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Holtz Team Contributes to Renovation, Expansion of Historic Home

Holtz Team Contributes to Renovation, Expansion of Historic Home

by | Jun 18, 2026 | Client Work, Commercial Painting

Some say the journey is just as important as the destination. That’s especially true when working in an historic home, where history must walk hand-in-hand with modern living and needs. H.J. Holtz & Son is proud to be a partner in the restoration, renovation, and reimagination of 2315 Monument Avenue, one of the seven residences on the boulevard designed by noted architect William Lawrence Bottomley. 

Known as the Parrish House, the Mediterranean Revival home was built 1922-1924. Originally intended to depict the Colonial Revival style, Bottomley modified the plan after the owners traveled to Spain and Italy, and wanted their new home to have a European flair. Coincidentally – or not – Bottomley published his book, “Spanish Details,” in 1924.

The home is now owned by Den and Megan Cralle. Den Cralle is president and CEO of Green Front Furniture and has been documenting the changes to the house with online posts, showing progress in real time. 

One area that has largely remained the same is the dining room, which features Gracie wallpaper that Holtz hangers had installed previously. That paper has been protected during this work, which includes an expansion on the first floor to enlarge the kitchen and add a sitting room. Upstairs, the second and third floors have been reorganized via wall removal to allow for an expanded primary suite, completely redone bathrooms, and a multipurpose room on the third floor. 

Holtz painters have been working in the house for weeks, providing painting and carpentry services as construction moves along. Michael Praught, project manager for general contractor R.A. Praught Construction, says that in a project of this size and scope, it’s important that all parties involved keep in close contact.

“Communication is a huge part of getting the job done correctly,” Praught says. “There are plenty of painters who can do the work. What separates good quality professionals from the not-so-good is the process and the experience getting you from start to finish. For as many people as they have [working at the house], things could get out of hand, but Rick [Holtz, company president] has everything and everyone in place.”

Praught also credits the Holtz team for their painstaking efforts to make sure the job is done correctly from the first step, noting that nothing can take the place of thorough preparation. Without a solid foundation, minor imperfections can loom large later. 

“A good finished project is all about the prep work,” he says. “You prep, fill holes, sand, prime, sand again, prime again. That goes a long way to make sure you have a quality finished product. Holtz does that.”

Work at 2315 Monument Avenue is anticipated to be completed in the fall of this year. Follow along on Instagram at monumentbygreenfront.

Expert Carpentry in Richmond, VA: What We Build for Your Home

Expert Carpentry in Richmond, VA: What We Build for Your Home

by | May 20, 2026 | Client Work, Carpentry Services

Carpentry in Richmond VA: The Range of Work Homeowners Request

Richmond homeowners request a wide range of carpentry work. Some need custom built-in shelving to maximize unused corners. Others want new trim work to update a room’s finish or match the original character of a historic home.

Still others call because something is damaged: a stair tread, a door frame, or warped wood. They want it restored to original quality, not patched over. Built-in cabinetry, bookcases, window seats, and bar counters are signature projects for skilled carpenters in Richmond.

Decorative trim installations are equally important: crown molding, baseboards, wainscoting, and chair rails that frame a room and add architectural depth. Many Richmond homes were built before 1950, and those homes often require specialized carpentry as part of broader exterior restoration and preservation. This includes matching original trim profiles, repairing plaster and wood lath, and restoring architectural details that define their character.

You might also hire a carpenter for furniture-scale work: custom kitchen islands, cabinet refinishing, desk work, or built-in storage. The key distinction is that a carpenter designs and builds to specification, works with precision finishes, and understands how wood moves, how joints hold, and how details must be executed to last. That’s not handyman work. That’s craft.

Built-Ins, Millwork, and Trim: The Details That Define a Room

Built-in cabinetry and millwork are where carpentry shows its power. A built-in bookcase doesn’t just store books. It anchors a room and makes a statement about how you live.

Custom shelving follows the exact dimensions of your space, integrates around windows and doors, and finishes to match your interior aesthetic. Millwork (the craft of trim, molding, and decorative woodwork) sets the tone for an entire room.

Historic Richmond homes have millwork built by hand over a century ago. When you need to match that character or restore damaged trim, you need a carpenter who understands period detail. Crown molding, chair rails, and baseboards are not afterthoughts. They define the proportions of a room.

A carpenter who gets the profile right, the finish right, and the installation right elevates your home’s entire presence. Trim work also protects your walls and creates clean transitions between surfaces. Done well, it’s invisible—the room just looks right.

Done poorly, the eye catches every gap and imperfection. That’s why carpentry in Richmond matters: the difference between work that disappears into beauty and work that announces its mistakes is the difference between a craftsman and someone just filling a gap.

Repair vs. Replacement: When Carpentry in Richmond VA Saves You Money

Not every carpentry project adds something new. Sometimes the question is whether to repair or replace. A skilled carpenter in Richmond can often save you thousands by repairing what exists instead of tearing it out.

A cracked stair tread can be carefully repaired and re-finished. A warped door frame can be adjusted. Wood flooring that’s cupped or buckling can often be restored rather than replaced.

Repair work requires deep experience. You need to understand wood movement, finishes, joinery, and the structural integrity of what you’re fixing. It’s easier and faster to rip something out and start fresh, but repair preserves the original character of your home and respects the investment you’ve already made.

Repair work often costs a fraction of replacement. When you call a carpenter in Richmond, be clear about scope: Is this cosmetic or structural? Is the goal to match the original or improve upon it?

A good carpenter gives honest advice about whether repair or replacement makes sense. We’ve salvaged countless pieces that homeowners thought were beyond saving.

What Sets H. J. Holtz & Son’s Carpenters Apart

For carpentry Richmond VA homeowners trust, H. J. Holtz & Son brings a legacy of expert craftsmanship that dates back to 1936. Our carpentry department is built on that same foundation: deep knowledge of Richmond homes, the climate, the architectural styles, and the materials that last.

Our master carpenters don’t just follow blueprints. They understand design, proportion, and the long view: work that looks beautiful and performs flawlessly 10, 20, or 50 years from now.

Josh, James, Ricky, and Scott are carpenters who bring the same meticulous approach to woodwork that defines everything H. J. Holtz & Son does. They’ve worked on historic homes, new construction, high-end residential projects, and commercial spaces.

They understand fine finishes and use premium materials, meticulous surface preparation, and the precision joinery that separates custom work from commodity work.

Our clients recognize that difference. Margaret Melton, a Richmond homeowner who hired H. J. Holtz & Son for a multi-trade project, put it this way: “I highly recommend HJ Holtz and Son and have no doubt their expertise and craftsmanship are second to none.” That kind of trust reflects a team that takes personal pride in every joint, every finish, every detail.

When Richmond designers, architects, and homeowners need carpentry work executed correctly the first time, they call us. Our team also works across disciplines, coordinating carpentry with interior painting or finishing.

We’ve painted built-in cabinetry with fine lacquer and coordinated trim carpentry with wallpaper installation. We understand how the pieces work together, and that coordination matters to the final result.

How Much Does Carpentry Cost in Richmond VA?

The cost of carpentry in Richmond VA varies based on scope, materials, and complexity. A simple built-in bookcase might start at $2,000 to $5,000. High-end custom cabinetry or millwork for a full room can run $10,000 to $50,000 or more.

Repairs are usually less expensive than new work. The best approach is to get a detailed estimate from a carpenter who understands your specific project. We provide transparent estimates and explain what drives the cost: materials, labor, timeline, and finish level all factor in.

How to Get a Carpentry Estimate in Richmond

When you’re ready to move forward, start with a clear conversation about what you want to build. Bring photos, measurements, and a sense of the finish you’re imagining.

Describe the problem: Do you need more storage? Is the room missing architectural detail? Is there damage that needs professional repair?

H.J. Holtz & Son offers detailed estimates for carpentry work. We visit your home, assess the scope, understand your timeline and budget, and provide an estimate that’s transparent and complete.

You’ll know what the work includes, what materials we’ll use, and when you can expect it finished.

We stand behind our work with reliability. To find a reliable, licensed carpenter in Virginia, you can also reference the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation for contractor verification. If you’re in Richmond and you need skilled carpentry, visit our carpentry page to see examples of our work.

Misaligned joints, visible gaps, and trim profiles that don’t match the original — these are the marks of carpentry trusted to the wrong hands. In a Richmond home where every molding and built-in reflects a century of character, those mistakes don’t just look wrong. They damage details you can never replace, and fixing botched work often costs more than hiring the right carpenter from the start. When your project demands precision joinery, period-accurate millwork, and finishes built to last decades, H. J. Holtz & Son brings the same standard of precision to carpentry that has defined our work since 1936. Call us at (804) 358-4109 or contact us to request an estimate.

What kinds of carpentry work can I hire out in Richmond?
You can hire a carpenter for built-in shelving and cabinetry, custom trim and millwork, window installations, door frame work, stair repair, wood flooring, decorative finishes, and structural repairs. A skilled carpenter in Richmond also handles specialty work in historic homes, including matching original trim profiles, restoring damaged woodwork, and preserving architectural details.

The scope of carpentry in Richmond is broad. The key is finding someone who understands your specific project and has the expertise to execute it to the standard your home deserves.

How much does custom carpentry cost in Richmond VA?
Custom carpentry in Richmond costs vary based on scope, materials, and complexity. A simple built-in bookcase might cost $2,000 to $5,000. High-end custom cabinetry or millwork for a full room can run $10,000 to $50,000 or more.

Repairs are usually less expensive than new work. The best approach is to get a detailed estimate from a carpenter who understands your project. We provide transparent estimates and explain what drives the cost: materials, labor, timeline, and finish quality all factor in.

Do painting contractors do carpentry work?

Some painting contractors offer basic carpentry services, but not all. H. J. Holtz & Son offers both interior painting and skilled carpentry as part of a comprehensive finish service.

If you need both trades (carpentry built-ins plus custom paint finishes), working with a single contractor who does both well ensures quality coordination.

The carpenter and painter understand how the work should flow together, and you have one point of accountability for the final result.

Contributing to a Sacred Space

Contributing to a Sacred Space

by | May 13, 2026 | Client Work, Commercial Painting

Every project is important to H.J. Holtz & Son team members. But some touch the soul more than others. That was the case for Holtz craftspeople participating in the creation of a new chapel on the campus of Saint Gertrude High School in Goochland County.

“A lot of folks who work here are faithful people, and we take working in a church very seriously,” says Kelly Kutchey, Holtz production manager. “A project like this definitely adds a little weight to the work.”

Saint Gertrude relocated from its original home in the city of Richmond to its current campus in 2023. After a period of fundraising, the school turned to finishing its worship space in 2025. Named the Sullivan Chapel in honor of donors, the focal point of the space is the high altar, where hand-applied gold leaf provides a glowing backdrop for the school’s original wood crucifix and flanking angels. 

Holtz team members painstakingly applied each piece of 23.5-karat gold leaf in the chapel – covering the front sanctuary wall and edging arches and wall elements. Gold leaf was also applied to the alcoves holding statues of the Blessed Virgin Mary and St. Joseph. 

Kutchey says the project required 4,228 linear feet of gold leaf, each piece 4.25” wide. Laid side by side, that quantity of gold leaf would span the length of 14 football fields. “[Applying] that amount of gold leafing is not something we do all the time,” he says.

Applying gold leaf is challenging, Kutchey says, because it is so delicate. But even before the work could begin, the Holtz team had to source the material. “We had to find a supplier who could provide the amount we needed,” he says. 

The company found SeppLeaf Products in New York City and developed a relationship that went beyond a simple purchase. “Lauren Sepp was extremely helpful,” Kutchey says. “We had experience with gold leaf, but because of the size of the job, we had to train more people. Lauren helped with that.”

Part of the training included how to handle the leaf. “It’s incredibly thin,” Kutchey notes. “A cross breeze through the space would blow it to pieces. You have to handle it with tools, not bare fingers, because it’s so delicate and will tarnish just like solid gold.”

In addition to applying the gold leaf, H.J. Holtz & Son team members installed six murals, painted, and stained a door. The scope of the project meant that Holtz often had half a dozen workers in the space daily for months. 

A fall 2025 article in a school magazine notes a goal of the chapel’s design was for it to be beautiful, to reflect the glory of God. That’s a goal that Holtz team members strive for every time, Kutchey says. 

“We always try to make everything look beautiful, whether it’s running white trim or adding wallpaper,” he says. “We want crisp, straight lines – clean and beautiful. Whatever we do, we want it to look the best.”

Holtz Helps Homeowner Execute Personal Design

Holtz Helps Homeowner Execute Personal Design

by | May 7, 2026 | Client Work, Residential Painting

When Matt and Meg purchased their first home last year, they loved the visual interest found on the first floor but felt let down by the more austere bedrooms, which didn’t have the same details and character. The couple turned to artificial intelligence to help them imagine something different and then enlisted H.J. Holtz & Son to bring their vision to life.

“We didn’t have an unlimited budget, but we really wanted to make the home ours,” Meg says. 

Meg uploaded pictures of the home’s interior to an AI program and “played around” with ideas she and Matt contemplated, like carpentry features, paint color, light fixtures, and furniture placement. “We were able to make sure everything would fit and look the way we wanted,” she says. “What I came up with wasn’t perfect by any means, but it gave us a general sense [of the finished room]. The process was very affirming that what I envisioned would look okay.”

With a plan in mind, the couple found H.J. Holtz & Son – “probably via AI,” Meg laughs. “We looked for a highly rated local business that offers painting, wallpapering, and carpentry,” she says. “Holtz was one of the first that popped up. We liked that the company had been in business for a long time and can offer all those services at once.”

That’s just what happened. Holtz team members worked in the family’s three occupied bedrooms, reflecting the couple’s daughters’ personalities in their rooms and transforming the primary bedroom into a relaxing retreat. 

“We wanted to make each of our children’s rooms feel safe and special,” Meg says. In one bedroom, the carpentry team added tongue-and groove wall panels with a scalloped edge chair rail. That room also features Benjamin Moore New Born’s Eyes paint and Green Planet x Jill Delavan wallpaper. The other daughter’s bedroom now includes picture molding, Laura Ashley wallpaper, and Benjamin Moore’s Strawberry Freeze paint. Crown molding finishes both rooms.

For the primary bedroom – the couple’s oasis – the Holtz team called in electrical partners to replace sconces and an overhead light, then added crown and picture molding before painting the room Benjamin Moore Hunter Green. “The primary bedroom is really tall,” Meg says. “The picture molding makes it feel less cavernous.” 

In a final touch, the couple had Holtz paint the dining room Benjamin Moore Washington Blue and add a medallion around the ceiling light. The team also refinished the home’s double front doors. 

Meg and Matt are delighted with the changes. 

“We plan to be here for a long time,” she says. “We wanted high-quality workmanship from a business that could manage all of the things we wanted to be done. Their craftsmanship is amazing, and we loved that it’s all collated.”

 

Custom Cabinetry Helps Homeowner Make the Best Use of Space

Custom Cabinetry Helps Homeowner Make the Best Use of Space

by | Feb 6, 2024 | Carpentry Services, Client Work

As a designer, Emily Wood knows the value of built-in custom cabinetry. “It makes rooms more usable, it adds interest,” she says. “And if you want built-ins, don’t sacrifice on quality.”

So when a client asked Wood to help her make the most of her new home, Wood knew who to call for a variety of cabinetry needs: H.J. Holtz & Son. 

“They are the best,” Wood says. “The Holtz team built everything to our specifications. Josh Hastings was amazing and made our requests a reality.”

The client, a single woman in her 20s, had just purchased a ranch home that had been gutted and updated. “As a first-time homeowner able to make all the decisions herself, she was really ready to explore all her options,” says Wood, principal of Wallace Wood Interiors. “She wanted the spaces to be welcoming and lasting, able to roll with life changes.”

Together, Wood and the client talked about practical uses for all the rooms, and eventually called in the Holtz team to create built-ins for three rooms: the sitting room, the laundry room, and a room that is both office and guest bedroom. 

“We’re both very big on multi-use spaces,” Wood laughs. “We kept going back and forth between the use for that room. We ended up with a happy medium. 

In that bedroom, open shelving hangs above the desk and wraps around a corner to another wall. A shelf was added next to the bed, to eliminate the need for more furniture. In the sitting room, the Holtz team built a banquette with drawers underneath that hugs one wall. “Wall space was at a premium in that room, with two wide door openings, plus windows,” Wood says. “The client isn’t a formal entertainer, so she didn’t want the typical loveseat and two armchairs configuration. This banquette balances the sofa on the opposite wall and provides functionality to an otherwise dead corner.”

Another creative approach is evident in the laundry room, where a waterfall countertop was built to create work space above the washer and dryer then drops to become a bench that can hold a laundry basket and hide a litter box below. Two additional cabinets on the wall complete the look. “There’s nothing better than having good storage in your laundry room,” Wood notes. 

The process of working with the Holtz team was excellent, Wood says, noting that Hastings also worked with an electrician to install custom sconces in the bedroom, adjacent to the new shelves. “The communication was clear and efficient,” Wood says. “It makes for a seamless process from start to finish.”

Both Wood and the client are thrilled with the outcome. “I make the cost clear to clients up front, and she didn’t flinch,” Wood says. “Especially after everything was installed, it was very obvious it was worth the cost.”

Mission accomplished.

Updated Look for Beloved Home Through Exterior Painting

Updated Look for Beloved Home Through Exterior Painting

by | Dec 18, 2023 | Carpentry Services, Client Work, Exterior Painting

It was time for her home’s exterior painting, and Robin knew just who to call: H.J. Holtz & Son.

Only a year ago, Robin and her husband had hired the local firm to paint the interior of their house, following a kitchen remodel. It was an easy decision to hire Holtz & Son then, too.

“We wanted to get it done, correctly,” she says. “We knew their reputation and knew they were good. I didn’t even think of someone else. They’re probably a bit higher in price than some, but we never worried about it; we just wanted it done right.”

Exterior painting requires a slightly different skill set from interior, though repairs often come into play in both situations. With exterior work, sanding and scraping can reveal unexpected damage from water, mold, and even animals. As the Holtz team prepped the exterior of Robin’s house, issues were uncovered.

“We’ve replaced boards here and there, but there was more extensive carpentry work that needed to be done than was expected,” she says. “The carpentry guys are so good; they have such great attention to detail.”

One fun aspect of the exterior paint job, Robin says, was changing the look of the home, which her family has lived in for 25 years. Previously, the house was gray wood clapboard with black shutters, white trim, and yellow doors. Now, the house is blue with black shutters and doors, and pearl gray trim, which was suggested by a member of the Holtz team.

Robin had seen the blue on an acquaintance’s house, which has fiber-cement lap siding. Wanting the same hue – Deep Ocean – but not the siding itself, Robin requested a sample from the manufacturer, and the Holtz team had Sherwin-Williams Emerald Rain Refresh paint tinted to match their wood siding.

“The color is spot-on,” she says.

Robin says it was a pleasure to work with Holtz painters again. “Their people are very nice; they must be treated well,” she says. “They’re so considerate, clean, and very punctual.” During the exterior project, Robin was startled when the team replaced patio furniture and planters every day, as they were finishing work. “I told them that wasn’t necessary,” she says. “But they said they wanted to make it right for the evening, in case we wanted to use the patio.”

There was a gap in time from when Robin and her husband signed the contract in early 2023 and when the painting happened in the fall. “We knew we would have to wait,” Robin says. “We’re very in tune with keeping up with our property, because it’s an investment. We’re not going to let things languish. And they did a really good job.”