Westfield is a classic railroad suburb with a busy downtown and quiet, tree lined residential streets. Most of the homes were built in the first half of the twentieth century: center hall colonials, Tudors, Victorians and foursquares, often with brick detailing, slate or bluestone walks, and front steps leading up to a porch or covered entry. Homeowners here tend to care a great deal about curb appeal, and the entry and front walk are where it shows first.
Entries that suit the house
On an older Westfield home, the front steps set the tone. Concrete steps that have cracked or brick steps that have lost their joints make a fine house look tired. We rebuild them in brick, stone veneer or concrete steps with bluestone treads, sized to the doorway and porch, and finished with railings that fit the style of the house.
Front walks under mature trees
Big street trees are part of what makes Westfield so pleasant, and their roots are a big reason front walks crack and heave. We replace damaged walks in concrete, pavers or natural stone, and design new patios and walkways with gentle curves and borders that complement the landscaping.
Brick, chimneys and stonework
Older homes here have brick and stone that has been in place for generations. Chimneys lose mortar near the top, and brick on porches and foundations can spall. We repoint, rebuild chimney tops, and replace damaged brick with close matches. Our stone masonry and brickwork also covers new stone veneer, garden walls and porch piers.
Backyard patios
Westfield yards are usually a comfortable size, enough for a patio with a dining table and a small fire pit or fireplace. We lay out the space to work with existing trees and the back of the house, build on a compacted base and slope it to drain away from the foundation.
Lighting along the steps and a low seating wall around the edge make the patio usable well into the evening, and a matching path to the driveway ties it into the rest of the yard.
Porches are another detail worth a look. Brick or stone porch floors and piers on older homes can shift and lose mortar, and we repair or rebuild them so they match the rest of the entry.
A few things to plan for
- Town approvals. Steps, walls and some patios may need a permit from the town building department.
- Sidewalk rules. If your project includes the public sidewalk, the town may have its own requirements.
- Tree care. Large roots near a walk or patio need care, and we plan around them where we can.
We serve Westfield and the surrounding towns across Union County, including Summit. To plan new steps, a walk or a patio, request a free estimate and we will meet you at the house.
