Sometimes, homeowners want to alter the appearance of their home with paint, but the timeless beauty of a historic brick home often makes it difficult to decide what to do. While a fresh coat of paint can add charm and individuality to your house, it is not without its challenges, especially for historic properties. If […]

Brick chimneys are beloved features in historic homes, representing the dedication to quality and craftsmanship of bygone eras. But before cozying up to the fire, it is critical to ensure the chimney can perform its job safely. As winter approaches, ensuring that your chimney is in prime condition becomes even more essential. Both professional chimney […]

When it comes to retaining walls, homeowners often picture a decorative feature that adds curb appeal to their historic brick homes. While retaining walls do contribute to a property’s overall aesthetic, their primary purpose is usually structural. They play a crucial role in supporting the earth behind them, maintaining the stability of your yard and […]

When you live in a historic brick home, space is often at a premium. With smaller footprints, compact lot sizes, and regulations governing additions, expanding outwards often isn’t an option. Instead, turning an unfinished basement into a functional living area can be a practical solution for increasing living space. Renovating your historic brick basement adds […]

Historic brick homeowners sometimes mistakenly believe their basements are destined to be somewhat wet. They are often willing to overlook chronic dampness since the alternative — water running down the walls and puddles on the floor — is a much worse scenario. However, your historic home’s basement shouldn’t be damp. In fact, it’s a sign […]

As summer winds down and the days grow shorter, it’s time to put together your fall to-do list. This list can quickly become unwieldy for owners of historic brick homes, as your home may require more than just routine maintenance. It may need significant repairs to preserve its structure and character, but it can be […]

The Washington, D.C. area is known for fluctuating temperatures, and summertime is no exception. With its sweltering heat and high humidity, the conditions can become perfect for severe electrical storms. While owners of historic brick homes frequently take steps to protect their interior spaces, it’s essential to take stock of your patio and ensure you […]

Opening a window and letting in some fresh air is a wonderful change as the summer nights cool down. But sometimes, with historic windows, it can be a bit of a challenge. They can get stuck, or not fully open. Over time, the wood and glass may look past their prime. There may also be […]

When making the momentous decision to sell a historic house, homeowners start to wonder what upgrades, if any, they should invest in before putting the house on the market to maximize the selling price. This is a valid concern since buyers will seek out the house’s history, but they will also want certain “modern” conveniences. […]

The warm August days are the perfect chance to sit outside and sip a cool drink. But whether you are sitting on your urban patio or your front stoop, it’s a good idea to take a moment and consider your historic brick steps. Are they structurally sound? Are they aesthetically pleasing, but more importantly, are […]