Historic Real Estate Resources- Preservation Assistance for real estate agents and homeowners

There are a number of resources available to protect a historic property from special insurance to placing a restrictive covenant on the property to prevent future inappropriate alterations. Below you find a number of options available to the homeowner but we would encourage them to review the entire web site for additional information.

Historic Home Insurance: A number of insurance companies have specific policies for historic homes. These firms recognize the significant architectural value of these properties and provide coverage that will guarantee replacement-in-kind, restoration consultants, specially trained appraisers and much more. Many of these firms will send a consultant or appraiser to identify the unique characteristics of your property and provide advice on how to properly care and protect their important assets and characteristics.

Standard homeowner's policies will replace your home at the market value, instead of the actual cost of replacing it if it is catastrophically lost. Historic homeowner's policies take into account the special workmanship and materials used in your antique home and will replace unique materials and recreate authentic workmanship if available. Properties that are located in a Local Historic District may need LHD Commission approval on repair or restoration work and may require that original material be used. A historic house policy would cover the additional expense of using appropriate materials and would help locate it and find a skilled company to install it. These policies may be more expensive than the standard homeowner's policy, but your historic home may be worth the additional expense. For additional information click links below.

Easements: One of the best ways the owner of an historic property can ensure that the property will be protected in the future is through the gift of a preservation easement. A preservation easement is a legal agreement that grants a limited right to a qualified nonprofit organization, like the Connecticut Trust, to protect the property from changes which are not in keeping with its historic, architectural or natural character. The easement allows the owner of an historic property to retain title and use of the property and, at the same time, to ensure its long-term preservation. The owner does not give up title, use or control of the property or the right to sell, donate or will the property. Easements are usually given in perpetuity, and filed in the land records. The easement runs with the property and is binding on both the owner who grants it as well as on all subsequent owners during its term. The owner retains the major interest in the property and can sell it or will it to whomever he or she wishes.

A preservation easement may perform three functions:

Limit the kinds of alterations and additions that may be made to the property's historic structures; Require proper maintenance of the structures to preserve their historic character and structural integrity; Control the owner's right to develop the property by prohibiting subdivision of the land or development of open space.

The preservation easement may also require that certain changes be made to an historic building to restore it to an appropriate condition. The restrictions usually apply to the building's exterior only, but could apply to significant interior features if the donor desires. The protected features of the property are clearly defined in the easement document. To learn more about the easement program click here Easements.

Funding Sources: Preserving historic homes requires research, restoration skills, enthusiasm and money.  Most grant and loan programs are directed towards not-for-profit organizations and municipalities, not the private homeowner.  There are a few options available including the Connecticut Historic Homes Rehabilitation Tax Credit program which provies a 30% tax credit to urban owner-occupied historic residential buildings in targeted areas.  There are other funding souces available including mortgages, all found in Funding Directory in the Restoration Help Section.

Technical Assistance: The Connecticut Trust for Historic Preservation has compiled a wealth of restoration and preservation information in our Restoration Tools Section and points you in the right direction when you seek Preservation Advice.  We encourage viewers to review the information provided and if you can't find your answer please call us at 203-562-6312.

Restoration Services Directory:   Our Restoration Services Directory is designed for use by homeowners or potential homeowners seeking restoration professionals and suppliers in Connecticut and surrounding areas.  The list includes the names of contractors, architects, consultants and craftsmen who have experience with historic buildings. Restoration Services Directory.