Many folks choose brick exteriors because they’re not only beautiful but also low maintenance. That said, brick homes are not indestructible; they need care to stay in good shape. New owners of old brick homes may not be familiar with brick-and-mortar maintenance and what signs are indicators of trouble. We’re here to help.

Regardless of how much or how little space exists on your front porch, stoop, or front steps, there are various ways to make that space more friendly and inviting for socializing. When it feels safe to do so, do it in style.

When it comes to hardscape redesign for your patio and connected walkways, you have many choices of paving patterns from which to choose. A design is composed of many elements, so it’s important to check options and surroundings before making up your mind about the look and feel you want for your urban garden.

Brick homes can be refreshed and beautifully transformed with the right paint job. Following a few helpful color scheme guidelines can assure a gratifying result.

In Washington DC, and Old Town Alexandria, VA, it’s a treat to stroll local neighborhoods to appreciate the beauty and quirks of old rowhouse homes and businesses. Among various characteristics that can be spotted among some of these late 18th and 19th century buildings is the “star bolt.” While they may look nice, star bolts are […]

Starting a large project with your home is exciting, but it can also be fraught with problems and unexpected expenses. One way to help yourself stay on track with project plans and budget is to know if and when it pays to hire an architect.

It’s easy to have a fire pit in a large open yard, but what about living in the city with an enclosed patio or deck? Many types of fire pits will work in a small space if you follow fire pit safety guidelines.

If you own a rowhouse or other historic home in DC, there’s a good chance your home has a retaining wall along at least one border of the property. At some point, that retaining wall will likely need maintenance or repair. It’s essential to understand historical regulations concerning any changes, alterations, or repairs that might […]

In the DC area, homeowners likely know all about “doglegs” built into many historic two to three-story rowhouse homes, which share at least one wall side with their neighbor’s house. Doglegs were originally designed and built by 19th and early 20th-century rowhouse-builders to bring some natural light into the middle of these homes. Without the […]

Even contractors sometimes use the terms remodel, renovate, and restore interchangeably, though these terms have entirely different meanings. When working on a home in a historic district, it’s vital to understand the difference to stay in compliance. Think about these terms when determining your goals with your historical home improvement project.