Historic Preservation

Many of the historic homes in the DC area were built in the Victorian era, from the mid-19th century to the early 20th century. While it is important to build new traditions with family at this time of year, it’s occasionally pleasant to revisit the charming seasonal décor that was popular when these homes were […]

Part of the appeal of owning a historic brick home is brick’s resilience through weather and years. That said, it does require attentive care and maintenance. Keeping it in good shape is essential to keep it looking good, maintaining its structural integrity, and adding to the resale value of your home.

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.

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.

Brick exteriors are some of the most resilient and long-lasting for homes. The natural, warm luster of diverse color tones resulting from brick’s raw materials create charming facades that homeowners look for on a historic home.  On the other hand, adding color can enhance historic curb appeal, possibly adding to your home’s resale value. There […]

Historic Washington DC area homes have a unique beauty in any season, but many homeowners choose to add special holiday touches to their home’s entryway when the holidays draw near. Here are some suggestions for how you can add a touch of color or seasonal spice to your historic entryway.

A well-designed and constructed patio or walkway can provide an outdoor oasis of serenity in even the most bustling urban environment. Add a unique identity and appearance to your home, and increase the value of your property. Renaissance Development can help you design and build the best patio and walkway to accent your historic DC […]

Every owner of an old brick home knows that exterior window sills will show age and weathering, both of which significantly impact a building’s good looks over time. Even more critical than appearance is how window openings will either give way to or hold tight against water and wind penetration.

If authenticity is important to you, then the type of walkway material you choose for your historic brick home matters. You want your walkway to match your home’s architectural structure without sticking out like a sore thumb. You may want to restore the path leading to the house and wonder what the original owners would […]