Diary of a preservation contractor, 07-Aug-11 entry
Second empire victorians are among the most challenging and rewarding restoration projects that we take on. Slate mansards, ornate cornices, and built-in gutters were the style of the day and built my master craftsmen.
Similarly, preservation contractors must be skilled in their trades and able to replicate the original systems and details in kind. 
Every aspect of the project must be carefully planned and expertly executed, right down to the most minute detail.
Many firms are capable of installing slate or performing masonry repairs. Few are capable of addressing the entire exterior envelope of the structure: slate, tile and specialty roofing; stone and brick masonry facades and foundations; built-in and Philadelphia-style gutters; copper and other sheet metal work; cast iron and terra cotta facade restoration; ornamental and structural carpentry; foundation and structural steel repairs; and, masonry cleaning, gilding and painting.
In addition to performing these preservation tasks, we offer a variety of qualified consultation services. We will:
■ Devise strategies for the adaptive re-use of historic structures
■ Assess the condition of the exterior envelope and specify work in an historically appropriate manner
■ Develope RFQ's, bid packages and engineered estimates of cost
■ Screen potential contractors, supervise construction and manage projects as the owner's rep
■ Act as consultant/liasion to federal, state and municipal agencies and organizations in all manner of preservation services
Some additional photo's of the project:
