Are you thinking about painting the exterior of your historic brick home? Whatever your reasons for a change, think carefully before making that decision. Once you paint brick, you are committed to either a cycle of repainting every three to five years or to removing the paint. 

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.

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.

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.

 “Windows are the eyes of a house.” As the most visible elements of old homes, windows define the character and curb appeal of the buildings. Moreover, they offer clues to the history and architectural integrity of the home. Unfortunately, historic windows are frequently cited as the source of energy loss and owners are encouraged to […]

The exterior brickwork of historic brick homes in the Washington DC area conveys a rich sense of history. The first impression of these well-maintained homes is enhanced by landscaping. When upgrading your old home’s curb appeal, remember the value of its gardens.

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 […]