The
RENOVATION
LIBRARY
Want to renovate your old house without losing your cool (or your original windows)? You're exactly where you need to be.
Hey, I’m Heather—and if you’re tackling a renovation, especially on an old or historic home, you’re in the right place.
This library is full of step-by-step guides, trusted tools, and real-life tips to help you plan smart, manage well, and preserve what matters.
I’ve spent years helping homeowners navigate the messy, exciting, sometimes overwhelming world of renovation—and I’ve seen firsthand how much smoother things go when you have the right resources from the start. Whether you're dreaming, planning, or knee-deep in construction dust, you'll find practical help here to keep your project (and your sanity) on track.
Start with the Contractor Vetting Checklist to grab a quick win and then keep scrolling to explore the four main sections to get the ball rolling, or more likely, the hammer swinging.
Not sure where to begin your renovation journey? Start here.
Before you dive into guides, tools, and inspiration — grab the Contractor Vetting Checklist. This quick, interactive worksheet shows you exactly who to hire, what to ask, and how to confidently choose the right pro for your old or historic home.
Let's Get Started
Grab what you need and get to work.
The Renovation Roadmap
Step-by-step guides to help you plan, budget, and manage your renovation from start to finish.
The Historic Hub
Preservation tips and deep dives for historic homes.
The Toolbox
My no-fluff list of tools, books, and favorite supplies.
The Project Planner
Templates, tools, and old house inspiration to help you organize your renovation like a boss.
The Renovation Roadmap
Your step-by-step guide through every phase of your home renovation.
grab a freebie
the old house renovation guide
This three-part guide walks you through every step of the renovation process from dreaming to move-in day, and everything in between.
Part One: How to prepare for a renovation
Set goals, plan your budget, build your team, and create a timeline—this guide gets you fully prepared before construction begins.
Part Two: A Deep dive into the construction details
Follow the renovation timeline step by step—from demolition to finishes—and learn how the trades work together along the way.
Part three: managing Your home renovation
Stay in control during construction with tips for managing timelines, budgets, contractors, and those inevitable surprises.
coming soon
Tailored to the quirks of older homes, these renovation guides break down the process by space — from big-picture planning to the details that bring each space to life.
The Historic Hub
Preservation tips and deep dives for historic homes.
window restoration
Education: Learn from the Pros
Windows truly are one of the most defining parts of a historic home and I rank restoring windows over replacing them ten times out of ten. Wood Window Makeover has been a valuable resource for me with tons of educational videos available and they offer workshops on sash making, window restoration, and more. If you're interested in learning how to restore the windows on your historic home, I would start here.
WOOD WINDOW MAKEOVER
WOOD WINDOW MAKEOVER YOUTUBE CHANNEL
Steve from Wood Window Makeovers recommends this Online Window Restoration Guide if you're interested in learning more and after looking over the website, I can see why. The cost of the master course is nothing in comparison to the cost to have someone else restore the windows for you and there are free downloads available too.
ONLINE WINDOW RESTORATION GUIDE
A picutre is worth a thousand words they say.
The best argument for original vs. vinyl.
Local Services: SC & NC
If you don't have the time or skills to restore your windows yourself and you live in the North Carolina or South Carolina areas, reach out to Saving Old Windows to see if he can help. His schedule stays pretty full so schedule early.
SAVING OLD WINDOWS
Before you entertain the idea of replacing your original windows in an effort to be more energy efficient, consider adding weatherstripping in the most authentic way. Real, old-fashioned, high-quality bronze weatherstrip for doors and windows can be found at Kilian Hardware.
And as they say....Lasts 100 years or more.
kilian hardware
WINDOW RESTORATION TOOLS & SUPPLIES
Here are some of the recommended tools and supplies you'll need to restore your historic windows.
view more
sarco glazing
sash cord
pro-scraper
calcium carbonate
flex putty knife
contour scraper
restoring hardware
New to the world of historic homes? Or just craving a quick win? This is the perfect project to tackle next.
Refurbishing old hardware—like stripping away years of paint to uncover the original patina and details on your doors and windows—is one of the most satisfying (and budget-friendly) things you can do.
It’s simple, affordable, and I’m walking you through every step so you can get started today.
original character
education & research
Historic Homes & Who Governs What
A Quick Guide for Homeowners in Historic Districts
Wondering if your home has restrictions? It depends on where you live—and who governs your district.
national register of
historic places
state historic preservation office (south carolina)
- National Register of Historic Places is honorary and does not impose design restrictions on private owners. You can generally paint, renovate, or even demolish your home, and the federal government won't intervene.
- State Historic Preservation Offices (SHPOs) manage state-level tax credits and preservation incentives. If you're applying for grants or tax programs, design standards may apply.
- Local Historic Districts are where most of the real rules live. Your city or county may have:
- Design guidelines
- Historic review boards
- Required approval for exterior changes
SC historic preservation
state grant fund
1. Start with your local planning department or zoning office. Ask:
- Am I in a locally designated historic district?
- Are there design guidelines or an approval process?
- Do I need a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) before starting work?
2. Check with your State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO):
- They often have maps, district boundaries, and contacts
- They can confirm if your home is listed on the National Register
- They manage state-level incentives like tax credits
Interior changes?
Usually unrestricted.
Exterior changes visible from the street? Usually regulated.
These steps apply to most locally designated historic districts across the U.S.:
1. Check your local design guidelines
1. Check your local design guidelines
- Look for rules about windows, doors, porches, siding, etc.
- Submit plans for any exterior work
- Include photos, sketches, material info, or architectural drawings if required
- Some projects get staff-level approval
- Larger changes go to a public meeting with the historic review board
- Only after your COA is approved
HELPFUL LINKS:
HAMPTON HEIGHTS
DESIGN GUIDELINES
city of spartanburg
planning department
certificate of
appropriateness
(coa) application
city of spartanburg
permit application
If you live in Hampton Heights or Beaumont Mill, your property falls under Spartanburg’s local historic district ordinance.
These areas are governed by the Historical and Architectural Review Board (HARB) and the City Planning Department.
What You Need to Know:
Step-by-Step for All City of Spartanburg Residents
1. Submit a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) - Hampton Heights & Beaumont Mills
These areas are governed by the Historical and Architectural Review Board (HARB) and the City Planning Department.
What You Need to Know:
- Interior work? Do whatever you'd like although permits may be required.
- Exterior changes? Must be approved before you start with the exception of paint.
- Read through the Hampton Heights Design Guidelines
Step-by-Step for All City of Spartanburg Residents
1. Submit a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) - Hampton Heights & Beaumont Mills
- Minor projects may get staff-level approval
- Major projects go before HARB at a public meeting
- Bring drawings, material samples, and neighbor support if possible
- If you're the homeowner and plan to pull the permit, pick up a Disclosure Form in person
- Have it notarized and filed at the Deeds Office
- Submit it with your permit application
- Apply for a permit online
- Alternative: General Contractor will pull a permit for your project
HELPFUL LINKS:
sanborn fire
insurance maps
find your state historic preservation office (shpo)
Curious about your home's past? Whether you're digging into the story behind your front porch or trying to figure out when that oddly placed window was added, here are several ways to start your historic home research:
🏛️ Start Local
🗺️ Dive Into Public Records
🧱 Let the House Speak
🗣️ Talk to the Neighbors
đź’» Online Resources
🏛️ Start Local
- Local History Books: Look for books written by local historians—often filled with maps, photos, and background that include your neighborhood or even your house.
- Historic Preservation Societies & Museums: Your city or region may have organizations dedicated to preservation, local architecture, or community heritage. They often have archives or can point you to trusted resources.
🗺️ Dive Into Public Records
- Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps: These old maps (often accessible online or through your library) show building footprints, materials, and property details. In the Upstate, South Carolina, some are available online.
- County Register of Deeds: A great place to trace past ownership. You’ll find recorded property transactions that help build a timeline.
- County Assessor’s Office: Check for basic information, including building sketches and property tax history.
- City Directories: These can help you trace previous occupants and understand how neighborhoods developed over time. Often available at local libraries or archives.
- Census Records: Historical census data can tell you who lived in your home, their occupations, and household makeup. Try online genealogy sites or National Archives.
🧱 Let the House Speak
- Clues During Renovation: Sometimes you don’t find the answers until demo begins. Layers of wallpaper, ghost marks from former trim, or hidden windows can tell you about layout changes and eras of construction.
🗣️ Talk to the Neighbors
- Local Knowledge: Long-time residents often know who lived where, when things were added, or even which house had the best garden in 1955. Don’t overlook their memory banks.
đź’» Online Resources
- State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO): Most states have a SHPO with searchable databases, maps, or links to national registries.
- Library Archives: Your local library (or state archive) may hold city directories, historic photos, census records, and newspapers.
hazardous materials 101
Old homes are full of character—and sometimes a few hidden hazards.
It’s well known that historic houses may contain materials like lead-based paint or asbestos. While not all of them are dangerous if left undisturbed, it's important to know what you're dealing with before you start any work. Below are some helpful links to get you started and so that you know the risks.
01 /
Guide to Asbestos in the Home
02 /
Mesothelioma Statistics
03 /
Protect Your Family from Sources of Lead
04 /
About Lead in Paint
The Toolbox
My no-fluff list of tools, books, and favorite supplies.
The right tool is a game changer in any project and especially in the home renovation world. We have created a list of all of our favorite tools that we can't work without.
Tools of the Trade
heat gun
pro scraper
cordless shopvac
wood 5-in-1 multi tool
more on the 'why' of the tools I love
My Top 9 Tools of the Trade
Old House Gift Guide: All the Tools We Love
vintage hardware
favorites & recommendations
Historic Favorites
Historic homes are at the heart of what we do so it's only fitting to have a page dedicated to some of our favorite vintage inspired fixtures, materials, and accessories to make any old house feel like home.
shop all historic favorites
vintage kitchen faucet
classic chandelier
penny round tile
vintage wall sconce
shower faucet
farmhouse sink
vintage light fixture
black cabinet knob
the HISTORIC HOME LIBRARY
recommended books
oLD HOUSE HANDBOOK
Hampton Heights of spartanburg
restoring your historic house
the window sash bible
provential stain
water based polyurethane
moonlit mahogany stain
paint stripper
zinsser primer
Tried and true products I love to use on our old house renovations.
a few of my favorite products
