Historic Home Renovation
Nevada City has a concentration of late 1800s and early 1900s homes — and every one of them has its own distinct character.
Homes that predate the building code
Open a wall in a home built in 1895 and you’ll find original-growth lumber, plumbing that predates copper, wiring that predates modern codes, and a structure you have to read to understand, since no plan survives to explain it.
We’ve spent enough time in Nevada City’s historic homes to know what to expect — and how to handle what you don’t. The discoveries are part of the work. We solve them without derailing the project. An old house doesn’t have to be a drafty one: the character stays, and the comfort, indoor air quality, and efficiency come up to today’s standards.
Preserve what matters. Replace what doesn't.
Every decision starts with the same question: does this fit the home? Original detail is preserved where possible; what’s replaced or extended is built to match the era.
It’s a balance that requires restraint as much as skill. Knowing what to keep is as important as knowing how to build. The homes that turn out best are the ones where the renovation is invisible. What you notice is the history and the craft.
A century-old Victorian on Park Avenue
A circa-1900 home in Downtown Nevada City, renovated to extend its life for another century — performance upgrades and historic preservation working together.