If the hardscaping in your urban garden includes large trees, you may also need to watch where you walk. You worked hard to lay bricks and pavement a few summers ago, and perhaps you notice tree and..
Read MoreChristina Wilson
Recent Posts
Porches, Stoops, and Front Steps: Welcoming Spots to Socialize Safely
Regardless of how much or how little space exists on your front porch, stoop, or front steps, there are various ways to make that space more friendly and inviting for socializing. When it feels safe..
Read MoreChoosing a Color Scheme for Your Old Brick House
Brick homes can be refreshed and beautifully transformed with the right paint job. Following a few helpful color scheme guidelines can assure a gratifying result.
Read MoreWhen Your Retaining Wall Needs Help
If you own a rowhouse or other historic home in DC, there's a good chance your home has a retaining wall along at least one border of the property. At some point, that retaining wall will likely need..
Read MoreRemodel, Renovate, Restore | What's the Difference?
Even contractors sometimes use the terms remodel, renovate, and restore interchangeably, though these terms have entirely different meanings. When working on a home in a historic district, it’s vital..
Read MoreKey to Testing the Condition of Your Mortar
If you've got a brick home, you are undoubtedly aware that brick is not only beautiful but one of the most durable and long-lasting materials for outside structures and facades. Still, over time,..
Read MoreClean Rain Gutters Now for a Trouble-Free Winter
One of the most damaging things we see that allows water to invade homes begins before the cold winter months start. Some simple maintenance can prevent this serious problem from developing...
Read MoreSeasonal Décor for Historic Entryways
Historic Washington DC area homes have a unique beauty in any season, but many homeowners choose to add special holiday touches to their home’s entryway when the holidays draw near. Here are some..
Read MoreWhen It Rains It Pours: Water Penetration via Failing Brick and Mortar
Stately old homes are a thing of beauty. Historic neighborhoods, like those in Washington DC, boast many brick homes built in the 18th, 19th, and early 20th centuries. These homes require specialized..
Read MoreWhen You Can't Do It All: Prioritizing Home Renovations and Repairs
Homeownership is a big responsibility. One constant that all homeowners face is the need for ongoing maintenance. Any homeowner will tell you there is always something that needs doing; repairs,..
Read MoreHistoric Buildings
Don’t Take Care of Themselves
Maintaining centuries-old structures requires traditional methods and materials … and that means you may not know the right way to handle upkeep of your historic building’s masonry. There’s so much more to tuckpointing than replacing mortar.
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