Historic Properties: What You Should Know
Living in, maintaining, and renovating a historic building: What you need to know
A building is typically considered historic if it is at least 50 years old and has architectural, cultural, or historical significance. It may be listed on a state or national historic register, or simply recognized locally for its heritage value.
Yes. If your building is designated as historic or located in a historic district, changes to its exterior—and sometimes interior—may require approval from a preservation authority. These guidelines help ensure renovations preserve the building’s original character. Always check with your local historic preservation office before starting work.
Absolutely. Many owners modernize for comfort, safety, and energy efficiency. It’s possible to add insulation, update wiring and plumbing, or install HVAC systems—so long as modifications respect the building’s historical features. Using minimally invasive techniques and reversible changes is best.
Older buildings often experience wear such as wood rot, crumbling mortar, outdated wiring, or leaky plumbing. Regular inspections and proactive maintenance are key. Historic materials—like original windows, plaster walls, or slate roofs—often require specialized repair methods to retain value and function.
Yes. Owners may qualify for local or federal tax credits, grants, or low-interest loans if renovations meet preservation standards. The U.S. federal Historic Tax Credit, for example, offers up to 20% back on qualifying rehab expenses for income-producing properties. Check eligibility with a preservation consultant or state agency.
It’s possible, but new additions must be sympathetic to the original architecture. Most guidelines suggest additions should be distinguishable yet harmonious, using compatible materials and scale. Again, local review boards usually need to approve plans.
Look for contractors, architects, or craftspeople with credentials in preservation work. They’ll understand how to navigate regulatory requirements and select appropriate methods and materials. Ask for references and examples of completed historic projects.
Costs can be higher due to specialized repairs and materials. However, many owners find the investment worthwhile thanks to the charm, craftsmanship, and long-term value historic properties offer. Routine upkeep is essential to prevent small issues from becoming costly problems.
Some insurers offer policies tailored to historic homes and buildings. These may cover the cost of restoring original features rather than standard replacement. It’s worth consulting an agent familiar with historic properties.
Beyond aesthetics and character, historic buildings offer a sense of connection to the past. They contribute to community identity and often sit in well-established neighborhoods. Preservation is also environmentally friendly—reusing existing structures saves resources and reduces waste.
A few good resources for historic properties in the Lowcountry: Charleston, Dorchester and Berkeley Counties:
- City of Charleston – Board of Architectural Review (BAR Large & BAR Small)
Reviews exterior alterations visible from public rights‑of‑way in historic districts, new construction, demolition, etc. - Charleston Preservation & Urban Design Division
This is the department that handles administration of BAR/DRB, staff review, guidance, etc. - Contact / Staff Directory for Charleston’s BAR & DRB
Physical address and phone numbers:- 2 George Street, Suite 3100, Charleston, SC 29401
- General phone: 843‑724‑3765
- Bar Guidelines & Permitting
The City publishes a “Guidelines Booklet” for the BAR (for historic properties), which includes what kinds of work need BAR approval, the process, etc.Also a PDF of submittal requirements for different project sizes (BAR‑L, BAR‑S) and types of work.
Dorchester County, South Carolina
- Dorchester County Boards & Commissions
Dorchester has several boards/commissions related to zoning, planning, and historic preservation oversight. While it may not always be called a “BAR,” there are Design Review / Historic District related ordinances. - SC Preservation Toolkit – Dorchester Resources
This includes historic district design guidelines, maps, Board of Architectural Review rules of procedure, and “Town Center District Ordinance.” These are helpful to understand what legal/regulatory mechanisms exist locally. - Dorchester Heritage Center (formerly Archives & History Center)
While not a regulatory body, it serves as a repository of historic records, and is useful for research, finding historical documentation, etc. Address: 101 Ridge Street, Saint George, SC; Phone: (843) 931‑1021. - Dorchester County Historic Resources Survey
There’s an inventory / survey of historic resources in Dorchester County maintained by the state library / SHPO that lists many properties and gives information useful in assessing whether a property is historic / eligible.
Berkeley County, South Carolina
- Berkeley County Historic Preservation Resources / Special Assessment
Berkeley County has a program for a special assessment for rehabilitation of historic properties. If there’s no local Board of Architectural Review (BAR) for your area, then the South Carolina Department of Archives & History (SCDAH) acts as the reviewing authority. - Boards & Commissions in Berkeley County
The county publishes various Boards & Commissions via its website. While not all are directly historic preservation boards, zoning and planning boards could intersect with historic regulatory jurisdiction.