Weighing Your Residential Building Options In The Mount Pleasant Old Village

The Old Village Historic District and its Boundaries

If you are living in an Old Village home that you’re outgrowing or have recently purchased a home that doesn’t quite meet your needs, you may be facing the question of whether you should remodel the existing structure or tear down and build a new home on your lot. In the Old Village, one of the biggest considerations is whether or not your home is located in the historic district.

The “Mount Pleasant Historic District” of the Old Village became listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1973. Following that in 1979, the Town created a local historic overlay district which encompasses the original Historic District and expands the borders to a handful of streets immediately surrounding it. The map below (linked here) shows the boundaries of what is now called the “Old Village Historic District”.

Designated historic homes will face much stricter regulations. They will have requirements for remodeling and may not be permitted to be torn down for rebuilding. You can look up your home on this interactive map hosted by the Town Of Mount Pleasant as well.

If you have determined that you have the option of remodeling or demolition and rebuilding your home, there are several factors to consider. Below are 4 of the biggest questions to help make an informed decision about your investment.

1. Does the existing structure have any architectural value?

From decorative true divided-light windows to handcrafted millwork, many homes in the Old Village were constructed with a level of craftsmanship that could be difficult to repair or replace. Even if your home hasn’t been designated as a historically significant home, it may have intrinsic value that would appeal to a certain type of house hunter in the future.

Sometimes, we purchase a home with these elements because we have an emotional connection to them. If you are planning to stay in your Mount Pleasant home for a considerable amount of time, it may be worth it to you to remodel around some of your favorite architectural features of your home.

Consider these elements in your home and determine if they are worth preserving with a carefully planned remodel.

2. Do your potential plans meet Mount Pleasant’s residential Zoning and Building regulations and are they likely to be approved by the Old Village Historic District review board if the house is within the boundary?

Any good Charleston custom home contractor and/or local architect will have a good idea of the basic regulations in the various Mount Pleasant neighborhoods. However, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with them as you’re trying to determine if a remodel or a new home build in the Old Village is your intended path. You can save yourself some time and money, by getting informed before you commission plans for your project.

A good place to start educating yourself is on the Town of Mount Pleasant’s website. Linked here, you can find information about the various building regulations, requirements and processes you will need to follow throughout your residential building project in the Old Village.

3. Will it cost more to remodel or rebuild your home in Mount Pleasant?

The assumption is that remodeling a home costs less because the main structure is already in place. However, this is not always true. Oftentimes, older homes suffer from many hidden issues that are only uncovered in the remodeling process. While your Charleston residential construction team has experience recognizing common issues, every home is different.

Just a few of the common and less obvious issues that will need to be addressed:

• • Is the roof up to code?
  • Will the current electrical wiring support a modern home?
  • Is the current siding made of toxic asbestos shingles?
  • Were the walls originally covered with lead paint?
  • Does the plumbing system use galvanized pipes?
  • Are there termite damages to the structure?
  • Is there any wood rot and/or mold or fungus from moisture or water damage?

4. Is the home in a flood zone?

Many areas is Charleston and Mount Pleasant are in flood zones and have additional building regulations, such as the FEMA “50% Rule”, which says that if you substantially improve a property to the extent that the cost of the improvement exceeds 50% of the market value of the structure, then you have to bring the entire home up to code, including minimum elevations.

5. Is there any foundation damage?

Another hazard of living in coastal areas is foundation damage. If your home has a sinking, cracked or otherwise damaged foundation, the cost to remodel may be well beyond what it would cost to tear down and build a new home in the Old Village.

As you consider your options, contact a local builder with a great reputation who can help you uncover the answers to many of these questions. The Stono Construction team members are local building experts with the experience to guide you through your Mount Pleasant, Old Village custom home building project.

Your Custom Home Builder in the Charleston Area

Taking on a custom home building project is complex and there are many factors to consider. That’s why it’s important you work with a professional who can help make your project a success. At Stono Construction, we’re passionate builders. Bringing years of experience and expertise to your project helps ensure a successful transition from the idea in your head to the reality on your lot. Our team works hand in hand with you, helping navigate every detail and issue so your custom home project is the home you want, not the one you settle on.

If you’re interested in building a custom home or have questions about the process, we’re happy to answer them. Contact us today.