Historic Preservation

Ownership of an old brick home in one of DC’s historic neighborhoods comes with a unique set of responsibilities and decisions. Unlike owners of newer and more modern homes, you face the challenge of how to make your home comfortable while maintaining the authentic nature of its architecture and features. There are many elements to […]

You are the proud owner of a beautiful old house located in a neighborhood of historic homes. You and your neighbors value the quality and aesthetics of your homes and are careful to preserve their authenticity whenever you make renovations. Did you know that it’s possible to have the modern updates and conveniences that smart […]

The windows in historic DC brick 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.

Does your old home have a history? Many of the old brick houses and neighborhoods in the Washington DC area have stories to tell. One way to get the official recognition of your home’s connection to important periods in history is to get a historic designation. What exactly is a designation and what is involved […]

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. Now you can use a new free resource made available by the Capitol Hill Restoration Society (CHRS) to research that history.

In the historic neighborhoods of Washington DC, brick restoration and repair are essential for preserving the stately old buildings. Well-preserved brick and mortar protects the authenticity of the original architecture and boosts the property values of the homes. Historic neighborhoods are often desirable because of the sense of community pride and quality of life they […]

Like most owners of old houses, your renovation plans probably include matching as many of the authentic building parts – doors, flooring, fixtures, and millwork – as possible. It is possible to find reasonably priced, period materials by shopping the salvage market. 

Old houses are known for their many hand-crafted features, like hardwood floors, which give unique character to these buildings. These old floors, laid with the craft and materials of a previous time, have most likely seen lots of use. Restoring the worn, scratched and stained old floors is a favorite winter project. 

Of course, you love that classic historic house. You can picture how it will complement the other restored homes in the neighborhood. Before you allow that image to lull you into a decision, remember that old house renovations can be full of expensive surprises. Take some time to plan and carry out your own inspection.