With more than 2,300 designated historic districts home owners’ need to be aware of what this means to their home improvement project if they live is such an area.
“Remodeling in a designated historic district brings with it a set of challenges, often new to many remodelers”. District guidelines are strict with provisions on many things including material usage, which costs you the homeowner more. “The objective of historic preservation official is to conserve precious limited resources, and keep properties within the style of the neighborhood; making aesthetic restrictions can be stumbling blocks for even the most conscientious remodeler,” writes Kelly Cutchin of housingzone.com
Good example: Windows that meet both historic preservation guidelines and local energy codes can be very expensive. Solid wood, Energy Star-qualified windows come at a price. They can account for 10 to 15 percent of the average job’s budget, says Van Franke, principle of Franke Architects in Kensington, Md.
Having a contractor that is familiar with working with historic properties is the key to success. Let them help you with material selection and through the submittal process with the historic society. Urban Referrals offers contractors that have experience in working in designated historic districts. Submit your online request to meet with one in your area today.
For a map of DC Area Districts deemed historic visit. http://dcra.dc.gov/dcra/frames.asp?doc=/dcra/lib/dcra/services/permits/eisf.pdf Historic districts are in pink
The U.S. Department of Interior’s “Standards for Rehabilitation” used as a guideline by most historic preservation offices, can be seen online at http://www.nps.gov/history/hps/TPS/tax/rhb/stand.htm.
