Consultation
Remembering the Forgotten
Welcome to Our Online Service Center
Your one-stop destination for expert restoration, repair, and preservation of your home’s architectural heritage. Whether you’re reviving the charm of a Queen Anne Victorian or maintaining the timeless beauty of a Craftsman bungalow, our skilled artisans bring unmatched expertise and passion to every project. Let us help you protect and celebrate the character of your most treasured architectural gem—your home.
Types of Historic Homes We Work On
Common Historic Home Styles:
- Victorian (Queen Anne, Folk Victorian)
- Craftsman Bungalows
- Mission Revival
- Spanish Colonial Revival
- Tudor Revival
- Classical Revival
- Norman Revival
- Colonial Revival
We specialize in designated historic homes, showcasing a variety of architectural styles
Anatomy of 19th & 20th Century Homes
Understanding the components of historic homes is key to authentic restoration:
Structural Elements:
🪵 Balloon Framing
A 19th-Century Innovation in Homebuilding
Balloon framing uses long, continuous studs that run from the foundation to the roof. This method allowed for faster construction using standardized lumber and nails. While efficient, it created vertical cavities that can pose fire risks—something to consider during restoration and retrofitting.
🪚 Post-and-Beam Construction
Timeless Craftsmanship with Exposed Timber
Seen in homes from the 1600s to early 1800s, this method features large, hand-hewn timbers joined with mortise-and-tenon joints. These visible beams are not only structurally sound but also add rustic charm. Restoration often involves sourcing reclaimed wood and traditional joinery techniques.
🧱 Stone or Brick Foundations
Durable, Earthy, and Built to Last
Historic foundations were typically made from locally sourced stone or brick, laid with minimal mortar. Over time, they may settle or deteriorate. Restoration includes repointing with lime-based mortar and improving drainage—always with an eye toward preserving the original materials.
🧰 Wooden Lath and Plaster Walls
Breathable Walls with Character
Before drywall, walls were built with wooden lath strips covered in layers of plaster. These walls are durable, sound-insulating, and full of texture. Restoring them requires traditional plastering techniques and materials to maintain their historic look and feel.
We Restore The Follow
Doors:
- Five-Panel Doors
- Pocket Doors
- Dutch Doors
- Arched Entry Doors
Floors:
- Heart Pine
- Oak Strip Flooring
Porches:
- Wraparound Verandas
- Sleeping Porches
- Porticos
- Balconettes
Stairs:
- Curved Staircases
- Boxed Staircases
- Open Stringer
- Spiral Stairs
Trim & Molding:
- Crown Molding
- Picture Rails
- Rosettes
- Dentil Molding
- Baseboards (6–12 inches)
Windows:
- Double-Hung Sash
- Palladian Windows
- Stained Glass Panels
- Casement Windows
🧾 Breakdown of $197.50/hour in California (2025)
Based on current data for California in 2025, here's a detailed breakdown of a $253.20 hourly rate for a construction-related service, incorporating actual wage data and estimated percentages for taxes, insurance, and profit:
Category | Estimated % | Amount ($) |
Wages to Craftsman | 37% | $73.08 |
City Tax | 1% | $1.98 |
State Tax (CA) | 3% | $5.92 |
Federal Tax | 5% | $9.88 |
Insurance / Workers’ Comp | 18% | $35.55 |
Contingency | 10% | $19.75 |
Profit | 26% | $51.35 |
Total | 100% | $197.51 |
📏 Common Measurements
We provide accurate restoration estimates using traditional and modern measurement standards:
Linear Footage:
- Trim & Molding: 100–500 LF per room
- Porch Railings: 30–100 LF
- Stair Handrails: 10–50 LF
Square Footage:
- Flooring: 100–3,000 SF
- Wall Surface: 400–2,000 SF per room
- Roofing: 1,000–3,500 SF