Our Process & What to Expect
Historic work takes a different approach from conventional remodeling. We start by understanding what’s there: original framing, masonry, millwork, and the materials and methods the house was built with. Then we help you decide what to repair, reproduce, or replace, because sometimes the better answer is not to tear out. We work alongside your architect and engineers and, where a property is in a historic district, with preservation professionals and local officials to carry out the approved design. Once the scope is clear, we price the work with our subcontractors and suppliers and sign a fixed-price contract. Old homes can hold concealed conditions, so any change goes through a written change order first. We’re a fit for projects with meaningful scope, and for small repairs we’ll gladly point you to a better-suited tradesperson.
Historical Restoration Questions
What’s Included
Every phase of your restoration or renovation, coordinated by one team.
Historic Home Assessment
A careful look at the original framing, masonry, and materials to learn what’s worth preserving.
Design & Approvals
Early builder input with your architect, preservation professionals, and local officials on the approved design.
Pricing & Permitting
A detailed scope, a fixed contract price, and the permits in place before work starts.
Repair & Reinforcement
Selective removal and repair of historic framing, with weather protection for the home you’re keeping.
Restoration & Reproduction
Trim, millwork, siding, porches, and façades restored or reproduced to match the original.
Modern Systems & Turnover
Mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and insulation added discreetly, then a walkthrough and your warranty.
Preserving the Character of Older Homes
Older homes hold craftsmanship that can’t be duplicated by treating the project like new construction. Our aim is to preserve the character and integrity of the original house while adding what modern living needs. That can mean restoring or reproducing trim and millwork, repairing historic framing, matching siding and exterior details, restoring porches and façades, and discreetly introducing modern mechanical, electrical, and insulation systems. A home built generations ago can hide hand-framed structure and earlier renovations, so we plan for what we may find once work begins. A builder has to know the difference between something that’s simply old and something worth keeping, and sometimes the better answer is to repair or reproduce instead of replace. If your property is in a historic district, we work with the architect and local officials to carry out the approved design.
Read more in our historic homes FAQ or see our recent projects.
