Irvine Construction Blog

Renovating a Historic Building for Commercial Use

Posted on:

Renovating a historic building for commercial use is an exciting yet challenging endeavor. These architectural treasures, often rich with character and history, offer unique opportunities to create memorable commercial spaces. However, their transformation requires careful planning, respect for heritage, and a balance between modern functionality and preservation of original features. Understanding the Building’s History The first step in renovating a historic building is to understand its history and significance. This involves researching the building’s original purpose, architectural style, and any notable events or figures associated with it. Engaging with local historical societies and archives can provide invaluable insights and ensure…

Read More

The Benefits of Adding a Mudroom to Your Home

Posted on:

In the hustle and bustle of modern life, a mudroom might seem like an unnecessary addition to some homes. However, this functional space can offer numerous benefits that enhance both the practicality and the aesthetics of your living environment. Here are some compelling reasons to consider adding a mudroom to your home. Organization and Storage A mudroom provides a dedicated space for storing outdoor gear, shoes, and seasonal items, helping to keep the rest of your home clutter-free. With built-in cabinets, hooks, and benches, a mudroom can accommodate everything from coats and boots to sports equipment and backpacks. This organization…

Read More

Exploring the Value: Is Adding a Sunroom Worth It?

Posted on:

The idea of adding a sunroom to one’s home often evokes images of relaxation, natural light streaming in, and a cozy space for enjoyment. Yet, like any home improvement project, it comes with questions about its worth. Is the investment worth the benefits? Let’s delve into the considerations to determine whether adding a sunroom is indeed a valuable addition to your home. Enhanced Living Space One of the primary reasons homeowners opt for a sunroom is the promise of additional living space. It provides a versatile area that can serve various purposes, from a tranquil reading nook to an entertainment…

Read More

Protecting History: Winterization of Your Historic Home

Posted on:

Owning a historic home is a unique and rewarding experience, but as winter approaches, it’s essential to take proactive steps to protect its charm and character. At Irvine Construction in Maryland, we understand the significance of preserving historic homes. We’d like to pass on our essential winterization tips to safeguard these architectural treasures during the colder months. Weather Stripping and Caulking The intricate details of historic homes often include original windows and doors that add to their charm. However, these features can be a source of drafts. Applying weather stripping and caulking around windows and doors helps create a tight…

Read More

Preserving A Historic Property: The Timeless Charm of Wood Floors, Fireplaces, Stained Glass, and More

Posted on:

In the world of home design and renovation, there’s a growing appreciation for the beauty and character of older homes. Whether you live in an older neighborhood or are preserving a historic property, you’ve likely encountered a treasure trove of historic features that are worth renovating and saving. From elegant wood floors and enchanting fireplaces to intricate stained glass windows, these elements not only add to the charm of your home but also tell a story of the past. In this blog post, we’ll explore why these historic features are worth preserving and how they can be integrated into your…

Read More

Pros and Cons of Finishing Your Basement

Posted on:

An unfinished basement is no one’s favorite part of the house. Among the spiders, dark corners, and damp walls, there isn’t much to enjoy. That being said, the lowest level of your home has the most potential to be great. Finishing your basement is a huge investment, and there is much to consider before taking the leap. If you’re wondering if you should finish your basement, here are some pros and cons to consider.  Pro: It Increases Your Home’s Value Even if you’re not planning on selling your home anytime soon, it’s important to consider how any choices you make now…

Read More

Are Energy Retrofitting and Historic Preservation at Odds?

Posted on:

With a large percentage of homes having been built before modern energy-efficient fixtures were available, there’s a lot of potential for beneficial energy retrofitting in single-family homes. However, if your home is considered historic—or you just want to preserve its original character—it can feel as if you’ll be sacrificing your home’s historic features when you make upgrades. But thanks to advances in energy retrofitting capabilities, as well as with a little extra work on the part of you and your contractors, you can complete an energy retrofit without compromising your home’s historic preservation needs. Review the Requirements If your home…

Read More

4 Tips for Designing a Home Office When Working From Home With Kids

Posted on:

Even as the restrictions from the COVID-19 pandemic recede, many workers are still doing their jobs from home permanently. If this describes you, you may be considering renovating part of your home into a home office. And, if you’ve got kids at home, taking them into consideration when designing your space is essential. Here are 4 tips for designing a home office that’s serviceable for you but also welcoming for your kids: Identify Your Space Whether it’s a dedicated room with a door that closes, a closet in the playroom, or a space that you can cordon off a bit…

Read More

How to Deal With Lead Paint in Your Historic Home Remodel

Posted on:

Once a staple of interior painting, we now know that lead-based paint is dangerous for anyone exposed to it for too long. Children and pets are the most vulnerable, but healthy adults and the elderly also can experience lead poisoning with enough exposure. If you’re planning a remodel of your historic home and suspect (or know) that you’ve got lead paint, here’s what you need to know about keeping everyone safe during the process. Identify Lead Paint You may know that you’ve got lead paint in an area you’re planning to remodel, or you may just suspect that you do…

Read More

How the Housing Market Is Impacting the Remodeling Market

Posted on:

The housing market is notorious for constantly changing. One week it’s looking up for buyers, the next it’s dominated by sellers. This contrasts with the remodeling market, which has been steadily increasing for many years now.  Still, these two markets affect each other in many ways. If no one is buying new homes, they are more likely to renovate the homes they already own. And if everyone is preparing to sell, they may want to spruce up their places before they go up for sale.  If you’re thinking about changing your housing situation, you may be wondering which is right…

Read More

MENU