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There are a number of very specific problems related to old houses in general and old houses in Louisiana in particluar.

ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN

There's more to adding on to an old house than you think. Issues of compatibility of styles, materials, form, etc. can be difficult issues to deal with. My experience can be a great asset to the value of your property.

PRE-PURCHASE INSPECTION

If your considering buying an old house, I can usually look at it before you buy and give you a verbal report of it's condition for about $250-350. A written report will be extra.

FIRE HAZARDS

It's not uncommon for me to be in a beautiful old attic that's full of cool old stuff. Unfortunately, this "cool old stuff" is usually flammable. The National Fire Protection Association refers to this as "an accumulation of combustible materials " With old buildings it gets worse over time. Birds and rodents in particular build nests of what I call "tinder". All this needs is a spark. The attic also becomes an accumulation of everything else which has occured such as changing electrical and HVAC sytems which often go un-inspected. All these elements and more, make me say "It's no surprise to me why many old buildings burn down".

FOUNDATIONS

One very common problem in south Louisiana is too much moisture under and around a building. This can cause havoc with the foundation. Foundation problems show up in many ways, from sticking doors to cracks in the wall. Even worse, buildings with solid brick walls on the first floor can have serious moisture problems as the walls absorb moisture from the ground and expell excess moisture into the building. Called "rising damp" it is very difficult to solve.

NATIONAL REGISTER NOMINATIONS

I can assist you in the paper work and documentation required for the nomination process.

TAX CERTIFICATION PROJECT

This is a Federal program for rehabilitation of old buildings which can provide a substantial tax advantage to those who qualify.

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