Historic building restoration on a Back Bay brownstone or a Beacon Hill rowhouse requires a level of material compatibility that standard exterior renovation doesn't. That means appropriate mortar types for pre-portland masonry, repair methods that match the original construction rather than covering it over, and in many cases coordination with the local historic district commission on what's permissible. We approach these projects as a historic building restoration contractor — not as a general renovation contractor — because the failure modes are different and the materials respond differently. When you call us, the first conversation is always about what the building is, how it was originally built, and what's actually happening — not just what it looks like from the street.

Yes. For properties subject to review by the Boston Landmarks Commission, the Back Bay Architectural Commission, the Beacon Hill Architectural Commission, or other local bodies, we coordinate with those authorities as part of the permitting and planning process. We also bring in architects and preservation consultants through our established partner network when the project requires documentation or design input at that level. That coordination is included in our conception-to-completion project scope — it is not something you discover as an add-on midway through the budget conversation.

We follow a formal three-step process: first, we document the condition as a change event; second, we issue a formal change order with a full revised budget and get signatures from all parties; third, we collect a deposit before any change-related work begins. Nothing gets done under a change order until all three steps are complete. If we find something unexpected — and on historic building restoration scopes we sometimes do — you hear about it immediately, in writing, along with a clear plan for what comes next. No one starts work and asks for approval later.

Our 2-year workmanship warranty covers all labor performed by Hurlock Builders on your project. Roofing and window systems carry their manufacturer warranties, and common materials like lumber carry a 1-year warranty. The workmanship warranty applies to the full scope of the project — not selected portions. Hurlock Builders holds Contractor Supervisor License CS-117490 and carries General Liability and Umbrella insurance. If something isn't right after we've left the job, call us directly at (703) 798-0952 and we come back out.