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 renovation.

Historic brick homes in DC are known for their unique and stately classic features. However, like the lovely but leaky original windows, many of these features are not as energy efficient as you would like. Fortunately, there are strategies to improve energy efficiency in historic brick homes without compromising their authenticity.

Homes in Washington DC’s historic neighborhoods are well known for their brick row houses. These 18th,19th, and early 20th century DC brick residences tell a story of industrialization and urban growth that is well documented by modern historians and preservationists. Here’s a look at the history of old brick and lime mortar in the nation’s Capitol. 

The exposed mortar in many Washington DC brick chimneys is particularly vulnerable to weather damage. The right mortar joints can last for 25 years or more, but are greatly affected by the weather. If your historic home has a brick chimney, it may need to be repaired before the winter season hits.

The windows in historic 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.

It’s not too early to re-visit your fall maintenance list. You can take measures to prevent winter damage and get a boost in energy efficiency before the weather turns unfriendly. Here are some must-do items for your list. 

Owners of historic DC brick homes often face the need to repair and restore the brick and mortar facades. In some cases previous repairs were done with inappropriate materials and are the source of the problem. If not done correctly, brick mortar repair can be a costly renovation mistake. 

If you are shopping for an old home or a home in a historic district, you probably already have a love for the charm of these one-of-a-kind homes. The stately old brick row houses found in the historic districts of the Washington DC area are certainly alluring to buyers looking for vintage homes. But historic […]

In Washington DC’s historic neighborhoods, homeowners with garden terraces and backyard patios enjoy a particular kind of comfort and privacy. With the right materials, design, and masonry contractor, even the most unattractive spaces can be transformed into appealing outdoor rooms.

In old and historic homes, the retention of original or existing windows through repair and restoration is always desirable. However, there are situations when the condition of a window clearly does require replacement. Owners of historic DC brick homes can mitigate the loss of original windows by carefully selecting the right replacement.