Historic

At Paulson's, we all share a certain affinity for our older homes and structures and the significance they play in the history of our communities. Our experience in all forms of construction makes us uniquely suited to handle all types of historic work and we would love to visit your historic building and see what we can do to help. We specialize in bringing out the full potential of older homes. From structural to the details, we will give you the results you're looking for and the respect your home deserves. We were recently awarded the 2008 Contractor of the Year award for a project we did on Clinton St. in Howell, MI.

Corktown - Detroit, MI
During	Before
A great old house in Corktown by the old ballpark in bad need of a new porch. Our client asked us to get involved because she knew we would put it back the way it was but even better. It's in the paint process now. Finished pictures coming soon. Click Here for More Details

Dawson Rd. - Milford, MI
Interior and exterior remodel of historic home in Milford, MI. New bath, laundry, and study. Click Here for More Details

Randolph St. - Northville, MI
1800's barn was due for some maintenance Click Here for More Details

Clinton St. - Howell
Before	After
The Richards' approached us to consider putting the wraparound porch back on their 1916 home in the city of Howell. In 2003 the Richards family became the new owners of this wonderful old home. The majority of the interior and exterior had been preserved by previous owners except that in the 50’s the porch was removed and in its place went a very small and inappropriate substitution. Shortly after moving in, the Richards were visited by a niece of the original owners (and presumably the builders) of their home. She was very interested to meet the new owners and was very gracious in sharing the history and stories of the old place. A photo she brought piqued the Richards’ interest. Taken in 1920 or 1921, the photo shows the original owners and the family on the porch proudly displaying their new car. Not only did this visit answer many questions, but it really got “the wheels turning”. After some years, and after much work inside and out, it was time to put the house back the way it was meant to be. Mr. Richards had already done much of the preliminary work by the time he called us. Using a jewelry scope, and the old photo, he established the scale of the porch components. He and a draftsman friend drew a very basic set of drawings that would lead to the recreation of the porch. Mr. Richards called us because of our reputation for quality and accuracy as well as our knowledge and experience with historic homes. A basic contract was signed and the process began. The “city” proved to be a stumbling block we had not anticipated. In order for this project to come to fruition, the “city” actually re-wrote their setback ordinance for a good part of the city, and, obviously, this property was covered by it. This project brought to light a fault in the ordinance and helped to correct it. So, the permits were finally issued and the project began. The witness marks were located and we were able to establish exactly where the porch should be located. Samples were sent for duplication and after much scrutinizing, the cutting and fabrication began. Our owner, Mr. Richards, had the final product painted and the result is one that much of the town is talking about. I’m sure the original owners would be proud. The project was done completely with wood the way it was originally – something the original owners (who also owned the town’s lumber yard at the time) I hope would be proud of. We sure are! 2008 CONTRACTOR OF THE YEAR AWARD WINNER! Click Here for More Details

Court St. - Howell
Another of Howell's special historic homes. This is truly and wonderful house and we are certainly pleased to have helped play a role in its preservation. Our clients are doing much of the work themselves as it is a love of theirs. They asked us to help with the siding replacement portion and that was about the extent of involvement so far. When the old tile siding was removed, the original wood lap siding was still there. Much of it was damaged and/or rotten and from the pictures you can get an idea what was replaced. It is certainly looking good and as the project continues it will only look better. Click Here for More Details

Livingston County Courthouse - Howell
If you've ever visited Howell, you have undoubtedly noticed the old county courthouse. What a grand building! The courthouse does not function entirely as such any longer but it is home to many of the county's services and some limited judicial proceedings. If you have never been inside, it is worth the look. The East set of entrance doors were in need of repair/replacement as you can see in the before pictures. The doors were reproduced to the same specs as they were and given a finish to help them last through time once again. We are very pleased to have played a part in the life of such a fine historic structure in our community. Click Here for More Details

Burns St. - Howell
The classic bow window. Single pane glass. Great architectural feature but not energy efficient. Rather than a very expensive replacement our clients decided to have us re-do the window with insulated glass panels. We removed all the paint, putty and glass, installed new double pane glass panels w/ Low E, and then restored the wood parts and repainted everything. The look is the same but the function is a huge improvement. The room/house holds heat better, the drafts are gone, and what an improvement in sound transmission! Click Here for More Details

Summit St. - Howell, MI
This home underwent a whole house remodel. Everything from the new porch and exterior work, to new space for a library, laundry, and masters suite in the old servants quarters. All while maintaining and improving the existing structure and all of the unique elements within. Click Here for More Details

Washington Street - Howell
The side porch on this historic home in downtown Howell was in much need of repair. The previous repairs not only didn't last, but they were historically inaccurate. We were contracted to redo the porch historically correct (within building dept. requirements) and to make it last. Custom rail work and skirting was all done in-house. This porch will really stand out once the weather cooperates and our client can get a chance to paint it. Click Here for More Details

SS City of Milwaukee - Manistee
Paul & Alison found this project in Manistee while up North one weekend. It is a very interesting ship and we felt really good about helping them with some of their projects. We are planning to do more in the Summer of '09. There is a link to the ships website under the "fun stuff" button. The project pictured here was one of many we took on the last time we were there. The crows nest had deteriorated to an unsafe condition and needed to be restored as part of the overall preservation project. Using a Brazilian hardwood called Ipe or Pau Lope, we installed a new deck up there. (See the picture taken from the ground; it's up there!.) This special hardwood does not rot and will provide many years of use. Logistically, the job was rather difficult but we all had a great time. Thanks to the Howell Fire Dept for loaning us the safety harnesses. Click Here for More Details

Brooks Street - Howell
First and second floor addition. The owners of this historic home in downtown Howell decided they needed some more room. However, they were very conscious of the historical value in the home, and did not want to detract from that. Therefore, the addition we created was designed with today's materials and technology, yet the siding and trim were made to match what was existing. Removing the detail pieces and replacing them as they were was something that helped keep the character of the house intact. The clients were involved directly in the demolition, the interior finishing, and the exterior painting. Click Here for More Details

Walnut Street - Howell
Interior and exterior remodel. While the roof was already complete when we got involved, it was our job to take care of the rest of the exterior. This meant that the trim pieces that had burned, broken off, or rotted needed to be recreated and reinstalled. The porches needed to be redone, and of course the entire exterior got a coat of paint. Click Here for More Details

Lake Street - Howell
Exterior repairs and repainting. This historic home in downtown Howell was much in need of exterior repair and maintenance. We were contracted to repair the wood sills and trim. Then the customer, working with their designer, chose the color scheme for us to redo the outside. The three gables on the house offered a unique challenge. The original gingerbread had been lost over time, and all we had to work with was the antique photographs that the homeowners had obtained. Using these photographs, we were able to distinguish what style of gingerbread was on the house originally. Once that was done, the pieces of the puzzle started to fall together based on other information we had gathered, and then we were able to create a life-sized template of the new gable gingerbread. The customer was then able to see it and approve it prior to its fabrication, and we were able to have it painted the way they requested prior to its installation. Once installed, some touch-ups were necessary, and the pictures tell the rest. Click Here for More Details

Riddle Street - Howell
This historic home in downtown Howell was in need of exterior maintenance and repair. We were contracted to repair, fix, replace exterior wood as needed on both the house and garage. There was masonry work that needed to be done, exterior painting was completed, the roof needed some repairs, and then we installed copper gutters with copper gutter guard on the house and garage. Click Here for More Details

Check our Remodeling Reviews on Angie's List