Preserving Sonoma County’s Charm: Renovating Historic Properties with Care

Sonoma County is known for its vineyards and wine, its culinary scene and its landscape of redwood trees. There are also a number of historic homes, buildings, barns, and other structures that lend to the area’s charm and cultural richness. 

There are 75 buildings, landmarks, and districts in Sonoma County that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. That’s a lot to preserve, and if you happen to own a historic property, you’ll find yourself tasked with special requirements when you’re maintaining, updating, and preserving your property. 

In our market, we have the privilege of enjoying architectural marvels and historic homes that represent everything from Carrillo Adobe to Gothic and Greek Revival Style houses from the late 1800s. There are large homes designed in the Queen Anne and Italianate aesthetics, as well as turn-of-the-century homes that embrace Stick/Eastlake styles. We have stone buildings, Craftsman homes, bungalows from the early 1900s and Spanish and Mission Revival styles that showcase architecture from the 1920s and 1930s.

Most of the area’s residents and commercial interests agree that preserving this history is in our best interests. 

But, modern conveniences, ease, and appeal are needed. There has to be a balance, and if you own property or rent out property, you have a role to play in preserving the charm of Sonoma County when you’re renovating properties that have historic value. This project will require care and expertise. 

Here is some of what we would share with you before you begin such a project, as your trusted Sonoma County property management partner. 

Access City and County Resources 

First, you’ll want to make sure you’re aware of all the laws, permit requirements, and regulations that are in place through both Sonoma County and whatever city your property happens to be in. Santa Rosa, for example, has a Preservation Ordinance that will need your attention. 

Permit Sonoma can help with renovation and preservation, too. They provide PDF resources for homeowners on how to maintain and care for historic homes. If you’re unsure of just how historic your property is, you can also research its history through the Assessor’s Office.

There is also The Mills Act, which is one of the most important incentive programs in California when it comes to restoring and preserving buildings and homes that qualify for protection and assistance. The Mills Act is a state law, but it’s administered and implemented by local governments. Mills Act contracts are between the property owner and the local government granting the tax abatement. 

This is legislation that grants participating local governments (cities and counties) the authority to enter into contracts with owners of qualified historic properties who actively participate in the restoration and maintenance of their historic properties while receiving property tax relief.

Each local government establishes their own criteria and determines how many contracts they will allow in their jurisdiction. For answers to specific questions such as local eligibility criteria, application procedures, and contract terms, contact the city or county official for your jurisdiction.

Research Your Property and Your Project

Thorough research is going to be an important part of any renovation project on a historic home. This means taking a look at old blueprints, photos, and any other documentation you can find about your property. Local archives, historical societies, and even previous owners can be valuable resources in this endeavor. Use the resources that Sonoma County provides. 

By understanding the original materials, colors, and construction techniques, you will make accurate restorations and also ensure that any modern updates blend seamlessly with the historical aspects that you’re trying to preserve.

Choosing the Right Team When Renovating Sonoma County Historic Homes

Perhaps the most important thing you can do for your property and its historic preservation is to select the right team for any work that needs to be done. You’ll want to identify and hire professionals who have specific expertise and even a passion for historic preservation. 

Work with designers, architects, and contractors who understand the nuances of historical architecture, from the significance of original fixtures to the importance of period-accurate materials. This can make a huge difference in ensuring that your renovation honors the past while accommodating the needs of the present.

Incorporating Modern Conveniences and Making Renovations

One of the most significant challenges in renovating historic homes is integrating modern conveniences without detracting from the property’s historic value. This delicate balance requires creative solutions that respect the property’s original character. It may involve hidden updates, like incorporating air conditioning within existing structures, or carefully selecting technology and appliances that echo the property’s era while providing today’s comfort and efficiency.

As Sonoma County property managers, we know that some of the most common updates and renovations tend to be: 

• Incorporating Smart Home Tech

Wi-Fi boosters and smart locks can be added without altering the property’s facade. These smart home features provide convenience and appeal to tech-savvy renters. Smart thermostats can usually be installed inside, and LED light bulbs are a fairly easy and non-invasive upgrade.

• Kitchen and Bath Renovations

While many owners and renters today want a modern kitchen, there has to be care taken when it comes to floors, walls, and ceilings. However, the kitchen can be easily modernized with energy-efficient appliances and updated fixtures that reflect the era’s style while providing modern performance. In the bathroom, new plumbing could be complicated, but an updated sink and a low-flow toilet and shower head can achieve sustainability and modern aesthetics without sacrificing historic charm.

High-speed internet, smart home technology, updated kitchens, and in-unit laundry facilities rank high on the list of sought-after amenities. They don’t have to diminish the historic significance of your property. 

Maintenance and Restoration Best Practices

Maintaining and restoring historical homes in Sonoma County will require your willingness to invest in historical accuracy while protecting and preserving the condition of your property. You will be expected to use appropriate materials, the right contractors, and to remain committed to preserving historic and cultural charm. It’s your property, but part of your property’s history belongs to the entire county. You’ll need to carry with you a sensitivity to the structure’s original intent. 

We have put together a brief list of some best practices in property management for maintaining and renovating these homes with the respect they deserve. These strategies have helped investors and owners in the past, and you may find them useful, too:

• Prioritize Routine Property Inspections and Seasonal Check-Ups

Keeping a constant set of eyes on your property will be important. Whether you’re living in it or renting it out, implementing a schedule of regular inspections of your property by professionals with experience in historic preservation will help you keep it preserved and maintained. 

When you’re going to do work, ask for an inspection from someone familiar with historic construction methods. Inspections may reveal signs of wear, deterioration, or small infestations that can quickly grow and cause significant damage. Frequent inspections can eliminate the threat and potential expense of deferred and unreported maintenance. 

Schedule a seasonal inspection once or twice a year so you can stay on a consistent schedule. 

• Focus on Preventative Maintenance 

Routine maintenance tasks such as repainting, re-caulking, and resealing are essential for preserving the condition of your historic building. Take the time to have your gutters and chimneys regularly cleaned out and serviced. Protect your drainage system against moisture, which any expert will tell you is a common enemy of historical structures. These are preventative maintenance measures you’d take with any home, but they become more urgent when we’re talking about the preservation of historic buildings.

• Make Smart and Necessary Upgrades Only

While modern conveniences are necessary for you, when you live in the home, and for your tenants, when you’re renting out the home, they must be integrated in a way that does not compromise the original character of the home. Original structural elements and architectural details should be preserved whenever possible. 

Don’t make unnecessary renovations and upgrades. If you decide that updates are required, they should be made with historical sensitivity, using materials and designs in line with the home’s era. There are specialists who know how to do this with care, and while their services might require more of an investment, the results will be worth the effort. 

Ultimately, renovating a historic home in Sonoma County is an act of stewardship. It’s about more than just preserving a building; it’s about maintaining a tangible link to the past, contributing to the community’s charm and character, and ensuring that future generations can experience and appreciate our shared history. Most historic homeowners see this as both a responsibility and a privilege.

Renovating your historic property will require patience, care, and respect for the past. You’ll need to partner with experts who have done this before. 

If you need some help finding those experts or accessing the resources of Sonoma County that are available to you, please reach out to us at Redwood Residential Property Management. We’d be happy to share all of the information we have.