Melanie Roupas Blog
RSS Feed
Subscribe and receive email notifications of new blog posts.
RSS Feed
- 2026 | 4 Posts
- 2025 | 30 Posts
- 2024 | 48 Posts
- 2023 | 47 Posts
- 2022 | 48 Posts
- 2021 | 46 Posts
- 2020 | 37 Posts
- 2019 | 6 Posts
- 2018 | 1 Posts
Awards | 1 Posts
Buying a House | 12 Posts
Community | 1 Posts
Events | 2 Posts
Home Buying | 7 Posts
Home DIY | 6 Posts
Home Improvement | 46 Posts
Home Maintenance | 4 Posts
Home Selling | 10 Posts
Homeownership | 21 Posts
Joyner Fine Properties | 3 Posts
Lifestyle | 11 Posts
Market Trends | 4 Posts
Moving | 5 Posts
Richmond, VA | 68 Posts
RVA | 64 Posts
Selling Your Home | 2 Posts
June
17
17
What to Know When Buying a Historic Home
The Richmond area is full of gorgeous, historic homes. Many have been preserved in their original style, and others have seen various updates over the years. If you have an appreciation for vintage architecture, we encourage you to look at historic Richmond homes for sale. Just keep the following tips in mind as you do.
- Look Into Renovation Grants
If you purchase a historic home that needs updating, you may qualify for some grants or loans to help cover the renovation costs. The State Historic Preservation Office can give you the most updated information as to what grants are currently available and how to qualify.
Keep in mind that a home usually has to be 50 years old or older in order to be considered historic. Some grants may have more stringent age requirements. Also, when you remodel with grant money, you are usually required to preserve certain aspects of the home's original style. - Pay Close Attention to the Roof
A home with a bad roof will soon develop other issues. Water leaking through the roof can cause mold to grow in the attic and on ceilings. Roof leaks can also sacrifice the integrity of various support beams.
For this reason, the roof should be one of the first things you examine in a historic home. If the roof is sagging, missing shingles, or has a leaning chimney, you should definitely have a roofer take a closer look before you make an offer. - Try the Doors and Windows
Try opening and closing all of the doors and windows in the home. Older windows can become hard to open, at which point they need to be replaced.
If you notice that multiple doors and windows don't open, that could point to an issue with the home's foundation. If the foundation shifts, the doors and windows can shift out of balance. Some foundation problems are fairly easy to repair, but you shouldn't make an offer on a historic home with a questionable foundation until you know exactly what you're dealing with. - Listen to the Floors
When you walk through the home, pay close attention to any sounds the floor makes. A squeaky floor may just mean a few boards need to be replaced, but it could also point to a more serious structural issue.
Also, check the floors around tubs, sinks, and toilets. Are there any signs of water damage? Water damage not only leads to mold but also structural problems. - Check the HVAC System
Many historic homes have boiler heating systems. It's difficult to run ducts through these homes, so many people choose to stick with boiler heating. Make sure this is something you're comfortable with. Boiler heating can be quite energy-efficient, but some people find the radiators to be cumbersome.
Similarly, many historic homes lack central AC and instead have ductless mini-spit systems or even window units. Make sure these systems are well-maintained and in good condition. - Ask About the Plumbing
Has the home been re-plumbed? If not, then it may need to be re-plumbed soon. This is a major expense and definitely something to account for when you decide how much to offer for the home.
Also, try all of the faucets, showers, and toilets. You may need to replace some of these fixtures upon move-in.
If you follow the tips above, you'll have an easier time finding a gorgeous, historic home that meets your family's needs. Don't hesitate to contact us if you need some assistance with your search. Our real estate agents know the Richmond area well and would be happy to help.