Looking after buildings that are already here.
The materials that have kept older buildings standing are the ones we still use — in historic work and in new construction alike.
The right material for the original fabric.
Modern renovation materials are frequently incompatible with historic building fabric. Spray foam against old masonry seals moisture with nowhere to go. Cement stucco over lime plaster traps water and causes spalling. We use materials that are chemically and physically compatible with what they are applied to: lime-based products against historic masonry, linseed paint over historic timber, breathable insulation behind original wall finishes wherever possible.
We know the process.
We have worked with local historic commissions, Massachusetts Historical Commission review, and the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for historic properties. We can look at whether a property is listed or may be eligible, and help with the review. Approval is not something we can promise. We prepare the submission carefully and stay with it.
About historic preservation and restoration.
Can I add modern insulation to a historic house without damaging it?
Yes, but the type of insulation matters. We use breathable insulation — straw, wool, or hemp-lime — that is compatible with historic assemblies. We do not use closed-cell spray foam in a historic structure, because it can trap moisture against original fabric and cause concealed damage.
Will adding onto a historic house affect its historic designation?
It depends on the property and jurisdiction. A well-designed addition that follows Secretary of the Interior Standards can be approved by historic commissions and in some cases is eligible for historic tax credits. We can assess your specific situation early in the process.
What is the difference between preservation, rehabilitation, and restoration?
Preservation maintains the existing form and materials with minimal intervention. Rehabilitation allows for compatible contemporary uses. Restoration returns a building to a specific period of significance. We work across all three approaches depending on what the building and client require.