You find the historic home of your dreams— a picture-perfect Victorian on a charming main street. Everything seems perfect–until you open the walls, where a tangled mess of electrical wires makes you want to run away screaming. Old houses hide surprises, and the walls can hide unseen headaches and dangers. But you don't need to let that scare you or deter you. With the right contractor, you can ... Continue Reading

When you purchase a historic home, there's usually a sense of euphoria and joy at the potential and possibilities it offers. Owning a piece of history is a truly magical experience. Then reality hits: there's a to-do list a mile long and so many questions. You want to find the right contractor to guide you through the experience, but the choices can be overwhelming. You can make the process easier ... Continue Reading

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