Historic homes are just that – a house filled with history, character, and unique quirks. These qualities are what sets them apart from new construction, such as a modern craftsman home or ranch style house. But, buyers beware, owning a historic home isn’t always as easy and breezy as maintaining a newly constructed one. Though a historic home can certainly be breezy.
There are a few things to keep in mind when it comes to buying and maintaining a unique, old home. Depending on the condition the home is in, the amount of work and money required to maintain a historic home can vary widely. So whether you are making a little slice of history yours in Alexandria, VA, or you want to learn how to preserve your older Victorian style home in San Francisco, CA, read on to find out everything you need to know about buying and preserving historic homes.
What is a historic home?
While all historic homes are old, not all old homes are considered “historic.” A house needs to meet certain specifications to be classified as a historic home and is designated by the National Park Service. The National Register of Historic Places is a federal list of homes that are classified as “historic,” although states and local municipalities can also designate homes as historic.
For a home to qualify on the National Register of Historic Places, it must meet certain criteria: age, integrity, and significance.
Age and integrity: The property must be at least 50 years old and still looks the way it did when it was first constructed.
Significance: When determining if your home is considered historic, you’ll need to answer yes to at least one of the following questions.
- Has the property played a significant role in creating or defining the country’s history? Or did a crucial event occur there?
- Was it home to an important person or group of people?
- Does it have historic architectural significance? Is it an example of a historic style or was constructed by a…