The 2023 Renovators House Tour will take place on Sunday, October 15, 12-5 pm. All proceeds go to The Capitol Hill Cluster School, a public school in Washington, D.C.
Watkins Elementary School students enjoying the FoodPrints program, which integrates gardening, cooking, and nutrition in to the school day. FoodPrints is supported by the Cluster School PTA.
FAQ
Note: To protect the privacy of the homeowners, the tour map is released closer to the tour date.
What is the Renovators House Tour, and what does this community fundraiser support?
The Capitol Hill Cluster School Renovators House Tour is one of the three primary fundraisers for the Capitol Hill Cluster School Parent Teacher’s Association, which is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization dedicated to raising funds and contributing positively to the education of students at the Capitol Hill Cluster School. The tour features recently renovated homes located throughout the Hill and surrounding neighborhoods to inspire others with decoration, design and remodeling ideas. Local businesses sponsor these houses and Cluster families “staff” them to help local community members see local craftmanship and expertise in action.
The Cluster is comprised of Peabody Primary School, Watkins Elementary and Stuart Hobson Middle School – the largest school district on the Hill educating more than 1,100 children each year. Together these schools are a strong and diverse Pre-K3–8th grade learning environment where students thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Unique in D.C., the Cluster links a wide range of families who help one another, and is led by school administrators who shape students’ future success.
How do I purchase a ticket?
Purchase your tickets online here. Tip: To save a few bucks, purchase your tickets in advance. Tickets are $30 through October 8, then prices go up to $35 through the day of the tour.
I purchased a ticket online, what do I do now?
On the day of the tour, present your receipt (either digitally or printed) to any one of the homes on the tour and receive your hard copy ticket.
Where should I start the tour?
You may begin at any house on the tour. There is no need to go to the houses in a particular order. You may start at any home on the tour and go through the homes in any order you prefer. Tip: Usually people start at the first or last house on the tour. If you want to avoid the crowds you may want to start in the middle and work your way out.
What homes will be on the tour this year?
For homeowner security we will not post the specific addresses of the houses on the website until the day of the tour. You will need to check the website the morning of the tour to get house addresses and decide where to begin.
How long does the tour take?
The tour is self guided so you can begin the tour any time you like between 12-5:00 pm and go through the houses at your own pace. We estimate that it takes the average tour goer about three hours. But, if you’re planning a renovation and intend to mine the homes for ideas, it will likely take you longer. Please keep in mind that the tour ends at 5:00 pm, so that the homeowners can return to their homes.
May I revisit a home?
Because of the number of attendees, we ask that you only visit each house one time. At each house a PTA volunteer overseeing the house will mark off that you have visited that home.
How do I learn more about the houses?
On the day of the tour you will receive a tour booklet that will provide notable information about each house. That information will include builders, architects, designers and/or others who were key to the renovation as well as homeowner insight into the renovation.
May I bring children on the tour?
We encourage you to find a sitter for children ages 2 to 10. If that is not possible, you may bring children but you should carefully supervise them in the houses to ensure that they do not cause damage. Tickets are necessary for children ages 14 or older.
Can I walk to all the homes on the tour?
We do our best to make the tour walkable, but given the growth of the Hill that is sometimes not possible. Often people drive to a location and visit 3-4 nearby houses, then drive to another location and do the same. Many of us believe that the best Renovators House Tour mode of transportation is a bicycle.
May I make a financial donation as well?
We appreciate your support through purchase of Renovators House Tour tickets. Should you like to make an additional financial donation you may donate online at the same link where you purchase tickets.
Have a question we didn't cover? Contact the Renovators House Tour co-chairs at RenovatorsHouseTour@chcspta.org.