| There are many things to think about and understand | | | | - Does the historic home contain asbestos, lead, or |
| when purchasing a home. And when purchasing an | | | | radon emissions? |
| historic home, that list often gets much longer. There | | | | - What is the true age of the house? Can the |
| can be significant differences between newer and | | | | construction date be narrowed down to a particular |
| older, historic houses and when considering purchasing | | | | date, or at least a particular decade? |
| an historic home, it is important to fully understand and | | | | - Overall, how much work and restoration is needed? |
| appreciate those differences. | | | | How much will the restoration work cost? |
| Buying, restoring, and living in an historic, older home | | | | - Are original materials available for repairs? If not, are |
| can be an truly rewarding experience. Historic homes | | | | substitute materials readily available? |
| often have a sense of charm, nostalgia, and | | | | - Are there local craftsman who specialize in or are |
| personality that new homes simply can not compare | | | | knowledgeable about historical homes? |
| to. However, no matter how charming an historic | | | | - Does the house qualify as an historic property and/or |
| house may seem, it is important to fully evaluate the | | | | is it listed on the National Register of Historic Places? If |
| home and to be realistic about the costs for upgrades | | | | so, the owner may be eligible to receive, among other |
| and restoration before buying. | | | | things, reductions in property taxes or state income tax |
| Things to keep in mind when evaluating an historic | | | | credits. However, the owner may also be subject to |
| home for purchase: | | | | special regulations or requirements when upgrading or |
| - Are the major mechanical systems (heating, plumbing, | | | | restoring the property. |
| electrical) in good, working order? Do they need to be | | | | - What are the local and area laws and regulations |
| replaced or upgraded for efficiency or to comply with | | | | regarding historical properties? |
| regulations? | | | | As with buying any home, hiring an experienced, |
| - What shape is the foundation in? If the foundation | | | | knowledgeable home inspector to evaluate the |
| needs work, how much will it cost to repair? | | | | property for you is imperative. And when buying an |
| - Is there a termite problem, or termite damage? | | | | historic home, consider hiring a home inspector who |
| - How old is the roof? Does the roof leak, need repair, | | | | specializes in historical homes, as well as a structural |
| or replacement? | | | | engineer to fully evaluate the home. |
| - Is the home adequately insulated? | | | | |