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ALL ABOUT HOUSES BY ANDY CONSOLI

Buying a Historic House

Originally published in Haverhill Life, June 2018
By Andrew B. Consoli

🏠 What Makes a House “Historic”?

To be eligible for the National Register of Historic Places, a property must be designated by a federal, state, or local historic preservation office and meet at least one of these criteria:

Association with significant historical events
Association with significant people from history
Distinctive architecture, construction type, or period style
Potential to yield important historical or archaeological information

➡️ Age alone does not make a house historic.

🏛️ A Bit of Background

The first historic district was established in Charleston, SC in 1931.
In 1966, the National Historic Preservation Act created preservation laws at all levels of government.

💵 Tax Benefits

Grants and tax credits may be available for restoration work.
Contact your local historic preservation office for details.

⚠️ Restrictions on Historic Properties

If a home is in a designated historic district, owners:

Must seek approval from the local historic commission for any visible exterior work.
This includes:

Painting
Roofing or siding
Driveways, walkways, decks, steps
Lighting and windows

Anything visible from the road or water may be regulated.
Violations can result in fines of up to $500 per day.

📍 Local Example: Haverhill, MA

Haverhill has three historic districts:

Downtown
Rocks Village
Bradford Common

All exterior work in these areas requires commission approval.

👍 vs. 👎 Pros and Cons of Historic Ownership

Pros:

Maintains the character and integrity of neighborhoods.
Attracts buyers who value preserved architecture and aesthetics.

Cons:

Restrictions may limit renovation options (e.g., no vinyl siding or modern windows).
Projects like painting, fencing, or adding a deck may be denied.

✅ Before You Buy

Always contact the local historic commission to understand the rules before purchasing.
Educate yourself on:

What’s allowed
What’s prohibited
What approval processes look like

📧 Have questions or need advice?
Reach out to Andy at info@abchomeinspection.com