When restoring a historic home, kitchens and bathrooms present unique challenges–and fun opportunities. More than any other space in the house, clients want modern conveniences and complete functionality. Of course, we also crave spaces in harmony with the home's historic architecture and charm. So, how do we make that work? The secret is to evoke the home's historic vibe with details while ... Continue Reading
Advice & Inspiration
CBC Blog
Find expert advice and inspiration on historic homes, seasonal maintenance, and the questions that matter most when working with a builder. Whether you're restoring a piece of history, planning a renovation, or simply looking to maintain your home’s charm, we offer valuable insights and practical guidance to help you make informed decisions and bring your vision to life!
What Are the Key Steps in the Historic Home Restoration Process?
Starting the historic restoration process is incredibly exciting and often a little overwhelming. There are so many extra layers compared with new construction. However, there are also exciting opportunities for creativity and incredibly rewarding opportunities for collaboration and partnership between clients and contractors. The process can be confusing if you're new to historic home ownership. ... Continue Reading
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Restoring a Historic Home
Restoring a historic home is a labor of love. It can also be daunting and a little scary. We want to make our home comfortable and liveable while preserving its integrity. If we’re being honest, we also want to avoid mistakes that will cause irreparable harm. Sometimes, it can feel a little overwhelming. If you’ve purchased or are considering purchasing a historic home, there are two essentials to ... Continue Reading
How Can I Add Modern Comforts Without Losing My Historic Home’s Charm?
Historic homeowners are a special breed. We love the quirky beauty that makes our homes unique. The charm and elegance are hard to match. But it’s not always easy or convenient. Many historic residences lack the convenient features of newer homes and take plenty of thoughtful work to upgrade. As historic homeowners, we want to enjoy our home’s lovely vintage charms. We also want them to be ... Continue Reading
How Do I Choose the Right Materials for Historic Home Renovations?
Choosing materials for historic home renovations can be a joy–and a minefield. There’s so much to consider if you’re seeking a truly authentic feel. In some cases, we work to duplicate materials; in others, we want to use our creativity to achieve a certain ambiance with a more contemporary twist. In general, the first step is to survey the materials in the house that you know (or suspect) are ... Continue Reading
What Does It Take To Restore A Historic Home?
In some ways, there’s nothing more rewarding than restoring a historic home. There’s something immensely satisfying about preserving and updating a piece of history. However, significant restoration projects aren’t for the faint of heart or clients on a tight budget. A quality restoration requires money, time and flexibility from clients and skill, experience and creativity from the contractor. ... Continue Reading
