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.

Building Smarter: Unlocking the Power of Passive Building Principles

In the world of construction, we're constantly seeking ways to build better. That's where the principles of Passive Building come into play; offering a comprehensive, holistic approach to creating structures that are energy-efficient, comfortable, healthy, and resilient.

Phius (Passive House Institute US) champions these principles, providing a rigorous standard that goes beyond conventional building methods. It's about designing and constructing buildings that work with nature, significantly reducing their environmental footprint and operational costs, while maximizing occupant well-being.

So, what are these Passive House principles? Let's break them down:

Thermal Control: The Power of a High-Performance Enclosure

Imagine a building that stays comfortably warm in winter and cool in summer, with minimal energy input. That's the magic of thermal control in passive building. It's achieved through:

• Continuous Insulation: Think of it as wrapping your entire building in a thick, uninterrupted blanket. This minimizes heat loss in cold weather and heat gain in warm weather, dramatically reducing heating and cooling needs.

• Thermal Bridge Elimination: Traditional construction often has "cold spots" where heat can easily escape (or enter) through structural elements like studs or beams. Passive building meticulously designs these out, ensuring uniform insulation and preventing uncomfortable drafts and potential moisture issues.

• This reduction in thermal load in a building leads to the ability to specify smaller heating and cooling equipment, leading to reduced energy consumption and equipment costs.

These decisions play a significant role in balancing budget, design, and quality in your next remodeling project.

Air Control: Breathe Easy with Airtightness and Balanced Ventilation

Airtightness is a cornerstone of passive building. It's not about sealing a building shut and letting it get stuffy; it's about controlling the air that enters and leaves the building.

• Airtight Construction: By sealing the building envelope meticulously, passive buildings prevent uncontrolled air leakage. Proper air-sealing strategies eliminate the risk of condensation and moisture accumulation within the building, which can lead to issues with mold growth and wood rot. Air-sealing also stops conditioned air from escaping and unconditioned, often polluted, outside air from infiltrating, leading to significant energy savings and enhanced indoor air quality.

• Balanced Ventilation with Heat & Moisture Recovery: With an airtight enclosure, continuous fresh air is crucial. Passive buildings utilize sophisticated ventilation systems (like Energy Recovery Ventilators or ERVs) that continuously exhaust stale air from kitchens and bathrooms while supplying fresh, filtered air to living spaces. Crucially, these systems recover heat (and sometimes moisture) from the outgoing air and transfer it to the incoming fresh air, further boosting efficiency.

Radiation Control: Harnessing the Sun 

The sun is a powerful energy source, and passive building designs strategically leverage it.

• High-Performance Glazing: Passive buildings use specialized windows and doors (usually with triple-paned glazing) with optimized sizing and placements for their climate and site/building orientation. This means allowing beneficial solar heat gain in winter when needed, and minimizing unwanted heat gain in summer.

• Shading and Daylighting: Thoughtful design incorporates shading strategies (like overhangs or external blinds) to prevent overheating during warmer months. 

Passive design principles like these often complement our design-build approach to streamlining construction in Upstate New York.

Moisture Control: Durability and Health from the Inside Out

Controlling moisture is vital for the long-term health and durability of any building. Passive building addresses this comprehensively:

• Material Moisture Design: High-performance enclosures require careful attention to vapor and moisture control design to prevent condensation and mold growth within wall assemblies.

• Air Humidity Management: Proper selection and commissioning of mechanical systems ensure that indoor humidity levels are maintained within comfortable and healthy ranges, preventing issues like condensation and mold.

The Phius Advantage: Beyond Energy Savings

Implementing these principles doesn't just lead to remarkable energy efficiency (Phius-certified buildings can perform up to 85% better than conventional construction). It delivers a host of other benefits:

• Unmatched Comfort: Consistent indoor temperatures, no drafts, and quiet interiors create a supremely comfortable living and working environment.

• Superior Indoor Air Quality: Continuous filtration and fresh air supply drastically reduce indoor pollutants, allergens, and odors, fostering healthier spaces.

• Enhanced Resilience: Passive buildings are inherently more resilient to power outages and extreme weather events, maintaining comfortable temperatures for longer without active heating or cooling.

• Long-Term Durability: Meticulous design and construction, with a focus on moisture control and airtightness, contribute to a more durable and long-lasting structure.

• Cost-Optimized: While there are increases in upfront investment, the significant energy savings and reduced maintenance costs lead to a significant return on investment and lower lifetime operating expenses.

Passive building is more than a trend; it's an innovative, sustainable, and responsible way to build for the future. By understanding and embracing these core principles, we can create buildings that are not only better for our planet but also better for the people who live and work within them.

Why Choose Us for Your Passive House Project?

As a PHIUS Certified Passive House Builder (CPHB), we are committed to delivering high-performance, energy-efficient homes that exceed your expectations. Our team of experts understands the intricacies of Passive Building and can guide you through every step of the construction process. Whether you're interested in building a new Passive House or upgrading your existing home for greater efficiency, we're here to help you achieve your goals.

Maximizing Value with Kitchen and Bath Renovations: A Design-Build Guide

When it comes to home improvement, kitchen and bathroom renovations deliver some of the highest returns on investment. But value isn't just about resale—it's about livability, efficiency, and satisfaction day in and day out. At Interrante Design-Build, we believe smart renovations combine thoughtful planning with precise execution. Here's how to make every dollar count.

Start with the End in Mind

It's always a good idea to begin with a well-thought-out plan. Before picking finishes or knocking down walls, get clear on your goals. Are you trying to improve the flow? Add functionality? Upgrade your home's aesthetic? Or all of the above?

By assessing which changes will have the most significant impact, you can prioritize upgrades that deliver true value, improving both your lifestyle and resale appeal. Our design-build process aligns your vision with your space, budget, and daily life.

Pro Tip: Think about how you actually use your kitchen or bathroom. Morning routines, family dinners, guest visits—good design supports real life.

Make Strategic Layout Moves (or Keep It Simple)

Sometimes, the best transformations come from rethinking the layout. In kitchens, that might mean removing a peninsula or relocating appliances for better flow. In bathrooms, it could mean enlarging a shower or shifting plumbing for better symmetry.

That said—don't underestimate the power of staying put. Preserving your current layout while updating finishes can be a huge cost-saver. Moving plumbing and electric adds up fast, so we help you weigh form, function, and ROI early in the process.

Invest Where It Counts

You don't need to go top-of-the-line on every finish. Focus on high-impact items and choose materials that balance beauty, function, and longevity.

• Cabinetry: Custom or semi-custom cabinetry brings durability and a tailored fit.

• Countertops: Quartz remains a go-to—nonporous, low-maintenance, and widely loved.

• Lighting: Often overlooked—lighting is key. We layer it in with pendants, under-cabinet LEDs, and natural light strategies.

• Plumbing Fixtures: Sleek, simple fixtures from reliable brands add a modern touch without breaking the bank.

Cost-Smart Tip: Splurge on the visual centerpieces but, but save on things that are easy to swap later, like hardware or accessory lighting.

Modern Touches with Timeless Appeal

Select energy-efficient appliances that complement your style. Stainless steel continues to be a versatile classic. For tile and finishes, we guide clients toward styles that feel current but won't look dated five years from now. Timeless doesn't mean basic. It means smart.

Smart Storage is Essential

A beautiful space that lacks function can quickly become frustrating. Efficient storage makes a world of difference, especially in smaller bathrooms and busy kitchens.

We design storage that blends into the overall look: pull-out trays, built-in organizers, floating shelves, and even full-height cabinetry. It's all about making the most of every inch while keeping the space visually clean.

Why Design-Build Makes All the Difference

One of the best ways to maximize your investment is to streamline the process. With design-build, you're not bouncing between a designer, a GC, and subs—we're one team from start to finish. That means less back-and-forth, fewer change orders, and decisions that actually stick.

You'll benefit from:

• Cohesive communication

• Faster timelines

• Budget alignment from Day One

Let's Build Something Better

Your kitchen and bath are the most used spaces in your home. A thoughtful renovation should improve your lifestyle, support your routines, and lift your spirit—without blowing your budget. When you work with Interrante Design-Build, we bring the design, coordination, and craftsmanship to make that vision a reality.

Ready to talk through your renovation goals? Let's connect.

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.