Historically Accurate Construction
Building as if It’s Always Been There
At Heartwood Construction, we approach historic homes with a simple principle: any addition or alteration should feel as though it has always belonged.
Historically accurate construction is not about imitation or decoration. It is about understanding proportion, materials, craftsmanship, and architectural language so deeply that new work becomes indistinguishable from original construction. When done correctly, the result is seamless. There is no visual disruption, no sense of “old versus new.” Only continuity.
Your Trusted Partner for Period-Accurate New Construction
Interested in exploring how to elevate your historic, colonial, or old style home?
A Historic Portico build in Andover
One recent project illustrates our approach to historically-accurate construction.
We were brought in to design and construct a new portico for a historic home. Because the property fell within a historic district, the design required approval from the Historic District Commission. This meant the solution could not simply be functional or aesthetically pleasing. It had to respect the architectural integrity of the home and align with the historical context of the surrounding area.
Our process began with careful study. We analyzed the home’s existing details, including roof pitch, trim profiles, proportions, and material choices. Supporting the homeowner through the process, the final design was submitted and approved by Andover's Historic Preservation Commission. During construction, we maintained that same level of precision, ensuring that joinery, scale, and finishes aligned with the home.
Portico build on a historic home in Andover, MA
The result is a structure that does not call attention to itself. Most people assume it has always been there.
This is the standard we hold for all historically sensitive work. Whether we are restoring existing elements or introducing new ones, our focus remains the same: respect the past, and build with enough care that the distinction between old and new disappears.
If you are considering work on a historic home, we are happy to help navigate both the design process and any required approvals, while ensuring the final result honors the character of your home.
Customer Satisfaction
Customer satisfaction is our top priority at Heartwood Construction. We go above and beyond to ensure that every client is satisfied with the work that we do. We're proud to have a long list of satisfied clients who have trusted us with their historic construction projects.