Featured Restoration Series
🏛 Season 1
The 2nd Empire Strikes Back – Beginning the Restoration
🏛 Season 2
The 2nd Empire Strikes Back – Deep Restoration Work
Evaluate the Building
🏚️ Restoration PhilosophyPreserve, repair, replicate, and modernize carefully.
🔍 Old House EvaluationWalkthrough tactics, green flags, red flags, and deal killers.
🧰 Inspection TacticsMoisture meter, laser level, endoscope, thermal camera, and photos.
📋 Work SequenceRoof, water, structure, utilities, insulation, finishes.
Structure & Envelope
🧱 FoundationsStone, brick, pier, crawlspace, basement, slab, settlement.
🪵 Historic FramingBalloon framing, timber framing, joists, beams, repairs.
🏠 Roof SystemsGable, hip, slate, metal, rafters, sheathing, flashing.
🏛️ Exterior RestorationClapboard, brick, stucco, porches, columns, trim.
Historic Craft
🪟 Historic WindowsSash, glazing, cords, weatherstripping, storm windows.
🚪 Doors & MillworkDoors, trim, crown, baseboards, stairs, built-ins.
🪵 Historic FloorsHeart pine, oak, refinishing, subfloors, structural repairs.
🎨 Plaster & LathLime plaster, gypsum, cracks, reattachment, skim coating.
Modern Systems
⚡ ElectricalKnob & tube, cloth wiring, panels, grounding, service upgrades.
🚿 PlumbingLead, galvanized, cast iron, copper, PEX, sewer, water service.
❄️ HVAC RetrofitsBoilers, steam, heat pumps, mini splits, duct design.
💧 Building ScienceMoisture, ventilation, crawlspaces, attics, vapor mistakes.
Preservation & Planning
📜 Permits & CodesBuilding permits, inspections, variances, historic review.
🏅 Landmark DesignationLocal, state, National Register, grants, tax credits.
🧰 Tool LibraryInspection, carpentry, masonry, plaster, survey tools.
✅ Evaluation ChecklistScore the house: excellent, good, caution, walk away.