Virginia & Washington DC
202-743-5072
Historical Renovation in Arlington, VA
Arlington County is home to a rich collection of historic properties — from pre-war colonials in Ashton Heights and Lyon Park to mid-century modern gems in Bluemont and Aurora Highlands. These homes deserve careful restoration that preserves their original character while updating them for modern living.
Historic homes present unique challenges. Original plaster walls require different repair techniques than modern drywall. Lead paint in pre-1978 homes must be handled according to EPA RRP regulations. Original trim often features profiles no longer commercially available. Our team is trained in period-appropriate methods and certified in lead-safe practices.
We’ve worked on Arlington homes dating back to the early 1900s, restoring original plaster crown molding, hand-carved door casings, decorative ceiling medallions, and ornate porch details. Where originals are too damaged, we create faithful reproductions.
Why Choose Northern Star Painters
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Period-Appropriate Methods
Trained in historical restoration techniques that preserve your home’s original character.
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EPA Lead-Safe Certified
Full compliance with federal and Virginia lead-safe work practice requirements.
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Custom Reproductions
We replicate discontinued trim profiles and decorative elements to match originals.
Our Process
1
Historical Assessment
We evaluate age, construction, materials, and identify lead paint and significant details to preserve.
2
Lead-Safe Preparation
EPA-compliant containment, HEPA vacuuming, and chemical stripping to preserve wood detail.
3
Restoration & Repair
Plaster repair, wood trim restoration, missing detail replication, and surface preparation.
4
Period-Appropriate Finishing
Historically appropriate paint systems and colors from era-specific palettes.
Preserving Arlington’s Architectural Heritage
Beyond painting and trim work, our historical renovation services include plaster repair, wood window restoration, porch column replacement, and specialty finish replication. Many Arlington homeowners renovating kitchens or bathrooms in older homes need trim that seamlessly blends new construction with existing details.
We bridge that gap with precision carpentry and expert color matching, ensuring renovated rooms feel harmonious with the rest of the home. We reference historical color palettes from Benjamin Moore, Sherwin-Williams, and Farrow & Ball that are appropriate for your home’s era.
For Arlington homes in designated historic districts, we ensure color selections and renovation methods comply with applicable guidelines. Our goal is always to preserve as much original material as possible while ensuring structural soundness and a beautiful, historically authentic finish.
Lead Paint Safety in Arlington’s Older Homes
Any home built before 1978 may contain lead paint — and Arlington has thousands of pre-1978 homes in neighborhoods like Lyon Park, Ashton Heights, Cherrydale, and Waverly Hills. Federal EPA RRP regulations require certified contractors for any work that disturbs lead paint in these homes. Our entire team maintains current EPA certification.
Lead-safe work practices include containment with plastic sheeting, HEPA-filtered vacuuming, wet sanding and scraping techniques, and certified waste disposal. These methods protect your family from lead dust exposure during renovation. We take these precautions seriously and never cut corners on safety.
For interior renovations in pre-1978 Arlington homes, we use chemical strippers rather than heat guns or aggressive sanding to remove old paint from trim and woodwork. This approach generates far less dust and preserves the fine detail of original carpentry that makes these homes special.
After renovation, we provide a post-work cleaning verification to confirm that all surfaces meet EPA clearance levels. This documentation gives you peace of mind that your home is safe for your family, and is particularly important if you have young children.
Preserving Original Features in Arlington Historic Homes
Before removing or replacing original features, consider whether repair and restoration might be the better option. Original plaster crown molding, hand-turned porch balusters, and solid wood doors have a character and quality that modern replacements can’t match. We repair originals whenever possible.
If your Arlington home is in a designated historic overlay district, check with the county’s Historic Preservation Program before making exterior changes. Color selections, material choices, and architectural modifications may require review and approval.
Document your home’s original features with photographs and measurements before any renovation work begins. This record helps guide restoration decisions and ensures that any reproductions accurately match the originals — preserving the architectural heritage of your Arlington home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you work on homes with lead paint?
Yes. We are EPA RRP certified. We follow all federal and Virginia lead-safe requirements including containment, specialized cleaning, and certified disposal.
How much do historical renovation services cost?
Simple repainting of a historic home runs $5,000–$12,000+. Projects with plaster repair and lead remediation can range from $10,000–$40,000+.
Can you match original paint colors?
Yes. We use spectrophotometer technology to analyze existing paint layers and reference historical color palettes appropriate for your home’s era.
Ready to get started in Arlington?
Call 202-743-5072 or book your free estimate online.
Areas Served
What Our Customers Say
“Northern Star Painters did an amazing job on our entire interior. Professional, clean, and the attention to detail was outstanding. Highly recommend!”
— Sarah M., Arlington, VA
“We had our cabinets refinished and they look brand new. The crew was on time, respectful of our home, and the results exceeded our expectations.”
— James R., McLean, VA
“Best painting company we’ve used. Fair pricing, great communication throughout the project, and the exterior paint job looks incredible.”
— David L., Ashburn, VA
✅ 2-Year Workmanship Warranty ✅ Licensed & Insured — $2M Liability Coverage ✅ 5-Star Google Rated — 48 Reviews ✅ Free Detailed Estimates — No Obligation
Virginia Class A Contractor | Locally Owned & Operated | Serving Northern Virginia & Washington DC