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

Why Paint Peels

by 6 Comments

Many people have expressed concern about the cost and short lifespan of paint. Most contractors try steal business from a painter and persuade homeowners to use their services and install vinyl siding instead of painting. Contractors intimidate homeowners and make them nervous by saying that fresh paint on an old 1900 house might only last [...]

Historic Archived Catalogs & Brochures

This is one of the greatest resources you can possibly have!  There are catalogs of builders materials like doors and light bulb fixtures, house styles and house plans popular during that year, interior decoration and wallpaper, plumbing supplies, fashionable clothing, etc. etc. If you want to see what your house looked like when it was [...]

HardiBoard vs. Cedar Wood Siding

by 69 Comments

Hardiboard siding is NOT a replacement for cedar wood siding. Hardiboard siding is an ALTERNATIVE siding to cedar wood siding as are vinyl and aluminum sidings. Everyone hates or at least should hate the cheap ugly look of vinyl siding so hardiboard siding is a much better option. Although homes you have seen with hardiboard [...]

Mistakes Using Fancy Cut Decorative Shingles

by 31 Comments

The use of fancy cut decorative shingles exploded with Queen Anne Victorian architecture. Although used in many locations, one of the most popular areas of use for these shingles was in the gable. The house to the right looks really great with these fancy cut decorative shingles in a colorful pattern but as nice as [...]

Death of a Cottage

by 45 Comments

The cottage. A Bungalow, a Cape Cod, just any modest cosy dwelling in a traditional design. After house shopping for a long time you finally find the house of your dreams. It's the cutest cottage you have ever seen. Just like something out of a story book. At one time there were many cottages like this. [...]