As buildings age they can present special challenges to their owners. Exposure to the elements and years of wear and tear not only affect the appearance of a building but can also compromise its structural integrity. Maintenance that addresses the special requirements of historic buildings is important both for preserving their appearance and preventing damage that can lead to costly repairs down the road.
Maintenance plans and reports can address issues such as:
- Cracked and damaged plaster
- Cleaning and care of historic finishes
- Refinishing front doors
- Care of masonry, stone and brick
- Peeling paint
- Housekeeping for museum houses, businesses and private homes
- Care and repair of windows
After a site visit or speaking with you and reviewing your photos, Historic Design Consulting will develop a comprehensive maintenance plan or a focused maintenance report.
Maintenance plans: These are comprehensive documents describing the upkeep of an entire building and include care recommendations, a maintenance schedule and step-by-step instructions showing you what to do, how to do it and when.
Maintenance reports: These focuses on a particular maintenance issue, such as the care of windows or doors, repair of cracking plaster on walls and ceilings, deteriorated finish on molding or recommendations for exterior and interior painting.
Historic Design Consulting can also prepare Condition Assessment Reports. Condition assessments reports offer a comprehensive look at how historic buildings were built, used, maintained, and changed through time. It also describes the mechanisms of decay that affect their structural and material condition. Often completed as a precursor to restoration, condition assessments reports identify building materials and features and evaluate the building’s condition.