Period-appropriate restoration of Victorians, Queen Annes, Craftsman bungalows and Colonial Revivals for Takoma Park homeowners. Cliffbrook Construction delivers the historic preservation expertise, plaster wall restoration, original woodwork refinishing and HAWP-approved exterior work that Takoma Park's celebrated housing stock deserves. Serving Old Takoma Park, the Carroll Avenue corridor, Maple Avenue, Pinecrest and all Takoma Park neighborhoods with MHIC-licensed crews, zero subcontractors and 75+ years combined experience.
Historic Preservation SpecialistsMHIC Licensed (MD & DC)5.0 Google Rating
75+
Years Combined Experience
300+
Projects Completed
100%
In-House Crews
5.0★
Google Reviews
Why Cliffbrook
Why Takoma Park Homeowners Choose Cliffbrook for Historic Remodeling
Takoma Park is celebrated for its tree-lined streets, Folk Festival, farmers market and most importantly its remarkable architectural heritage. Built largely between 1880 and 1925, Takoma Park homes include some of the finest Victorians, Queen Annes, Craftsman bungalows and Colonial Revivals in Montgomery County. Renovating these homes requires deep respect for original character, period-appropriate materials and the City of Takoma Park's Historic Preservation Commission process. Cliffbrook brings the historic specialty knowledge and patient craftsmanship these homes demand.
Period Style Knowledge
Victorians, Queen Annes, Craftsman bungalows, Colonial Revivals - each style has period-appropriate details, materials and proportions. We know what works for each style and what does not.
Takoma Park HPC Experience
The Historic Preservation Commission HAWP process is required for exterior work in the Historic District. We have navigated multiple applications and know what gets approved.
Original Material Preservation
Plaster walls, heart pine floors, original trim, period hardware, leaded windows - we preserve original elements when possible rather than defaulting to demolish-and-replace.
Modern Systems, Period Look
Knob-and-tube electrical replacement, plumbing upgrades, HVAC modernization - all done while preserving original architectural character. Modern function with historic feel.
Complete Service Lineup
Full-Service Remodeling for Takoma Park Historic Homes
Cliffbrook Construction is a true full-service general contractor for Takoma Park homeowners. From whole-home historic restoration and period-appropriate kitchen renovations to bathrooms, additions and outdoor living spaces - one accountable team handles your entire Takoma Park property improvement plan with appropriate sensitivity to architectural integrity.
Historic Whole-Home Restoration
Complete restoration of Victorians, Queen Annes, Craftsman bungalows and Colonial Revivals with modern systems and period character.
Cliffbrook Construction LLC is a family-owned, full-service general contractor serving Takoma Park, Maryland with historic home restoration, period-appropriate kitchen and bathroom renovations, plaster wall preservation, original woodwork refinishing, knob-and-tube electrical replacement, historic window restoration, plus contemporary remodeling, home additions, basement finishing, period-appropriate roofing and whole-home renovations. We hold an active Maryland Home Improvement Commission (MHIC) license and District of Columbia contractor license, carry general liability insurance and workers compensation, and maintain a 5.0 Google rating.
Our Takoma Park service area is ZIP code 20912 (Maryland side), covering Old Takoma Park, Carroll Avenue corridor, Maple Avenue, Cedar Avenue, Pinecrest, North Takoma Park, Sligo Park, Hillwood Manor and surrounding communities.
Why Takoma Park Homeowners Choose Local Family-Owned
How does Cliffbrook Construction compare to typical big-box remodelers and franchise contractors operating in Takoma Park? Here is an honest side-by-side comparison.
Feature
Cliffbrook Construction
Typical Big-Box / Franchise
Subcontractors
✓ Zero - All In-House Employees
✗ Mostly Subcontracted Crews
Victorian/Craftsman Experience
✓ Yes - Multiple Period Styles
✗ Newer Homes Focus
Plaster Wall Preservation
✓ Skim Coat & Repair Specialists
✗ Default to Drywall Replacement
Takoma Park HPC Knowledge
✓ HAWP Process Experience
✗ Limited Historic District Experience
Knob-and-Tube Replacement
✓ Yes - With Plaster Preservation
✗ Major Wall Demolition
Original Hardwood Refinishing
✓ Heart Pine & Original Floors
✗ Replace with New
Period Material Sourcing
✓ Reproduction Hardware, Fixtures
✗ Modern Big-Box Materials Only
Local Ownership
✓ Family-Owned, Locally Operated
✗ Franchise or Corporate
Maryland MHIC License
✓ Active + DC Licensed
Varies by Operator
Warranty Honored Long-Term
✓ Yes - Direct Accountability
Franchise Closures Affect Warranty
Coverage Area
Takoma Park Neighborhoods We Serve
From the celebrated Old Takoma Park Historic District with its Victorian and Queen Anne treasures to Pinecrest's Craftsman bungalows and Sligo Park's mix of architectural styles - we have completed historic preservation projects across the full Takoma Park community. Each home reflects an era of American architectural history we work to preserve.
ZIP Code Served: 20912 (Maryland side)County: Montgomery County, Maryland
How We Work
Our Takoma Park Historic Remodeling Process
Transparent, structured project delivery from your first phone call through the final walkthrough. No mystery pricing, no surprise charges, no contractor disappearing acts.
1
Free Consultation
On-site assessment. Architectural style evaluation, original element inventory, scope and budget discussion.
2
Design & Estimate
Period-appropriate drawings, material specifications and itemized written estimate within 5-10 business days.
3
Permits & HAWP
Takoma Park Historic Preservation Commission HAWP submissions and Montgomery County DPS permits.
4
Restoration Work
Careful demolition preserving original elements, structural and mechanical updates, period-appropriate finishes.
5
Final Walkthrough
Punch-list review, final inspections, warranty handoff and ongoing support for years after completion.
Recent Work
Featured Takoma Park Projects
A sample of recent historic restoration projects completed for Takoma Park homeowners. Visit our full project gallery for additional photos and case studies, or read our blog for restoration insights.
Victorian
Carroll Avenue Victorian Restoration
Full restoration of 1895 Queen Anne Victorian with plaster preservation, original heart pine floor refinishing, knob-and-tube replacement and period-appropriate kitchen renovation.
Bungalow
Maple Avenue Craftsman Bathroom
Period-appropriate bathroom renovation in 1918 Craftsman bungalow with subway tile, hex floor tile, clawfoot tub restoration and integration with original woodwork.
Kitchen
Pinecrest Colonial Revival Kitchen
Period-style kitchen renovation in 1922 Colonial Revival with inset beadboard cabinetry, soapstone counters, farmhouse sink and integration with original dining room.
Ready to Restore Your Takoma Park Historic Home?
Free on-site consultation in your Takoma Park home, detailed written estimate within 5-10 business days. Whether it is period kitchen renovation, historic bathroom restoration or whole-home preservation work - we are ready when you are. No high-pressure sales tactics, no surprise charges.
Real Google reviews from our Montgomery County clients. Read every review on our verified Google Business Profile.
NP
Noe A. Pena
Owner & General Contractor, Cliffbrook Construction LLC
Noe is the founder and owner of Cliffbrook Construction LLC, a Maryland MHIC-licensed and DC-licensed general contractor serving Takoma Park and all of Montgomery County since 2021. With 75+ years of combined team experience in historic preservation, plaster restoration, original woodwork refinishing and period-appropriate material sourcing, Noe leads a strict zero-subcontractor operation specializing in Victorian, Queen Anne, Craftsman bungalow and Colonial Revival restoration across Takoma Park's celebrated Historic District and surrounding neighborhoods. Contact Noe directly at (240) 705-1650 to discuss your Takoma Park restoration project.
Frequently Asked
Takoma Park Historic Remodeling FAQ
Common questions Takoma Park homeowners ask before starting a historic restoration or period-appropriate renovation project.
How much does historic home remodeling cost in Takoma Park MD?
Historic home remodeling costs in Takoma Park MD typically range from $40,000 to $800,000+ depending on scope. A period-appropriate bathroom renovation runs $40,000 to $100,000 (more than modern bathrooms due to fixture sourcing and integration challenges). A historic kitchen renovation runs $80,000 to $200,000. Plaster wall preservation and skim coat restoration runs $15,000 to $50,000. Full whole-home historic restoration including kitchen, bathrooms, electrical, plumbing, HVAC modernization while preserving original character runs $250,000 to $800,000+. Costs reflect the additional time required for historic district approvals, specialty material sourcing (heart pine, period hardware, original-style fixtures), careful demolition preserving original elements and skilled labor for restoration work. Cliffbrook provides itemized estimates with transparent disclosures.
Which Takoma Park neighborhoods do you serve?
We serve all Takoma Park neighborhoods including Old Takoma Park (Historic District), the Carroll Avenue corridor, the Maple Avenue area, Cedar Avenue area, Manor Circle area, Pinecrest, North Takoma Park, Sligo Park, Hillwood Manor, the Long Branch area, the Takoma Junction area and surrounding communities. ZIP code served is 20912 (the Maryland side; the DC side of Takoma is a separate jurisdiction). Takoma Park is famous for its Victorian, Queen Anne, Craftsman bungalow and Colonial Revival homes mostly built between 1880 and 1925, with some 1940s-1960s additions. The city is known as 'Azalea City' and 'Tree City' for its mature tree canopy and lush yards.
Do you understand Takoma Park's historic preservation requirements?
Yes. The City of Takoma Park has its own Historic Preservation Commission that reviews exterior changes to homes in the designated Historic District (a large portion of Old Takoma Park). Changes to roofing, siding, windows, doors, porches, additions visible from the street and other exterior elements typically require Historic Area Work Permits (HAWPs) before construction can begin. The Commission evaluates whether proposed changes are 'appropriate' based on the home's architectural style and the district's character. Interior changes generally do not require historic preservation review unless they affect exterior load-bearing elements. We have experience navigating the Takoma Park HAWP process and Montgomery County DPS permits in parallel. We handle drawings, applications and Commission appearances as needed.
What architectural styles are common in Takoma Park homes?
Takoma Park's housing stock includes several distinctive architectural styles. Victorian (1880-1900): Asymmetrical, ornate details, multiple gables, decorative trim, sometimes turrets - common in Old Takoma Park. Queen Anne (1880-1905): Subset of Victorian with even more elaborate details, wrap-around porches, complex rooflines. American Craftsman / Bungalow (1905-1925): Low-pitched gabled roofs, exposed rafter tails, wide porches with tapered columns, built-in cabinetry - extremely common throughout Takoma Park. Colonial Revival (1900-1930): Symmetrical facades, classical details, simpler than Victorians. Foursquare (1900-1925): Boxy two-story with pyramid roof and large front porch. Each style has period-appropriate materials, trim profiles and detail preservation requirements we maintain in renovations.
How long does a Takoma Park historic remodel take?
Historic home remodels in Takoma Park typically take 50-100% longer than equivalent work on newer homes due to careful demolition preserving original elements, specialty material sourcing, unexpected structural conditions and historic district approval timelines. A period-appropriate bathroom renovation averages 6-10 weeks. A historic kitchen renovation averages 12-18 weeks. Plaster restoration averages 4-8 weeks per area. Whole-home historic renovation averages 6-12 months depending on scope. Historic Area Work Permit review by the City of Takoma Park Historic Preservation Commission typically adds 6-12 weeks before construction can begin on exterior work. Montgomery County DPS permits run in parallel. We never start a project until all permits are issued and materials are on-site.
Can you replace knob-and-tube wiring in historic Takoma Park homes?
Yes. Many Takoma Park homes built before 1950 still have remnants of knob-and-tube (K&T) electrical wiring that is no longer code-compliant, often dangerous and typically requires replacement before insurance companies will provide coverage. Replacing K&T in historic homes requires careful planning: fishing new wiring through plaster walls without major demolition, replacing service panels to modern capacity (100A or 200A from typical 60A originals), updating outlets and switches to modern code, preserving original plaster walls and trim during the work. Complete K&T replacement typically runs $15,000 to $45,000 for a typical Takoma Park home depending on size and complexity. We coordinate electrical work with other renovation phases for efficiency.
Do you preserve original plaster walls during renovation?
Yes - preserving original plaster walls is critical for maintaining Takoma Park homes' historic character. Plaster walls have texture, depth and acoustic properties that drywall cannot replicate. Our approach: We carefully evaluate plaster condition first (sound plaster, cracked plaster, water-damaged plaster), skim-coat repair minor cracks and surface damage, patch larger damaged sections with new plaster integrated to original, replace plaster only when condition makes preservation impractical, never default to ripping out plaster and replacing with drywall without exploring restoration options first. We also handle plaster repair after running new electrical, plumbing or HVAC through walls. Plaster restoration costs vary widely but typically run $4,000-$15,000 per room depending on condition.
What are common historic Takoma Park kitchen renovations?
Historic Takoma Park kitchen renovations typically aim to add modern function while preserving period character. Common features include white inset shaker or beadboard cabinetry (period-appropriate vs modern slab doors), apron-front farmhouse sinks, subway tile or hex tile backsplashes, soapstone or honed marble counters (matching original kitchens), period-style faucets (cross-handle bridge faucets, pulldown with period detail), reproduction or modern-period appliances (some homeowners want fully modern appliances, others select period-look options), butler's pantries to preserve original dining room formality, integration with original hardwood floors. Costs run $80,000-$200,000 typically. We help homeowners balance period authenticity with modern lifestyle needs.
Why choose Cliffbrook for Takoma Park historic remodeling?
Cliffbrook Construction differentiates from other Takoma Park contractors through five key factors. First, our zero-subcontractor policy means our own employees handle every phase - critical for historic work where careful demolition preserving original elements matters. Second, we have extensive experience with Takoma Park's specific architectural styles (Victorian, Queen Anne, Craftsman, Colonial Revival) and the period-appropriate materials each requires. Third, we have navigated Takoma Park's Historic Preservation Commission HAWP process multiple times - we know what gets approved and how to present applications. Fourth, we provide itemized written estimates with clear allowances - historic projects involve many unknown conditions and transparency matters. Fifth, we have 75+ years combined experience including plaster restoration, hardwood floor refinishing, knob-and-tube replacement and other historic-specific skills. We are MHIC licensed in Maryland and DC, fully insured and bonded.
Do you offer free in-home consultations in Takoma Park?
Yes. Cliffbrook offers free in-home consultations throughout Takoma Park and all of Montgomery County. During the visit, we assess original architectural details and character, evaluate condition of plaster, woodwork, electrical, plumbing and structural elements, discuss your design vision balancing modern function with historic preservation, review historic preservation requirements that apply to your specific property, explain our process and answer all your questions. There is no high-pressure sales pitch and no obligation. After the consultation, we provide a detailed written estimate within 5 business days that includes itemized labor, materials, allowances, timeline and payment schedule. Call (240) 705-1650 or submit the form on this page to schedule your free Takoma Park consultation.
Free Estimate
Request Your Takoma Park Project Estimate
Tell us about your project. We respond within 24 hours to schedule a free in-home consultation at your Takoma Park home. No high-pressure tactics, no surprise fees, no obligation. We will discuss period-appropriate options, HAWP requirements, timeline and realistic pricing for your specific historic home.
MHIC Licensed in Maryland & District of Columbia
Historic preservation specialists
Free on-site consultation in Takoma Park
Itemized written estimate within 5-10 business days
Takoma Park HAWP applications handled
Plaster, woodwork & period material expertise
Zero subcontractors - our employees only
Get Your Free Estimate
We will respond within 24 hours with next steps.
Also Serving
Nearby Service Areas in Montgomery County
We serve homeowners across Montgomery County and Washington DC NW. Explore our other service area pages for local expertise in your community.
