Hiring a historic restoration contractor to repair or replace components of a historic commercial or residential property can seem like a daunting task. Historic properties often have more ornate features and use highly specialized construction materials as part of their makeup, and a lack of familiarity with these elements can make identifying the right contractor a murky process.
Plus, sifting through the sheer number of contractors can be overwhelming, and, if you’re trying to repair or restore your property in the wake of severe weather, the stakes can feel even higher as time is often of the essence.
The good news is there are a handful of key factors to look at when considering a historic restoration contractor to help select the right company for the job. These characteristics range from expertise and experience to access to materials and resources, but looking for the following attributes can simplify the process of choosing the ideal historic restoration company for your property.
Perhaps the most important element to look for when selecting a historic restoration contractor is whether they are properly licensed in your state to provide repair and replacement services. In addition, verifying that the contractor carries both liability insurance coverage and workers’ compensation protects you from potential liability risks, and it also provides critical financial safety nets in the event of an accident.
Licensure and insurance requirements can vary quite a bit by state and even municipality — depending on the size of the town or city — so asking for licensure and insurance documentation from the contractor before any work begins is important. You can also verify a contractor’s license via individual state governing bodies and websites.
Documented experience and proof of craftsmanship serves a couple of key functions. First, it demonstrates that the contractor has the required level of skill, experience, and craftsmanship to restore and preserve a historic property. Additionally, this kind of documented proof conveys a sense of pride and professionalism in the contractor’s work.
This kind of documented experience can take a variety of forms, including:
Not only can these kinds of documentation demonstrate the expertise and quality a historic contractor brings to the table, but they also highlight specific areas of focus or specialized services that can help enhance the historic integrity of your property.
For example, a project profile of a commercial property that showcases intricate copper work communicates a contractor’s capability with this particular service, thus saving you from having to inquire about whether they can perform said type of work.
Vetting a historic contractor’s safety protocols and certifications helps ensure the contractor is following the proper OSHA safety standards, particularly when working on steep roofs or those with high elevations. Inquiring as to whether the contractor has an internal safety director as part of their team or the number of incidents/accidents they have documented during the last five years can give you a glimpse into the priority the contractor places on safe restoration practices.
You can also ask about their Experience Modification Rate (EMR), which is an annual review and rating of a company’s safety practices. The lower the EMR, the fewer accidents a company has reported.
For example, Renaissance Historic Exteriors maintains an EMR well below the industry average of 1.0.
If you’re at the project proposal and outline stage, then odds are you feel your chosen historic contractor has the knowledge, experience, licensure credentials, and safety protocols in place. However, the level of detail in the contractor’s project proposal and outline can still be an important clue as to the degree of care and craftsmanship they can bring to your restoration project.
Unclear progress or completion timelines, lack of clarity in communication, uncertainty about costs, or an ill-defined list of materials can create a problematic restoration process, one that can result in subsequent work in order to correct original work that was done incorrectly.
Renaissance’s Magellan Building Assessment and Monarch Elite Process help chart a clear, collaborative course of action for historically accurate restoration work that makes the property owner a true partner every step of the way.
This is a big one and it’s something that’s often overlooked. Partnering with a historic restoration contractor that understands the insurance claims process and knows how to work with insurance companies to secure the appropriate funds for a comprehensive, timely restoration can streamline the work and help ensure the right materials are procured to support the history and historic integrity of your property.
Visiting another project will give you a glimpse as to how your contractor performs once a contract is signed. The visit should provide confidence that the scope of work is being executed as planned. You can inspect the craftsmanship, observe the project setup, and organization, which will help confirm a safe and clean jobsite
It will also give you an opportunity to talk with the property owner and get feedback from them on their experience. This is a good time to speak with the project crew that is performing the work to help determine their level of skill, cooperation, and dedication to their craft. Site visits are invaluable and highly recommended to help you make a more informed decision on the right contractor for the job.
With Renaissance Historic Exteriors, you can rest easy knowing that our team of restoration experts has the experience, skills, resources, and superior craftsmanship to preserve your property for generations to come. Our emphasis on safety and quality has earned us a variety of national awards and certifications, and our wide range of project profiles demonstrates our level of care and commitment.
Contact us today to get started on your restoration project.