[MassHistPres] Cost-Conscious Historical Renovations?

[Tucker, Jonathan]

If energy efficiency (and not aesthetics) is the primary concern, then
one quick solution is interior single-pane storm windows with acrylic
(lexan) glazing.  This allows the original windows to stay in place
while funds for their repair or in-kind replacement can be saved up over
time.

 

Jonathan Tucker

Planning Director

Town Hall, 4 Boltwood Ave.

Amherst, MA  01002

(413) 259-3040

(413) 259-2410 [fax]

tuckerj at amherstma.gov   

 

-----Original Message-----
From: masshistpres-bounces at cs.umb.edu
[mailto:masshistpres-bounces at cs.umb.edu] On Behalf Of Wendy Bawabe
Sent: Wednesday, November 19, 2008 9:48 AM
To: masshistpres at cs.umb.edu
Subject: [MassHistPres] Cost-Conscious Historical Renovations?

 

As a member of the Norwell Historical Commission, I'm frustrated that
our town has NO local historical districts to oversee and regulate
renovations of historic homes.  We are working on creating local
historic districts, but in the meantime I need to find
contractors/consultants who can suggest cost-effective options for
historical renovations.

 

An antique home owner in the center of our town recently told me that
she is replacing all 33 of her (antique, wavy-glass) windows with vinyl
windows!  She said that she couldn't afford to replace with wood windows
(cost = $70K, she said), her current windows are lead painted, and her
heating bills were astronomical.  Unfortunately it's too late for me to
make suggestions to THIS homeowner (the work begins in 2 days), but in
the future I'd like to be able to suggest alternatives.

 

Does anyone know of an historical consulting/contracting firm that
advises homeowners in cost-effective (but historically correct)
renovations?  It seems like all the historically-minded contractors are
very expensive.  Are historic homes only for rich people or can the
Average Jane renovate within a budget?

 

I'd love suggestions,

 

Wendy Bawabe

Norwell Historical Commission

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