Historic Preservation for Victorian Home – New Windows and Siding Stay True to Classic Style

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As I was growing up in the Cedar Rapids – Marion area, I loved riding my bike past this stately Victorian house. Every day the sparkle from the stained glass would catch my eye, drawing my gaze to the house. Over the years, I grew up, went to college and started a career, but through it all, this gem of a home held a special place in my heart.

As time went by, the house started to show its age. The paint was peeling and some wood had started to rot. The aging windows were causing the homeowner’s utility bills to skyrocket. It was obvious that something needed to be done.

Victorian House Before

When the time came to replace the windows and siding, the homeowners called Home Town Restyling for an estimate. Purely by coincidence, I was assigned to the appointment and during my survey and presentation, I told them my childhood story and how I never wanted anyone but me to work on their home.

Victorian House After

The homeowners wanted to keep as many of the original touches as possible. However, having to paint a large Victorian like this every few years is a huge expense so they decided to go with siding rather than painting. As you can see, we were able to match the style and color very closely to the original. Plus, the maintenance free siding we used eliminated the need to get on ladders and paint every few years.

The original wood-frame, single pane windows were replaced and again, we made every effort to stay as true to the original architectural elements as possible. For example, the original hardware was custom made for the house in 1880, so when we took out the old windows, we made sure to keep the original hardware to use again. We also kept the window weights. Best of all, we were able to save the original stained glass windows by creating custom storm windows to place over the originals. The homeowners love the results and so do I.

This is just one of the many examples of why I love coming to work every day.  Every day is different.  I get to meet new people, form long lasting relationships, and help solve their wants and needs.

New siding and windows will improve curb appeal and increase the value of your home as long as it’s done right. A licensed and insured contractor should always handle major home improvements. For more information about finding the best local contractor for your next home improvement project, download this FREE Guide, Iowa Contractor Comparison Guide – How to Make Your Remodeling Project a Success.

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