Port Norfolk Historic District Recommendations and Guidelines

[Nick Macklin]

I just bought my 10th unit as somewhat of a house-hack.  I'll be living in it for 2 years while stationed at NS Norfolk and then it will become a rental.  It's a really solid Victorian Home in the Port Norfolk Historic District.  Outside of some minor plaster work that needs to be done on the upstairs and the original windows needing some love (or replacement) it's a great place.

My question lies with the windows...  I'm really inclined to take a stab at restoring the original windows since I feel like tenants and ultimately a buyer 10 years or more in the future will really appreciate that if done right.  Most windows function but all but 1 of 20 windows is missing the counterweight.  My plan was going to be to take a heat gun to the old paint, replace any wood that might need replacing, and then give it some nice fresh pain.  Anything that is out of my capability would go to a handyman/restoration specialist.

My agent in VA thinks I'm insane because he thinks they need to be replaced. He had no idea about historic districts though and I don't think he appreciates what these old houses can bring. It's about 15k to replace the windows following the historic guidelines if the composite windows got approved.

For anyone with experience in the neighborhood:  Who's out to lunch...  Him or I?  Also, is there a lot of enforcement with the historic guidelines?  I see a lot of windows that have been replaced but since I'm not a window expert I have no idea if they meet the guidelines or not.

Thanks!

[Isaiah Thompson]

I agree with what Patti said on this one.  I have a couple of properties within the historic districts in Portsmouth and the city is very on top of landlords when it comes to inspections, maintenance, landscaping, etc... I would verify with them to make sure that they approve of whatever you plan on doing ahead of time.