Owning an old home or barn comes with a unique responsibility. These structures were designed for longevity, but over time, exposure to weather, moisture, natural settlement, and everyday use inevitably begins to wear on them. When structural issues appear, one of the most common questions we ask ourselves is:  Can this be reinforced, or does… Read more »

Many structural issues in historic homes develop slowly and can go unnoticed for years. Moisture, natural movement, and the passage of time often cause problems where heavy timbers connect, placing stress on the mortise and tenon joints that hold the frame together. The good news is that these issues usually show warning signs if you… Read more »

Post & beam construction is one of the oldest and most durable building methods in New England. Homes built in the 1700s and 1800s were crafted with massive hand-hewn timbers, traditional joinery, and craftsmanship that is hard to replicate today.  Even though these structures were built to last, over time, moisture, pests, and traditional wear… Read more »

If you own an old or historic home and notice uneven or bouncy floors, you’re not alone. Uneven or sloping floors are one of the most common features found in historic and antique homes, especially those built before modern construction standards (pre-1900). The good news is it’s usually fixable once you understand what’s causing it. … Read more »

For more than 20 years, we’ve seen how quickly New England’s colonial and historic homes can take a beating from the weather. Time and again, we find the problem is the sill beam, particularly in water-damaged sill beams. This is common in historic barns as well.  Homeowners ask us all the time: Do my sill… Read more »