Investing in the astounding beauty of a Victorian home is the dream of history and architecture enthusiasts alike. Proper upkeep is essential, as with any property, but this comes with extra special elements considering the age of the structure. To preserve the gorgeous, original design of Victorians, their owners must take that much more care and do their research. Owners of Victorians must regularly inspect their beautiful investments for signs of damage that can turn irreversible if left untouched. Overall, maintenance of a Victorian home is definitely on the costly side, but worth it to conserve these breath-taking vestiges of times past.

Decoration

The design features Victorians are most known and coveted for are their ornate architecture and luxurious-looking details. To preserve the integrity of a historic property, special attention should be put into each design feature to keep them looking their best. Decorative wooden mouldings on everything from doorways to banisters, for instance, play a huge role in the character of such homes. Broken parts can often be fixed with wood glue, but other more damaged pieces may need replacing by specialized wood designers. Elaborate window and door frames as well as wooden flooring may also need fixing or partial replacing. Classic window treatments like swooping velvet drapes and tassels, if still standing, will most likely need replacing, or at the very least extensive repair, as textiles are much more fragile than wooden or metal decor. 

Foundation

Many concrete foundations at the time were mixed with beach sand and were constructed lower to the ground than modern homes. Victorians that have lasted to the modern-day can have foundational erosion because of the salt in the added sand, and this, as well as the low position, can bring damage from water and pests. Some Victorians have survived unscathed by these issues, but hiring a professional to assess the house’s base thoroughly is essential to get a clear view of the home’s overall condition.

Roof

Many original Victorian places of residence were constructed using old school slate roofing, which used tiles, ground slate rock, and iron nails. As time has marched on, these iron nails have eroded for many homes. Slate and tile usually are very resistant materials in the elements. However, if they are split or jostled, they will need fixing or replacing to preserve the home’s integrity.

Pipes

For homes with original water piping, these will most likely need replacing, like most systems of the era used lead for erosion prevention. These and other old-fashioned materials can also develop leaks and damage over time. Just as with a foundation, professional checks are to understand the full state of the water system.

Contact Christine Smith today at Homes of Blue Mountain for exceptional assistance finding your perfect Victorian property in Stayner and neighbouring communities.