Before You Fall for an Old House

Historic houses tend to win hearts on the first visit. The light through old glass, the worn stone steps and the sense of a long story are hard to resist. A little preparation helps you enjoy them for the right reasons.

Questions worth asking

• Is the house protected as a historic landmark, and what limits does that place on changes?
• When were the roof, wiring, plumbing and heating last updated?
• Are there signs of damp, settlement or past structural repair?
• Which original features survive, and which are reproductions?
• What do insurance and annual upkeep realistically cost?

Bring in specialists

A general home inspection is a start, but old buildings benefit from people who know them: a surveyor or structural engineer familiar with historic construction, and contractors experienced with traditional materials like lime mortar, slate and old-growth timber.

Plan for patience

Repairs to historic buildings take longer and cost more, and permits may be required for work that would be routine in a newer home. Owners who enjoy the process tend to be the happiest ones.

This article is general information, not legal, financial or real estate advice. Speak with licensed professionals about any specific property.