Historic Preservation

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. 

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 […]

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. 

Historic brick homes in DC are known for their unique and stately classic features. However, like their lovely but leaky original windows, many of these features are not as energy efficient as you would like. As a preservationist, you are concerned about compromising their authenticity if you make some upgrades. Fortunately, there are strategies to […]

Washington DC’s historic neighborhoods are well known for the old brick retaining walls that support tiered gardens in front of the old homes. Owners know that these hardworking structures add value and authenticity to the home and should be preserved and maintained with traditional design and materials.

As the seasons warm, it’s time to take a critical look at your historic DC brick home. Signs of weather wear and other types of deterioration require a particular expertise for brick restoration and mortar repair. You will need to find  masonry contractors skilled in traditional tuckpointing methods and materials.

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. Here’s a look at the history of old brick […]

As a preservationist I love the enduring exterior brickwork of the Washington DC area’s 100-year-old brick homes. The rich sense of history conveyed by these historic buildings is irreplaceable. According to experts, the durability of the brick and masonry facades depends primarily on its resistance to water penetration. 

 If you are the recent owner of a historic home in DC, the chances are that you are looking at a renovation project. Preservation of the building’s authentic characteristics is critical to retaining it’s historic value. If your old house is located in a historic district, there are probably guidelines for you to follow. It’s important […]

“Windows are the eyes of a house.” They define the character of the home and create a visual impact that distinguishes its curb appeal. On historic homes, the windows are frequently an important element of the architectural integrity. Their design, craftsmanship, or other qualities may make them worthy of preservation.