It is difficult getting started on your "new" old house. Your head is filled with dreams of what it could look like, questions of what it will take, how long, how much will it cost, can I do it, do I need a contractor - AAGH!!! where or who can I turn to? Hopefully, some of your questions can be answered here or we can lead you to the right place. Happy browsing, and good luck on your projects.

Tax Incentives and the New Iowa Historic Tax Credit

Information about state and federal rehabilitation tax credits for your restoration/renovation projects.

National Park Service's Preservation Brief publications. You might enjoy looking at the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties web site.

What architectural style is your house?

Did you know the first step in restoration is categorization?

National Historic Trust: Building Codes and Housing

Do we have anyone in the qualified Technical Advisors Network for the Historic Resource Development program grant?

Yes, Jack Porter, Mary Neiderbach, and Dave Wood can be called as reference for folks applying to the Historic Resource Development program grant. The current maximum for that is $25,000 per year and deadline is in January.

Can anyone recommend contractors or how-tos approach the different type of home projects?

You can follow up with the Sherman Hill neighbors listed below or check our bulletin board.

Are there any resources available in the Sherman Hill neighborhood?

Yes, the following folks may be able to help in the following areas (note, these are neighbors whose careers or hobbies are in this area - please approach accordingly):

• Jim Bauer, antique appraiser
• Hal Davis, designer
• Terry Dial, stonework
• Jack Hatch, state government
• Dan Hodges, lighting
• Robert Lower, designer, stain glass, drapes, wallpaper
• Judy McClure, architect
• Robert Mickle, city and county government & moving houses
• Bob Neff, stain glass
• Randa LeJeune, wood restoration & local historic board
• Jack Porter, local historic district board & moving houses
• Sonja Roberts, designer