Easement Education Series: Insurance for Property Owners

Through quality wood and masonry construction, Charleston’s historic homes have stood the test of time; weathering wars, floods, hurricanes, and more over the centuries. Materials like old-growth cypress, pine, and oak are a large reason why historic homes are much sturdier – the materials are a much higher quality than the materials you would find on an ordinary construction site, today.  

In addition to quality materials, and techniques, historic homes have another advantage against weather events: most were built on the city’s high ground and make them less prone to a flooding event. While these details do make a difference in a historic home’s long-term preservation – organizations like ours rely on a community of preservation-minded property owners to help us with the monumental task of preserving our city’s architectural treasures.  

Through the Foundation’s expansive easement and covenant program, we are co-stewards of nearly 400 historic properties around the Lowcountry alongside a dedicated community of preservation-minded property owners. To support property owners, the Foundation makes itself available to provide technical advice, referral services, and additional programs to provide more insight and connection to various preservation techniques and professionals. As owners of four important historic buildings downtown, we understand the mix of joy and complexity that comes with caring for these properties!

In its mission to support property owners, the Foundation has developed a series of educational programs for property owners. The first session focused on insurance, with a panel of local insurance executives: Jules Anderson, of Anderson Insurance Advisors, John Bressan, of Helm Risk Advisors, and Jay Katz, of PURE Insurance. The panelists discussed insurance market trends, challenges the insurance industry is facing today, and how homeowners can implement safety and maintenance mechanisms to help mitigate risks to their homes.

Below are a few tips shared by the panelists:

General Home Safety:

• Install an electrical checkup device, such as Ting (check with your insurance provider to see if they provide them to clients)
• Install a monitored fire and burglar alarm system
• Install a lightning protection system
• Install a backup generator
• Automatic water shut-off devices can be installed to prevent water damage inside the house.

Reducing Risk of Flood Damage:

• Install proper flood vents to protect your foundation during floods to allow flood water to flow through a crawlspace, or garage, preventing hydrostatic buildup from the flood water.  
• Ensure that the soil around the home is properly graded so that water does not pool at the foundation of the house.
• Elevate mechanical systems where possible. In areas of repeat flooding, it may be necessary to elevate historic structures. Guidance from the City can be found HERE.

Hurricane Safety:

• Install impact protection, such as storm windows, shutters, or storm panels, to protect openings
• If a roof requires complete replacement, install quality roofing underlayment to provide additional protection
• Trees cut back, away from home and roof
• Make an inventory of your belongings — a simple video tour with your phone can be effective!

HCF will host its next Easement Education program this fall to explore Historic Tax Credits. Are you interested in learning more about our Easement and Covenant Program? Visit our website HERE.