What Type of Responsibilities Come with Owning a Historic New Orleans Home?

Buying a historic New Orleans home may sound great! However, there may be far more to owning this type of property than you expect. While historic homes are very common in New Orleans, before you start shopping for one, you should understand the responsibilities that come with owning a historic home.

Home Preservation

As a historic home owner, you will be expected to preserve the historic properties of the home. This is by far the biggest responsibility you will have as a property owner. The Historic District Landmarks Commission will enforce the regulations for historic homes in New Orleans.

This commission has the power to include oversight of renovations, property changes or new construction in any historic district of the city. You can also get a free pre-sale inspection as the buyer, seller or agent for the property. This helps to ensure all parties understand the regulations of the historic property.

Keep in mind, the violations don’t follow the property owner, but instead the property. If any violations are found, you’ll still be responsible, even if you didn’t cause the violation.

Neighborhood Relationships

You are also responsible for keeping a good relationship with the neighbors of the property. You may have responsibilities to decorate the home a certain way during the holidays or other events. You may also have to adhere to certain landscaping regulations or show the property during a historic home showcase.

Historic Responsibility

Not only do you have a responsibility to preserve the home and adhere to neighborhood regulations, but you also have a responsibility to history. You cannot buy a historic New Orleans homes and take the responsibilities lightly.

You have to take care of the home and preserve history for the future. It’s not just your responsibility for the problems already found by government inspectors or neighbors, but also the problems they don’t see. This could include termites, foundation issues, door and window issues or even roof damage.

Small problems can easily become big problems and you have a responsibility to protect the property. You want to make sure you do everything you can to ensure the history is preserved for future generations.

While there are plenty of responsibilities that come along with owning a historic home in New Orleans, there are plenty of helpful people out there, as well. Some are specialists in helping you find the materials you need, while others know how to ensure you can renovate, update and even add on without disturbing the history of the property. It can be a bit scary to buy a historic home, but if you do your research and listen to those with expertise, it can be very rewarding.

New Orleans is home to 18 historic districts including:

•          Algiers Point
•          Bywater
•          Canal Street
•          Carrollton
•          Esplanade Ridge
•          Faubourg Marginy
•          Mid-City
•          Garden District
•          Holy Cross
•          Irish Channel
•          Lafayette Square
•          Lower Garden District
•          Parkview
•          Picayune Place
•          St. Charles Avenue
•          Treme
•          Uptown
•          Warehouse District

As long as you take the time to complete a careful study of the area and the home you want to invest in, you’ll be able to enjoy the history of the property. Owning a historic property comes with plenty of pleasure, but you have to make sure you understand your responsibilities first.