Preserving Lancaster’s History, One Brick at a Time
Restoration masonry with heart, skill, and sustainability. Quality craftsmanship for homes that deserve to last.
Preserving Lancaster’s History, One Brick at a Time
Restoration masonry with heart, skill, and sustainability. Quality craftsmanship for homes that deserve to last.
services
Where Craftsmanship
Meets Conservation
- Masonry Repair
- Lime Mortar Repointing
- Paint Stripping & Limewashing
- Plaster Work
- Consultation
- Moisture & Mortar Assessments
You Love Your Old House. So Do I.
There’s something special about Lancaster’s brick homes — the texture, the colors, the stories baked into every wall. My job is to preserve all of that character while protecting your home from further damage.
I work with homeowners who care about doing things right — whether you know a lot about preservation, or you’re just learning. I’ll walk you through the materials, explain what I see, and offer solutions that make sense for you and your budget.
Save Your Home Without Harming the Earth.
I use lime mortars and finishes because they work with your home — not against it. Unlike modern materials that trap moisture and cause brick to deteriorate, lime-based methods allow your home to breathe naturally and last longer.
This isn’t just about keeping things “authentic” — it’s about doing what’s best for your home and for the environment. Fewer tear-downs, less waste, more life.
Recent Projects
The Little Haus of Lancaster
For one of Lancaster's most recognizable landmarks, I remodeled historic plaster walls and fireplaces, stripped and repointed the exterior, and much more! The result? A solid, vibrant façade that looks like it belongs — because it does.
North Mary Street Basement
In this single story home from the early 19th century, I resolved salt and moisture issues, removed existing plaster, and fully restored the basement through stone pointing.
Eden Road Cottage
This was an ironmaster's home circa 1860. I repointed the modern addition to match the original, historic architecture and incorporated historically accurate and ecologically sustainable lime mortar.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you've got a question that I don't address here, please reach out!
Do you only work on historic homes?
Mostly, yes! I specialize in homes built before the 1950s — especially those with original brick, stone, or lime-based materials. That said, if your home has issues with masonry or moisture and you care about doing things right, I’m happy to take a look.
Why does lime mortar matter?
Older brick buildings were built with soft, breathable lime mortar — not modern cement. Using the wrong materials can trap moisture, crack bricks, and do long-term damage. Lime mortar allows your home to breathe and age gracefully, just like it was meant to.
How do I know if my mortar needs repointing?
Really, it’s time whenever your beautiful brick is covered up by paint. If the mortar is crumbly, missing, cracked, or hard as concrete — it might be time. You might also notice moisture issues inside the walls. I offer free consultations where I can inspect the condition and let you know what’s really going on.
What’s the cost?
Pricing depends on the scope, access, materials, and condition of your home. I provide clear, custom estimates after each consultation — no surprise costs. Some projects are hourly, others are quoted by the job.