If you’re considering purchasing a historic house in Connecticut, chances are you already sense that something special about these homes. Perhaps it’s the custom woodwork, the original stone foundation, or simply the knowledge that you’re going to be the owner of an actual piece of local history. While it’s thrilling to envision yourself in a house with so much personality, purchasing a historic property comes with its own questions and responsibilities.
Before you go making an offer or daydreaming about your new life in an old Colonial or Victorian, it’s worth really doing an early 1900s house inspection. Old houses are special, but they tend to have quirks, secret fixes, and rules that don’t apply to the newer homes.
That’s why, in order to make an informed and confident choice, you’ll have to get up close and personal with the condition of the house, its history, and what it will take to take care of it. This blog post will guide you through what to look for when buying old house so you can proceed with enthusiasm regarding your new life in Connecticut.
Understanding Historic Homes in Connecticut
When purchasing a historic home in Connecticut, it is best to begin with a good understanding of what precisely qualifies a property as “historic.” Simply put, a historic home has particular importance due to its age, distinctive design, or its place in the history of a community, the state, or even the country.
What Qualifies a Property as “Historic”?A property is typically historic if it has some of the following criteria:
In order to be officially listed, a property must still have a great deal of its original design, materials, and craftsmanship. This “integrity” is crucial; if too much has changed over the years, it may not qualify. |
Also Look For → Homes For Sale In Easton, CT
Evaluate the Condition of a Historic Home Before Buying in Connecticut
Historic homes in Connecticut are full of character and history, but they also come with unique responsibilities. To help you make a confident, informed decision, here’s a step-by-step guide on what to look for when buying old house:
1. Confirm Historic Designation and Eligibility
Begin by determining whether or not the property has been officially deemed historic.
- Use the ConnCRIS database: The State of Connecticut’s Cultural Resources Information System (ConnCRIS) is an interactive database that allows you to search for historic homes and archaeological sites throughout the state. You can look to see if the house is listed on the National or State Register of Historic Places, and you’ll be able to see official documents, maps, and historical information that inform you more about the property’s history.
- Look at local historic districts: Second, determine if the house is in a Local Historic District (LHD) or is a Local Historic Property (LHP). These are administered by local Historic District Commissions (HDC) or Historic Property Commissions (HPC). Being located in a local district has more stringent regulations regarding exterior modifications. Any changes visible from the exterior, new work, or demolition will need a Certificate of Appropriateness from the HDC. This is subject to public review and Connecticut’s General Statutes.
2. Review Legal and Preservation Rules
Once you know the home’s historic status, it’s time to dig into the legal side.
- Local commissions: For any exterior changes, like replacing windows or siding, you’ll need approval from the HDC. While routine repairs (such as fixing a roof with the same materials) might not need approval, any material changes definitely do.
- Preservation easements: Some properties have legal agreements, often managed by groups like Preservation Connecticut, that restrict what you can change. These easements are designed to protect historic features and they bind future owners as well.
- State and federal compliance: If you’re hoping to qualify for tax credits, your renovations must follow the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation. These standards are in place to make sure the home’s historical integrity is preserved.
3. Assess Structural Integrity
When thinking of buying a historic home, it’s important to know what to look for when buying old house. The physical condition of the property can reveal a lot about the potential challenges you might face. Hire an inspector who has experience with historic homes, someone who can do old home inspections and detect issues others might miss. Pay attention to:
- Foundation: Check for cracks, settling, or signs of water damage.
- Roof and chimney: Look for missing shingles, leaks, or chimneys that are leaning or deteriorating.
- Masonry and woodwork: Examine for rot, peeling paint, or crumbling mortar, which are common in older homes.
4. Evaluate Mechanical Systems
When evaluating a historic home, carefully check the electrical, plumbing, and heating/cooling systems, as these are often outdated.
- Electrical: Look for old wiring (like knob-and-tube), ungrounded outlets, or outdated panels. Signs of overloaded circuits or amateur repairs are red flags.
- Plumbing: Check for lead, galvanized, or cast iron pipes, as well as leaks or low water pressure. Outdated fixtures or visible corrosion are important to note.
- Heating/Ventilation/Cooling (HVAC): Inspect old boilers, radiators, or furnaces for age and efficiency. See if modern systems have been added and whether ductwork or equipment is visible or concealed.
- Energy efficiency: Look for gaps, leaks, or missing insulation. Notice if original features like thick walls or old windows are still in place.
- Hazards: Be alert for asbestos, mold, or buried tanks, which are common in older homes.
By looking for these issues, you can better understand the home’s condition and what updates might be needed.
5. Review Past Renovations
When you’re assessing a historic house, it’s helpful to know what’s been done to it over time. This process allows you to identify potential issues and get a better sense of the home’s actual condition.
- Request records: Ask for any records or permits that have been done on past repairs, renovations, or additions. This allows you to determine if the work was done legally and in accordance with local preservation regulations.
- Inspect materials and craftsmanship: Examine closely any renovations. Were materials and methods consistent with the original style of the home? Substandard work or contemporary materials that are not compatible with the historic character can damage both the value and integrity of the home.
- Check for missing or changed features: Observe significant details such as original woodwork, windows, or ornamental trim. Check if any of these elements have been taken out, concealed, or substituted with something that is not in character.
- Consult with experts if necessary: If you have doubts regarding the quality or effects of previous work, hire a contractor or architect who is skilled in restoring older homes. They can inform you of the areas of concern and provide an estimate of what may be involved to restore or rehabilitate any alteration.
6. Test for Hazardous Materials
When evaluating a historic home, it’s important to put safety first by checking for hazardous materials that are common in older houses.
- Lead paint and asbestos: Homes built before 1978 often contain lead-based paint and asbestos in insulation, flooring, or old pipes. Both materials can pose serious health risks if disturbed.
- Professional testing: Ask for any records of past testing or removal, but if none exist, hire certified professionals to inspect for lead and asbestos. Connecticut law requires that any removal or remediation be done by licensed contractors.
- Other hazards: Also look out for signs of mold, radon, or old fuel tanks, which can sometimes be found in historic homes.
7. Estimate Maintenance Needs
When you’re evaluating a historic home, it’s important to think about the ongoing care the property will require.
- Routine maintenance: Be prepared to perform work such as repointing brick or stone, repainting in historically appropriate colors, and repairing or restoring original doors and windows. These tasks keep the home’s character intact and avoid larger issues in the long term.
- Specialized labor and materials: Much of the repair will require period-specific materials like salvaged wood or specially crafted fixtures, which will be pricier and more difficult to locate than newer options. Skilled tradespeople might also be required for some restoration jobs.
- Budget for expenses: Spend time calculating how much these maintenance chores could cost each year, and include this in your overall budget.
8. Explore Financial Incentives
As you evaluate a historic home, it’s a good idea to look into financial programs and insurance options that can help with the costs of repairs and restoration.
- Historic homes rehabilitation tax credit (HHTC): Connecticut offers a 30% tax credit for qualified rehabilitation expenses, with a minimum investment of $15,000. To qualify, you’ll need to get approval from the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) before starting work, and your project must follow specific preservation standards.
- Specialized insurance: Standard homeowners insurance may not cover the full cost to restore historic features after damage. Look for insurance policies designed for historic homes that take into account the need for period-appropriate materials and skilled restoration work.
- Other incentives: Ask about local grants, low-interest loans, or other programs that may be available for historic property owners in your area.
9. Assemble a Skilled Team
Evaluating and caring for a historic home is much easier when you have the right people on your side.
- Inspectors and contractors: Choose professionals who have experience working with historic homes. They’ll know what to look for during old home inspection and how to handle repairs or restoration without damaging original features.
- Architects: Work with architects who understand historic preservation standards. They can help you plan updates or renovations that respect the home’s character while adding modern comforts.
- Specialists: For certain projects, you may need craftspeople skilled in traditional building techniques or materials, such as plasterwork, masonry, or wood restoration.
10. Plan for Long-Term Stewardship
Before you buy a historic home, consider what it will take to care for it over the years.
- Assess your readiness: Think honestly about whether you have the time, budget, and interest to keep up with regular maintenance and preservation tasks. Historic homes often need more attention than newer ones.
- Check for existing maintenance plans: Ask the seller if there’s a record of ongoing maintenance or a schedule for future upkeep. Well-documented care is a good sign that the home has been looked after.
- Connect with local resources: Find out if there are local preservation groups or neighborhood associations that offer support, advice, or even grants for historic homeowners.
- Understand documentation needs: Make sure you’re prepared to keep records of any repairs or changes you make, as this helps with future planning and may be required for compliance with preservation rules.
Honest evaluation of your ability and resources will help you understand what to look for when buying old house. This way, you’ll know if a historic home is the right fit for you and be better prepared to preserve it in great shape for years to come.
Read More → Things To Do In Fairfield County
Final Checklist Before You BuyBefore making your final choice, ask yourself:
If you can say “yes” to these questions, you’re in good shape toward becoming the proud owner of a historic Connecticut residence. |
Making Informed Decisions About Connecticut’s Timeless Homes
Buying a historic house in Connecticut is more than analyzing the building; it’s about comprehending its history, legalities, and the special challenges it brings. With Connecticut’s rich past, managing these details can be challenging without proper guidance.
Kristin Egmont’s extensive understanding of the local marketplace, coupled with her 20+ years of experience in handling a wide range of property types, means you’re getting the correct advice from the start. She’s skilled enough to assist clients in making wise choices, be it the value of a building, its possible restoration, or preservation guidelines that can be imposed.
If you’re prepared to discover unique properties in various areas of CT, such as Stamford, Monroe, and other areas too and wish to have a reliable expert at your side, contact Kristin today to start your next real estate journey.
