A Guide to Safety Inspections for Older Masonry Homes in Michigan

Owning an older home can be quite rewarding. It also comes with extra challenges, though, as you need to make sure that everything is in proper working order.

Conducting regular safety inspections on older masonry homes in Michigan can help you identify any potential hazards, while also preventing costly repairs. You can help preserve the historic significance of these homes, which might be listed on the National Register of Historic Places, through these regular inspections.

Ensuring that all safety concerns are identified and then addressed in a timely manner can help homeowners ensure the long-term preservation of their historic properties.

Below, we provide some guidance on how to conduct these inspections as well as the importance of doing so.

Historical Significance and Preservation

There are many older masonry homes in Michigan that have great historical significance. Those that do are often listed on the National Register of Historic Places, which is an official list of structures, buildings, sites and objects that the federal government deems worthy of preservation for either their historic significance or their “great artistic value.”

In addition to this federal list, the state has a Michigan Historical Marker Program, which, since 1955, has recognized and helped preserve historic sites and structures all across Michigan.

Homeowners who own a property that is on one or both of these lists can take great pride in knowing they own something special. At the same time, that comes with extra responsibilities to preserve the property for years to come.

By working with various preservation organizations, homeowners can ensure that their historic homes are properly preserved and maintained.

Pre-Inspection Research and Preparation

Regular safety inspections are recommended for all homes, regardless of their age or type of construction. These inspections become extra important for historic masonry homes, as they might be susceptible to certain damage simply because of their age.

Before you conduct a safety inspection, it’s important to research the history of your specific property. This could help you identify any potential hazards that would be specific to your home.

The great part about older homes is that many have detailed information on file with various government agencies. By reviewing any historical documents and records, you can further understand how your home was originally constructed and any subsequent modifications that were made to it.

While these records could help you identify specific areas of concern, you might also have questions even after reviewing them. Make sure to prepare a list of concerns and questions so that you can discuss them in more detail with the inspector.

Inspection Process

All safety inspections of older masonry homes in Michigan will involve multiple steps.

An exterior inspection will examine the entire exterior of the structure. This includes the masonry, the roof and the foundation of your home. 

The inspector will look not just for signs of damage and deterioration, but also for normal wear and tear that needs to be addressed.

After that is complete, the inspector will move inside, examining the walls, floors and ceilings of the structure. Some of the common things they’ll look for include structural issues, water damage and any other potential hazards.

With older historic homes, inspectors will take a close look at the masonry. 

This includes the condition of the mortar, bricks and/or and stones that were used in the construction of the home. Inspectors will look for common signs of damage, including whether the materials have cracked or shifted.

In all stages of the inspection, they will suggest any necessary maintenance or repairs that need to be made to anything they identify.

Addressing Safety Hazards and Concerns

The chief concern of any inspection is the integrity of the structure, as that determines how safe it is to live in. That’s why inspectors will be searching for any safety hazards or potential concerns, and providing you with recommendations for maintenance and/or repairs that need to be done.

You should not take these suggestions lightly. By prioritizing repairs and maintenance, you can ensure the safety of your historic home — and those who live in it — as well as its preservation.

While you might be able to do some of this maintenance or repair on your own, it would be wise to hire a local contractor you can trust who has experience with historic masonry homes in Michigan. 

Licensed contractors will know exactly what needs to be done, have access to the proper materials and uphold the integrity of your historic home.

Special Considerations for Michigan Homes

Historic homes face challenges no matter where they are located. Michigan also presents unique challenges to older homes, due to its climate and geography.

This is especially true in the Upper Peninsula, which is known for its rugged climate. Brutal winters and even strong winds and other natural forces can be particularly harsh on historic homes.

This emphasizes just how important it is for homeowners to take extra precautions based on the specific location of their home. This will ensure that historic homes are properly maintained and preserved, and are safe to occupy.

Inspectors should also be taking these unique challenges into consideration when checking over your home.

Working with Inspectors and Contractors

There are some general inspections that homeowners can do on their own. However, if you own an historic masonry home in Michigan, it’s important to work with experienced inspectors and contractors who have the specific knowledge about historic preservation and masonry repair.

This is an important aspect of choosing a contractor and/or inspector, as there are not only specific challenges that these homes face, but also specific guidelines homeowners must follow when making any repairs, replacements or upgrades.

As such, whoever you hire should be familiar with both the Michigan Historical Marker Program as well as the National Register of Historic Places. They should have in-depth knowledge about the particulars of the programs and what needs to be done if your home is on one or both of these lists.

Before you even hire an inspector or contractor, you should ask them about your historic home, and seek recommendations from them on what they believe needs to be done.

Creating a Maintenance Plan

Regular inspections are a great way to identify potential issues before they become major problems. During these inspections, you should also ask whoever you hire about creating an ongoing maintenance plan that will ensure the long-term preservation of your historic home.

Included in this plan should be regular inspections, repairs and maintenance. What this will entail depends on your specific property, how it was constructed, what guidelines you must adhere to, and much more.

By creating this maintenance plan, and following it “to a T,” you’ll be able to prioritize the preservation of your historic home, which ensures its safety and integrity.

Additional Resources for Historic Places

If you’re interested in learning more about your historic masonry home in Michigan, or historic homes in general, you can find plenty of additional information and resources through the Michigan Historical Marker Program and the National Register of Historic Places.

You can also gain guidance and support through preservation organizations such as the Michigan Historic Preservation Network, or find more information and resources through local museums and historical societies.

Remember, whenever you are hiring an inspector or contractor, make sure to hire one you can trust with your historic home.

At All Brick, we have been mastering the art of masonry for more than 10 years now, and have plenty of experience with historic homes in Michigan. Contact us today for more information or a free quote.

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