So, you’re enamored of that classic historic house. It may need a bit of work, but you think you are up for it. Before making a decision, remember that old house renovations can be full of expensive surprises. Take some time to plan and carry out your own inspection.

Summer is a wonderful season to appreciate our centuries-old architecture by taking a guided or audio tour around the area’s beautiful historic neighborhoods. It’s a great way to learn more about the history of our area. And to remember the debt we owe to those who’ve carefully restored historic buildings for future generations using traditional […]

 Summer holidays will be here before we know it and for many homeowners celebrating means mounting a flagpole on their brick homes. Whether displaying the “Stars and Stripes” to celebrate holidays like Memorial Day, Flag Day and the 4th of July or a decorative garden flag, a flagpole adds character to a DC brick home. […]

Renaissance Development performs historic interior and exterior masonry work, and on hardscapes throughout the DC and surrounding areas. Renaissance Development always handles obtaining any necessary permits that pertain to our work for clients – you are never left to do this on your own. Nevertheless, there are benefits to understanding the basics of the permitting […]

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.

Owning an old brick home in DC involves caring for historic masonry. Homeowners in the know develop a good eye for detecting trouble spots before they take over. Preserving the value and integrity of older brick homes can become a point of pride for owners. Annual inspections are the primary defense against these issues becoming […]

  If you own a historic brick rowhouse, it’s essential to keep up with the care and maintenance of the brick façade. This necessary maintenance will require consultation and professional tuckpointing by experts familiar with your brick home’s historical authenticity and integrity.  

Spring is a wonderful season to take a walking tour through DC neighborhoods. I recently reminisced about a walk my grandfather and I took around the Dupont Circle area of DC when I was a graduate student. We took in some of the architectural marvels of the neighborhood, which includes many examples from Queen Anne, […]

There are few things as charming as landscaping with an older brick wall as a backdrop. Trees and shrubs add significant curb appeal to your property. Still, they can present some unique challenges near older brick homes. If you are considering planting trees and shrubs near your old foundation, here are a few things to […]

 Once the weather warms up, it’s the perfect time to check your property for issues that may have arisen over the winter. After a season of extreme weather, it’s wise to run through a checklist of things to inspect on your home’s brick exterior. If you aren’t sure what you’re looking for, this handy reference […]