old house guy logo
Try Our Old House Guy Virtual House Painting Service. See a photo of your house in numerous historic paint colors.
Learn More

Old House Renovation with YOUR Input

by 27 Comments

An Old House Renovation gives this Ugly Duckling House a 2nd Chance. Most old house makeovers are done badly and actually make the house worse giving it bad curb appeal as you can see. This house at 59 Broadway, Freehold, NJ is a victim of Bad Home Improvements and in desperate need of help. Let’s [...]

Shutters as Art or Architecture?

by Leave a Comment

Shutters are the most misunderstood feature on a house that can really make a nice house look bad.  When shutters are mounted correctly (which is rarely done), they provide nice sharp shadow lines around the windows which creates the charm and character that stimulates our senses. Yes, the secret to adding character to homes is […]

Raritan Landing – Restoration of Historic Onderdonk House

by 1 Comment

This Raritan Landing historic house is listed on the Historic Register but has unfortunately been neglected by the owner and Historic Preservation Commission. This is a follow-up to a previous article, Piscataway History in Danger. Historic Preservation Commission Fails – Homeowners and commissions Must Understand they are Stewards for Historic Houses The citizens of Piscataway NJ […]

Victorian Gothic Historic House Critique

by Leave a Comment

This Victorian-Gothic house is located in Freehold NJ.  I would estimate it to have been built around 1860-1880. Distinguishing features of this style are the steeply pitched roofs and cross gable including pointed arched windows as shown on the 3rd floor window. Many Gothic buildings have bargeboard ornamentation (gingerbread) along the gable edges and eaves.  [...]