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Should a Historic House be Demolished?



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When a historic house is scheduled for demolition, many people question whether or not it should be demolished. It is not always easy to answer this question. There are many factors that will affect the decision.

It is possible to preserve a building’s historic value through restoration, and then reuse it in a different way. This is "redeeming" an existing building. It is usually preferable to tearing it down and rebuilding.

It is important to consult your local preservation planners if a property is declared redeemable.

Demolition of older buildings often has a negative impact upon a neighborhood's character, and can also damage the integrity or historic district. Many cities have regulations that prohibit the demolition of older structures and buildings.


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Sometimes, however, it is necessary to demolish an older building for safety or other reasons. It may be necessary to demolish a historic structure due to safety or health concerns.

A new structure being built on the site is another reason that a demolition may be ordered. Before demolition can be started, the town must notify residents that demolition is required.


In some cases, a historic house might be saved through a public hearing and a vote. A local committee or group will arrange to raise funds and renovate it. The money can then be used to purchase another historic house in the area that needs renovation.

Belleville Historical Society is trying to raise funds to renovate an historic house in West Belleville. Once this house is renovated, the funds will go into a fund to help save other houses in need of renovation.

A historic house is an important part of your community's past and should be kept intact. If you intend to demolish a historic house, you should contact the Historic District Commission. Together they can determine the best way to preserve the building and the history in your community.


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If you are planning to demolish a historic house, it is advisable to have it inspected before you proceed with the next stage of the demolition process. You can talk to a historic preservationist about whether your building could be preserved rather than being demolished.

A building that is included on the National Register of Historic Places is protected and considered important. The state is required to make sure historic houses are properly stabilized in order to avoid their destruction.

The Connecticut Historic Preservation Office will inspect any building that is being demolished before it is removed. If the Historic Preservation Office determines that a house is worthy of protection, they will recommend to the state Attorney General's office that the house be preserved.




FAQ

Is there any way to save money when renovating my home?

Doing the majority of the work yourself can help you save money. One way to save money is to try and reduce the number people who are involved in the remodeling process. You could also try to find ways to reduce the cost of materials used in the renovation process.


Are there permits needed to renovate my house

Permits are required before you can start any home improvement project. In most cases, you will need a building permit and a plumbing permit. A zoning permit may be required depending on what type of construction you are doing.


What should I look for when buying a home?

Make sure you have enough cash saved to pay closing costs before buying a new house. Refinancing your mortgage might be an option if you don’t have enough cash.



Statistics

  • Most lenders will lend you up to 75% or 80% of the appraised value of your home, but some will go higher. (kiplinger.com)
  • Rather, allot 10% to 15% for a contingency fund to pay for unexpected construction issues. (kiplinger.com)
  • On jumbo loans of more than $636,150, you'll be able to borrow up to 80% of the home's completed value. (kiplinger.com)
  • Design-builders may ask for a down payment of up to 25% or 33% of the job cost, says the NARI. (kiplinger.com)
  • The average fixed rate for a home-equity loan was recently 5.27%, and the average variable rate for a HELOC was 5.49%, according to Bankrate.com. (kiplinger.com)



External Links

remodeling.hw.net


fixr.com


consumer.ftc.gov


nahb.org




How To

What amount should I spend to restore my old house?

How many rooms you wish to renovate, the type of renovations that you are planning, where you live and whether you hire professionals or yourself will all affect how much it costs. Depending on the scope and size of the project, the average renovation cost is between $10,000 and $50,000.

You'll probably get less than the market value of your home if you don’t include the cost of repairs, upgrades and other improvements. If you do not put in enough effort to make your home attractive before selling, you might lose money. On the other side, if your home is in a good condition, you can get more money if you put in the effort.

To help you decide which projects to undertake first, consider these factors:

  • Your budget. Start small if budget is tight. You can start small, for example, by tackling one room at a given time. For major renovations, you can either hire a contractor who specializes on kitchen remodeling or save money.
  • Your priorities. You decide what you are going to do with your home. One issue can become a major problem quickly, so it's important to choose a single area. If your roof leaks when it rains, it might be necessary to have it replaced sooner than you think.
  • Your timeline. Consider your timeline. For instance, if your goal is to purchase a new property next year, it might be a good idea to wait to install hardwood floors or to replace bathroom fixtures. To make these upgrades, it might be a good idea to wait until you leave your home.
  • Your skills. You might not have the skills to complete a project. A cabinet maker might be available to help you if your carpentry skills do not allow you to make custom cabinets.






Should a Historic House be Demolished?