Our process
Every old house hides something. We find it before we price it.
Our process is built around one idea: good decisions come from good information. We learn the house first, plan with your architect, and put everything in writing before construction begins.
- I
Conversation
We listen to what you hope for and talk candidly about budget, timing, and fit.
A 30-minute call about the house, your goals, your timeline, and the investment you have in mind. If we are not the right builder for the project, we will say so and, where we can, point you to someone who is.
- II
Site walk
We walk the house together and read what the building is telling us.
An unhurried walk through the house and grounds. We look at structure, masonry, framing, roof, systems, and the evidence of earlier alterations, and we listen to how you want to live there. Within a few days you receive a written summary of our observations and recommended next steps.
- III
Preconstruction
We investigate, design alongside your architect, and build an honest budget.
Under a preconstruction agreement, we investigate existing conditions (selective openings, specialist assessments where needed), collaborate with your architect or designer, support historic review applications, and develop a detailed, line-item budget and schedule. Unknowns are named and allowances are explained.
- IV
Proposal
A clear, detailed construction agreement with no hidden assumptions.
You receive a construction proposal that spells out scope, specifications, allowances, schedule, and how changes and discovered conditions will be handled. Everything is in writing before work begins.
- V
Craft
Careful construction, weekly communication, and documentation throughout.
We protect what is being kept, document what we uncover, and build with methods suited to the house. You receive a regular written update with photographs, and one founder is your point of contact from start to finish.
- VI
Heritage Care
A complete house record and a first-year care visit. We stay.
At completion you receive a house record: drawings, product and finish schedules, sources, maintenance guidance, and before-and-after documentation. We return for a first-year Heritage Care visit to adjust, inspect, and advise on seasonal upkeep.
Common questions
About our process
What is a preconstruction agreement?
A preconstruction agreement is a paid, defined phase before construction. We investigate existing conditions, coordinate with your architect, support any historic review applications, and develop a detailed budget and schedule. It turns the unknowns of an older house into known quantities before you commit to construction.
Why don’t you give a price at the first meeting?
Because an honest price for work on an older house depends on what is behind the walls, under the floors, and inside the masonry. A number given before that investigation is a guess, and guesses are how old-house budgets go wrong. We would rather tell you the truth a little later than a comfortable fiction now.
How do you handle conditions discovered during construction?
We tell you promptly, in writing, with photographs, options, and cost and schedule implications, before proceeding. Our proposals explain in advance how discovered conditions and changes are handled, so there is a clear, agreed process when the house surprises us.
How often will we hear from you during construction?
You receive a regular written update with photographs, and one of the founders is your point of contact from start to finish. We also schedule walk-throughs at key milestones so you can see the work and make decisions in person.
What is Heritage Care?
Heritage Care is how we stay involved after completion. You receive a complete house record (drawings, finish and product schedules, sources, and maintenance guidance) and we return for a first-year visit to inspect, adjust, and advise on seasonal care.
Begin here
Start with a conversation.
Every project begins with a conversation and a walk through the house. We will listen first, ask good questions, and tell you candidly how we can help.