Generally, when looking to think green, many people’s thoughts tend toward modern innovations: hybrid cars, energy-efficient appliances, solar panels, and the like. Yet, when it comes to making an Earth-friendly decision on a home purchase, many argue that buying an older home is the best way to minimize environmental impact.
New construction affects the environment in many, and sometimes less obvious ways. Emissions in to the air, water spills, waste generation, soil pollution, resource consumption, impacts associated with transportation, and effects on biodiversity are some of those. For the best of both worlds, many are choosing to reuse an existing structure, and simply make green choices with every update that’s done to the property.
People purchase historic homes for many reasons. Some like the idea of owning a piece of Salt Lake history. Some like the quality of construction that just can’t be found in modern homes. High ceilings, rich materials, and intricate details can also be an attraction. Other people simply like the urban neighborhoods in which these historic homes can be found.
Tax credits and financial help are available for some of these types of projects. The Utah Heritage Foundation has compiled a list of financial resources for historic preservation in Utah. There are several low-interest loan programs and state and federal tax credits, and state and federal grants available. More information on these programs is available atutahheritagefoundation.com.