CBC Blog

Renovating a century-old home is one of the most rewarding projects a homeowner can undertake, and one of the most complex. Unlike a straightforward remodel of a newer house, a whole-house renovation on an older property involves layers of unknowns that don't reveal themselves until work begins. The bones may be magnificent, the character irreplaceable, but the systems behind the walls are almost ... Continue Reading

You've poured yourself into your historic home, the wide-plank floors, the hand-hewn beams, the six-over-six windows that have looked out over the same Virginia countryside for a century or more. Now you're facing a significant restoration project, and someone mentioned that you might be able to get a tax credit for the work. But you're not sure where to start, whether you qualify, or how much ... Continue Reading

Is it better to restore original wood windows or replace them? If you own an older home and you’re staring at drafty sashes, peeling paint, or foggy glass, you’ve probably asked yourself this exact question. Should I restore the original wood windows or replace them? In many homes across Northern Virginia, especially in established neighborhoods with historic character, this decision isn’t ... Continue Reading

“I just want one contractor who can manage everything without me chasing people.” It’s a sentence heard often among homeowners in Loudoun County who are planning a major renovation. And it usually comes after weeks, sometimes months, of conversations that never quite connect. A designer suggests looping in a builder. A contractor asks for finalized plans. Emails start flying. Decisions stall. ... Continue Reading

When you’re an old house enthusiast, stucco is an art form all its own. When clients wanted a seamlessly integrated addition to an 18th-century log-and-stucco farmhouse in Middleburg, matching the unique color and texture of the farmhouse was a priority. Carpenter Beach had the expertise to get the job done beautifully, creating an airy, modern living space that blended seamlessly with the ... Continue Reading

When you buy a historic home, you're usually smitten with its charm and enchanted by the opportunity to live in a piece of history. Then reality hits. You may be constrained by the size of the kitchen or the number of bathrooms. You might be frustrated by the lack of closet space. How can you boost liveability while preserving the fabulous features you fell in love with? A historically appropriate ... Continue Reading