Pre-1950s home in Nashville, TN

[Nicole Conley]

Hello all!

I am looking to network with anyone who is rehabbing/restoring a vintage Pre-1950s home in TN. I want to know the specifics of dealing with historic or older homes in this area and if it is worth investing in them. Please let me know if you have recently closed on a pre-1950s home in the area and are about to begin renovation, or if you have done one of these before and how your experience went. Thank you!

[Roger Poulin]

Is your property in a "historic overlay"? If you don't know you can look it up on the city maps and going to the historic layer tab. If the neighborhood was built in the 1950's it probably is not historic. If you are not in one of those zones then you have no problem with the historic commission. 

If you are in one of those zones, then you have a big job.  Each neighborhood has its own book (100-200 pages) of regulations. It covers what you can and can't add to the structure, maximum height, set backs, materials for siding, pattern of brick work, windows, light fixtures, light switches, and all the rest. The commission approve every detail, and it slows the process. I know a guy that failed an inspection for having "non-contextual vent registers" and had to replace them all for $200 each. It can be a huge deal. 

Is the house "blighted"? That can get you certain exemptions. They keep a list of those, but they are adding to the list from time to time.

Now that I scared you, some of these historic neighborhoods are in ideal locations. A well done rehab can get $300-400/sf in some places, but have a large reserve going in and an architect and GC that is familiar with historic restrictions.

Good luck