You’ve just purchased an old DC brick house, and are eager to realize your dream of renovating a historic home. You can look beyond the neglect to see restored plaster walls, reproduction wall paper and period antiques. Here are some tips for surviving the messy and challenging process of an actual old house restoration.

It’s not too early to plan for fall home maintenance. You can take measures to prevent winter damage and get a boost in energy efficiency before the weather turns unfriendly. Here are some must-do items for your home maintenance checklist. 

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.

Owners of historic brick homes in DC often face structural challenges to the exterior of their homes – repair and maintenance of brick facades, steps and walkways that require professional expertise.  The interior spaces also require frequent home repairs to worn out systems and surfaces. Some of these can be handled with “do-it-yourself” homeowner skills. 

If you are the owner of an old brick house in the DC area, you have likely heard of tuckpointing. Also known as repointing, tuckpointing is the process by which the facades of brick structures are restored and maintained. Even the most savvy owners of historic homes may not know the right way to handle […]

Historic brick homes in the Washington DC area feature exterior brickwork that conveys a rich sense of history. When these homes are well maintained, the resulting curb appeal increases their value, as well as that of the entire neighborhood.

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. 

If you are the owner of a historic DC brick home, you are probably familiar with the need to maintain the mortar joints of the brick facades of your home. Tuckpointing, or repointing, is the process by which the joints are restored. New owners may be unsure of how to tell if their brick walls […]

For owners of historic brick homes, missing or damaged bricks in the building’s facades are a call to action. These stately exteriors require restoration to preserve their timely authenticity and to protect their structural integrity. 

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