Pre-war homes in New York City and Long Island are filled with charm, character, and craftsmanship that’s nearly impossible to replicate today. From intricate moldings and plaster walls to original hardwood floors and unique structural designs, these homes are a glimpse into another era. But as any homeowner with a historic property knows—those same beautiful details can make renovations far more complex than they appear.



That’s why hiring the right home improvement contractors is essential—not just any contractor, but one who understands the nuances of working on pre-war and historic homes.

At Gibraltar Home Improvements, we’ve been remodeling homes across Long Island, Queens, and Brooklyn since 1979. Many of our projects involve homes built in the early 1900s to 1940s, and we know firsthand that experience with older homes is a must—not a bonus.

In this article, we’ll break down why hiring a contractor with specialized expertise in pre-war homes matters—and how to find the right one to protect your home’s integrity while upgrading it for modern living.

What Makes Pre-War Homes Unique?

When we say "pre-war," we're referring to homes built before World War II—roughly prior to 1945. In neighborhoods like Forest Hills, Bay Ridge, Ditmas Park, Astoria, and much of Nassau County, pre-war homes are everywhere. These houses tend to feature:

• Solid plaster walls instead of drywall
• Radiator-based heating systems
• Intricate millwork and moldings
• Original wood floors and staircases
• Old-style electrical wiring (often knob-and-tube)
• Antique tile, brick, and masonry details
• Non-standard room dimensions and layouts

These elements are what give pre-war homes their signature character—but they also make them more challenging to renovate than modern construction.

Contractors who aren’t familiar with older homes often underestimate the complexity involved. For example, cutting into a plaster wall is not like cutting into drywall. Moving plumbing in a pre-war bathroom often means dealing with corroded cast iron pipes and rerouting supply lines through masonry. These issues can’t be solved with a cookie-cutter approach.

That’s why homeowners should be cautious about hiring a general contractor with limited experience in this space. You need a team like Gibraltar Home Improvements that understands how to work within the limitations—and strengths—of pre-war construction.

Common Mistakes Contractors Make in Older Homes

Plenty of well-intentioned contractors make costly or irreversible mistakes when dealing with historic or pre-war properties. The lack of specific experience can lead to damage, code violations, or aesthetic mismatches that reduce your home’s value or charm.

1. Removing or Damaging Historical Features

We’ve seen cases where a contractor demolished original crown molding or tiled fireplaces thinking they were “dated.” These features could’ve been restored or integrated into a modern design. At Gibraltar, we know how to update your space while preserving the details that make your home unique.

2. Ignoring Outdated Electrical Systems

Many older homes still have partial knob-and-tube wiring or underpowered panels. Contractors unfamiliar with these systems may overload circuits or fail to bring them up to code. We assess the electrical system before doing any upgrades to ensure safety and compliance.

3. Inadequate Plumbing Upgrades

Lead pipes, corroded cast iron, and unusual pipe routing are all common in pre-war properties. Replacing a tub or moving a vanity isn’t simple—it often involves full repiping, which Gibraltar Home Improvements is fully equipped to handle.

4. Using Incompatible Modern Materials

We often see newer tile, vinyl siding, or modern window styles that clash with the look of a 1920s Tudor or a 1930s Colonial. We use custom and historically appropriate materials to retain your home’s original aesthetic while improving performance.

5. Skipping Asbestos and Lead Mitigation

These materials were common in homes built before the 1980s. Contractors who skip testing or proper removal procedures put your family at risk and may violate local laws. We’re trained in identifying and handling these hazards responsibly.

Why Specialized Home Improvement Contractors Make the Difference

Remodeling a historic home is both an art and a science. It requires knowledge of old construction methods, careful handling of aging materials, and the ability to replicate period-appropriate finishes. That’s where specialized home improvement contractors come in—and it’s what sets Gibraltar Home Improvements apart.

Here’s how hiring a specialized contractor benefits your project:

⚒️ Design That Respects the Past

We create designs that enhance the functionality of your space while preserving the features that give your home its personality. Whether it's a bathroom renovation that keeps your hex tile or a kitchen remodel that complements your original archways, we balance modern needs with historical accuracy.

🧰 Expert Execution

We’ve worked on hundreds of homes from the early 20th century and understand how to address plaster cracks, structural shifting, outdated materials, and other age-related issues.

🧱 Custom Carpentry and Stonework

Need new wood trim that matches your existing molding? A custom stone patio that fits your 1930s facade? We offer detailed craftsmanship you won’t get from a one-size-fits-all contractor.

📋 Seamless Permitting and Compliance

We understand how to work with your city or county's historic preservation and permitting departments—ensuring fewer delays, rejections, or costly redos.

Navigating Permits, Approvals, and Landmark Regulations

If your home is officially designated as a historic property, or located in a landmark district (like many in Brooklyn and parts of Queens), any changes you make—inside or out—may require additional reviews or permits. Even if your home isn’t formally landmarked, it may still fall under architectural review boards in places like Nassau County.

Working with Gibraltar Home Improvements gives you the advantage of local expertise. We handle:

• Landmark Preservation Commission approvals
• Nassau County building department submissions
• City zoning compliance
• Code upgrades for plumbing, electric, and HVAC

We know what documentation is needed and how to avoid plan rejections or fines. Most importantly, we communicate these requirements clearly to homeowners so you’re not left in the dark.

The Right Materials and Techniques for Historic Renovations

One of the biggest mistakes we see in older home remodels is the use of generic modern materials that don’t match the home’s original design or durability. Our team works closely with vendors and craftsmen to source appropriate materials and use the right installation techniques for your home’s age and style.

Examples of Our Approach:

• Matching century-old trim profiles using custom millwork
• Sourcing vintage-style tile that integrates seamlessly with original flooring
• Using lime-based plaster instead of modern drywall patches in historic spaces
• Installing wood-framed windows instead of modern vinyl options in Tudor or Colonial-style homes

We also specialize in custom stonework and patios that align with the look of your home while using durable modern methods underneath.

When you work with Gibraltar Home Improvements, you don’t have to sacrifice your home’s character for the sake of modern convenience. You get both.

Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Contractor for a Pre-War Home

If you're vetting home improvement contractors for your pre-war or historic home, here are essential questions to ask—and how Gibraltar answers them:

1. Have You Worked on Homes from the 1920s–40s?

✔️ Yes. The majority of our projects involve older homes in Nassau County, Queens, and Brooklyn.

2. Do You Know How to Work with Plaster, Radiators, and Old Electrical?

✔️ Absolutely. We specialize in retrofitting without compromising the original structure.

3. Can You Preserve My Home’s Historic Features During Renovation?

✔️ Yes. We offer design and construction services that respect the architectural period of your home.

4. Do You Handle Permits and Historic Approvals?

✔️ Yes. We navigate all local codes, permits, and preservation requirements in NYC and Long Island.

For more details on our services, visit our page for home improvement contractors or request a consultation to discuss your project.

Conclusion: Don’t Trust a Historic Home to an Inexperienced Contractor

Renovating a pre-war home isn’t like remodeling a townhouse built in 2005. These homes have quirks, character, and complexity that require care, planning, and deep expertise. If your contractor treats it like just another job, you could end up with structural issues, lost features, or a remodel that simply doesn’t feel right.

At Gibraltar Home Improvements, we know what it takes to modernize a historic home the right way. From design to permits to execution, our team brings over 40 years of experience to the table—and a respect for New York’s architectural history that shows in every detail.

🚪 Ready to Renovate Your Historic Home?

Let’s protect the charm while upgrading the function. Request a free estimate from Gibraltar Home Improvements today and work with a contractor who knows how to handle your pre-war property with the respect and expertise it deserves. Visit our page on home improvement contractors to get started.