Why Preserving Historic Character Doesn’t Mean Sacrificing Modern Comfort
One of the biggest misconceptions I hear from homeowners in Atlanta’s historic neighborhoods is this:
“If I want to stay true to my home’s character, I have to live with outdated systems, awkward layouts, and cramped kitchens.”
That couldn’t be further from the truth.
At Heide Contracting, we work exclusively in historic homes—beautiful old places filled with charm, craftsmanship, and history. But I’m here to tell you: preserving historic character doesn’t mean giving up the comfort, efficiency, or flexibility your family needs. With the right team and the right approach, you can have both.
And more often than not, the best path forward is down.
The Smartest Add-On You’ll Never See
Crawl space to basement conversions are quietly transforming how we renovate in Atlanta’s historic districts. Why? Because they solve the problem everyone faces—not enough space—without disrupting what makes the home historic in the first place.
From the sidewalk, nothing changes. No visible addition. No raised roofline. No fight with the preservation board. But inside? You’ve just doubled your usable square footage—tucked neatly beneath your original home.
We’ve converted crawl spaces into:
Family rooms and playrooms
In-law suites with full bathrooms
Legal rental units
Home gyms, offices, and media rooms
In historic neighborhoods, this is the most respectful and effective way to add space without compromise.
Charm and Function Can—and Should—Coexist
There’s a reason people are drawn to places like Inman Park, Grant Park, and Candler Park. These homes weren’t just built to last—they were built with soul. But life in 1910 looked different than life today. Trying to cram modern family needs into a floor plan built for a different era rarely works without tension.
That’s why crawl space conversions have become such a vital tool. They allow us to preserve what’s above ground—the millwork, the windows, the proportions—while delivering the space that today’s homeowners actually use every day.
It’s not just smart design. It’s preservation with purpose.
Preservation Is a Design Challenge—Not an Obstacle
Too many contractors see preservation as a limitation. At Heide Contracting, we see it as an opportunity to design with discipline. Working within historic guidelines pushes us to be more thoughtful, more resourceful—and frankly, more creative.
Crawl space conversions are a perfect example. Because they don’t alter the home’s exterior appearance, they often bypass the strictest preservation review processes, while still allowing you to achieve the functionality of a full addition. It’s a solution that keeps the City of Atlanta, your neighbors, and your family happy.
Old Homes, New Lives
I believe in these homes. I believe they still have decades—centuries—of life left in them, if we care for them wisely. That means honoring their original materials, proportions, and charm—but also updating them to meet the real needs of modern living.
Preservation doesn’t mean freezing a home in time. It means evolving it responsibly—and sometimes, invisibly. The future of Atlanta’s historic neighborhoods won’t be defined by what we add on, but by how cleverly we add value without changing the story.
So when clients ask me how to get more out of their home without giving anything up, my answer is simple:
Look down. Your crawl space holds more potential than you think.
—Alex Heide
Founder, Heide Contracting
