Historic Renovations in Utah: How to Keep Character and Meet Code

Utah is full of historic homes that tell a story — from the brick-lined streets of The Avenues to the Craftsman porches of Liberty Wells and the vintage charm of Provo’s tree-lined districts. These homes weren’t just built — they were crafted, often by hand, using materials and methods that are now rare or even obsolete.

But what happens when your beautiful 1920s bungalow needs modern upgrades? How do you renovate for today’s comfort, efficiency, and code requirements without erasing what makes your home so special?

At Citizen Builders, we’ve worked on historic renovations across Salt Lake and Utah counties. We believe that with the right team, it’s absolutely possible to preserve a home’s character and meet modern codes — without compromising on quality, comfort, or style.

Here’s everything you need to know before you pick up a sledgehammer.

What Counts as “Historic” in Utah?

Let’s get clear on what makes a home “historic.” In Utah, homes can fall into a few categories:

• Age: Generally, homes older than 50 years are considered historic by default.

• Architectural Significance: Homes with unique design elements, craftsmanship, or historical relevance to the area may be protected.

• Location: Many cities (like Salt Lake, Provo, and Ogden) have official Historic Districts. If your home is located within one, you’ll likely be subject to additional regulations beyond standard building code.

Some of Utah’s most notable historic districts include:

• The Avenues

• Liberty Wells

• Yalecrest

• Capitol Hill

• Sugar House

• Provo Historic District

Being in a historic district doesn’t mean you can’t renovate — but it does mean your renovation will need to be carefully reviewed and approved to preserve the architectural integrity of the neighborhood.

What You Can’t Just Change

In most historic districts, there are limitations on what you can change, especially on the exterior of the home. These restrictions are in place to maintain the historic look and feel of the neighborhood.

You may face pushback or need city approval before altering:

• Window style and placement

• Roofline or roof material

• Porch structure and railing

• Exterior cladding (brick, siding, stucco, etc.)

• Paint colors (in some districts)

To make any of these changes, you’ll likely need to submit for a Certificate of Appropriateness from your city’s historic preservation board — before you can even pull permits.

At Citizen Builders, we handle this process for our clients. We understand how to work within the guidelines while still pushing for creative, client-driven solutions that respect both history and lifestyle.

Where Modern Code Takes Priority

Even when preservation boards want to keep things as-is, building code wins out when it comes to safety and livability.If your home has outdated systems, you’ll be required to bring them up to current standards. This includes:

• Electrical systems (goodbye knob-and-tube wiring)

• Plumbing upgrades (especially galvanized pipes)

• Foundation reinforcement

• Fire safety (proper egress windows in basements/bedrooms)

• Energy efficiency requirements (like insulation + window U-values)

• Ventilation + HVAC system performance

These aren’t optional — and trying to avoid them will not only put your permit at risk, but also your investment. We specialize in what we call invisible upgrades — things like rewiring and reinforcing without compromising original walls, floors, or finishes.

The Art of Blending Old and New

Great historic renovations are not about making everything new. They’re about protecting what’s timeless while integrating modern comfort and function.

Here’s what we always try to preserve:

• Original wood floors (refinished, not replaced)

• Plaster walls and ceiling curves

• Crown molding and original millwork

• Built-in cabinetry or nooks

• Historic windows with restored glazing

• Brick foundations and chimneys

• Original fireplace surrounds, mantels, and tiles

We also go out of our way to replicate period details where we can’t save the original — sourcing turn-of-the-century trim, archways, or tiles to maintain visual continuity.

Sometimes, adding just one original beam or arch back into a modernized space can anchor the entire design and make it feel like a seamless evolution rather than a teardown.

What Utah Homeowners Should Know Before Renovating a Historic Home

Here are a few must-knows for planning a successful project:

1. Start with the Right Team

Hire a builder and architect who have experience with historic renovations in Utah. They’ll know how to:

• Work with city preservation boards

• Identify red flags early (like failing foundations or asbestos)

• Avoid delays and surprise costs

• Preserve and/or recreate historic elements the right way

2. Document Before Demo

Before you remove a single wall, take high-resolution photos, scan wood profiles, and label trim. These references help when replicating finishes later.

3. Expect to Spend on Systems

Much of your budget will go toward what you don’t see — updated plumbing, rewiring, HVAC, and insulation. These are essential and add value, even if they aren’t aesthetic.

4. Prepare for Permits

In Utah, getting permits for historic homes can take longer. Some cities (like Salt Lake) have design review boards and multiple steps. Build this into your timeline.

5. Honor the Home’s History — Even if You Modernize

You don’t have to go full museum mode. Even minimalist or modern interiors can respect the proportions and craftsmanship of the original home. The key is intentionality. Don’t erase history — elevate it.

Our Process at Citizen Builders

When we take on a historic home renovation in Utah, we follow a clear, respectful, and experience-backed process:

1. Zoning + Code Research
   We research your property, determine historic status, and review any architectural guidelines that may apply.

2. Detailed Walkthrough + Cataloging
   We identify what can be preserved, what needs upgrading, and what can be replicated.

3. Strategic Design Collaboration
   We bring in architects who specialize in adaptive reuse and thoughtful historic design.

4. Permitting + City Coordination
   We handle submissions to local preservation boards, attend hearings (if needed), and advocate for your vision.

5. Preserve, Restore, Upgrade
   We strike a balance between restoration and innovation — maintaining character while improving livability, safety, and resale value.

Renovating a historic home in Utah isn’t always fast or easy — but it’s deeply rewarding. You’re not just remodeling; you’re restoring a piece of the state’s story.

And when it’s done right, you get the best of both worlds: handcrafted charm, timeless materials, and modern comfort that respects the past while living for the future.

Ready to start your historic renovation in Utah?

We’d love to walk your home and talk vision. Whether it’s a Tudor in the Avenues or a Craftsman in Sugar House, we help you bring it back to life — beautifully and compliantly.