Denver’s historic neighborhoods – from Capitol Hill to Washington Park to the booming renovation scene in Park Hill – are dotted with beautiful century-old homes. These architectural gems tell the story of the city’s rich past and offer unparalleled character that newer builds simply can’t replicate. But with that beauty comes a unique set of challenges, especially when it’s time for a Denver bathroom remodel or kitchen renovation.
At MyBath Colorado, we’ve had the privilege of transforming many of these timeless residences, blending modern comfort with vintage charm. Here’s what you need to know if you’re considering a remodel on a 100-year-old home in the Mile High City.
Why We Love Remodeling Denver’s Historic Homes
Architectural Integrity
Craftsman bungalows, Denver Squares, and turn-of-the-century houses each showcase unique detailing – from ornate woodwork and built-ins to clawfoot tubs and intricate tile. These homes were built with care, using materials that often outlast today’s standards.
Timeless Character
You can’t recreate the lived-in warmth of an old home. The creak of original hardwood floors, the stately fireplaces, and high ceilings all contribute to a sense of nostalgia and authenticity.
Neighborhood Soul
Many century-old homes are nestled in walkable, tree-lined neighborhoods with mature landscaping, strong community vibes, and easy access to local shops and restaurants. You can see where many of these landmark districts are located on the city’s map or browse the city’s Historic Landmarks and Districts directory.
The Renovation Realities: What to Expect
Renovating or remodeling a historic Denver home isn’t for the faint of heart – but the rewards are worth it. Here are some common challenges homeowners should be prepared for:
1. Outdated Plumbing & Electrical Systems
Most older homes weren’t designed to support today’s appliances, smart tech, or improved water usage. Galvanized pipes and knob-and-tube wiring may need to be replaced entirely for safety and functionality – especially in bathroom remodels.
Pro Tip: A professional inspection is key before you start your demo. We often begin with a deep dive into the home’s infrastructure to ensure we’re building on a solid foundation.
2. Surprises Behind the Walls
You never quite know what you’ll uncover during demolition in an older Denver home. Sometimes it’s thick brick walls that slow down progress. Sometimes it’s less expected.
Arielle (LAST NAME?), one of MyBath Colorado’s expert designers, once experienced a memorable bathroom remodeling surprise. When the wall was opened up, there was a plastic skeleton tucked behind the studs as a prank. “Everyone on site jumped at first,” she laughed, “but then we all realized someone clearly had a sense of humor.”
Beyond surprises like that, plaster walls, lead paint, and asbestos are common in older homes. Colorado law requires testing and certified abatement if asbestos is present, and any contractor working with pre-1978 paint must be lead-safe certified and follow EPA lead-safe practices.
And outside the walls? Denver Water still has homes with old lead service lines. Before you remodel, it’s worth checking their lookup tool to see if your property is on the replacement list.
These surprises can slow the project timeline and increase costs, but it’s important to address them properly.
3. Historic Building Materials
Many early 1900’s homes were not built with modern processes. Floors may not be level, and walls are rarely square. During demolition, thick plaster or brick often comes to light, which can require course corrections in design.
Our designer Arielle recalls one historic home where the entire bathroom floor had rotted out. She shared that, “it wasn’t a quick fix – the project required careful rebuilding to stabilize the structure for the bathroom remodel.” Stories like these remind us why experience matters: lathe-and-plaster walls, aging plumbing, and structural surprises all demand a team that knows how to handle them with care so the home can last another hundred years.
For projects like this, homeowners often need a full bathroom remodel instead of a surface update.
4. Small Footprints, Big Creativity
Bathrooms in early 1900s homes were not built with spa-like luxury in mind. Code clearances today require at least 21 inches in front of fixtures and 15 inches from toilet centerline to wall, so creative layouts matter.
This is where experience with historic homes really shows. Not all remodeling companies have extensive knowledge of working within these constraints, but we’ve learned to think creatively about space optimization while respecting the home’s original character. If mobility or safety is a concern, our accessible bathroom remodels offer smart solutions that fit right into historic homes.
5. Code Compliance & Historic District Regulations
If your home sits in a designated historic district, Denver Landmark Preservation may require review and a Certificate of Appropriateness for exterior changes – think windows, roof vents, or anything visible from the street. The good news? Most bathroom and kitchen remodel projects are interior, so approvals are simpler, but building and trade permits are always needed.
Did you know? Denver homeowners in qualifying landmark homes may also be eligible for state historic preservation income tax credits. These programs reward preservation-minded upgrades.
6. Small Doorways and Halls
Large fixtures – like a built-in clawfoot tub – were often installed before walls and doors were finished. Narrow halls can make it difficult to bring new equipment and materials in. Planning for access is part of the puzzle, especially in bathtub remodels.
Blending Old and New: Our Approach at MyBath Colorado
At MyBath Colorado, we are well versed in renovations that enhance the original character of your home while upgrading it for modern living. Here’s how we do it:
Preservation-Minded Design
We incorporate historical nods like wainscoting, classic subway tile, beadboard, or antique-inspired fixtures that look right at home in a Denver Square or Craftsman bungalow. MyBath Colorado expert designer, Arielle, explains our philosophy: “What makes historic homes interesting is keeping the character alive. We have so many different styles and materials we can pull from, so we’re able to match the feel of the home instead of forcing a one-size-fits-all design.”
Modern Functionality
From walk-in showers with grab bars to discreet storage and updated ventilation, we fold in modern amenities and safety upgrades without losing charm.
Tailored Craftsmanship
Every detail – from grout color to custom cabinetry – can be selected to blend seamlessly with existing finishes or intentionally highlight your home’s original character.
Kitchen Remodel Considerations
Kitchen renovations in century-old or vintage homes often need electrical capacity upgrades and creative venting solutions. We look for ways to modernize function while respecting original layouts, built-ins, and trim details that give these homes their soul.
Our Neighborhood Experience Remodeling Throughout Denver
Many of Denver’s most beloved neighborhoods are filled with older homes, and we work on remodels throughout the metro area. Some of our favorite historical projects have been in:
Capitol Hill and Congress Park – where we’ve tackled bathroom and kitchen remodels in stately Victorians, focusing on preserving architectural details while maximizing small spaces.
Park Hill – one of Denver’s renovation hotspots where we’ve completed numerous bungalow projects, each requiring creative solutions for compact layouts.
Washington Park area – where we frequently work on bungalow bathroom renovations that balance historic woodwork with modern convenience.
Downtown Denver – including historic building conversions and loft renovations that require specialized knowledge of adaptive reuse projects.
Whether your historic home is in these neighborhoods or elsewhere in the Denver metro area, we bring the same expertise and respect for architectural heritage to every project. Learn more about our service areas.
Final Thoughts: Embrace the Journey
Restoring or remodeling a 100-year-old home is a labor of love. It requires patience, flexibility, and vision, but even with the challenges, the results create a living space that reflects your personality while honoring the past.
Whether you’re restoring a Washington Park bungalow, updating a Congress Park Victorian, or tackling a Denver bathroom renovation or kitchen remodel in any of Denver’s historic neighborhoods, MyBath Colorado is here to help you navigate the journey with expertise, care, and heart.
We understand the unique challenges and have the experience needed to handle whatever surprises your century-old home might reveal.
Thinking about remodeling your historic Denver home?
Let’s talk about how we can preserve the past while building your future – one beautiful bathroom or kitchen at a time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Most interior renovations require standard building permits. If your home is in a designated historic district and you’re making exterior changes, you may need a Certificate of Appropriateness from Denver Landmark Preservation.
Historic home renovations may take longer than standard remodels due to infrastructure updates and unexpected discoveries. A typical project ranges from (length of time?) depending on complexity, with some projects requiring additional time for specialized work like plaster repair or custom millwork.
We specialize in both historic and modern homes throughout the Denver area, but our extensive experience with century-old properties sets us apart. We understand the unique challenges of historic homes and know how to preserve character while adding modern functionality – skills that come from years of working with these architectural treasures.
Historic home projects can involve additional costs due to infrastructure updates, specialized materials to match existing finishes, and the need for custom solutions. However, we provide detailed estimates upfront and work with you to prioritize investments that add both value and livability.
Absolutely! The key is thoughtful design that respects the home’s original architecture. We often incorporate period-appropriate materials like subway tile, vintage-inspired fixtures, and traditional color palettes while adding modern conveniences like improved lighting, ventilation, and accessibility features.
