We Are Not Afraid of Renovating History

As experienced contractors, we take pride in never being afraid to take on older homes in New England—in fact, we welcome the challenge. These homes come with unique quirks and hidden surprises, but we've seen it all and know how to navigate everything from outdated electrical systems to uneven foundations and historic preservation requirements. Our team has the skills and knowledge to handle the unexpected with confidence, ensuring the integrity of the home is respected while bringing it up to modern standards. We don’t just work around the obstacles—we solve them with craftsmanship and care.

New England is one of those rare places in the U.S. where you can walk down a single street and see centuries of architecture unfold right before your eyes. A classic Cape next to a stately Federal-style home. A weathered Colonial farmhouse just down the road from a whimsical Victorian. The character here is unmistakable—and often irresistible for homeowners who want a space that tells a story. But those stories can come with some insane plot twists when you decide to renovate.

If you’ve ever taken on a renovation project in an older New England home, then you already know there’s a correlation between charm and challenge. Every architectural style comes with its own quirks, and being prepared can mean the difference between a smooth project and a stressful one.

Let’s talk through some of the most common home styles across New England and the kinds of obstacles homeowners and contractors might encounter once the walls come down.

Colonial homes are among the oldest structures you’ll find here. Built as early as the 1600s, many of these homes have central chimneys, steep roofs, and symmetrical layouts that are surprisingly functional even by today’s standards but wouldn’t pass the current code requirements. But don’t be fooled by their simplicity—renovating a Colonial can uncover some head-scratchers. Floors might slope, beams may have been hand-cut centuries ago, and nothing is quite square. Most still have knob-and-tube wiring or outdated plumbing stuffed into tight crawlspaces. And in historic towns, you might also face restrictions on what can be changed, especially on the exterior.

Not far behind in popularity is the classic Cape Cod. These cozy homes are known for their steep roofs, central chimneys, and shingled siding that weathers beautifully near the coast. Originally built in the 1700s and revived in the 20th century, Capes are everywhere—from quiet neighborhoods to windswept towns on the Cape itself. Renovating a Cape often means dealing with low ceilings, tight staircases, and very little insulation. Expanding the upstairs space with dormers or raising the ceiling can be tricky, especially if you’re trying to preserve the home’s original charm.

Federal and Georgian-style homes add a little formality to New England’s residential landscape. With tall windows, elegant doorways, and often brick exteriors, these homes are architectural gems. But under the surface, surprises can lurk. Brickwork may need to be repaired or replaced using historically accurate techniques, which isn’t always easy to find and should be taken into consideration when budgeting a renovation. When it comes to updating things like windows or trim, local preservation commissions may require custom work to keep everything era-appropriate.

Then there are the Victorians—those wonderfully whimsical homes with turrets, wraparound porches, and elaborate woodwork. These are especially common in old mill towns and cities across Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Renovating a Victorian is both an art and a science. Many of these homes still contain lead paint and asbestos, especially in decorative trim, tile, or insulation. Their layouts can feel choppy by today’s standards, and opening up rooms requires serious planning to avoid damaging structural or decorative elements. But when done right, restoring a Victorian can bring back a kind of magic you don’t see in modern builds.

Later styles like Tudor Revival and Craftsman homes brought a different kind of beauty to New England neighborhoods during the early 20th century. With exposed beams, rich woodwork, and carefully designed built-ins, they offer a level of detail that’s hard to replicate. But that’s also the challenge—restoring or replacing these details often means hiring skilled artisans or custom fabricators. These homes also tend to struggle with energy efficiency, and upgrading their systems while maintaining their character is a balancing act.

Regardless of which style you’re working with, one thing is almost guaranteed: once you start opening up walls, you’re going to find something unexpected. That might be a hidden structural issue, signs of old water damage, or outdated systems that weren’t part of your original plan. Stone foundations, which are common in many older homes here, may need reinforcement or waterproofing. And don’t be surprised if your project timeline stretches—or if your budget does too.

But for all the headaches and hard work, renovating a historic home in New England is a deeply rewarding process. These aren’t just houses—they’re pieces of history. When you take the time to renovate them with care and thoughtfulness, you’re not just improving a home—you’re preserving something irreplaceable.

So, whether you’re reimagining a Colonial kitchen, adding space to a Cape, or carefully restoring a Victorian turret, know that the challenges are part of the journey. And the result? A home that’s every bit as strong in character as it is in structure.

If you want to work with a knowledgeable team that stands behind their work and isn’t afraid to take on a challenge, give us a call at 401-344-9110, or email Inquire@calyxbuilds.com