Old-house rehabilitation creates many more difficult choices than either a pure restoration or total preservation. That's because there is an infinite range of possibilities during rehabilitation. The only absolute requirement is that a rehabilitation should leave the building functional. After that, the design and aesthetic choices are totally up to you. Several years ago, however, the U. S. Department of Interior issued a set of standards designed to foster rehabilitation that respects the design and character of original buildings, whether residential or commercial. They are somewhat general, because they apply to both residential and commercial buildings. Nonetheless, they provide an excellent starting point for the well-intentioned person seeking advice amid
