Final answer:
Restoration of an old home to its original condition is called restoration, involving the use of non-original materials to return the structure to its earlier state, with all changes being reversible and detectable.
Step-by-step explanation:
To restore an old home to its original condition without making any changes in the floor plan or style is referred to as restoration. Restoration generally involves returning a structure to an earlier state, commonly through the use of non-original materials to replace parts of the structure that have worn out or been damaged. It's crucial in preservation that all added material is detectable and that treatments are reversible, to maintain the historical integrity of the home.
For instance, folk housing in the Deep South needed to address the challenges of heat and humidity. Techniques such as pier and beam construction were created for several practical reasons, such as combating termites, preventing wood rot, and avoiding flooding. Such a technique raises the floor several feet above the ground, preventing flooring and framing from touching the soil where they could be destroyed quickly by termites or wood rot. Moreover, this method allowed for cooling breezes to pass under the house, which was also a functional feature before the age of electricity and air conditioning.