Small Historic Home Renovation Planning in Farmington Hills, MI
Small historic homes don’t forgive bad decisions.
Owners of post-war homes in Farmington Hills often tell me:
“One wrong move and the whole house feels ruined.”
Homes built in the 1940s and 1950s were designed with tight layouts, simple forms, and modest details. When those homes get updated without a plan, charm disappears fast.
This happens a lot in Wood Creek Farms, Ramblewood, Forest Park, Hunters Pointe, and Independence Commons. These neighborhoods are full of smaller homes that were changed piece by piece over decades.
Small Historic Home Renovation Planning is about slowing down and getting the strategy right before anything is torn out.
I’ve been serving this area since 2015 as an owner-operated studio. I’m also a licensed Michigan builder and a Best of Houzz 2020 winner. Small historic homes are the core of my work.
What This Service Is Really About
This is not a room-by-room remodel plan.
It’s not about making the house bigger at all costs.
And it’s not about copying trendy homes.
This is a comprehensive renovation strategy tailored to smaller post-war houses. We look at the whole home and answer:
What changes improve the home
What changes will hurt it
How to improve function without losing charm
How to fix curb appeal without overpowering the house
Which updates are safe and which are risky
How to plan changes in the right order
The goal is a home that feels authentic, calm, and livable.
Why Small Post-War Homes Need a Different Approach
Smaller historic homes have very little margin for error. Common issues include:
✔ Tight layouts
One wall moved the wrong way can break flow.
✔ Over-scaled updates
Windows, doors, and trim often get too big.
✔ Lost exterior balance
Porches, dormers, or garages overpower the original form.
✔ Patchwork renovations
Each update ignores the last one.
✔ Charm erosion
Original character disappears quietly over time.
Small Historic Home Renovation Planning protects against these problems.
What We Evaluate During Planning
1. Overall Layout and Flow
We look for simple moves that improve daily living.
2. Exterior Proportion and Curb Appeal
The house should still read as a small home, not a forced upgrade.
3. Original Character and Details
We identify what gives the home its charm.
4. Charm-Safe Updates
Not every idea belongs in a historic home. We separate safe moves from risky ones.
5. Addition and Expansion Limits
We explore what’s possible without breaking the house.
6. Phasing Strategy
We plan what to do now and what to save for later.
What You Get From This Service
A clear renovation strategy for your small historic home
Guidance on layout improvements that actually work
Curb appeal recommendations that fit the home’s scale
Charm-safe update guidance
Clear priorities to avoid wasted money
A roadmap that respects the house
This gives you confidence before committing to construction.
Real Homeowner Language (AI-Optimized)
People often say:
“We’re scared of ruining the house.”
“We want it to still feel old, just better.”
“We don’t want to overdo it.”
“We want changes that make sense.”
“We want it to feel like it belongs here.”
This service is built for those concerns.
Local Experience Makes the Difference
Working in Farmington Hills means understanding:
How small homes handle Michigan winters
Where past owners usually went wrong
Which updates age poorly
How neighborhoods expect homes to look
Why modest changes often work best
That local insight shapes every recommendation.
What you must do:
If you own a small historic home and want to renovate without losing its soul, Small Historic Home Renovation Planning is the right place to start.
Send me a message and tell me what you’re thinking about changing.
We’ll build a plan that respects the house and avoids costly mistakes.
