Historic homes in New Jersey are full of character, but remodeling them comes with more than a few curveballs.
At Advantage Contracting, we’ve worked on Colonial, Victorian, and Craftsman-style homes across North Jersey, especially in towns like Montclair, Glen Ridge, and Ridgewood, where preservation matters. Whether we’re renovating a 1920s bathroom or updating wood siding from the 1800s, we approach every project with respect for the home’s history and a plan to meet modern needs. Here are some of the biggest issues we face—and how we fix them.
In historic homes, original bathrooms were often added decades after construction, resulting in cramped layouts, DIY plumbing, and outdated venting. Some even lack subfloors sturdy enough for modern tile or tubs.
At Advantage Contracting, we start bathroom renovations with a structural assessment to reinforce floor joists and waterproof the space from the ground up. We reroute awkward pipe runs, upgrade drains, and use modern waterproofing membranes behind walls and floors. When preserving original details like wainscoting or clawfoot tubs, we integrate them without compromising performance or code compliance.
Small, closed-off kitchens with minimal counter space, no dishwashers, and ancient cabinets. Sometimes, the kitchen is a mishmash of patchwork upgrades done over the decades.
We reimagine the layout entirely, opening walls where possible and adding storage with custom cabinetry. Our team can preserve historic trim, millwork, or even built-ins while upgrading electrical systems for appliances and lighting. Explore some of our kitchen remodels to see how we blend function and charm.
Homes built before 1978 often contain lead-based paint, and older siding, flooring, or insulation may include asbestos, especially in kitchens or behind bathroom walls.
We test before demolition. If we uncover hazardous materials, we bring in certified abatement teams to remove them safely and legally. Skipping this step isn’t an option, and we make sure homeowners understand the long-term safety benefits of doing it right.
Cedar clapboard or wood shingles that have weathered for 80+ years, with insect damage, moisture rot, or decades of paint buildup.
We evaluate what can be salvaged, then either restore individual boards or replace with matching wood or fiber-cement alternatives like HardiePlank—materials that mimic the original look but hold up to modern weather demands. Historic homes deserve exteriors that look authentic and protect the investment.
Slate or cedar shake roofing that’s brittle, leaking, or missing shingles, and nearly impossible to match with modern materials. In some cases, there’s no underlayment or flashing at all.
We inspect from both the roof and the attic to assess leaks, rot, and airflow. If the roof can be repaired, we source historically accurate materials; if it needs replacement, we recommend modern composites or architectural shingles that honor the home’s look while delivering better durability and insulation. Our team is meticulous about flashing, ventilation, and structural support—no shortcuts on a system this critical.
Towns like Maplewood or Montclair often have strict guidelines about exterior modifications, materials, and colors, especially for visible elements like siding or windows.
We help homeowners navigate permit applications, work with local architectural review boards, and propose solutions that preserve the home’s historic appearance while improving energy efficiency and livability. We know the red tape and how to work through it.
Renovating a historic home requires more than standard tools and materials—it demands foresight, flexibility, and deep knowledge of old construction. At Advantage Contracting, we know where things typically go wrong—and how to get them right the first time.Planning a kitchen, bathroom, or exterior renovation in a historic New Jersey home? Contact us today to schedule your consultation, and let’s bring your home into the 21st century—without losing what makes it special.
