R e p a i r s , R e s t o r a t i o n s a n d R e n o v a t i o n s
For over 20 years, we've been involved in repairs, restorations and renovations on period homes and many clients ask “what exactly is the difference”?
Repairs are basically what you envision. Generally there are isolated maintenance issues with the home and attention is needed. The list of repairs we've done over the years is exhaustive, ranging from epoxy restoration of woodwork to replacing ineffective drain assemblies in showers to repairing siding and wood damage caused by leaking roofs.
Whatever your repair needs are, we will carry out any and all necessary to keep your home in good shape while maintaining its character.
Restorations are very historically accurate projects carried out by either removing and replacing non- original features or by repairing and reconstructing missing or damaged features from the period of significance. We typically carry out restoration projects related to flooring, siding, woodwork and windows. However, we also have restored plaster walls, tile roofs and tile in bathrooms and kitchens.
Renovations are generally less historically accurate and most of our projects fall into this category. The goal of nearly all our renovations is to adapt a house to its present owners while maintaining it's historical integrity. Our clients love their old houses but sometimes find that they're too small, the mechanical systems are outdated, the kitchens and bathrooms need updating, or the floor plan just doesn’t work for them.
A renovation could involve remodeling the existing space by knocking out walls and changing the floor-plan, moving or expanding the kitchen, adding a bath, or it may mean building an addition. Chances are, if you have a project in mind, we’ve done something similar. A welcome challenge to our renovations requires balancing the “ purist” in me (and everything that comes with wanting to keep the home in accordance with it's original design) and the “realist” (who understands that materials, appliances, construction techniques and spatial norms have changed so much over time).
We address this “balance” through a unique service we offer with our renovations. We have the capability to replicate existing historical features in your home creating seamless transitions between old and new. Unless the home is completely gutted, there will be certain design elements throughout that will remain after the renovation. We'll spend quite a bit of time with you during planning to ensure any renovation compliments the features of the existing home.