by PN Schiavone

Created on: February 23, 2009   Last Updated: February 28, 2009

If you are looking to buy your home in an historic district, it is important to understand fully what you are buying. Not all historic districts are the same. Most have boards that will make rules on how your home will be presented. Some are much more intrusive than others. In order to be happy in your historic home, you will need to understand what your district is trying to achieve. Some historic districts mandate that the home exterior be historic while upgrades to the interior are permissible. Other historic boards want authentic historic presentation inside and out and do not let certain type of upgrades to be done at all. It is all a matter of knowing the particular historic district board in your area.

It is important to start by writing to the historic district board to find out their mission and goals for restoration. Some require open houses while others do not. Writing to some home owners in the district might also help out. Most home owners that have been through the process will write back with the dos and don'ts of their particular area. When you have spent years getting your home just right, you do not want someone to buy who does not have the ability to do the same. Current home owners in the area are one of the besr resources available to you.

Understand the financial side of the purchase. You will need a real estate agent who is familiar with this type of purchase. You will also need a contractor who has experience with the historic district. The contractor will have the knowledge of actual costs of remodeling due to the particular requirements of the historic board. He will know what they are looking for and what he can reasonably do in the house that will not cost you double work. Inexperienced contractors may not get the proper permits or permissions and leave you with an expensive tear out. A proper contractor will also know the problems of renovating in this area as well as probable costs. This will give you an idea of the total cost of renovation.

Finally, you will need patience and know that renovation of old houses is a process. The process has its ups and downs and no two are exactly alike. No inspector or contractor can tell you exactly what problems you will face. Buying and renovating an historic home can be quite and exhilarating challenge. You must know the area, have the proper amount of funding, and be willing to take the restoration as it comes. If you can do all that, in a few years the historic home that you have purchased will be a source of pride for you the rest of the community.

Learn more about this author, PN Schiavone.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.