CBC Blog

One of the best aspects of historic homes is the considerable thought and care that went into their design. Folks in centuries past had a real sense of how to build houses to work with Mother Nature to stay cool in summer and warm in winter. That said, those long-ago builders didn’t have access to the technological advances that make contemporary homes energy efficient. So, there are always steps ... Continue Reading

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

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

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

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

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