Planning and prepping a brownstone renovation or restoration is a tough undertaking. There are many things you can’t compromise on, and you may be beginning to think that it’s even more difficult than the NASA Mars landing. News flash: it isn’t. And there are some areas you can compromise on and where some leniency can be shown.

The trick is to know exactly where you can be lax. Luckily for you, we’ve got all of them listed below:

Budgeting and Limiting

Brownstone buildings are glorious to look at; but that also means they aren’t cheap to maintain. Renovating a brownstone building in, say, one of Boston’s landmark areas, will definitely be costly. But what do you do if you’re in a crunch, and your budget doesn’t allow you to go beyond a certain point?

Here’s a neat trick: instead of compromising on a particular element of the renovation (such as flooring), omit some less-used spaces instead. You could leave one room untouched, for instance. We suggest to get the parts that are dearest to you renovated first.

Things That Can be Left for Later

Although some things—such as problems with the infrastructure—cannot be compromised on, there are things that can be put off. Think of cabinetry, custom closets, and other carpentry work: all of this can wait until you’ve saved enough later on.

Façade cleaning and fixtures aren’t strictly necessary either. Discuss this with the contracting company you’re working with to find out which things are best left for later and which you need to get done with right now.

Make the Brownstone Not So Great Again

You have to understand that brownstones are often antique structures and were originally built with luxury and pomp in mind. They usually have high ceilings, intricate woodwork, glass windows, and whatnot.

At times, it’s best to do away with these traditionally glam fixtures in order to make more space or to add something more modern to your residence. It might feel like you’re killing your darlings, but if something needs to go, it should go.

Consult with an Expert

Of course, the last thing you should be doing is go about cutting corners and making omissions from your brownstone renovation without consulting an expert. Reach out to us at AMN Masonry in Boston and we’ll help you through the entire process of the restoration.