Renovating an Older Home in Historic Downtown McKinney

Renovating a Historic Home in Downtown McKinney

Downtown McKinney's historic district features charming Craftsman bungalows, Victorian-era homes, and early twentieth-century cottages. Renovating these properties is rewarding but comes with unique challenges that newer Collin County homes simply do not have.

Common Issues in Older Homes

• Old wiring: Knob-and-tube or early Romex wiring is a fire hazard and cannot support modern electrical loads. A full electrical rewire is often the first priority.
• Galvanized pipes: Homes built before 1960 often have galvanized steel plumbing that corrodes from the inside, restricting water flow and discoloring water. Repiping with copper or PEX is the standard fix.
• Lead paint: Any home built before 1978 may contain lead paint. Proper abatement is required before sanding, scraping, or repainting.
• Foundation settling: Decades of exposure to McKinney's clay soil often means pier work is needed to re-level the structure.

Preservation Requirements

If your home falls within McKinney's designated historic overlay district, exterior changes may require approval from the Historic Preservation Advisory Board. This can affect roofing materials, window styles, siding, and paint colors. Work with a licensed contractor experienced in historic renovations to navigate these requirements while modernizing your home's systems safely.