Historic Preservation

Winter. There’s no avoiding the harsh weather, with its freeze and thaw patterns. While walkways and steps demand immediate attention, there is also the problem of ice forming on the eaves of our homes. Owners of historic brick homes will want to learn more about preventing the damage that can result. 

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 […]

Historic homes have a magical look and feel that is unrivaled. The artistry and craftsmanship of a historic home are hard for modern homes to match. Many feature old brick facades, with streetscapes defined by brick walkways and retaining walls. When planning the renovation, those interested in maintaining the historic charm will proceed carefully.

Historic brick row houses are a prominent feature of the Washington DC area’s oldest and most architecturally diverse neighborhoods. These 100-year brick structures link residential blocks with their stately masonry walls and street facades. Owners of historic homes typically find much to admire and much to repair.

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 […]

Owners of old houses frequently face the challenge of how to upgrade without losing the charm of historic features.  Old brick row houses are a prominent feature of the Washington DC area’s oldest and most architecturally diverse neighborhoods. These 100-year old historic homes are a good example of how to make decisions about upgrades.

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. 

If your historic brick home has a brick chimney, spring is the right time to consider the need for a chimney repair. Deteriorating brick-mortar isn’t just a cosmetic problem, but rather a serious potential source of water leaks into your home. The exposed mortar in many Washington DC brick chimneys is particularly vulnerable to weather […]

If your historic brick home is scheduled for mortar repair as soon as winter melts into spring, consider the interior projects that can be completed while you wait. Projects that can be done with the windows closed and don’t involve the removal of walls will satisfy your need to renovate.

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.