19Th Century Photo

19th Century Photo

Most American homes built in the eighteenth or nineteenth centuries were farmhouses.  We were predominantly an agrarian society living on family farms.  Today’s suburbs were once pastures.  Quite a few modern subdivisions include an old farmhouse, which at one time was the only house in sight. When the farm families grew and their circumstances improved, it was natural to expand the homestead.  It is rare to find an old house today that has not been renovated and added onto over the centuries. Sometimes those changes were in keeping with the original structure, but more often the changes simply met the immediate needs of the family at that time. When contemplating the renovation of an historic farmhouse, a little detective work is in order.  It helps to understand the evolution of building practices over time that can help reveal a history of the home.  Hand hewn beams in country homes began to be replaced with saw cut rafters in the late 1800s.  The type of nails and other building materials and styles also help to date a home.  An avocado colored refrigerator is a dead giveaway for a kitchen renovation from the 1970’s. It is usually not too hard to decide what to keep and what to get rid of when renovating an old home.  Very often there are wonderful wide board floors under shag carpets and vinyl tile.  Vinyl siding can protect period clapboard which really only needs a good paint job.  Insulation is rarely adequate in an old home and, depending on the type of wall framing, it may be easier to bundle up in winter than bring the home up to modern standards. Care should be taken while inspecting electrical wiring, chimney flues, and boilers because any problems with those items could cause a fire.  On the other hand sloping floors, hairline cracks in plaster, and creaking stairs are what most of us have come to expect and love in our old homes.

Before Renovation

Before Renovation

After Renovation

After Renovation

Farmhouse Renovation Exterior

Farmhouse Renovation Exterior

Farmhouse Renovation Interior

Farmhouse Renovation Interior

Farmhouse Renovation After

Farmhouse Renovation After

Photos by Rob Karosis  Curated Brochure by Crisp Architects: Portfolio

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By Published On: January 13th, 2016Categories: Miscellaneous2 Comments on Farmhouse Renovations (Updated)

About the Author: James Crisp

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James M. Crisp has been an architect for well over 30 years. His architectural firm, Crisp Architects, designs projects throughout New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Massachusetts. In April of 2007, Taunton Press published 'On the Porch' by James M. Crisp and Sandra Mahoney.

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2 Comments

  1. Efdf96A288F88243Bdad7B6Fde069Fb8?S=54&R=G
    Michele March 14, 2016 at 10:38 pm

    Absolutely love this reno! Spectacular!

  2. Aa2Cbf39867Dfccabe80558316A86802?S=54&R=G
    James Crisp March 15, 2016 at 8:34 am

    Thank you!

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