07/23/2024

You Bought a Historic Home – Now What?

Congratulations! You’ve purchased a historic home, a treasure trove of history and charm. Owning a historic home is a unique privilege that comes with its own set of responsibilities and challenges. To help you maintain the beauty and integrity of your historic home, we’ve compiled some essential tips on upkeep and why hiring DreamWorx Renovation, a certified historic home builder, for major projects is crucial. Additionally, we’ll explore financing options and tax benefits available to historic homeowners.

Understand the History of Your Home

Before tackling maintenance, research and understand your home’s history, including its architectural style, original materials, and historical significance. This information will guide your preservation efforts and help you make informed decisions about repairs and renovations.

Regular Maintenance is Key

Historic homes require regular maintenance to prevent minor issues from becoming major problems. Here are some maintenance tips to keep in mind:

Inspect Regularly: Conduct regular inspections of your home’s exterior and interior. Look for signs of water damage, cracks in the foundation, and deteriorating materials.
Clean Gutters and Downspouts: Ensure your gutters and downspouts are clean and functioning properly to prevent water damage.

Repaint When Necessary: Keep your home’s exterior paint in good condition to protect the underlying materials from weather damage.
Check the Roof: Inspect your roof for missing or damaged shingles and address any issues promptly.
Specific Cleaning Needs: The architectural and exterior features that make your home historic may require specific cleaning, waxing, and painting methods. Avoid sanding wooden floors to maintain their longevity. Embrace unique details like uneven floors, stained glass windows, and distinctive fireplaces.

Preserve Original Features

One of the most appealing aspects of a historic home is its original features. Whether it’s intricate woodwork, vintage tile, or antique hardware, preserving these elements is essential for maintaining the home’s character. When repairs are needed, try to use original or period-appropriate materials.

Upgrade with Care

While preserving original features is essential, modern upgrades are sometimes necessary. When updating systems like plumbing, electrical, or HVAC, work with professionals experienced in historic homes to ensure that upgrades are done sensitively and do not compromise the home’s structural integrity or historical value.

Address Moisture Issues

Historic homes are often prone to moisture issues due to older construction methods and materials. To combat moisture problems:

Improve Ventilation: Ensure your home has proper ventilation, especially in areas like the attic and basement.
Seal Leaks: Check for and seal any leaks around windows, doors, and the foundation.
Use Dehumidifiers: In particularly damp areas, use dehumidifiers to reduce moisture levels.

Financing and Tax Benefits

Owning a historic home can come with significant financial support and tax benefits:

Credits, Grants, and Low-Interest Loans: Various financial assistance programs are available for historic home preservation. Look for federal, state, and local grants and low-interest loans to support the maintenance and restoration of historic properties. These can significantly offset the costs of necessary repairs and upgrades.

Tax Benefits: Many historic homeowners are eligible for tax incentives. This can include property tax reductions, income tax credits, and deductions for approved preservation work. Check with your local government and a tax professional to understand the specific benefits available in your area.

The article from Old Republic Title, “A Guide to Historic Home Preservation,” is an excellent resource for links to financial assistance and incentives, including federal tax incentives, state tax credits, grants, and loans. It provides detailed information on how to apply for these programs and what criteria need to be met.

Hire a Certified Historic Home Builder for Major Projects

Hiring a certified historic home builder like DreamWorx Renovation is crucial when it comes to major renovations or restorations. Here’s why:

Expertise: Certified historic home builders have specialized knowledge and experience working with historic structures. They understand the unique challenges and requirements of preserving and restoring historic homes.
Authenticity: These builders are skilled at sourcing and using period-appropriate materials and techniques, ensuring your home retains its historical authenticity.
Compliance: Historic homes often come with regulations and guidelines for preservation. Certified builders know these rules and can help ensure your projects comply with local, state, and federal preservation standards.
Quality: With a certified historic home builder, you can trust that the work will be done to the highest standards, preserving the integrity and value of your home.

Conclusion

Owning a historic home is a rewarding experience that allows you to be a steward of history. By understanding your home’s history, performing regular maintenance, preserving original features, upgrading with care, addressing moisture issues, exploring financing options, and leveraging tax benefits, you can ensure that your historic home remains a beautiful and cherished piece of the past for generations to come.

Embrace the journey of maintaining your historic home and enjoy the unique character and charm it brings to your life. For those major projects, remember that DreamWorx Renovation is here to help you preserve the integrity of your historic treasure.