Have you always dreamed of updating a historic home, perhaps even tackling one that is listed on a national register? In the storied enclaves of northern New Jersey, towns such as Maplewood, Millburn, Short Hills, Summit and South Orange are dotted with houses that have an old world charm. For the intrepid homebuyer, there is opportunity galore. Although owning a historic home can be both an interesting and unique experience, buying one is not without its challenges, especially if it is listed on a National Register. There are many factors to consider when bringing an older home into the 21st century.

If you’re thinking about purchasing and remodeling a historic home for modern living, here are 3 important considerations before you buy:

1. Choose an Architectural Style and Layout That Meet Your Current Needs

Certain architectural styles have distinct floorplans and layouts. Perhaps the European flair of a Dutch colonial inspires you, or you love the traditional warmth of a Tudor. Each style is different, and it’s important to ensure that the home you choose can support your lifestyle and needs. For example:

• Victorian homes are ornate on the outside, typically have multiple levels, a wrap-around veranda, striking roof lines, and tiny spaces and rooms.
• Colonial homes comprise a range of designs but are characterized by clean lines, symmetry, stately exteriors, formal layouts, and roomy interior spaces. The design scheme tends to be simple, open and flows from room to room.
• Cape Cod homes, a subset of colonials, tend to feature a simple two-story design with steep roofs and a centrally-located chimney. Such homes often have siding and a narrow “captain’s stairway” leading to upstairs bedrooms.
• Tudor homes make a statement with “half-timbering” decorations, bold contrasts in the façade, highly-steeped, and elaborate roofs with side gables and large windows. High ceilings are common in Tudors giving the impression of large amounts of space.

Whatever architectural era “fits” your tastes, it’s important to take a holistic view of a historic home and assess whether your modern day needs fit the space. For older adults, a classic, single-level ranch-style home might be better than a multilevel Victorian or colonial, while the opposite might be true for a young, growing family. When it comes to historic homes, the right real estate agent can truly be an expert guide.

2. Consider Ongoing Repair and Maintenance For a Historic Home

In spite of their charm, older homes can suffer the ravages of time. Although all homes receive their share of wear and tear, repair and maintenance can be thorny with a historic home. Often there is no track record of upgrades, so the challenges can be vast.

Knowledgeable inspectors will be on the lookout for issues such as:

• Health hazards – Harmful materials, such as lead paint and asbestos, were used in the construction of older homes prior to widespread regulations. In addition, mold and poor water filtration systems should be identified and addressed.
• Termites and other infestations – Termites can do a lot of damage to a home’s infrastructure. Old homes may have termites or have suffered structural damage from termite infestations. There are other potential problems as well such as rodents which may be in hard to reach crawl spaces.
• Dated plumbing and electrical – Lead pipes, rust or cracks can affect the integrity of the plumbing system. Knob-and-tube wiring or old electrical boxes are examples of issues that can lead to costly upgrades.
• Inferior building materials – Homes that were built long ago may come with outdated features such as inefficient heaters, uninsulated walls, thin flooring or unsafe, unreliable electrical appliances.

As the homebuyer, you will have to factor the cost of repairs or upgrades into your own valuation of the property. It’s not a bad idea to consider an inspector who specializes in historic homes, and a good place to start is the Historic Building Inspectors’ Association. This list contains New Jersey-based members who understand the nature of issues specific to historic homes.

3. Be Knowledgeable of Local Zoning Restrictions

Some older homes are structurally suited to renovation, but local zoning regulations may prohibit changes. Often, there are local restrictions on adding extra rooms or altering the home’s exterior. If you anticipate remodeling, you’ll want to check with the local historical society—or if applicable, the homeowners’ association (HOA)—that governs houses in the neighborhood.

It’s also worth taking a trip to the local town hall to pick up a copy of zoning restrictions and speak with the building inspector about what you can and cannot do. It’s not at all uncommon for potential homebuyers to have these meetings in advance of purchasing a home.

Historic Homes: Worth The Challenge!

There are many demands that will give homebuyers pause with older homes, but sometimes the elegance, charm and historic significance may be just what you’re looking for in a forever home. Historic homes can be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own a piece of history—one that can remain in your family for generations.

If you’re looking for a new home and feel inspired by the possibilities that accompany owning an older home, contact Victoria Carter, (973) 220-3050, email: victoria@victoriacarter.com. I’d love to assist you.