Some people live comfortable lives of calm predictability. But not you! You crave the feeling of the wind through your hair, the thrill of a view from the summit, and the exhilaration of a rip-roaring roller coaster. That’s why you should give yourself the ultimate adventure: renovating your Park Slope Brownstone.
Is a renovation project scary? No. Is it exciting? Absolutely. And when you’re done, you’ll wonder how you lived so long with that inconvenient floor plan, those crumbling exterior steps, and the drafty windows. In fact, you might enjoy your home so much that you become one of those people who loves a life of calm predictability–just so you can stay home and revel in the beauty and comfort.
The Nature of Park Slope Brownstones
Back in the 18th century, Park Slope was the sight of one of the Revolutionary War’s most unsettling battles, and in the 19th century, railroad baron Edwin Litchfield thought the area would be a superb site for real estate development. He was right. By the 1890s, charming row houses filled the blocks–mostly with wealthy families.
But during the Depression and World War II, many stately homes were converted into boarding houses for people down on their luck. Since the 1960s, however, people have been restoring Park Slope’s brownstones to their former glory.
The adventure of renovating a Park Slope brownstone is exciting in several ways. First, when you undertake the remodeling effort yourself, you get to make a historic home over in your image. You can customize it to your unique lifestyle and put your stamp on it.
Also, you uplift the entire community when you restore an old building’s dignity. This is doubly true with row houses, where your property meshes seamlessly with your neighbors’. Not only will their property value rise, but the feeling in the neighborhood will improve–you’ll make people feel hopeful and optimistic just by your efforts to beautify the community.
What should you consider as you make your renovation plans?
Infrastructure
Although it may not be obvious, your brownstone’s infrastructure may have deteriorated significantly over its long, exciting life. When you renovate, you have the perfect opportunity to update internal systems like electrical, plumbing, and even the water main. Instead of dealing with plumbing back-ups and too few outlets, simply upgrade your old home to today’s modern standards.
Compliance
Building standards have changed dramatically in the last 150 years, and you may feel safer in a home that meets modern compliance regs. For instance, you might still have cloth wiring or old gas lines from the days of gas lamps. While it’s charming to think about those days, you’ll feel better about today’s safer technologies.
Convenience
Life was different when Park Slope’s brownstones were young. Many families had hired help to assist them with cooking and cleaning, and people entertained and worked differently than we do today. You might want to consider installing or upgrading your central air conditioning, adding walk-in closets, or taking down a wall between the kitchen and living areas. You may not need the double vanities that are so common in these old homes, but chances are good that you’ll want more electrical outlets and fast Wi-Fi everywhere in the building.
An Eye to the Future
We’ve talked a lot about the past, but it’s also important to think about the future when you renovate. Will the design grow with your family? Are your design choices classic enough that they’ll stand the test of time?
Getting Started on Your Park Slope Brownstone Renovation
Are you ready to begin your adventure? If so, reach out to us at Z. Abedin construction. We’ve worked on all kinds of renovation projects in Brooklyn, from windows and roofs to complete remodels. We can help you sort through your priorities and make a plan. Call us at 718-633-9605.
