They don't make it like this anymore
If you live in an older home, you know the details that make it special: plaster walls, wide wood trim, original doors and windows, built-ins someone crafted by hand a century ago. After a fire or flood, the fear isn't only the damage. It's that the repairs will strip all of that out.
Akron has whole neighborhoods with that kind of history. The Hall Park Allotment Historic District, a residential neighborhood of homes from around the turn of the last century, has been on the National Register of Historic Places since 2002, and older homes fill neighborhoods across the city.
Older materials need a different approach
Historic materials don't behave like modern ones. Plaster over wood lath reacts to water differently than drywall. Old-growth wood trim is denser than what's sold today. Original wavy glass and old finishes can't simply be swapped for something off the shelf.
A quick modern fix might close up the wall, but it leaves a patch that never quite matches. Historic building restoration treats those materials with care and repairs them where possible, instead of tearing out what can be saved.
Coming home to a house that still looks like itself
The goal is a home that looks like it did before the loss, not a modern renovation with an old address. That means matching what was there and keeping original features wherever the damage allows it.
Your belongings are packed out and protected during the work, including heirlooms, antiques, and art that often fill older homes. When everything comes back, it goes into rooms that still feel like yours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my house considered historic?
Age alone doesn't make a house officially historic. A home is usually considered historic if it's individually listed on the National Register of Historic Places, or if it sits in a listed or locally designated historic district. Akron has several listed districts, including the Hall Park Allotment district. Your city's planning office can tell you whether your address is included.
Do I need approval for repairs in a historic district?
If your home is in a locally designated historic district, you may need a Certificate of Appropriateness before exterior work can begin, and sometimes before a building permit is issued. Work done without one can lead to fines or having to redo it. Check with your city's historic preservation office before exterior repairs start.
Can original plaster walls be saved after water damage?
Often, yes. Plaster can sometimes be dried and repaired rather than torn out, depending on how long it was wet and whether it has pulled away from the lath. Each wall is assessed before anything is removed. Keeping original plaster where possible preserves the character of an older home.
Will insurance pay to restore historic details?
That depends on your policy. Some policies pay to repair with materials of "like kind and quality," while others limit what they'll pay toward matching older materials. Check your policy for ordinance or law coverage, which can help pay for code upgrades during repairs. Our claim specialists work directly with your adjuster on these questions.
What about lead paint in older homes?
Homes built before 1978 may contain lead-based paint. Federal EPA rules require renovation work that disturbs painted surfaces in those homes to be done by lead-safe certified firms using specific practices. If your home is older, ask about lead-safe work practices before repairs begin, especially if you have young children.
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