Historic home resources · Know the house. Care for its future.
Practical guides for the people who buy, research, repair, and care for historic homes. Start with the question in front of you, then follow the documents and specialists that can answer it.
MICHIGAN FIELD GUIDE · EDITION 01
Start a house file, check the designation, plan your research, and ask better questions before buying or changing an older home. This web edition pairs with HLC’s six-page planning worksheet.
· Get new history and homeowner resources
National: National Register recognition alone generally does not restrict private owners using private funds; other rules, easements, incentives, or federal involvement can matter.
State: A Michigan marker or historic-site reference recognizes a particular history. It is not proof of local design-review authority.
Local: An adopted district ordinance and boundary determine the local review process. Confirm the parcel and proposed work with the responsible office.
Compare the designation systems →Ask qualified professionals to identify safety, water, structural, and system concerns before selecting products. Record existing condition and character-defining materials. Investigate repair before replacement.
Disturbing paint in pre-1978 housing can create lead hazards. Consult EPA lead-safe renovation guidance and appropriately certified professionals.
Read NPS Preservation Briefs →Directory inclusion is not a warranty or a substitute for your own review.
Explore preservation contractors and resources →Write down preferred places, budget, timing, access needs, and the maintenance or restoration you are comfortable taking on. Verify designation, boundaries, condition, work history, and ongoing commitments with the appropriate professionals.
MLS-reported age is a search aid, not proof of historic status or original condition. Some listings omit construction dates.
Browse curated historic-home searches →Week 1: Identify the property and applicable authorities. Week 2: Investigate one question using two dated sources. Week 3: Arrange relevant assessments. Week 4: Prioritize a scope and identify required reviews before committing to work.
Research starting points: NPS National Register FAQs · Michigan SHPO local districts · Michigan SHPO recognition programs · NPS rehabilitation standards.
Prepared September 21, 2026. Educational planning aid, not an inspection, legal opinion, tax advice, engineering assessment, or promise of approval. Confirm current requirements and obtain appropriate professional advice. Linked institutions do not endorse HLC.
Find the craft your old home needs.
Explore specialists in windows, masonry, roofing, glass, plaster and salvaged materials.
Browse the directory →For preservation professionals.
Share your trade, service area and historic-project experience for consideration.
Start your application →Start with an address. Build a documented story.
Start with an address. Build a documented story.
Read the guide →Buy the house with a plan for its care.
Buy the house with a plan for its care.
Read the guide →Understand the building before changing it.
Understand the building before changing it.
Read the guide →Bring a specific proposal to the right office.
Bring a specific proposal to the right office.
Read the guide →Keep a single folder for the records you will need more than once. Start with the parcel and address, designation documents, survey material, inspection reports, dated photographs, permits, written project decisions, repair invoices, and material specifications. Add a short list of open questions. This becomes a working resource for the next owner as well as for your own project team.
| Your question | Start here |
|---|---|
| Where can I research a Michigan property? | Michigan SHPO research resources |
| Where is a National Register nomination? | National Register database and research |
| How does local district review work? | Michigan SHPO: local historic districts |
| What guidance exists for older materials? | National Park Service Preservation Briefs |
| Where do I check preservation incentives? | Michigan SHPO: state and federal historic tax-credit programs |
| What should I know before disturbing old paint? | EPA: lead renovation, repair and painting |
Before putting an incentive in a project budget, ask the program administrator about the property, proposed work, timing, application process, and current availability. Check official program instructions and discuss tax questions with a qualified adviser. Keep the application decision with the project’s other records. Michigan SHPO: state and federal historic tax-credit programs.
A district guide can help you understand the setting around a house. Begin with Detroit’s historic districts, follow Pontiac’s neighborhood and commercial stories, or explore the growing Michigan district collection. For properties and a conversation about your plans, visit Historic Homes with HLC.
Use this checklist to organize your next conversation or site visit.
History Loves Company
Watch the films, contribute a documented story, or meet us at The Foundry in downtown Pontiac.
HISTORIC HOME SEARCH
Use the resources on this page alongside current Michigan IDX listings, saved-search alerts, and a direct conversation about historic-home condition and value.
Choose your price and property filters, then select Save Search.
Ask Chris about architecture, condition, renovation considerations, and possible off-market opportunities.
OWN A HOME HERE?
Request a value and history-led marketing conversation for a historic Michigan home.
IDX availability changes continuously. Historic-district designation, property condition, taxes, and listing details should be independently verified.
History Loves Company 35 W Huron St #100, Pontiac, Mi, 48342
400 S Old Woodward Ave Ste 100
Birmingham MI 48009
History Loves Company 35 W Huron St #100, Pontiac, Mi, 48342
400 S Old Woodward Ave Ste 100
Birmingham MI 48009