Nantucket, Massachusetts, known for its historic charm and picturesque coastal views, offers a unique backdrop for homeowners planning a remodel. Renovating a home in this island town comes with its challenges, from strict zoning regulations to preserving the area’s architectural heritage. Whether the goal is to restore a classic Cape Cod-style home or modernize a cottage by the sea, careful planning and attention to local customs are essential for a successful renovation. This guide unveils expert tips to guide homeowners through the process of transforming their homes.
Understanding Nantucket’s Architectural Guidelines
One of the most important aspects of remodeling a home in Nantucket is adhering to the local building codes and architectural guidelines set forth by the Nantucket Historic District Commission (HDC). The commission is tasked with preserving the architectural integrity of the island, and any exterior modifications must be approved before construction can begin. This includes changes to the roofline, siding, windows, and even paint color. The process of obtaining approval can be lengthy, so it’s important for homeowners to factor in extra time for permits and inspections.
Hiring a contractor familiar with Nantucket’s regulations is a smart first step. Local builders understand the island’s unique challenges, including the need to balance modern comforts with historic preservation. Consulting with an architect specializing in Nantucket-style homes can also be invaluable, ensuring that the remodel will comply with the HDC and enhance the overall character of the property.
Hiring a contractor familiar with Nantucket’s regulations is a smart first step. Local builders understand the island’s unique challenges, including the need to balance modern comforts with historic preservation. Consulting with an architect specializing in Nantucket-style homes can also be invaluable, ensuring that the remodel will comply with the HDC and enhance the overall character of the property.
Preserving the Historic Character
For homeowners living in one of Nantucket’s older properties, preserving the home’s historic character should be a top priority during the renovation process. Many homes in the area date back to the 18th and 19th centuries and feature classic New England architectural styles like Colonial and Federalist designs. Maintaining these original elements adds both charm and value to the property.
Restoring original features such as wood beams, wide plank floors, and period moldings can make a home feel more authentic while boosting its resale potential. Whenever possible, salvaging materials from the home and reusing them in the remodel is sustainable and helps maintain the property’s historic essence. For elements that need to be replaced, sourcing materials that match the original design is key. For example, using authentic wood shingles or reclaimed wood flooring helps retain the character that makes Nantucket homes desirable.
Restoring original features such as wood beams, wide plank floors, and period moldings can make a home feel more authentic while boosting its resale potential. Whenever possible, salvaging materials from the home and reusing them in the remodel is sustainable and helps maintain the property’s historic essence. For elements that need to be replaced, sourcing materials that match the original design is key. For example, using authentic wood shingles or reclaimed wood flooring helps retain the character that makes Nantucket homes desirable.
Planning for the Coastal Environment
Nantucket’s coastal climate presents unique challenges for any home renovation. The salt air, high humidity, and occasional severe weather mean that materials and design choices must be tailored to withstand the elements. High-quality, weather-resistant materials are essential to protect the home from moisture, wind, and corrosion.
For exterior renovations, opting for durable materials such as cedar shingles, which are common on the island, can help safeguard the home from the wear and tear of Nantucket’s marine environment. In addition, metal or copper flashing, stainless steel fixtures, and marine-grade paints should be considered for exterior features to prevent rust and damage caused by salt air.
For exterior renovations, opting for durable materials such as cedar shingles, which are common on the island, can help safeguard the home from the wear and tear of Nantucket’s marine environment. In addition, metal or copper flashing, stainless steel fixtures, and marine-grade paints should be considered for exterior features to prevent rust and damage caused by salt air.
Blending Old with New
Balancing the old with the new is one of the biggest challenges when renovating a home in Nantucket. While homeowners may want to modernize the property with the latest amenities, it’s important to ensure that these updates blend seamlessly with the home’s traditional architecture.
Open floor plans, which are popular in modern homes, can be achieved in older Nantucket houses with careful design. Removing non-load-bearing walls to create more expansive living spaces without compromising the home’s structure is a common approach. Additionally, updating kitchens and bathrooms with modern appliances, fixtures, and cabinetry can make the home more functional without detracting from its historic appeal. Selecting materials that complement the period of the home, such as marble countertops or farmhouse sinks, ensures that the new elements feel in harmony with the old.
Open floor plans, which are popular in modern homes, can be achieved in older Nantucket houses with careful design. Removing non-load-bearing walls to create more expansive living spaces without compromising the home’s structure is a common approach. Additionally, updating kitchens and bathrooms with modern appliances, fixtures, and cabinetry can make the home more functional without detracting from its historic appeal. Selecting materials that complement the period of the home, such as marble countertops or farmhouse sinks, ensures that the new elements feel in harmony with the old.
Maximizing Space in a Small Footprint
Many homes in Nantucket are built on small plots of land, meaning that maximizing the available space is crucial. Clever design solutions can help homeowners maximize their limited square footage while enhancing the home’s overall functionality.
Building upward is often more feasible than expanding outward in Nantucket, where lot sizes can be restrictive. Adding a second floor or expanding attic space can increase the home’s living area without altering its footprint. Dormers, which are common in Nantucket’s architectural style, are a popular solution for creating additional headroom and adding natural light to upper-level rooms.
Incorporating built-in storage is another space-saving technique that can help reduce clutter while maintaining the home’s traditional feel. Custom cabinetry, window seats with hidden storage, and built-in shelving can be designed to blend seamlessly with the architecture, providing functional spaces without taking up valuable floor space.
Building upward is often more feasible than expanding outward in Nantucket, where lot sizes can be restrictive. Adding a second floor or expanding attic space can increase the home’s living area without altering its footprint. Dormers, which are common in Nantucket’s architectural style, are a popular solution for creating additional headroom and adding natural light to upper-level rooms.
Incorporating built-in storage is another space-saving technique that can help reduce clutter while maintaining the home’s traditional feel. Custom cabinetry, window seats with hidden storage, and built-in shelving can be designed to blend seamlessly with the architecture, providing functional spaces without taking up valuable floor space.
Ready to Find Your Dream Home in Nantucket?
Renovating a home in Nantucket offers the opportunity to blend modern comforts with historic charm in one of New England’s most iconic settings. Homeowners can ensure their remodel is successful by understanding and adhering to local building codes, preserving the home’s historic features, planning for the coastal environment, and working with skilled professionals.
Whether you're inspired by the timeless charm of Nantucket's historic homes or looking for a coastal retreat with modern conveniences, contact Sanford & Sanford Real Estate today and start your journey toward owning a piece of Nantucket’s storied beauty.
*Header photo courtesy of Sanford & Sanford Real Estate
Whether you're inspired by the timeless charm of Nantucket's historic homes or looking for a coastal retreat with modern conveniences, contact Sanford & Sanford Real Estate today and start your journey toward owning a piece of Nantucket’s storied beauty.
*Header photo courtesy of Sanford & Sanford Real Estate
