Buying a home is a big decision and investment. And there’s even more to think about when you decide to purchase a historic home.

If you’re not into new construction or modern homes and a charming, historic bungalow is more your vibe, here are few things to consider before you close.

Historic architecture

Materials used to build houses in the late 19th century + early 20th century are likely not available today. Unfortunately, you won’t be able to put your Fixer Upper hat on if you need to replicate details in the home. You’ll need a skilled architect who specializes in the home’s design style to recreate those intricate features.

Neighborhood restrictions

Many towns and cities take the preservation of historic homes seriously. Once a house is zoned as a historic property, you might run into some red tape if you want to do any renovations – especially to the home’s exterior.

Maintenance + repairs

Unlike a newly built home, historic homes don’t always come with updated systems like heating, air conditioning + plumbing. Previous homeowners might have done renovations, but these systems still might not be up to date with today’s codes. Getting the property properly inspected before closing will inform you about potential (and possibly costly) repairs it may need.

See 3 pros to buying a historic home here. Ⓟ