Essential Tips for Renovating and Maintaining a Brownstone in Albany, NY

Home Inspector Brownstones Albany NY — Albany NY Home Inspection Company

Brownstones, with their historical charm and unique architectural beauty, are desired by city dwellers or people who live in such areas as Albany, Schenectady and Troy. However, renovating and maintaining these architectural detailed homes can present several challenges. Understanding these challenges and knowing how to address them, prevent them and budget for them will help ensure that your brownstone remains a valuable and beautiful asset for you and your neighbors for years to come.

Common Challenges in Brownstone Renovations

1. Navigating Landmark Preservation Regulations

In Albany, NY, if your brownstone is designated as a historic landmark, renovations will require approval from the local preservation commission. This process involves submitting detailed plans and getting approval for materials and design changes. While preserving the historical value of a brownstone adds to its charm, it also introduces additional time and costs to your renovation project.

To tackle this, choose a contractor with experience in working with landmarked properties. Their familiarity with the preservation commission's requirements can streamline the process and help avoid delays. The renovation and method of correction or approach for certain aspects of the home may be different from modern homes.

2. Addressing Previous Owners' Shortcuts

Given the age of most brownstones, previous owners may have made fast and cheap repairs or took shortcuts that may be temporary fixes and kick the deferred maintenance down the road. These issues can be challenging to identify and correct. If you plan on purchasing a brownstone around the Albany NY area hiring a home inspector who is familiar with brownstones and can identify cheap repairs will help you as the home buyer prepare sooner than later for premature failures.

A thorough inspection by a familiar home inspector may uncover hidden problems with electrical panels, plumbing, and previous renovations, helping you prioritize necessary repairs and avoid costly surprises during your renovation.

3. Dealing with Inadequate Structural Work

Old construction methods, such as balloon framing used in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, can create challenges for modern renovations. Balloon framing lacks platforms between floors, leading to issues with insulation, moisture control, and structural support.

While removing and replacing balloon framing can be expensive, focusing on insulation and moisture barriers can mitigate some of these issues. Ensure your contractor addresses uneven floors and installs adequate moisture control to enhance energy efficiency and prevent mold growth. Don't be alarms by settling floors. Settling floors are normal but a home inspector who is familiar with older structures can tell the difference between settling and structural concerns.

4. Upgrading Outdated Electrical and Plumbing Systems

Brownstones often have outdated electrical and plumbing systems that MAY need upgrading. Galvanized plumbing, common in these homes, can restrict water flow. All galvanized piping doesn't always need immediate replacement, but the cost of repairs or future replacement should be considered.

Asbestos insulation may be present on the plumbing lines, although not illegal you may want to consider the cost if you were going to have it removed due to extensive renovations. As a homeowner you can remove asbestos containing materials. But if you are not up to perform the asbestos removal yourself the next option if to call an asbestos abatement company. Asbestos containing materials within older structures is common. The asbestos can be located on the flooring, mastic, plaster plumbing lines, ceiling tiles or electrical wiring.

5. Managing Sewer Lines and Water Issues

Sewer clogs and backups may occur in older brownstones, especially those near high water tables. Inspecting sewer and waste lines before starting your renovation can help prevent these issues. A home inspector can perform a sewer scope inspection prior to the purchase of the home.

In addition, check for signs of water damage in cellars or basements. A good contractor will review the property's permit history and recommend testing if needed to address potential water issues effectively. A home inspector will look to see if an external drain is present that is typically located outside the basement apartment door underneath the steps. Also look for signs of water intrusion that typically occurs within the basement hallway due to heavy rain and or a clogged/missing drain.

6. Finding a Contractor and Home Inspector with Brownstone Experience

Finding the right home inspector prior to purchasing a brownstone is important. A qualified home inspector will be able to uncover not just the obvious ideas but issues or complications that may arise, potentially expensive repairs that may have been already performed but cheaply and potentially future issues you may run into.

Selecting the right contractor for your brownstone renovation is critical. Look for a contractor who is licensed, insured, and has a proven track record with brownstones. Busy contractors are often busy for a reason—reputation and quality of work. Choose one who offers valuable advice rather than merely agreeing with your every request.

Last but not least find a home inspector who is familiar with the structure, local ordinances, local code and laws that may regulate the home or investment property you are considering purchasing.