[MassHistPres] Cost-Conscious Historical Renovations?

[Marcia Starkey]

Hello,

Could the homeowner be persuaded to store the windows as original material that could enhance a sale and add value to her home? Runner-up is to receive them as a gift, tax deductible, and give or sell to someone who can use them. 

Could you create a flyer or a press release to tell owners how to save money by using storms? New windows are a top deterrent to anyone wanting an historic house. Look at, among others, the National Trust's web site, the Springfield and Cambridge Historical Commission sites for detailed guidance.   
 
Marcia Starkey, Greenfield
 
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Wendy Bawabe 
  To: masshistpres at cs.umb.edu 
  Sent: Wednesday, November 19, 2008 9:47 AM
  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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