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 […]

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. 

Many historic homes in DC have brick steps and walkways. If properly built and well maintained, these classic entry ways have lasted for decades. Bricks are durable and reflect the formality of the historic design. Repairs should be done in a way that maintains their architectural and structural integrity.

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 […]

Are you thinking about buying and restoring an old house? The chances are that you are “curb appeal shopping” in one of DC’s historic neighborhoods. In spring and summer when homeowners refresh their entrances, gardens, and walkways, the stately elegance of historic DC brick homes can be seductive. Here are some things about old houses […]

Washington DC’s historic neighborhoods are well known for the brick retaining walls that support tiered gardens in front of the old homes. Owners know that these hardworking structures add value and authenticity to the home and should be preserved and maintained with traditional design and materials.

In the historic neighborhoods of Washington, DC and Alexandria VA homeowners mount flagpoles to 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. To make sure that it remains […]

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.