After you’ve researched your historic home’s history and determined whether you’re restoring or rehabilitating it, you can start planning your project. You can take on as many or as few aspects of planning as your little home-owning heart desires. But no matter who helms the project, planning should include these integral steps.

Investigate existing conditions at your historic property.

What parts of the structure, materials, finishes, fixtures, mechanical, and other systems are in good condition? Which need to be restored, rehabilitated, repaired, or replaced? A professional looking into existing conditions should be able to determine the severity of any problems discovered. A crack in the masonry wall, for example, may look dangerous to you, but to an architect familiar with historic buildings, it is only cosmetic. On the other hand, you might think a paint job will fix the peeling exterior, but an architect might see a buildup of moisture inside the wall and recognize possibly severe damage to the house's structural system.

At this stage, the architect will also determine the location for the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing system. They will make sure that the design complies with local building code requirements; consider alternative methods and materials of construction; and select materials and finishes. In addition, the architect will usually outline specifications and give a preliminary cost estimate as a part of this phase.

Go before the design review board (if needed).

If your house is subject to local design review or if you will be obtaining tax benefits for the project, you’ll then submit the design development drawings and outline specifications to the review board. Most review boards will also ask for a simple form sharing information about the house, a site plan, photos of the existing house and neighborhood, samples of major new materials, and paint colors.

If approved, they’ll issue you a "certificate of appropriateness" or similar document to submit along with the contract documents to obtain a building permit. If not approved, the review board should specify why the design doesn’t meet the local standards or guidelines, and will often work with you and your architect to correct any issues.

Create the contract documents.

Contract documents consist of working drawings (aka blueprints) and specifications. The specifications are particularly important in a restoration project, as many of the procedures and materials are not commonly used in new construction. The contract documents are then used to obtain bids from contractors. They also become part of the contract between the homeowner and the contractor, detailing the work to be done for the price established.

Note: Some review boards will require you to submit the contract documents in addition to the design development drawings to ensure that major changes have not occurred during the last phase of project planning.

Obtain a building permit.

Required for most work other than minor repairs, building permits are issued by the municipal or county building permit department or, in some jurisdictions, by the fire marshal. They ensure that the proposed work meets the building code and that the house will be safe to occupy after completion. If you plan to phase the work over a number of years, be sure to inform the department, since most building permits are good for only 12 months from the date they’re issued. If you hire a general contractor, he or she will usually obtain the necessary permits.

Sequence the construction.

Each project’s sequence will vary depending on the type of work involved, who is doing the work, the time of year, and whether you plan to live in the house during its restoration or rehabilitation. (That said, some orders are standard—for example, completing structural roof repairs before re-roofing, or having plasterers come in before painters.)

One of the hardest parts of sequencing construction is making sure that subcontractors and craftspeople show up when needed. If they don’t, you will need to revise the schedule quickly so you don’t lose time and money. And if you do plan to live in your house during construction, consider how the work will disrupt your daily activities and how your presence may alter (or lengthen) the sequence of construction.

Complete the interior.

Whether you or a contractor are handling the interiors, in all cases you’ll want to be appropriate to the style and era, as well as to the home’s unique history. Items to consider include the proportions, surface materials and ornamentations, focal points, colors, fixtures, and furniture for each room in the house.

Record the work.

Maintain detailed records of your restoration or rehabilitation project as it progresses. This not only documents changes for future owners, but comes in handy for future maintenance and repair. Besides the architect's drawings, hold onto all contracts with the architect, general contractor, subcontractors, and craftspeople; before-and-after photographs of the house, as well as in-progress shots; and invoices for labor, materials, and other information on construction costs.

An earlier version of this story was published on June 4, 2013.