[MassHistPres] Replace old windows in 200 year old home - Funding sources for repair of a private home in the historic district

[Joan Nix]

I completely agree with Tris Metcalfe regarding repair and storms vs. replacement.
It might be a good idea to send the homeowner the attached article, which explains the compelling reasons, aesthetically, economically, and in energy efficiency terms, to repair wood windows and add storms instead of wholesale replacements. New windows have a very short life span and are not repairable. Old wood windows are designed to be repairable, and with good storms, proper repairs and weatherstripping, can last indefinitely.  The energy efficiency of a properly functioning wood window with a storm window is very close in energy efficiency to a new window.
https://www.oldhouseonline.com/gardens-and-exteriors/preserving-wood-windows/

Also, there is a company along Rt. 28 in Orleans, Wood Restoration Cape Cod, (508) 255-0536, http://www.windowrestorationcapecod.com, that the homeowner might check out. 

Last thing, for the rental apartment, the owner can apply for tax credits for the window repairs.  The rules don't allow for owner occupied single family residences, but do for income-producing properties. See all the rules and description here:
https://www.sec.state.ma.us/mhc/mhctax/taxidx.htm#:~:text=The%20Massachusetts%20Historic%20Rehabilitation%20Tax,expenditures%20in%20state%20tax%20credits.  It is important to note that the project must be approved prior to the work being done.

Joan Nix
Vice-chair Orleans Historical Commission
[Formerly a registered architect and architectural historian specializing in historic renovations]

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Today's Topics:

   1. Re: FUNDING SOURCES FOR REPAIR OF A PRIVATE HOME IN THE
      HISTORIC DISTRICT? (Tris Metcalfe)


----------------------------------------------------------------------

Message: 1
Date: Fri, 14 Jan 2022 20:03:14 -0500
From: Tris Metcalfe <twm3 at rcn.com>
To: Anne Lusk <annelusk at gmail.com>
Cc: Garrett Laws <copperandslate at gmail.com>, "jaygmca at aol.com"
	<jaygmca at aol.com>, MHC MHC listserve <masshistpres at cs.umb.edu>
Subject: Re: [MassHistPres] FUNDING SOURCES FOR REPAIR OF A PRIVATE
	HOME IN THE HISTORIC DISTRICT?
Message-ID: <0E4D7245-9A26-4BE6-8544-37B510E0025F at rcn.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8"

The owner needs to see what Denis & Garett see with storms and basic stabilizing minimal restoration which has many potential wins; 1. It saves the most money with least cost solution 2. It can get equivalent energy efficiency to costly windows and possibly superior efficiency adding a tight interior storm as triple glazed. 3. It preserves the historic windows with their higher resale value, 4. It has a higher aesthetic charm than modern windows.
Tris Metcalfe
Northampton  

> On Jan 14, 2022, at 1:15 PM, Anne Lusk <annelusk at gmail.com> wrote:
> 
> Couldn't he be required to get three estimates from companies that would properly install new windows (not ill fitting plug in inserts) and three estimates for repairing the existing windows and installing storms? The quality of the new window would also need to be documented because some new windows deteriorate quickly and need to be replaced again.  The estimate for new windows should also include the second replacement windows when these fail.  
> Anne
> 
> On Fri, Jan 14, 2022 at 12:42 PM Garrett Laws <copperandslate at gmail.com <mailto:copperandslate at gmail.com>> wrote:
> Additionally (assuming 75+ year old windows) reglazing, painting and adding storms is a MUCH smaller financial endeavour. 
> 
> I’ll never understand why commissions simply allow owner to state “I have a hardship” and nothing further is asked. If anyone can afford a 200+ year old home with windows being the conversation (not structural issues, paint, leaking roof etc etc etc) a “hardship” really isn’t what’s going on. 
> 
> How about a notarised statement from an accountant saying that the owner can’t afford to repair and must replace said item. How about a legal document being tied to the deed stating that historically accurate windows will be installed upon the property being transferred to a new owner. 
> 
> The majority of this group is charged (loosely) with retaining the historic fabric of our cities and towns. Why is it that a single word negates that?
> 
> Garrett laws
> Mass resident, contractor and generally amazed citizen
> 
> On Thursday, January 13, 2022, Dennis De Witt <abtdewitt at rcn.com <mailto:abtdewitt at rcn.com>> wrote:
> Why is he replacing them?  Why not storms?
> 
> Dennis De Witt
> Brookline
> 
>> On Jan 13, 2022, at 11:18 AM, jaygmca at aol.com <mailto:jaygmca at aol.com> wrote:
>> 
>> The owner of a 200+ year old private home in our historic district is experiencing financial hardship in conforming to the Historic Commission’s guidelines for window replacement. Does anyone know of funding sources (grants, tax credits, loans) that might be available ease the financial burden? The property consists of a main residence and a rental apartment in an accessory building.  
>> 
>> I am grateful for any advice you can offer.
>>  
>> Jim McAuliffe
>> Wellfleet Historical Commission
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> 
> 
> --
> 
> Many Thanks,
> Garrett Laws
> 
> www.copperandslate.net <http://www.copperandslate.net/> The Copper & 
> Slate Company, Inc.
> Fine Roofing and Historic Carpentry
> 238 Calvary Street,
> Waltham, MA 02453
> (781) 893-1916
> 
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