Renovating a historic home or building is a gargantuan task that could be too daunting even for consummate construction professionals. For detail-intensive tasks such as repairing plaster walls and ceilings, heritage properties need more than just capable carpenters—they require skilled craftsmen. Find a heritage contractor who loves your property as much as you do keeping our 6 tips for choosing one in mind.
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Compile A List Of The Best Firms For The Job
While it seems like the most straightforward way to go is to simply call up the #1 contractor in your area and hire them, you may be surprised to know that not all home renovation companies or contractors have the means or experience to work with historic properties.
Look for heritage contractors Perth property owners rely on asking around. For example, looking up house museums or historical societies in your locality can prove beneficial. You may also wish to contact the property owners or managers of some recently renovated or restored historic houses in your area to find out which companies they worked with.
The local government can also be a helpful resource for locating potential candidates. In Western Australia, the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage can provide helpful guidance. Contact your local State Heritage Office, and ask if they have any recommendations. A visit to the city’s museums or libraries can also be worthwhile when locating a heritage contractor.
Characteristics Of A Competent Heritage Contractor
Good, competent heritage contractors adhere to certain philosophies for the proper conservation of the sites they work on. Look for a company that truly loves working on historical properties and believes in the following ideals:
- They believe in retaining the original character of the historic property. A good heritage contractor should be able to preserve the original façade of your structure, as well as its unique interior architectural features, such as suspended ceilings or hardwood floors.
- They are able to identify and obtain the materials used when the property was built in order to conserve its overall look while adding modern touches wherever necessary in an unobtrusive manner.
- They are able to collaborate and work with experts to identify the original purposes of certain rooms and respect the property’s original interior plan.
- They are knowledgeable in the laws and legislative policies that govern historical property renovation.
- They are able to incorporate 21st-century amenities that make the property liveable and enjoyable without disrespecting its authenticity and integrity.
Conduct The Necessary Preliminary Research On Each Company
Now that you have a list of potential firms to hire the job out to, it’s time to start checking on their backgrounds. Most companies are proud of the previous work they’ve done restoring heritage properties, and looking up previous projects they’ve worked on is as easy as finding the dedicated section on their website. Make note of the scope and scale of the work they usually take on, and determine if it is consistent with what you’d like to see or achieve for your heritage property. Do they have any experience working with the time period your property was built in? Do they handle residential or commercial projects, or are they able to take on both? These are a couple of questions that would be useful to keep in mind as you browse.
If possible, also look up any available customer reviews and testimonials about the companies you’re looking at. If you know someone who has used them in the past, get in touch with that person and ask for their take. You may also want to ask the heritage contractors on your shortlist for references, what type of insurance they have, any licenses and certifications they possess, and how many years they’ve been in business. Heritage restoration is no small task, so it’s all right to go through everything you see with a fine-tooth comb, so to speak. Your contractor may even appreciate your attention to detail. Finally, don’t be afraid to get quotes from numerous firms in order to compare and contrast pricing.
Choose A Contractor That Can Handle Any Structural Issues
Heritage properties can be fraught with issues that require immediate attention before the work on the finer details can begin. In older structures, water damage is the #1 problem that needs to be addressed. It can lead to dry rot, mould growth, or perhaps be harbouring an infestation of bugs. Ceilings, floors, and windows should definitely be thoroughly checked for any signs of water damage, as they could be tell-tales signs of serious structural problems with the property.
If the historical building is made of stone, you may wish to have a licensed inspector look over the quality of the stones before beginning any renovation projects. Common problems with heritage stone buildings include mortar deterioration, stone erosion, or cracked and damaged stones. Water damage can also cause stone walls to bow in or outward, or collapse entirely. Make sure that the contractor you hire is able to remedy these issues.
Check If The Contractor Can Work With Both The Old And The New
Updating essential systems throughout a heritage property will likely be the costliest part of the project. In order to have efficient heating, cooling, and electricity, the house may need to be gutted of the old components and replaced with new. Ask your contractor how destructive the process will be, and if they have any suggestions or solutions that can allow you to save on both the cost of tearing down walls and the original elements. It’s also useful at this juncture to consider if you wish to update only the electrical systems or run other essentials such as fire alarms, security, and the internet as well.
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Consider Hiring External Help
To accurately interpret the history of your property, you may require additional perspectives. An inspector or a local historian can provide useful insight and context about the property and can guide you towards making meaningful choices that can improve the structure’s liveability and longevity.
Whether your aim is to fully restore your structure to its former glory or to update it with modern amenities to make it more functional in the 21st century, working with a competent heritage contractor is crucial to preserving the property’s personality and adding value. Keep our tips in mind and you shouldn’t have any difficulty finding one!