Why Do You Need an Expert Historic Restoration Contractor?

Restoring or remodeling older commercial properties presents special challenges - lead and other hazardous building materials used before 1978, non-standard building materials and methods, and building practices that no longer meet code.

Working on these types of projects requires special knowledge, expertise, skills, equipment and material sources that remodeling contractors working on newer homes don’t generally have.

How can you be sure you’re hiring a reputable historic restoration contractor?

First, if there’s a local preservation review board in your area, they might have suggestions of restoration engineers and contractors that will work respectfully with historic properties. Additionally, look at the scale and scope of work local contractors typically do and see if it’s consistent with what you need to have done.

If the renovation is extensive, the engineer will verify that the property will physically and operationally handle the changes ordered up by your restoration engineer. An engineer can also inspect the building envelope and advise you on reconfiguring spaces that aren’t ADA compliant, and help you adhere to local ordinances about changes in a historic district or historic properties.

Learn more about the do's and don'ts of restoring historic brick buildings on our website!

Learn about the IEI Advantage Today!

IEI’s expertise is trusted by owners and property managers of all sizes, including some of the nation’s largest property portfolios. In addition to answering the request for advice, consulting, and peer reviews, IEI is sought after for their expertise in the form of educational speaking events for national organizations as well as articles in major national publications.

Contact us today to get a quote and see how we can help you keep the historic value of your building alive.

What to Look for in a Historic Renovation Contractor

With age, the façade of your building may experience degradation due to normal wear and tear and chemical exposure. Moisture, either penetrating the exterior or escaping the interior of a building, can cause rust and deteriorate supports. 

Water vapor pressure trapped within the veneer along with freeze/thaw action can result in cracks and spalls. Building movement in the form of shortening, caused by creep and shrinkage, and foundation settlement can cause cracks, spalls and buckling of the façade.

Thirty or more years ago, not much was known about the effects of moisture changes and building movements on facades. Consequently, buildings constructed in this era lack modern detailing, including expansion and contraction joints and flexible connections, which address these effects.

If your historic property is beginning to show signs of aging, it’s time to hire a historic restoration contractor. How can you be sure you’re hiring someone reputable?

Commercial and residential contractors do great work, but most remodeling contractors are not trained or experienced in dealing with preserving historic properties. Make sure the company you hire is vetted by local organizations that work to preserve the value of historic buildings and their relevance to modern life.

Hiring the right historic restoration contractor is key, as the preservation of historic properties can be complex. Issues they may run into include:

• Lead and other hazardous building materials used before 1978
• Non-standard building materials and methods
• Building practices that no longer meet code
• Addressing current ADA accessibility requirements
• Aging and damaged structural elements

Learn more about historic restoration and the do’s and don’ts on our website!

IEI’s expertise is trusted by owners and property managers of all sizes, including some of the nation’s largest property portfolios. In addition to answering the request for advice, consulting, and peer reviews, IEI is sought after for their expertise in the form of educational speaking events for national organizations as well as articles in major national publications.

Contact us today to get a quote and see how we can help you keep the historic value of your building alive.