act. From the craftsman bungalows near Burns Park to the stately brick homes of Old West Side, homeowners want to preserve history while integrating the modern luxuries of functional kitchens, energy efficiency, and smart home systems.
Over our years in local construction, we’ve seen countless homeowners grapple with the question of how to maintain the soul of a historic home without allowing it to fall into disrepair. The answer is a thoughtful, professional approach to renovation. Here’s what you need to know.
Looking for thoughtful professionals to elevate your space? Learn about MBK’s design-build process.
Why Renovate a Historic Home in Ann Arbor?
Owning a historic home is both a privilege and a responsibility. The woodwork, the original windows, the slate roofs—these are no longer mere aesthetic choices, but longstanding testaments to the craftsmanship of another era. For all their beauty, however, older homes often fall short of today’s expectations in terms of functionality, safety, and efficiency. Historic home renovation gives you the chance to:
- Bring infrastructure up to modern code without disrupting the architectural integrity of the original design
- Improve energy efficiency and lower costs through upgraded insulation, HVAC systems, and window restoration
- Reconfigure interior spaces for open layouts, natural light, and today’s lifestyle preferences
- Preserve long-term value by ensuring the home is comfortable, safe, and appealing to future buyers
- Create a personalized space that still honors the past while embracing what the modern era has to offer
Historic homes are worth the effort, but that effort requires expertise. You need a builder who understands how to blend old and new—someone who won’t suggest a shortcut like vinyl siding just because it’s easier.
Historic Home Renovation: 5 Ways to Renovate With Respect
1. Respect the Bones
Before drawing up plans, understand what makes your home historically significant. Is it the exterior facade? The trim work? The layout or materials? In many cases, features like windows, porches, and rooflines are tell-tale signs of a home’s historical value—and altering them may require approval from a local historic district commission.
Here’s a pro tip: Work with a design-build team that knows Ann Arbor’s local ordinances and can navigate approvals efficiently without compromising your vision. That’s how you get the best out of your project—both for your comfort and the home’s historical integrity.
2. Update Infrastructure Invisibly
While it may seem less exciting, one of the wisest ways to modernize and preserve a historic home into the future is to invest in what you don’t see but most certainly use: plumbing, electrical, insulation, and HVAC. These updates drastically improve comfort and safety without touching the home’s visible character. For example:
- Replace outdated knob-and-tube wiring with modern systems, run discreetly through walls and floors.
- Improve energy efficiency with spray foam or cellulose insulation—strategically placed so it won’t damage the original plaster.
- Install zoned HVAC systems with small-duct or ductless mini-splits to minimize structural impact and maximize temperature regulation.
3. Choose Sympathetic Materials and Finishes
If your renovation includes new cabinetry, flooring, or fixtures, the key is to choose elements that feel true to the original design, even if they’re brand new. That might mean reclaimed wood floors, custom trim profiles that echo the originals, or hardware in period-appropriate finishes. When in doubt, ask your design team for ideas.
Want to add a modern kitchen? Great. Consider cabinetry styles, lighting, and materials that nod to the home’s era instead of competing with it.
4. Reimagine Layouts Without Erasing History
Most historic homes weren’t built for modern open-concept living. Even still, that doesn’t mean you can’t open walls or reconfigure space here and there—just do it with an eye for balance. When possible, preserve sightlines, reuse original doors and trim, and keep transitions intentional. For example, you might:
- Combine a small kitchen and dining room to create a spacious gathering area
- Turn an unused back stairwell into a walk-in pantry or powder room
- Add French doors between rooms instead of removing walls entirely
There are a number of ways to go about this, sometimes you just have to think outside the box. With the right approach, you can improve flow while still honoring the architectural hierarchy of the original home.
5. Add Space Strategically
Whether it’s a new primary suite, sunroom, or mudroom, additions to historic homes should feel like natural extensions rather than afterthoughts. This doesn’t mean they have to match every detail exactly, but they should respect the scale, proportions, and materials of the existing home. Otherwise, you run the risk of disjointed, awkward room continuity.
A good rule of thumb: Let the original home remain the visual anchor. Additions should complement, not compete.
What Makes Ann Arbor Renovations Unique?
Ann Arbor is known for its deep love of history—and its equally strong appetite for innovation. That combination makes it the perfect place to live in a home that’s both timeless and up-to-date. Remember, however, that historic home renovation in Ann Arbor comes with a few unique factors to consider:
- Historic district regulations: Areas like Old Fourth Ward, Germantown, and Old West Side may be subject to design review by the Historic District Commission.
- Climate demands: Michigan winters require smart insulation, energy-efficient windows, and water-resilient materials. Proper temperature regulation preserves history!
- Neighborhood context: History extends beyond your walls. Homes in historic districts often share a visual language, and your renovations should reflect that rhythm.
The MBK Approach: Craft Meets Context
At MBK Constructors, we take pride in helping homeowners navigate the complexity and creativity of historic renovations. Our design-build process means you work with a single team from concept to completion—saving time, reducing stress, and ensuring every detail is handled with care.
What sets us apart?
- Contextual design: We tailor every decision to your home’s specific style, structure, and history.
- Transparent collaboration: You’ll always know what’s happening and why—from material choices to permitting strategies.
- Craftsmanship-first mentality: Our team of skilled builders and artisans understands the responsibility of working in legacy homes.
You don’t have to choose between comfort and character. With MBK, you get both—thoughtfully integrated, beautifully executed, every time.
Whether your goal is to update key systems, add square footage, or simply make your historic home more livable, MBK Constructors can offer the knowledge, care, and craftsmanship to make it possible.
Let’s modernize your home without losing its charm. Contact MBK to discuss our design-build process.