Historic Preservation

One of the most popular renovations for historic brick homes is removing the plaster on an interior wall to expose the natural beauty of the brick. Warm and inviting, it adds a textural dimension, and lends an extra layer of historical authenticity to your home’s interior.  Although the exposed brick gives visitors an idea about […]

There’s no getting around it—winter is here! As a homeowner, you’re well aware of the challenges that come with snow and ice, trying to keep concrete from turning into skating rinks, and the endless battle to keep gravel in the driveway where it belongs. Yet both concrete and gravel are better at withstanding modern chemical […]

The end of the year is the perfect time to put on a dazzling display that accents your historic brick home’s natural beauty and charm. Your natural brick exterior provides the perfect backdrop for all types of seasonal displays, and one is certain to suit your taste and style. From low-maintenance, understated displays to high-impact […]

Sometimes, the unique craftsmanship of historic buildings can create a dilemma for homeowners. In addition to the brickwork, the charm and beauty of the original windows of the historic home are certainly one of the property’s defining features. There are ways to maintain the integrity of the building’s appearance yet still be able to enjoy […]

On a cold winter’s day, the sparkling icicles may look beautiful hanging along the eaves of a historic brick home, but when ice dams build up, the resulting damage will not be easily remedied.  Read on for some practical, preventative measures homeowners can take as winter approaches.

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.

Washington DC’s neighborhoods are renowned for their historic brick houses. The classic beauty found in the design of  these 18th, 19th, and early 20th century residences is legendary. They also tell a story of industrialization and urban growth that is well documented by modern historians and preservationists.

Owning an old brick home in DC involves caring for historic masonry. Homeowners in the know develop a good eye for detecting trouble spots before they take over. Preserving the value and integrity of older brick homes can become a point of pride for owners. Annual inspections are the primary defense against these issues becoming […]

Spring is a wonderful season to take a walking tour through DC neighborhoods. I recently reminisced about a walk my grandfather and I took around the Dupont Circle area of DC when I was a graduate student. We took in some of the architectural marvels of the neighborhood, which includes many examples from Queen Anne, […]

Identifying the architectural style of houses in your neighborhood can be fun and fascinating, particularly in DC neighborhoods where many building styles have shaped the landscape. This piece will point out some architectural styles that appear on row homes in the Capitol Hill area. It may help you think about what might be appropriate if […]