Historic
Home Renovation
Washington DC's row houses and period homes were built to last — but most need real work to live well in today. Original moldings and floors deserve preservation; original wiring and single-pane windows do not. We renovate historic homes across DC with a clear goal: keep the character that makes the house special, replace the systems that don't perform, and design a layout that fits the way people actually live now.
Our Process
- Walk-through & assessment — we identify what's worth preserving (millwork, mantels, original floors) and what should be rebuilt or replaced.
- Design & permits — drawings produced with historic district guidelines in mind, then permits filed with DOB and (if applicable) HPRB.
- Systems upgrade — full rewire, replumb, HVAC modernization, insulation, and weather sealing — the work the house actually needs.
- Restoration & finishing — careful restoration of preserved features and matching new millwork, paint, and finishes to a period-appropriate palette.
Character Preserved:
Original moldings, mantels, transoms, and floors restored where structurally sound — not stripped out for new drywall.
Systems Modernized:
Updated wiring, plumbing, and HVAC brought to current code without ripping out historic fabric.
Layout That Works:
Walls opened where it makes sense, kitchens and baths rebuilt for modern use, while keeping the home's flow intact.
Permit & HPRB Coordination:
We navigate DOB and Historic Preservation Review Board filings so the project moves forward without surprises.
Historic home renovation often involves a basement dig-out for added space and a historic compatible addition for square footage above grade. We coordinate all of it as one project.
