Historic Homes
With our All-in-One Design + Build Process
Built to look timeless and feel modern – and we take care of all the red tape
- Five star all-inclusive service: We handle everything, so you can relax – even if you’re out of town.
- Design-First Builder: Get the same high-level design quality as top-tier architects at a fraction of the price, designed and built in 6-9 months.
- Fixed price contract: for your peace of mind.
Fully Custom Historic Homes
With our All-in-One Design + Build Process
Built to look timeless and feel modern – and we take care of all the red tape
- Five star all-inclusive service: We handle everything, so you can relax – even if you’re out of town.
- Design-First Builder: Get the same high-level design quality as top-tier architects at a fraction of the price, designed and built in 6-9 months.
- Fixed price contract: for your peace of mind.
What Can Go Wrong When
Restoring Your Historic Home?
There’s something truly special about a historic home. The character of period architecture, the distinct craftsmanship, and the connection to the past create a charm that’s impossible to replicate.
But restoring one isn’t without its challenges. Like many clients, you may be…
Worried about finding a builder who truly understands historic homes…
…and want a team with expertise in period architecture, who can respect your home’s original design while seamlessly blending in modern features.
Concerned about choosing the wrong materials or finishes…
…and want to work with experts who source bespoke, handcrafted elements and period-authentic finishes that harmonize with your home’s unique character.
Afraid of disrupting the harmony of your neighborhood’s character…
…and want a design team builder who creates designs that feel as though they’ve always belonged while enhancing the area’s timeless appeal.
Worried your project will face endless delays and rising costs…
…and want a design team and builder with a proven track record of delivering projects on time, on budget, and without the hassle.
Concerned about how to execute the details of your historic home…
…including all the little things like custom windows and timeless finishes, to ensure the design harmonizes flawlessly with your home’s architecture.
Many historic home owners have these exact questions and concerns – and it doesn’t stop there.
What Can Go Wrong When Restoring Your Historic Home?
There’s something truly special about a historic home. The character of period architecture, the distinct craftsmanship, and the connection to the past create a charm that’s impossible to replicate.
But restoring one isn’t without its challenges. Like many clients, you may be…
Worried about finding a builder who truly understands historic homes…
…and want a team with expertise in period architecture, who can respect your home’s original design while seamlessly blending in modern features.
Concerned about choosing the wrong materials or finishes…
…and want to work with experts who source bespoke, handcrafted elements and period-authentic finishes that harmonize with your home’s unique character.
Afraid of disrupting the harmony of your neighborhood’s character…
…and want a design team builder who creates designs that feel as though they’ve always belonged while enhancing the area’s timeless appeal.
Worried your project will face endless delays and rising costs…
…and want a design team and builder with a proven track record of delivering projects on time, on budget, and without the hassle.
Concerned about how to execute the details of your historic home…
…including all the little things like custom windows and timeless finishes, to ensure the design harmonizes flawlessly with your home’s architecture.
Many historic home owners have these exact questions and concerns – and it doesn’t stop there.
Navigating the Red Tape to
Avoid Endless Approval Cycles
From material restrictions to design approvals, the labyrinth of regulations surrounding historic homes can feel overwhelming. Even a small oversight can result in costly delays and months of frustration.
With decades of expertise in Rhode Island’s historic district requirements, we handle every step of the approval process for you. Whether it’s selecting compliant materials or submitting designs that align perfectly with the neighborhood’s character, our proven process ensures your project progresses seamlessly.
Let us save you time, preserve your budget, and deliver the peace of mind that your home is in expert hands. We invite you to book a Free Discovery Session, where we’ll guide you through the possibilities for your historic home.
Navigating the Red Tape to Avoid Endless Approval Cycles
From material restrictions to design approvals, the labyrinth of regulations surrounding historic homes can feel overwhelming. Even a small oversight can result in costly delays and months of frustration.
With decades of expertise in Rhode Island’s historic district requirements, we handle every step of the approval process for you. Whether it’s selecting compliant materials or submitting designs that align perfectly with the neighborhood’s character, our proven process ensures your project progresses seamlessly.
Let us save you time, preserve your budget, and deliver the peace of mind that your home is in expert hands. We invite you to book a Free Discovery Session, where we’ll guide you through the possibilities for your historic home.
How We Help You Get the Historic Home
You’ve Always Dreamed of
With years of experience revitalizing some of Rhode Island’s most beautiful properties, we’ve earned a reputation for delivering timeless homes that exceed expectations — every single time.
Unlike other design builders who attempt to apply cookie-cutter solutions to historic renovations, we approach every project with profound respect for its original design.
Our design honors historic architectural designs while bringing modern convenience to every project – ensuring your home not only retains its charm but also embraces today’s comforts and technology.
How We Help You Get the Historic Home You’ve Always Dreamed of
With years of experience revitalizing some of Rhode Island’s most beautiful properties, we’ve earned a reputation for delivering timeless homes that exceed expectations — every single time.
Unlike other design builders who attempt to apply cookie-cutter solutions to historic renovations, we approach every project with profound respect for its original design.
Our design honors historic architectural designs while bringing modern convenience to every project – ensuring your home not only retains its charm but also embraces today’s comforts and technology.
Here’s 10 Reasons Discerning
Rhode Island Clients Choose and
Refer Us Time and Time Again
Reason 1: Every Aspect of Your Historic Home Handled Under One Roof
Renovating a historic home doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. Yet, it often does — especially when you’re left juggling architects, designers, and contractors, all working in isolation. Miscommunication leads to frustration, timelines stretch endlessly, and costs spiral out of control.
It can feel like chaos.
At Hill & Harbor, we’ve completely reimagined this process to make it as smooth and enjoyable as possible.
From the very first idea to the final finishing touch, we handle every part of your project under one roof. This means no more confusion, no more delays, and no more wondering if your dream home will turn out the way you envisioned.
With our exclusive Blueprint System, we take care of every detail. All the professionals work together in perfect harmony, guided by one dedicated partner who’s with you every step of the way.
The result? A beautifully orchestrated process that’s simple, seamless, and effortless.
Here’s how we help bring your dream to life:
Designing for Your Wants & Needs
We begin with a deep understanding of your vision and craft conceptual designs that not only reflect your style but also meet the most stringent historic district requirements with line-item budgets. This ensures a smooth and timely approval process.
Turning Ideas Into Action
Once your design and budget is approved, we transition Phase 3, the Selections Process. Carefully choosing finishes and details that align with your personal preferences and goals. Every decision is thoughtfully planned to ensure a cohesive and stunning result.
Building Without Delays
Before construction even begins, every piece of the puzzle is in place. Materials are ordered, timelines are set, and every stage is carefully coordinated. This allows us to bring your vision to life with precision and efficiency, while avoiding unnecessary delays or surprises.
Reason 2: Design that Feels Like a Home, Not a Museum
Historic renovations often get stuck in preservation mode, creating interiors that feel more like static museum displays than vibrant living spaces. While the exterior should honor its timeless charm, the inside needs to be based on how you live—balancing practicality with elegance.
Unlike traditional builders who prioritize construction over design, we have a design-first approach which ensures every space is carefully planned to suit your lifestyle (meaning its functional, stylish and uniquely yours) while showcasing its architectural beauty.
What’s more, our Blueprint System allows us to deliver world class design based on just 3-7% of the project budget – far less than the industry norm of 10-20%.
Reason 3: A Cohesive Team Who Works Seamlessly for You
At Hill & Harbor, we’ve brought together a group of master designers, architects, builders, and interior specialists who’ve been working as a cohesive team for years.
This isn’t just any team—it’s a carefully selected group of experts who know how to bring your vision to life with precision and care.
Many of our team members have decades of experience, with some even having run their own firms before joining us. By uniting all this expertise under one roof, we ensure every part of your project is perfectly aligned—from design to construction to final finishes.
We’re also incredibly selective about the tradespeople we work with. Every professional who joins our team undergoes a rigorous screening process including:
Background Checks: We verify insurance, workers’ compensation, and legal history to ensure they meet our high standards.
Project Experience: We carefully review their past projects to confirm their skills and attention to detail.
Quality Standards: Every tradesperson follows strict timelines, specifications, and benchmarks for excellence, so your home is built to the highest standards.
Reason 4: Designed and Built in 6-9 Months, Not 3 Years
The traditional approach to renovating a historic home often drags on — you can find yourself spending over a year just on design, another six months securing permits, and yet another year finding the right builder.
Add in fragmented teams and poor communication, and a three-year timeline quickly becomes the norm.
At Hill & Harbor, we’ve streamlined the entire process to deliver your dream home in just 6-9 months.
From the first design sketch to the final walk-through, every stage is carefully planned and executed to avoid delays, confusion, and wasted time. And while we work faster, we never compromise on quality or attention to detail.
Reason 5: Transparent Pricing, No Surprises (& Sometimes Under Budget)
In historic renovations, uncertainty about costs is all too common. Many builders rely on vague estimates that leave you guessing about what’s included, leading to unexpected expenses, inflated budgets, and endless change orders.
At Hill & Harbor Design + Build, we believe in complete transparency. Our fixed-price contracts come with detailed, line-item budgets that outline every aspect of your project — typically spanning over 30 pages. From appliances and finishes to light fixtures and flooring, we make sure you know exactly where every dollar is going.
What’s even better? If you choose options that come in under budget, the savings go directly back to you. With us, there are no hidden fees, no unexpected surprises — just clarity, confidence, and peace of mind.
Reason 6: 3,000 Point Inspections to Ensure Impeccable Quality
What sets us apart is our proprietary Blueprint System — a rigorous process that includes a 3,000-point inspection at every stage of your project.
Your dedicated project manager meticulously reviews each step, and every milestone is double-checked by another expert, including the original project developer. This ensures nothing is missed, from the foundation to the final finishes.
Why is this level of precision so important? Because even the smallest mistake can have significant consequences in historic homebuilding. For instance:
- Poor waterproofing in a bathroom can lead to extensive water damage and costly structural repairs.
- Incorrectly installed flashing around windows can result in hidden rot and long-term durability issues.
- Uneven foundations can create instability, requiring major corrections.
- Misaligned framing can disrupt the flow and functionality of a space, affecting everything from the layout to the finishes.
These aren’t just mistakes — they’re liabilities. And we work tirelessly to ensure they never happen.
By the time your home is complete, there will be fewer than ten minor punch list items remaining — far below industry norms. This means your home is truly move-in ready, with no lingering issues to resolve.
And if anything does arise? We stand firmly behind our craftsmanship. Any issues related to our work will be resolved promptly, professionally, and without excuses.
Reason 7: A Bespoke Experience, Like a Fine Dining Restaurant
Building or renovating your dream home shouldn’t feel like a second job—it should be a seamless, enjoyable journey.
Think about dining at a fine-dining restaurant. You’re not in the kitchen, checking ingredients or monitoring the process; you’re at the table, enjoying every bite, confident in the expertise behind the scenes.
That’s the experience Hill & Harbor Design + Build brings to homebuilding. From the moment you share your vision with us, we take the lead, handling every detail. Our Blueprint System ensures each phase of your project is organized and efficient, so you never have to worry about chasing updates.
Reason 8: Stay Informed, Confident at Every Stage
Too often, clients are left in the dark — unsure of what’s happening, when it’s happening, or even what’s next.
The result? Unnecessary stress, frustration, and a growing sense of doubt.
At Hill & Harbor Design + Build, we make sure that never happens. Clear and consistent communication is central to our process, keeping you informed and confident every step of the way.
Our client portal acts as your personal project hub. You’ll have access to:
- Weekly updates with photos, showing what’s been completed and what’s ahead.
- A clear project timeline that lets you know exactly where things stand.
- Personalized to-do lists to ensure no detail is overlooked.
It’s like having a front-row seat to the orchestration of your home’s journey — every phase seamlessly managed, every detail accounted for.
And we don’t just rely on technology. Our team provides hands-on guidance:
- A Project Developer leads you through design, budgeting, and planning.
- An Interior Designer ensures your finishes align perfectly with your vision.
- A Construction Project Manager oversees every detail on-site, ensuring everything stays on schedule.
To give you peace of mind, we also schedule five on-site meetings at key milestones, keeping you involved but never overwhelmed.
Reason 9: Your Story Drives the Design
Restoring a historic home is deeply personal. It’s about honoring its past while creating a space that reflects your lifestyle, tastes, and needs. Unfortunately, many builders fall short, imposing their own preferences or defaulting to cookie-cutter designs that don’t capture your vision.
When you work with us, your voice is the heart of the process. From the moment we begin, we ensure your story drives the design. Every decision respects your property’s architectural legacy while seamlessly integrating modern comforts that enhance your daily life.
Our 70-point onboarding questionnaire helps uncover:
- How you live and what matters most to you.
- Your ideal balance between historic preservation and contemporary luxury.
- The features and finishes that will bring your vision to life.
We don’t force a one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, we elevate your ideas. Whether you’re drawn to colonial refinement, federal-style grace, or Victorian grandeur, we’ll craft a home that’s uniquely yours — while preserving the historic charm that makes it timeless.
Reason 10: Focused Attention, Just 3-4 Builds Per Project Manager
In historic renovations, excellence requires focus. Unfortunately, many builders stretch themselves too thin, assigning a single project manager to juggle 15 or even 20 projects at once.
The outcome? Missed details, constant delays, and homes that don’t meet expectations.
We intentionally limit the number of projects we take on so every client gets the attention they deserve. Our project managers oversee just three to four projects at a time, allowing them to be fully immersed in every detail of your project.
This focus ensures:
- Clear communication, with no gaps or delays.
- Meticulous attention to detail, safeguarding quality at every stage.
- Timely progress, avoiding the setbacks that come with overburdened teams.
By dedicating ourselves to fewer clients, we ensure your dream home is delivered without compromise.
Transforming a historic home requires a delicate blend of artistry, precision, and expertise. Balancing the charm of old-world craftsmanship with the comforts of modern living while navigating complex regulations can feel overwhelming.
That’s why we offer a complimentary Historic Home Discovery Call — a no-obligation opportunity to get expert advice, clear direction, and the confidence you need to move forward with your vision.
Here’s what you’ll gain during your call:
-
A Clear Vision for Your Dream Home
We’ll help you define exactly what you want from your historic renovation. Our thoughtful questions, rooted in years of experience, will bring clarity to your ideas and ensure no detail is overlooked. -
Expert Guidance Through the Process
We’ll walk you through what to expect at each stage of your renovation, helping you avoid common pitfalls and ensuring your project flows seamlessly from concept to completion. -
Complete Cost Transparency
We’ll provide a clear overview of your project’s financial scope, offering practical strategies to maximize your budget without compromising on quality or authenticity. -
Tailored Advice for Your Unique Project
Whether you’re facing historic district regulations or complex design challenges, we’ll share solutions tailored to your specific goals—so your fully custom home reflects your personal style while preserving its timeless character.
Why Hill & Harbor Design + Build is the Right Choice Many builders approach historic renovations with a cookie-cutter mindset, resulting in delays, unexpected costs, and homes that fall short of expectations. At Hill & Harbor, we take a different approach:
- Expert Navigation of Historic Regulations
Our in-depth knowledge ensures your project meets every requirement, saving you time and eliminating uncertainty.
- Seamless, effortless Process
Our proprietary Blueprint System ensures every phase—from onboarding to design and construction—is perfectly orchestrated, so you can enjoy the process without worry.
- A Commitment to Excellence
We don’t just restore homes; we craft timeless spaces that honor the past while embracing the future.
Your Historic Home Journey Starts Here
Your dream home begins with a single conversation. Book your Free Historic Home Discovery Call today,
and let’s explore how we can bring your vision to life. Together, we’ll create a home that beautifully balances historic charm
with modern luxury—crafted with care, delivered with precision, and designed just for you.
Transforming a historic home requires a delicate blend of artistry, precision, and expertise. Balancing the charm of old-world craftsmanship with the comforts of modern living while navigating complex regulations can feel overwhelming.
That’s why we offer a complimentary Historic Home Discovery Call — a no-obligation opportunity to get expert advice, clear direction, and the confidence you need to move forward with your vision.
Here’s what you’ll gain during your call:
- A Clear Vision for Your Dream Home
We’ll help you define exactly what you want from your historic renovation. Our thoughtful questions, rooted in years of experience, will bring clarity to your ideas and ensure no detail is overlooked. - Expert Guidance Through the Process
We’ll walk you through what to expect at each stage of your renovation, helping you avoid common pitfalls and ensuring your project flows seamlessly from concept to completion. - Complete Cost Transparency
We’ll provide a clear overview of your project’s financial scope, offering practical strategies to maximize your budget without compromising on quality or authenticity. - Tailored Advice for Your Unique Project
Whether you’re facing historic district regulations or complex design challenges, we’ll share solutions tailored to your specific goals—so your fully custom home reflects your personal style while preserving its timeless character.
Why Hill & Harbor Design + Build is the Right Choice
Many builders approach historic renovations with a cookie-cutter mindset, resulting in delays, unexpected costs, and homes that fall short of expectations. At Hill & Harbor, we take a different approach:
- Expert Navigation of Historic Regulations Our in-depth knowledge ensures your project meets every requirement, saving you time and eliminating uncertainty.
Seamless, effortless Process - Our proprietary Blueprint System ensures every phase—from onboarding to design and construction—is perfectly orchestrated, so you can enjoy the process without worry.
- A Commitment to Excellence We don’t just restore homes; we craft timeless spaces that honor the past while embracing the future.
Your Historic Home Journey Starts Here
Your dream home begins with a single conversation. Book your Free Historic Home Discovery Call today,
and let’s explore how we can bring your vision to life. Together, we’ll create a home that beautifully balances historic charm
with modern luxury—crafted with care, delivered with precision, and designed just for you.
