Those stately brick homes that characterize the historic neighborhoods of DC are hard to ignore. They have a very unique charm to them that adds to the desirability of the community. Not only are they beautiful to look at, but there are also many other benefits that are often overlooked. 

Does your old home have a history? Many of the old brick houses and neighborhoods in the Washington DC area have stories to tell. One way to get the official recognition of your home’s connection to important periods in history is to get a historic designation. What exactly is a designation and what is involved […]

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. 

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. 

Your old brick home is located in one of the historic neighborhoods in Washington DC. As a homeowner you are committed to preserving the unique architectural and design features of your dwelling that maintain its value as well as the desirability of the neighborhood. One necessary and visible maintenance chore is brick restoration and repair.

The stately historic brick homes in most DC neighborhoods were constructed with relatively soft, porous bricks and limestone mortar. Many of the interiors were covered with lime plaster. Occasionally these plastered walls, spackled and repainted during a renovation, show signs of bubbling. This is often caused by water damage to the exterior brick and mortar. 

The windows in historic DC brick homes are frequently an important element of the architectural integrity. Their design, craftsmanship, or other qualities may make them worthy of preservation. Although old windows can be a challenge to maintain and repair, there are many benefits to retaining existing windows.

The windows in historic DC brick homes are frequently an important element of the architectural integrity. Their design, craftsmanship, or other qualities may make them worthy of preservation. Although old windows can be a challenge to maintain and repair, there are many benefits to retaining existing windows.

When you buy an old or historic home in the Washington DC area, you probably have a plan to upgrade and renovate.  One of the decisions you’ll face is whether or not to replace the original or existing windows. If your home is in a historic neighborhood or has a historic designation, you will have […]

Does your exterior brick inspection reveal signs of weather wear and other types of deterioration? Spring is the right time to get some expert advice. Historic DC homes require a particular expertise for brick restoration and mortar repair. You will need to find a masonry contractor in DC who  has the appropriate expertise.