Preserving History with Historic Restorations

Owning a historic property connects you to a story much larger than your own. Every beam, molding, and brick tells a piece of it. But preserving that story requires more than enthusiasm; it takes expertise, patience, and respect for both the structure and the standards that protect it.

At Interrante Design-Build, we’ve guided many clients through the process of restoring older homes and historic buildings across the Hudson Valley. These projects are rewarding but complex. Here’s what we’ve learned matters most.

Start with Research

Before any design or construction work begins, start with documentation. Identify your home’s architectural style, construction period, and original materials. Historic records, tax maps, and archives often contain useful details, and photos can reveal what’s been altered over time. Understanding the building’s origin helps you restore with authenticity rather than guesswork.

Confirm Local Regulations

Most towns and cities in the Hudson Valley have a Historic Preservation Commission or Architectural Review Board. Their job is to ensure that changes to historic properties maintain architectural integrity.

If your property is within a designated district or listed on a historic register, certain approvals may be required for exterior work, especially for windows, roofing, siding, and additions. Always confirm the review process before starting design or demolition. Proceeding without permits can lead to costly delays or forced revisions.

Prioritize What to Preserve

Not everything can or should be restored. The key is identifying which elements define the home’s character. Original flooring, windows, trim, staircases, or plaster details can often be carefully repaired or replicated. Modern materials should blend seamlessly with the old—matching profiles, proportions, and finishes to maintain visual continuity.

Blend Modern Function with Historic Form

The goal of restoration isn’t to freeze a home in time; it’s to allow it to live on. Modern systems, including plumbing, HVAC, insulation, and electrical, can be integrated discreetly to enhance comfort and efficiency. The best results come from working with a team that understands how to conceal updates without compromising the original design. 

Respect Traditional Craftsmanship

Historic buildings were built by hand, using methods not found in modern construction. True restoration requires craftspeople who can replicate those details: lime plasterers, millworkers, stone masons, and finish carpenters who understand traditional joinery. When original pieces can’t be saved, quality reproductions ensure continuity without falsifying the home’s story.

Expect Surprises and Plan for Them

Hidden damage, outdated framing, and long-forgotten modifications are common. A thorough pre-construction investigation, including opening small areas of wall or floor and testing paint and materials, will help reveal what lies beneath before construction begins. Build contingency into your budget for what you can’t see.

Preservation as Sustainability

Restoration is one of the purest forms of sustainability. Reusing existing structures reduces waste and preserves the embodied energy already in the materials. In many cases, historic homes were designed for natural ventilation, solar gain, and local climate; principles we still strive to emulate today.

Carrying the Story Forward

A successful restoration honors the past while ensuring the building can serve the future. Done well, it creates spaces that feel timeless where craftsmanship, proportion, and material honesty come together again, renewed rather than replaced.

At Interrante Design-Build, our experience spans a wide range of historic work, from restoring single-family homes to converting a historic mansion into a boutique hotel. Each project brings its own challenges, but the same philosophy applies: respect the original craftsmanship, adapt it thoughtfully, and ensure the finished result feels both timeless and alive.

If you’re planning a renovation, restoration, or addition, see how our design-build approach streamlines every step.

Understanding Today's Construction Costs

The construction industry has shifted dramatically in recent years. Material pricing has stabilized compared to the chaos of the pandemic, but it has stabilized at a new normal. In markets like the Hudson Valley and throughout the Northeast, costs are shaped by hyper-local factors, including labor shortages, regional demand, and high transportation costs.

A new layer of uncertainty exists as well. Tariffs and shifting trade policies continue to influence pricing, especially for imported products like tile, cabinetry, and stone.

Here is what you should know before planning your next renovation or new build.

Start with the Right Expectations

Before you begin planning, get clear on what is driving current pricing. Understanding the market means you can make decisions based on reality, not wishful thinking.

Pro Tip: Do not rely on national "average cost" numbers. Regional labor and material costs vary significantly, and most published data do not reflect accurate pricing here in the Hudson Valley.

Myth #1: "Material Prices Are Back to Pre-Pandemic Levels"

Reality: Prices have not returned to where they were before. Core materials, including lumber, drywall, copper, and hardware, are generally 20 to 40 percent higher than they were just a few years ago, and those increases are here to stay.

Higher manufacturing costs, transportation, and rising wages in skilled trades are permanent market adjustments. Even when some products temporarily drop in price, the overall trend remains upward.

Myth #2: "The Market is Stable Again"

The extreme volatility of the pandemic years may be behind us, but stability is still elusive. Tariffs and trade agreements shift quarterly, sometimes causing imported products to fluctuate 10 to 15 percent in a matter of weeks.

Local demand also drives pricing. The Hudson Valley remains a high-demand area, which keeps labor and subcontractor rates elevated even when some material prices level off.

Myth #3: "If I Wait, I'll Save Money"

Delaying a project in hopes of catching a price drop rarely works. Inflation, steady demand, and supplier updates often push costs higher over time.

The better approach is to plan early, make decisive decisions, and collaborate with professionals who can track pricing trends and advise on when to buy or what to substitute when availability changes.

Myth #4: "Building New is Cheaper than Buying Existing"

In most parts of the Northeast, new construction costs per square foot are significantly higher than purchasing an existing home. Regional labor rates, energy code requirements, and transportation costs drive those higher costs.

However, there is an important upside to building new. Today's energy codes and construction standards produce homes that perform far better than older housing stock. New homes are typically more energy-efficient, quieter, and healthier to live in.

Most existing homes will still require some level of renovation to meet modern standards or personal preferences. Renovations often strike the best balance—updating a well-located property while controlling costs—but for those seeking top performance and the latest building technology, new construction has clear advantages.

How to Navigate Today's Pricing Landscape

Plan Early and Be Decisive

Every month of delay can mean new pricing from suppliers.

Focus on Value, Not Just Cost

Cheaper materials may reduce upfront costs, but can increase maintenance and replacement expenses long term.

Get Market-Specific Information

Work with professionals who understand regional pricing trends rather than relying on broad national data.

Moving Forward with Clarity

Construction pricing is not returning to what it was just a few years ago, but informed decisions and thoughtful planning can help you manage costs effectively. Understanding what drives today's market allows you to set realistic budgets and create spaces that truly work for your life.

This understanding is a core guiding principle at Interrante Design-Build. Work with us to create a project plan rooted in today’s market realities, so every decision moves you closer to the home you want.

5 Reasons a Design-Build Approach Streamlines Your Upstate New York Construction Project

Save time, money, and stress with a single, trusted team guiding your entire project.

When investing in a major construction, renovation, or remodeling project—especially here in the Hudson Valley—you want things to run as smoothly as possible. But with the traditional approach, that's easier said than done. Juggling separate contracts for architects, engineers, and general contractors can often lead to miscommunication, delays, and surprise costs.

That's where the design-build method makes all the difference.

Whether you're planning a whole-house remodel, building a custom home, or updating your kitchen or bath, design-build offers a streamlined alternative. At Interrante Design-Build, we handle everything under one roof—from the first sketch to the final nail—so you can focus on your vision while we manage the complexity.

Here are five reasons the design-build approach is the smartest way to complete your next residential construction project in Upstate New York:

(1) One Team, One Contract, Zero Confusion

Traditional construction projects often involve managing multiple contracts and coordinating between different professionals. That means more emails, more meetings, and more room for miscommunication.

With design-build, you work with a single company that manages the entire process. From architectural design and engineering to permitting, budgeting, and construction, everything flows through one experienced team. That saves you time, reduces stress, and ensures accountability from start to finish.

(2) Real-Time Pricing = Smarter Design Decisions

One of the biggest pain points in traditional project delivery? You fall in love with a design… only to discover it's way over budget after it's sent out for contractor bids.

In a design-build model, construction cost control is built into the process. As your project evolves, we provide real-time cost feedback to help guide your decisions. Want to upgrade the countertops or move a wall? We can instantly show you the impact on your budget—before it's too late to make adjustments.

This kind of transparency ensures your dream home stays within reach without costly surprises down the road.

(3) Faster Timelines and Fewer Delays

With design and construction happening under one roof, we can overlap phases that would otherwise be sequential. That means permit applications, material sourcing, and scheduling can happen sooner—while the design is still being finalized.

Whether it's a large-scale interior renovation or a full custom home, our streamlined approach cuts weeks or even months off your project timeline. Every day counts in a region like Upstate New York, where weather windows and contractor availability can be tight.

(4) Better Communication = Better Results

When your designer and builder are part of the same team, there's no "lost in translation" moment. Our construction team collaborates directly with our design staff to ensure that your plans are not only beautiful, but buildable and budget-friendly.

You'll have a dedicated point of contact throughout the process, so you're never left wondering who to call when a question comes up. We pride ourselves on keeping clients informed, involved, and at ease—whether it's a kitchen upgrade or a whole-home remodeling project.

(5) Big Picture Thinking with Local Expertise

Design-build firms like Interrante Design-Build aren't just focused on completing a project—we're focused on delivering long-term value. We understand how to design with construction efficiency in mind, how to navigate local permitting, and how to build for Upstate New York's unique climate and terrain.

From energy-efficient materials to smart space planning, our holistic approach ensures your investment goes further—whether you're remodeling your kitchen, updating a bath, or building your forever home.

Let's Make Your Vision Happen - Simply.

Construction projects don't have to be stressful. With the design-build model, you get clarity, speed, and confidence—plus a finished product that reflects your goals, your budget, and your lifestyle.

Ready to simplify your next renovation or custom home build in the Hudson Valley? Contact Interrante Design-Build today to schedule a consultation and see how the design-build approach can work for you.

Understanding the Construction Process in the Mid-Hudson Valley

Building confidence starts with understanding the process. Construction can feel overwhelming, but at Interrante Design-Build, we know that a clear roadmap can make all the difference. Whether you're planning a new home, a renovation, or a commercial build, knowing what to expect at each phase can help you set realistic expectations, reduce stress, and keep your project on track.

Zoning laws, unpredictable weather, and diverse terrain can create unique challenges in the Mid-Hudson Valley. For example, building in Kingston's historic districts may require additional permits, or Red Hook's clay-heavy soil may require advanced drainage solutions. Every site has its own considerations, and proper planning from the start can prevent costly surprises down the road.

Here's what you can expect throughout the construction process, from initial planning to final handover.

Pre-Construction Planning: Laying the Groundwork

A well-planned project starts long before the first shovel hits the ground. Key steps include:

• Site Evaluation: Every property is different. In towns like Kingston, Rhinebeck, and Catskill, factors such as zoning, drainage, and terrain must be assessed early to ensure the site is suitable for the intended build.

• Permitting & Approvals: Building codes vary by town, ranging from strict historic preservation rules to wetland restrictions. We always secure the proper permits upfront to avoid delays later.

• Finalize the Design: Our company's design approach balances aesthetics, functionality, and structural feasibility. Whether working with an architect or our end-to-end design-build team, refining plans early will help a project go smoothly.

Site Preparation: Getting Ready for the Build

Site preparation is all about setting a strong foundation for the build. In the Hudson Valley, grading, erosion control, and excavation are often necessary, especially on sloped terrain in areas like Germantown and Saugerties. Septic systems, wells, and stormwater drainage designs work best when they meet local codes and accommodate site conditions. We've also had some clients who are very interested in maintaining the ecological balance of their property. Preserving natural vegetation or incorporating eco-friendly drainage solutions can help at this stage.

Foundation Work & Structural Build: The Framework for Success

A solid foundation is the backbone of any build, but soil conditions dictate the approach. Additional excavation or rock hammering may be necessary in rocky areas. Expect those costs to be calculated per day.

Once you have a set foundation, framing takes shape, turning plans into reality as walls, roofs, and floors go up. Here, seasonal challenges like winter snow or spring rains can impact timelines. However, you should expect experienced teams to adjust their schedules and keep projects moving.

Utility Installation & Energy Efficiency

With the structure in place, the focus shifts to essential systems—HVAC, plumbing, and electrical. These all bring power, heat, and functionality to the build.

Modern construction prioritizes efficiency, and we’ve seen features like heat pumps, smart thermostats, and solar panels become standard choices in and around the Hudson Valley to reduce energy consumption and improve long-term performance.

Interior & Exterior Finishes: Bringing It All Together

This final building phase brings everything together.

Cabinetry, trim work, painting, tile, and flooring shape the interior. Outside, landscaping and exterior finishes help define the overall aesthetic. Working in the Hudson Valley, thoughtful design can go beyond the structure. Many clients look to incorporate materials and layouts that blend seamlessly with the region's natural surroundings, making the build feel intentional and timeless.

Final Inspections & Handover: The Last Step

The project concludes with inspections to ensure everything complies with local codes and meets the owner's expectations. A project isn't officially complete until you check off these boxes. Once approved, it’s time to move in and enjoy the results.

A Smarter Approach to Building

Understanding the construction process helps set clear expectations for everyone involved, which is key to making projects go smoothly. With thoughtful planning, awareness of local regulations, and the right approach to each phase, residential and commercial builds can stay on schedule and within budget.

For anyone considering a project in the Mid-Hudson Valley, taking the time to understand site challenges, permitting requirements, and seasonal factors can make all the difference. Whether working with a general contractor, an architect, or a design-build firm like ours, being informed leads to better decisions and, ultimately, better results.

Project Planning and Budgeting Tips for Construction in the Mid-Hudson Valley

Planning a construction project in the Mid-Hudson Valley? Whether you're considering a new build or a renovation, we at Interrante Design-Build have found that a client's understanding of adequately preparing and aligning the budget can be critical to your project's success. Here’s what you need to know to get started:

Set Clear Objectives from the Start

Before contacting a contractor, have a clear vision of what you want. Detailed plans will guide your budget, whether building a new home, renovating a kitchen, or expanding commercial space. Consider factors like:

• Desired size and scope

• Functional needs

• Style and design preferences

• Energy efficiency goals

Understand Local Regulations

In the Mid-Hudson Valley, every town has its own building codes, permit requirements, and zoning restrictions. Be sure to factor in time and costs for obtaining permits and inspections. Whether you’re building in Kingston, The Catskills, Dutchess County, or Columbia County, as an operating contractor and design-build firm in these areas, we're always familiar with local codes before any project gets off the ground—and make sure the client is clear on them as well. It goes a long way toward helping everyone involved navigate the permitting process to avoid costly delays.

Work with a Reputable Contractor

Choosing the right contractor is a critical decision. Look for someone local with experience in the Hudson Valley. They’ll understand the regional climate, local materials, and potential challenges like rocky soil or seasonal weather concerns. Request estimates from multiple contractors, but remember, the lowest price isn’t always the best value. Look for a contractor with transparent pricing and a track record of delivering on time and within budget. It’ll help give you peace of mind that your project is in good hands.

Budget for Unexpected Costs

A good rule of thumb is to set aside 10-20% of your budget for unforeseen expenses. In the Hudson Valley, weather can impact construction schedules, especially during winter. Additionally, older homes may present hidden challenges like outdated wiring or foundation issues. We always suggest a buffer in the budget for unknown costs—which can differ from project to project—as it ensures your project can continue smoothly if unexpected expenses arise.

Plan for Long-Term Value

Investing in high-quality materials and energy-efficient solutions will pay off over time. The Mid-Hudson Valley experiences a wide range of weather conditions, from cold winters to hot summers, so correctly insulating your home, installing energy-efficient windows, and choosing durable materials will improve comfort and reduce long-term energy costs. Trade-offs can often arise here, and that's where our project experience can help. From a home project to a commercial building, we help our clients make informed decisions that work best for each project post-construction.

Communicate Regularly

Regular communication with your contractor is key. Check the budget at every milestone and review the plan carefully before signing off. Mid-project changes can add costs, so staying involved and informed is crucial. A good contractor will provide updates and solutions to keep things on track. We hold regular check-ins with clients to address rapid changes and make timely decisions that keep the project on schedule and within budget. We've found that this level of involvement makes sense—every client wants regular updates on their project.  

Bringing It All Together

Effective planning, realistic budgeting, and clear communication are essential to successful construction or renovation projects in the Mid-Hudson Valley. Whether in Kingston, the Catskills, Dutchess County, or Columbia County, it's best to work with a partner who understands local regulations and climate considerations.

At Interrante Design-Build, we guide clients through each step, helping them establish budgets, navigate setbacks, and balance design with energy efficiency. A client who comes prepared and understands their project needs, combined with our approach, ensures that an investment is built to last and looks beautiful. Working with our clients, we aim to deliver a result that reflects their ideas, adds lasting value, and establishes their vision here in the Hudson Valley area.