31 bhgrecollection.com | 30 | THE DISTINCTIVE LIFE® Volume 14 The definition of a historic home varies depending on who you talk to. Many preservationists define historic homes as those more than 50 years old. However, some people consider properties listed on the National Register of Historic Places true historic homes. The National Register of Historic Places is a list of more than 96,000 structures representing 1.8 million resources that the National Park Service (NPS) deems worthy of preserving. Through its National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the NPS uses the register to help identify, evaluate, and protect historic places. Historic home owners can apply to list their properties on the National Register of Historic Places. Doing so does not bind the homeowner to specific renovation rules but may open up avenues of federal funding and grants. However, you can thoroughly enjoy working on a historic home, even if it’s not a registered property. As you can probably imagine, updating a historic home may be one of the most challenging and fulfilling projects you’ll work on. As you begin your renovation journey, here are 9 tips to consider. FIND A HOUSE THAT SPEAKS TO YOU Many people ignore this first tip. It can be tempting to purchase a historic property just because it's historic. But if you’re going to live in the home, even if you’re going to just put your heart into renovating it, it’s essential to choose something you’re drawn to. Do you like the home’s location? Are the home’s features pleasing to you? Can you make it the right property, whatever that means to you, without removing or damaging integral features? DO YOUR DUE DILIGENCE Jumping into a home purchase without gathering all the facts isn’t a good idea, regardless of the type of property you’re buying. Prior to purchasing, you’ll want to ensure the integrity of the home’s foundation and all built elements and systems. Additionally, it’s wise to examine underneath floors and behind wall coverings to see what might be hidden. ASSEMBLE A RESTORATION TEAM Restoring an old property will likely require a vast and skilled team that shares your vision and goal. When assembling your renovation crew, consider historians, architects, builders, designers, and other professionals who can contribute to the project’s ease and enjoyment. RESEARCH THE HOME’S HISTORY Hiring a historian can be the best way to uncover the backstory behind a property you’re considering. But you can dig into the details yourself by visiting your city or town’s local planning offices and libraries. Ensure you investigate the home’s construction documents to make sound building decisions and turn to newspapers to learn more about the property’s stylistic significance. INTERIOR DESIGN
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