The only real drawback to green building is that it’s more expensive up front, with per-square-foot prices sitting 33% higher than what you’d pay to build a traditional home. The higher cost is due to more expensive building materials and more labor to ensure every aspect of the home is as efficient as possible. However, green buildings often save money in the long run, so this is just a temporary downside.

Hiring a contractor with knowledge about historic renovations and reviewing their previous work is important. You can find a historic home renovation contractor by calling your local historic preservation office, historical society, or any local historic museums nearby. The staff may have suggestions for specialized contractors who have worked for them. You can also ask them about historic home restorations that you have seen and liked in your area to get recommendations for pros.

Absolutely! You can tailor the design to meet your specific needs and preferences. Whether it's adding amenities, adjusting dimensions, or choosing different materials, customizing your storm shelter ensures it suits your family's requirements and offers the utmost comfort and safety during severe weather. So go ahead and create a shelter that perfectly fits your unique needs!

Balancing aesthetics with functionality amidst space planning is important. To do so, you could consider consulting both an interior designer and an architect to fulfill both these needs. Or you can tackle it on your own by prioritizing personal touches amidst space planning that add to the look but don't take away from the livability of the space.