Mayor Cyril Kleem

Heritage Program helps owners maintain older homes

The City of Berea is pleased to offer homeowners a program that can help them maintain older homes. The Heritage Home Program is a county-wide project aimed at homes that are 50 years old and older. The program offers maintenance and rehabilitation advice at no cost.

Berea, founded in 1836, has its share of older homes, many of them Century Homes. Maintaining such houses can be a challenge. The Heritage Home Program can help. And now, with the warmer weather upon us, might be an ideal time to explore some home repair options.

The technical staff at Heritage offers free advice on home improvements, maintenance and repair issues that are unique to older homes. Staff members will visit the house to answer questions, offer a list of contractors and evaluate bids and estimates to make sure you’re getting value for your dollar. Qualified homeowners also can obtain low-interest, fixed-rate loans for such projects as painting, kitchen and bath improvements, roof repair and replacement and basement waterproofing, among other options.

The Heritage Home Program is operated by the Heritage Home Educational Society, a subsidiary of the Cleveland Restoration Society. It partners with the National Trust for Historic Preservation and is supported by grants from Cuyahoga Arts & Culture, the Ohio Arts Council, the Ohio Historical Society and the Cleveland Foundation.

To schedule a visit or for more information, call (216) 426-3116, e-mail hhp@heritagehomeprogram.org or visit www.heritagehomeprogram.org.