Historic projects can be very complex. If you are NOT familiar with doing historic preservation and rehabilitation work, you might unintentionally undermine the historic fabric and entitlements the property owners currently enjoys. This includes reduced property taxes, tax credits, accelerated depreciation and amortization, reduced setbacks, encroachments, floor area, and transferable development rights. Local jurisdictions usually have a historic preservation ordinance which describes these entitlements.
Since the historic property was damaged, I would recommend the Owners hire a historic preservation architect to research and evaluate (Historic Structure Report or Historic Structure Evaluation) the remaining historic structure. This will help identify the nature of the current residence, and whether there is anything remaining still historic. Further, if there are remaining historic elements, the report will document and evaluate the condition of those elements a.) original in good condition, b.) original in poor condition, c.) not original. If too much of the historic fabric has been undermined, then you would have a case for demolishing the residence and starting from scratch. If the property is in a qualified Historic District, it might have to be replaced in accordance with local historic ordinance, review, and standards.
However, if the building is reparable the HSR or HSE will provide guidance on creating a historic preservation or rehabilitation plan. Working with a historic preservation architect is important, and will help preserve the property owner's historic entitlements.
Step one is to talk to several historic preservation architects, briefly explaining the nature of the property and damage, and finding-out if they've worked on similar projects with other architects. Also, speak with the local historic board staff and find-out what the rules are, and the nature of the property's entitlements.
The insurance appraiser/adjust may be opening a can of worms for the property Owners.
-------------------------------------------
Lee I. Lippert, AIA
Principal
Lippert & Lippert Design
Palo Alto CA
-------------------------------------------
Original Message:
Sent: 10-14-2014 19:35
From: Mary Graham
Subject: Replacing a historic home destroyed by fire & insurance comapnies
May I suggest billing the client for work done andnot going further with this arrangement.
No third party has the right to negotiate your fees and lower them unless you let them.
Mary Graham
-------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------
Original Message:
Sent: 10-13-2014 14:19
From: Robert Reinhardt
Subject: Replacing a historic home destroyed by fire & insurance comapnies
This message has been cross posted to the following Discussion Forums: Small Project Practitioners and Custom Residential Architects Network .
-------------------------------------------
I was wondering if anyone has had experience with replacing a historic home destroyed by fire and the clients' homeowners' insurance company. I have such a project where the schematics were approved by my client and the Historic Preservation Commission in late August. The replacement house is a bit larger but configured differently from the original house. While my client signed a letter of agreement for schematic design, all invoices were paid by the insurance company.
My proposal for design development stopped forward progress since the insurance adjuster apparently deemed my fee too high. He has yet to communicate directly with me. Now, my client has some kind of an agent referred by her insurance agent who is attempting to negotiate a fee and architectural services with me. This agent, although not a licensed contractor, has told me that he will obtain permits and build the house and negotiate with the insurance company.
While it is an interesting project, I'm not sure who my client will be and who I will be providing with architectural services.
I'd very much appreciate any advice.
-------------------------------------------
Robert Reinhardt AIA
sole proprietor
Reinhardt Architects
Garrett Park MD
-------------------------------------------