Finding the perfect location to build your new home can result in a difficult decision-making process, especially when considering building in a historic district. A historic district can be considered a historic site or location that has been deemed official due to its location, cultural heritage, regional significance or national implementation.
What is a historic district?
A historic district can be any group of homes, landscape, sites or structures that is of local, regional, or national significance. They can be recognized as a group of buildings, or properties. Government and state officials place regulations on design concepts and renovations in these areas, in order to maintain historical integrity and original construction to the property.
With these traditional concepts in place there are rules and home restrictions that regulate the amount of renovation or remodeling that can be done to a home in such a given area. The goal of a historic district renovation rules is to preserve a home’s true nature. Listed below is the most common restrictions or things you may need to know about before building a home in a historic district.
- Exterior: House exteriors such as windows and roofs portray the original architecture and design style of the historical home, and they have to be preserved. The preservation construction materials may be costly and require additional resources that will add on to your budget.
- Tax Incentives: Investing in a home in a historic district has its perks, the government may offer inducements that may offer tax benefits. Which means money in your pocket for keeping your home original.
- Utility Costs: Another key factor when deciding if a historic home is right for you, is to consider the seasons in your area, there is some potential for higher utility costs due to the build of the living structure.
Guidelines are expertly written and meticulous, especially if the district contains preserved and uniform architecture. Hiring a builder familiar with the rules and regulations will be essential. SEDA New Homes is an example of an experienced builder who has a track record of successful home builds in St. Augustine, Fl. The oldest continuously inhabited European settlement in America.
Consider every detail when planning this home building process as there may be fees associated with building or designing outside of the specific guidelines. Keep in mind that design regulations are less demanding when it pertains to interior design, therefore you will be free to design as you please inside your new home.
Once you’ve developed plans for your new home, a meeting with the historical commissions and the planning or zoning board, in your area, will provide you with the best instructions so that your project won’t be rejected indefinitely or end up costing far more than you anticipated.
However, adding newer properties with historic charm is likely to increase the economic essence and appeal of the particular area. Owning a home in a historic district has very significant benefits and establishes prestige,so be sure to do your research before deciding if you would like to own a piece of history.
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