About HIS Carpentry

Who We Are

Built on the Traditions of New England

HIS Carpentry was founded on a simple conviction: that the historic buildings of New England are worth saving, and that saving them properly requires a level of craft, knowledge, and patience that has become increasingly rare. We are a small, focused company — not a large general contractor — and that is deliberate. Every project receives our full attention.

Our work spans the full range of New England's architectural heritage: colonial-era saltboxes and cape cods, Federal and Georgian town houses, Greek Revival farmhouses, and Victorian homes of every variety. We are equally comfortable working on a National Register property under the scrutiny of a State Historic Preservation Office as we are helping a private homeowner decide which original windows can be saved.

We believe the best historic preservation is invisible — done so skillfully that a careful observer would not know work was performed at all.

How We Work

The Secretary's Standards, In Practice

We work in accordance with the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties — the national framework that defines best practice in historic preservation. We prioritize preservation and rehabilitation over reconstruction, always seeking to retain and repair original material before considering replacement.

When replacement is unavoidable, we match the original in material, profile, texture, and finish. We do not substitute modern materials — vinyl siding, composite trim, insulating glass — for original historic fabric. We believe that shortcuts and substitutions, even well-intentioned ones, devalue the very thing we are being asked to preserve.

We are also committed to honest documentation: before, during, and after. We photograph every stage of our work so that future generations — and future craftsmen — understand exactly what was done, and why.

What We Stand For

Our Core Values

Authenticity Over Convenience

We will not recommend a modern substitute when the original material can be repaired. Real wood, real lime plaster, real glass — these are what historic homes are made of, and they deserve to stay that way.

Knowledge of History

We study the architectural history of each period and region in which we work. Understanding how a building was originally constructed is the foundation of understanding how to properly repair it.

Minimal Intervention

We do as much as is necessary, and no more. Unnecessary removal of historic material — even deteriorated material — is irreversible. We err on the side of restraint.

Transparent Communication

We explain everything we find, everything we recommend, and everything we do. Homeowners should understand and agree with every decision made on their historic property.

Mastery of Craft

There are no shortcuts in historic preservation. Our craftsmen are trained in traditional joinery, period finishing, and hand-tool skills that are essential to matching the quality of original construction.

Stewardship

We view our work as stewardship of a shared cultural inheritance. These buildings belong not just to their current owners but to the communities and landscapes that give them meaning.

Professional Affiliations

Committed to the Field

We are active members of the preservation community and stay current with evolving best practices, materials research, and regional building history.

National Trust for Historic Preservation

Supporting the preservation movement at the national level and staying current with advocacy and standards development.

Preservation Trades Network

Connecting with skilled craftspeople across New England who share our commitment to traditional building arts.

State Historic Preservation Offices

Experienced working with CT, MA, NH, VT, ME, and RI SHPOs on both private and grant-funded preservation projects.

Old House Journal Network

Long-standing readers and practitioners of the methodologies championed by the leading publication for historic homeowners.