Historic Preservation

Every historic home comes with a to-do list of repairs and upgrades. A common challenge to home owners is how to decide which, if any, of the tasks are appropriate for DIY. Even the most handy owners, eager to get started on a project, should consider carefully which tasks are best left to professionals. 

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 […]

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. 

The beauty and charm of historic homes radiate from 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. In fact, the energy bills for a historic home can be somewhat distressing. Fortunately, there are strategies for making […]

The beauty and charm of historic homes radiate from 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. In fact, the energy bills for a historic home can be somewhat distressing. Fortunately, there are strategies for making […]

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 historic authenticity whenever you make renovations. Did you know that it’s possible to have the modern updates and conveniences that […]

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. 

Are you thinking about buying and restoring an old house? The chances are that you are “curb appeal shopping” in one of DC’s historic neighborhoods. In spring and summer and, even fall, when homeowners refresh their entrances, gardens, and walkways, the stately elegance of historic DC brick homes can be seductive. Here are some things […]

The exterior brickwork of historic brick homes in the Washington DC area conveys a rich sense of history. The first impression of these well-maintained homes is enhanced by landscaping. When upgrading your old home’s curb appeal, remember the value of its gardens.

The exterior brickwork of historic brick homes in the Washington DC area conveys a rich sense of history. The first impression of these well-maintained homes is enhanced by landscaping. When upgrading your old home’s curb appeal, remember the value of its gardens.