Before you start, remember that all exterior work, including work you perform yourself, must be approved by the Detroit Historic District Commission. PROCESS: Making Exterior Changes: A guide from the Detroit Historic District Commission for specific projects, such as windows, roofing, painting, and more. Learn about the Detroit Historic District Commission Meetings and Commissioners. | Historic Distric Commission handout (pdf): A quick guide to the HDC. Detroit Historic Commission Guidelines: An overview of the approval process. Detroit Historic Commission FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the Detroit Historic Commission and their regulations. Questions? Contact HDC staff at (313) 224-1762 or hdc@detroitmi.gov to learn more. |
General PreservationHistoric District Designation = Money in Your Pocket: The value of living in a Historic District: enforcing historic standards increases everyone's property values. Historic Integrity: Why integrity of a structure is important. Historical Architectual Work: An essay and information on historical renovation. An Old House Is A Way Of Life: An editorial from The Old House Journal, Vol. 1, No.1, 1973. Old House Journal: A bit about The Old House Journal, the best source of information for historical renovation projects. | MasonryHDC Guidelines on cleaning: The Detroit Historic Commission Guidelines on cleaning masonry. Repointing Mortar Joints in Historic Masonry Buildings: Preservation brief 2 from the National Park Service. Dangers of Abrasive Cleaning to Historic Buildings: Preservation brief 26 from the National Park Service. The Preservation and Repair of Historic Stucco: Preservation brief 22 from the National Park Service. |
WindowsWindow Weatherization: A how-to guide on window weatherization. Historical Window Repair: A how-to guide on window repair. Storm Windows: How storm windows work and what to look for. Steel Windows: How to repair and restore windows made from steel. Also see the DHDC's Making Exterior Changes page, which includes more information on windows. | WeatherizationWeatherization: A how-to guide on making your house weather-tight. Window Weatherization: A how-to guide on window weatherization. |
FencingHDC Guidelines: The Detroit Historic Commission Guidelines on fencing. | Columns & PorchesMaintenance and Repair of Historic Wood Columns: A how-to guide. |
RoofsRepair and Replacement of Historic Roofs: A how-to guide on repair and replacement. Also see the DHDC's Making Exterior Changes page, which includes more information on replacing roofing. | PaintingHDC Guidelines: The Detroit Historic Commission Guidelines on painting and colors. Paint Style and Color Guide: The Detroit Historic Commission color system guide. |