Got leaky windows? Rusted steps? Pests or rats? Perhaps the most difficult part of owning an old house is finding experts to work on it.
The Capitol Hill Restoration Society’s annual House Expo aims to connect homeowners with service providers and contractors who can help. This year’s Expo is set for Saturday, Oct. 31, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., in the North Hall of historic Eastern Market. The event is free and open to the public.
“It can be tough to find the right people to fix problems in older homes,” CHRS President Angie Schmidt said. “We want to help homeowners find solutions or start thinking about new projects.”
Exhibitors planning to attend provide services including painting and paint stripping, roofing, brick and stone masonry, ornamental ironworking, electrical work, chimney cleaning, carpentry and architecture. Stained glass restoration or creation is an addition this year, as is historic window repair. Community Forklift, D.C. area’s nonprofit reuse center for home improvement supplies, is also signed up to exhibit.
At the event, CHRS will also be signing up volunteers to help staff its annual Capitol Hill House & Garden Tour in May 2027. In particular, CHRS is looking to recruit homes to feature on the 2027 tour. If you have an historic – or even not-so historic home that has an interesting history, a beautiful renovation, a lovely garden or a special art collection – CHRS would love to hear from you.
Formed in 1955, CHRS is a volunteer-run civic organization dedicated to protecting one of the oldest and most architecturally vibrant communities in D.C.