Investor · Oakland, CA · Member since 2015 · 36 posts · 5 votes
Hi BP Community!
I have a property under contract in Sacramento, CA A really lovely Victorian house that has been sorely neglected. It's beauty and it's solid, but it needs some great cosmetic TLC.
I am needing recommendations for contractors/handy people who like to rehab houses like this and respect the integrity of the architecture and the materials used in them. Think "Rehab Addict" (which I have just discovered and can't get enough of...)
Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated. Public or private message.
Thanks to all in advance and I am hoping to share a great success story.
Buy & Hold Owner · Redlands, CA · Member since 2015 · 5k+ posts · 2k+ votes
10y
IMO, key aspect of Victorians is to stay true to the style. Sure, get all the upgrades you can afford, but after refurb is done and walking thru, it should still retain the characteristics of a Victorian and not look like the 'Disney's World of Tomorrow'.
Nasty issue is the curved glass windows are impossible to replace. If you attack the frontage windows to get dual pane, use the Anderson wood frames and not the vinyl plastic stuff - - just ruins the architecture. Elevations not seen from the street can go either way without spoiling the style.
Keep the pocket doors into the kitchen - - just so charming - - and keeping them closed as much as possible allows a full modernization of the kitchen.
Vicys have notoriously small rooms, so combining rooms or creating entirely new floor plans is fine, but pay attention to the style details.
These homes are like vintage automobiles, you restore them to their original state to multiple their value. You will be well rewarded for your efforts.