In Washington DC, and Old Town Alexandria, VA, it’s a treat to stroll local neighborhoods to appreciate the beauty and quirks of old rowhouse homes and businesses. Among various characteristics that can be spotted among some of these late 18th and 19th century buildings is the “star bolt.” While they may look nice, star bolts are […]

Starting a large project with your home is exciting, but it can also be fraught with problems and unexpected expenses. One way to help yourself stay on track with project plans and budget is to know if and when it pays to hire an architect.

It’s easy to have a fire pit in a large open yard, but what about living in the city with an enclosed patio or deck? Many types of fire pits will work in a small space if you follow fire pit safety guidelines.

If you own a rowhouse or other historic home in DC, there’s a good chance your home has a retaining wall along at least one border of the property. At some point, that retaining wall will likely need maintenance or repair. It’s essential to understand historical regulations concerning any changes, alterations, or repairs that might […]

In the DC area, homeowners likely know all about “doglegs” built into many historic two to three-story rowhouse homes, which share at least one wall side with their neighbor’s house. Doglegs were originally designed and built by 19th and early 20th-century rowhouse-builders to bring some natural light into the middle of these homes. Without the […]

Even contractors sometimes use the terms remodel, renovate, and restore interchangeably, though these terms have entirely different meanings. When working on a home in a historic district, it’s vital to understand the difference to stay in compliance. Think about these terms when determining your goals with your historical home improvement project.

What does it mean to “add value” to your property? Initially, you want to know if the home, with the added project, would fetch a higher price in the resale market. Other ways of considering value have to do with what the project will add to your property’s utility and good looks. Ultimately, does it […]

If you’ve got a brick home, you are undoubtedly aware that brick is not only beautiful but one of the most durable and long-lasting materials for outside structures and facades. Still, over time, mortar breaks down and will eventually need to be replaced. You need to know how mortar works, how to spot mortar deterioration, […]

Brick exteriors are some of the most resilient and long-lasting for homes. The natural, warm luster of diverse color tones resulting from brick’s raw materials create charming facades that homeowners look for on a historic home.  On the other hand, adding color can enhance historic curb appeal, possibly adding to your home’s resale value. There […]

Historic Washington DC area homes have a unique beauty in any season, but many homeowners choose to add special holiday touches to their home’s entryway when the holidays draw near. Here are some suggestions for how you can add a touch of color or seasonal spice to your historic entryway.