Owners of historic homes in Alexandria and Washington DC who look for energy savings search for the most efficient thermostat control system. This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey demonstrates four home automation systems that deliver comfort, convenience and energy efficiency. 

If you own one of the many historic brick rowhouses in the Washington DC neighborhoods, you are probably curious about who built your home and when. Thanks to the Capitol Hill Restoration Society (CHRS), a free resource is available to guide homeowners in the research of that history. 

Washington DC’s historic neighborhoods are well known for their historic brick houses. These 18th, 19th, and early 20th century residences tell a story of industrialization and urban growth that is well documented by modern historians and preservationists. Here’s a look at the history of old brick in the nation’s Capitol. 

This Old House crew updates a classic 1850 Greek Revival brick rowhouse with a small addition and a reconfigured layout in a historic Boston Neighborhood. The final episode highlights the finished product – with smart home technology and modern upgrades. 

You’ve just purchased an old DC brick house, and are eager to realize your dream of renovating a historic home. You can look beyond the neglect to see restored plaster walls, reproduction wall paper and period antiques. Here are some tips for surviving the messy and challenging process of an actual renovation.

Historic brick homes in DC are known for their unique and stately classic features. However, like the lovely but leaky original windows, many of these features are not as energy efficient as you would like. Fortunately, there are strategies to improve energy efficiency in historic brick homes without compromising their authenticity.

Homes in Washington DC’s historic neighborhoods are well known for their brick row houses. These 18th,19th, and early 20th century DC brick residences tell a story of industrialization and urban growth that is well documented by modern historians and preservationists. Here’s a look at the history of old brick and lime mortar in the nation’s Capitol. 

The exposed mortar in many Washington DC brick chimneys is particularly vulnerable to weather damage. The right mortar joints can last for 25 years or more, but are greatly affected by the weather. If your historic home has a brick chimney, it may need to be repaired before the winter season hits.

The windows in historic homes are frequently an important element of the architectural integrity. Their design, craftsmanship, or other qualities may make them worthy of preservation. Although old windows can be a challenge to maintain and repair, there are many benefits to retaining existing windows.

It’s not too early to re-visit your fall maintenance list. You can take measures to prevent winter damage and get a boost in energy efficiency before the weather turns unfriendly. Here are some must-do items for your list.