by boblee » Fri Apr 06, 2012 1:28 pm
Wow, that is a loaded question. Regarding the steps for such a project, it really depends on the house and what you want to achieve. You'll probably need to work closely with an architecture specialized in preservation to get what you want.
On old materials, there are reclamation and salvage companies that may have things that work for you. You'll need to visit them often since they get "new" stuff often and many are one-of-a-kind, so if someone else buys them, you are out of luck. You may be able to get many things that fit your project at very reasonable price. I know one person who bought for his entire house used flooring wood which he refinished. I also know some others who got tiles, doors, etc.
Another potentially useful tip. If you wish to preserve the skin of the house, remove them (such as the wall, moldings, trimmings, external siding etc) carefully. You can work on the inside, such as proper waterproofing, air sealing, and insulation. After that you can replace most of the old skin just as a cover.
Sounds like an interesting project. Good luck and have fun.