Mercer County holds some of the oldest and most varied housing we work on. Princeton has stone, brick and stucco homes from many different eras, with several historic districts. Trenton, the state capital, has blocks of brick rowhouses and twins with front stoops right at the sidewalk. Hamilton, Ewing and Lawrence filled in with postwar suburbs, and West Windsor, Robbinsville and East Windsor added newer subdivisions. Pennington and Hopewell keep their small-town centers with older homes on tree-lined streets.
Restoring older masonry the right way
Older brick and stone need a lighter touch than modern block. Many of Mercer County’s older homes were built with soft lime mortar, and patching them with hard cement mortar can crack the brick or trap water in the wall. Our historic masonry restoration work matches mortar strength, color and joint style so repairs blend in and protect the original materials.
On Trenton rowhouses, worn joints on front walls, parapets and chimneys are common. Tuckpointing and repointing keeps water out and the brick in place. We work carefully on attached homes, keeping neighbors informed and protecting the shared walls.
Historic districts and approvals
Princeton has a Historic Preservation Commission, and homes inside its historic districts generally need approval before exterior changes like new steps, walls, walkways or masonry that changes the look of the house. Some other Mercer County municipalities have historic areas and their own review processes as well. If your home is in one, tell us early. We can supply material samples, drawings and photos for your application, and plan materials such as bluestone, brick and natural stone that suit the house.
What suburban Mercer County homeowners need
Steps and stoops. Concrete stoops on postwar homes in Hamilton and Ewing often settle and crack. We replace them with poured concrete or brick and stone veneer steps with bluestone treads and proper railings.
Driveways and walkways. Original driveways in many neighborhoods are worn out. We pour new concrete, install pavers, and replace the walks that lead to the front door.
Patios. Backyards in Lawrence, West Windsor and Robbinsville have room for a good-sized patio. We build in pavers, bluestone or concrete with a base designed to stay flat through freeze and thaw.
Stucco. Stucco shows up on historic homes in Princeton as well as newer houses across the county. We repair cracks, match textures and refinish walls when needed.
Planning tips for Mercer County
- Check for historic review first. In Princeton and other historic areas, approval can add time. Starting the conversation in winter keeps a spring or summer start possible.
- Permits vary by municipality. Trenton, Hamilton and Princeton each have their own building departments, and sidewalk and apron details differ. We confirm requirements before pricing.
- Older homes can hide surprises. Taking down an old stoop sometimes reveals earlier steps or foundation repairs. We explain what we find and give options before going further.
- Regular scheduling. Our offices are in Garfield and Hawthorne, and Mercer County is part of our regular schedule.
Mercer County towns we serve
We work throughout Mercer County, including Princeton, Hamilton, Trenton, Ewing, Lawrence Township, West Windsor, East Windsor, Robbinsville, Hightstown, Hopewell Township, Hopewell Borough and Pennington.
Want to talk about steps, repointing or a new patio? Request a free estimate and we will arrange a visit.
