What to Consider when Purchasing a Historic Home

Buyer, Duval County, Downtown, St. Johns County, St. Augustine

So you’ve decided to look at and invest in a piece of history, one of the Jacksonville historic homes. It is a rewarding challenge for some, and a frustration for others who are not prepared. With some preparation and good research you could be not only living in a marvelous home, but preserving a bit of local, state or even national history for future generations.

First Considerations

Location is still a major priority. Preserving an historic home in an area that has not adopted the concept is often an uphill battle. Learn to choose which obstacles you are willing to deal with and which you are not.

Next look at the logistics of what can and must be restored versus renovated. If a historical designation comes with restrictions about the percentage of change to the façade or structure it can be a major concern and very money intense. Ask yourself some questions about this.

Do you have local artisans that have the experience to handle the work?
Can you get the materials easily or what substitutions are allowed?
Are any of the materials now considered health hazards that will require abatement and complete replacement/recreation in safe substitutes?

Have the building inspected for structural defects, insect damage, weather damage. When a home has stood for years, it has had to ‘weather’ many assaults. Even the White House had termites destroying part of the floor, which was discovered when a piano leg fell through the weakened wood. If the presidential residence is not immune, neither are the private homes of our history.

Above all, talk with your realtor, the historical committee that has oversight of the property of interest and review your local resources.

The Three ‘R’s of Historical Homes

Renovation, Restoration, Re-creation. Many homes on the historical registries have specific limitations on what can be ‘changed’. You will need to determine, within the limits of your budget and the restrictions what areas of the home can be renovated or completely remade with modern materials and whether or not you can do so without detracting from the historical value. George Washington’s home at Mount Vernon has installed modern plumbing and electrical systems, however the switches are behind hidden doors in the woodwork and the modern plumbing is kept out of sight to the public.

Restoration includes deconstructing, or carefully taking apart portions of the house to be cleaned, repaired and then replaced in their original location to maintain its significance to the structure. This is a specialized skill and takes training, patience and time, it is not the project for the first time enthusiast.

Re-creation can be used to replace items or features damaged beyond repair or to remake them using newer materials that give the appearance of the original but do not contain quantities of lead, or other elements now known to be unhealthful.

Sources and Resources

It is possible that your Jacksonville, Ponte Vedra/Ponte Vedra Beach area historical organizations can point you not only toward craftspersons, but supply companies and even, on occasion financial assistance offered to help preserve the historical houses. It’s is definitely worth a discussion with the chamber of commerce, historical societies and local realtors to see if there are options you had not previously considered.

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