It seems like a cool idea to buy a home that is a historical landmark. What could be more fun than showing off your piece of history to your friends and neighbors? However, if it’s for sale, it probably has some problems that someone esle didn’t want to tackle. Not only do you have some sizable construction tasks ahead of you, but you will find that historical landmarks have strict restoration rules.
Very little can be changed on a home with a historical marker. Once the property is designated as such, it is expected that it will be kept as close to its original form as is safely possible. Certainly, electrical and plumbing upgrades will be allowed. If restoration requires repairs to the structure, they will be allowed, but there may be some guidelines that you will have to follow. If the home has wood siding, you’re not going to be able put brick on it. You may not be able to modernize the kitchen and bathrooms as much as you like.
After all, the point of a historical landmark is to preserve the history of the building. Granite counter tops are not historical. Claw foot tubs are. All current building codes have to be met, no matter what. Most people who buy these old homes are well aware of the restrictions, so the restoration is usually done with that in mind. Any discrepancies will hopefully be small in nature. All interested parties want to know the landmark will stand for many years to come.