Yes, meaningfully different. Historic preservation on a Boston brownstone or a Beacon Hill rowhouse requires material compatibility that standard exterior renovation doesn't — the right mortar type 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 don't approach these projects the way a general contractor would approach a suburban renovation, because the buildings aren't the same and the failure modes aren't the same. When you call us, the first conversation is always about what the building is, how it was 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, 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 partner network when the project requires that level of documentation or design input. That coordination is included in our conception-to-completion project scope — it's not an add-on you discover midway through the budget conversation.

We follow a formal three-step process: first, we document the change 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, you hear about it immediately, in writing, along with a clear plan for what comes next. No one starts work first and asks questions later.

Our 2-year workmanship warranty covers all labor performed by Hurlock Builders on your project. For materials, 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 just selected portions. Hurlock Builders holds Contractor Supervisor License CS-117490 and carries General Liability and Umbrella insurance, so the coverage behind that warranty is real. If something isn't right after we've left the job, you call us directly at (703) 798-0952 and we come back out.