Buying a Historic Rowhouse in Baltimore: Hidden Costs of Renovating a 19th-Century Property

Baltimore’s historic rowhouses are full of charm. Tall ceilings, original hardwood floors, and intricate brickwork make them highly desirable… but before you fall in love with one, you need to know the hidden costs of renovating a 19th-century property.

Many buyers focus on the purchase price and forget about the repairs, but a beautiful facade can hide expensive problems. There could be several issues, as old homes come with surprises. 

Here’s what you need to consider before taking the plunge. When you play at Vave Crypto casino, you'll be thankful you never encounter crowded, stuffy halls. Instead, you'll be a digital VIP in one of the largest online gaming platforms out there!

1. Structural Issues: The Hidden Dangers

Foundation and Brickwork Problems

Baltimore’s rowhouses were built over a century ago. Many have settled unevenly, leading to cracks in walls and sloping floors. Some issues are cosmetic, but others threaten the home’s stability.

Brickwork is another concern, as old mortar deteriorates over time, requiring repointing (replacing the mortar between bricks). If neglected, water seeps in, causing further damage. Repointing a full property can cost 5,000–15,000, depending on the severity.

Wood Rot and Termite Damage

Wooden beams, floor joists, and window frames are common in historic homes, but moisture and pests can weaken them. Treating a termite infestation might set you back 3,000–10,000.

2. Outdated Systems: Plumbing, Electrical, and HVAC

Plumbing and Electrical Nightmares

It is common for cast-iron pipes in 19th-century rowhouses to corrode, causing leaks and blockages. Modern PVC or copper ones might cost you between 5,000 and 20,000. It can get pricey, especially when it requires you to open up walls.

Knob-and-tube wiring from the early 1900s adds to the risks of fires, as the old wiring can’t meet today’s needs. Changing the entire system ranges from 8,000 to 15,000.

Heating and Cooling Challenges

Many historic homes weren’t built for central air, and installing ductwork is expensive and sometimes impossible without major renovations. Ductless mini-split systems are an alternative, but a full HVAC upgrade can run 10,000–25,000.

3. Historic Preservation Rules: What You Can (and Can’t) Do

The city has strict historic preservation laws, and if yours is in a historic district, you’ll need approval for exterior changes. This includes:

• Replacing windows
• Modifying the brick facade
• Adding exterior structures

Permit Costs and Delays

Getting the necessary permits is time-consuming and costs money. Some jobs may also require an architect, who charges anywhere from 2,000 to 5,000. If you fail to respect the regulations, you might be fined or required to start your work again.

Using Approved Materials

Historic homes often need specialty materials, like custom wood windows or period-appropriate bricks. These cost more than modern alternatives. For example, restoring original windows (instead of replacing them) can be 30–50% more expensive.

4. Unexpected Surprises: What Inspections Miss

Even a thorough inspection won’t catch everything. Once the walls are opened, you might find:

• Asbestos (common in old insulation and flooring) – removal costs 1,500–5,000
• Lead paint – safe removal adds 3,000–10,000 to your budget
• Hidden water damage – rotting beams or mould can mean $5,000+ in repairs

The “While We’re at It” Problem

Renovations often snowball, and if you’re replacing plumbing, you might decide to update the bathroom. If you’re fixing the roof, you may add skylights, and these extras add up fast.

5. Fun Fact: The "Baltimore Rowhouse" Was Almost the "Philadelphia Rowhouse"

Did you know Baltimore’s iconic rowhouses were heavily influenced by Philadelphia? In the 1790s, developers in Baltimore saw Philly’s efficient rowhome designs and copied the idea, but with its own spin... narrower lots, taller designs, and decorative facades.