Historic homes often need extensive renovation.
Each state has a State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO), which is a resource for you in all matters concerning renovation of your historic home. They are a source for information on available grants as well as a necessary agency in regard to evaluating and nominating your home for the National Register of Historic Places. They help you find out if your home meets the National Register criteria and instruct you as to how the nomination process works in your state. They also provide contacts with local restoration groups and inform you about tax incentives available in your state.
Instructions
1. Contact your state SHPO and obtain the criteria for historical registry of your home, if your home is not already registered. Examine the criteria carefully to ensure that your home qualifies. If it does, collect the necessary documentation and do the other steps, such as taking photos, that are needed to apply. Fill out the application and submit it to the SHPO. Be prepared to respond to any inquiries concerning the registration.
2. Obtain from your state SHPO information on Historic Preservation Grants. These are grants of federal funds for preservation projects from the U.S. Department of the Interior's National Park Service. They are administered by a branch of your state government. For example, in South Carolina they are managed by the Department of Archives and History. Look for a grant in the category of stabilization projects. These matching grants provide financial support for renovation and preservation projects. Also ask for information about other institutions and organizations in your area that have financial incentive programs for historic home renovation.
3. Complete a description of the renovation project for which you intend to apply. Ensure that all the necessary work is included in the description. Prepare lists of the materials and actions required to do the renovation. Make the best estimate you can of the cost of the renovation based on information from building supply stores and contractors (if appropriate). If applicable, include in your project measures to improve the energy efficiency of the home, updating of heating, air conditioning, plumbing and electrical systems as well as the typical exterior and interior preservation and rehabilitation work. New plumbing and electrical fixtures and electric appliances must be omitted. However, fees for architectural design or engineering consulting work can be included.
4. Carefully fill out the grant application forms supplied by whichever institution or agency you are applying to. Submit your grant application. Be prepared to supply additional information to the granting agency should it be requested. Apply to another agency or institution should your grant request be denied. Continue to apply until all possible avenues for grants have been tried.
Tags: your home, your state, grant application, historic home, Historic Preservation
