We Do Repair / Refinish / Restoration / Consultation
Preserving the Past, Building the Future Specializing in Homes 1960's & Before
Remembering the Forgotten
Our new Service Center is your one-stop destination for expert restoration, repair, and preservation of your most treasured architectural gems. Whether you’re restoring a Queen Anne Victorian or maintaining a Craftsman bungalow, we bring unmatched expertise and passion to every project.
🏛️ What Artisan Historic Contracting Does in Historic Restoration
Artisan Historic Contracting specializes in preserving, repairing, and restoring historic homes and buildings, focusing on architectural elements that are often the most expressive and historically significant. These include:
- Doors
- Restoration of original solid wood doors, often hand-carved or custom-built.
- Hardware preservation, including antique hinges, knobs, and locks.
- Weatherproofing while maintaining historical accuracy.
- Windows
- Sash window repair (rope and pulley systems).
- Glass replacement using historically accurate wavy or mouth-blown glass.
- Frame restoration using traditional joinery and wood species.
- Stairs
- Structural reinforcement of staircases while preserving original treads and risers.
- Baluster and handrail replication using lathe turning and carving.
- Creak and squeak mitigation without replacing original wood.
- Floors
- Refinishing original hardwood floors using low-impact sanding.
- Board replacement with reclaimed or matching wood.
- Subfloor stabilization using traditional methods.
- Porches
- Column and railing restoration using wood turning and scrollwork.
- Decking replacement with tongue-and-groove boards.
- Roof and trim detailing to match original blueprints or photos.
- Trim and Molding
- Crown molding replication using custom knives and hand tools.
- Baseboard and casing repair with wood fillers and epoxy.
- Paint stripping and refinishing using chemical-free or low-impact methods.
🛠️ Techniques Used in Historic Restoration
Historic restoration is a blend of science, art, and craftsmanship. Here are some of the most important techniques used:
- Documentation and Research
- Archival research: Studying old blueprints, photos, and city records.
- Paint analysis: Determining original colors and finishes.
- Material sampling: Identifying wood species, mortar composition, etc.
- Traditional Joinery
- Mortise and tenon joints: Used in framing and furniture.
- Dovetail joints: Common in cabinetry and drawers.
- Pegged joints: Used instead of nails or screws in timber framing.
- Woodworking Techniques
- Hand planning: To smooth and shape wood without power tools.
- Lathe turning: For balusters, columns, and decorative elements.
- Carving and scrollwork: For intricate trim and moldings.
- Surface Restoration
- Paint stripping: Using infrared heat or citrus-based solvents.
- Shellac and oil finishes: Historically accurate wood treatments.
- Lime plastering: For walls and ceilings in older homes.
- Window Restoration
- Glazing putty repair: Sealing glass panes in wooden sashes.
- Rope and pulley replacement: For double-hung windows.
- Epoxy wood repair: For rotted sills and frames.
- Metalwork and Hardware
- Restoring antique locks and hinges.
- Blacksmithing: For custom hardware replication.
- Electrolysis: To remove rust from old metal parts.
- Sourcing Materials
- Reclaimed wood: From barns, old homes, or salvage yards.
- Custom millwork: To match original profiles.
- Historic glass: From specialty suppliers or salvaged sources.
👷♂️ On-the-Job Training: Apprentice to Master Restorer
Becoming a master in historic restoration is a long and immersive journey. It requires years of hands-on experience, mentorship, and study.
🧱 Stage 1: Apprentice (0–3 Years)
- Learn the basics: Safety, tool use, terminology.
- Observe and assist: Cleaning, prepping, carrying materials.
- Hands-on practice: Simple repairs, sanding, painting.
- Study history: Architectural styles, materials, and periods.
Time commitment: ~2,000–4,000 hours of supervised work.
🪚 Stage 2: Journeyman (3–10 Years)
- Take on projects: Under supervision, lead small tasks.
- Specialize: Windows, doors, trim, or floors.
- Learn traditional techniques: Joinery, carving, glazing.
- Begin mentoring: Teach newer apprentices.
Time commitment: ~6,000–10,000 hours of field experience.
🏗️ Stage 3: Master Restorer (10+ Years)
- Lead full restorations: From planning to execution.
- Custom fabrication: Create missing or damaged elements.
- Historical consulting: Work with architects and preservation boards.
- Mentor and teach: Pass on knowledge to the next generation.
Total time: 10–15 years of continuous learning and practice.
🧰 Historic Restoration Consultation: The First Step in Bringing History Back to Life
Before any hammer is lifted or paint is stripped, Artisan Historic Contracting begins every project with a detailed Historic Restoration Consultation. This is a crucial step that sets the tone for the entire restoration process.
🔍 What Happens During a Consultation?
- Initial Site Visit
- A Master Craftsman and an Apprentice visit the property.
- They walk through the home with the owner, listening to stories, concerns, and goals.
- They take detailed notes, photos, and measurements of the structure.
- Historical Research
- The team researches the home’s architectural style, year of construction, and any available blueprints or historical records.
- They identify original materials, design elements, and any previous modifications.
- Condition Assessment
- Each element—doors, windows, stairs, floors, porches, trim, and molding—is inspected for damage, wear, and historical integrity.
- Structural issues, water damage, rot, or insect damage are documented.
- Restoration Plan
- A custom plan is created that outlines:
- What will be restored, repaired, or replicated.
- What materials and techniques will be used.
- Estimated time and cost.
- The plan is reviewed with the homeowner to ensure alignment with their vision and budget.
- A custom plan is created that outlines:
- Permits and Preservation Guidelines
If the home is listed on a historic register, the team ensures all work complies with local, state, or federal preservation standards
🕰️ Time for Consultation: Typically takes 1–2 weeks, depending on the size and complexity of the property.
⏳ Average Time to Complete a Historic Restoration Project
The time it takes to complete a restoration depends on the scope of work, the condition of the home, and the level of historical accuracy required. Here’s a general breakdown:
Project Type | Average Duration |
Minor Restoration (1–2 rooms) | 4–6 weeks |
Moderate Restoration (entire floor) | 2–4 months |
Full Home Restoration (2,000–3,000 sq ft) | 6–12 months |
Complex Historic Estate (multi-structure) | 1–2 years or more |
⏱️ Factors That Affect Timeline:
- Availability of materials (especially reclaimed or custom-milled wood)
- Weather conditions (for exterior work like porches)
- Permit approvals (especially in historic districts)
- Unforeseen issues (like hidden rot or structural damage)
🛠️ Artisan Historic Contracting always builds in extra time for craftsmanship and care—because rushing a restoration means risking the loss of history.
🏘️ Types of Historic Homes We Work On
We specialize in designated historic homes, showcasing a variety of architectural styles
Common Historic Home Styles:
- Victorian (Queen Anne, Folk Victorian)
- Craftsman Bungalows
- Mission Revival
- Spanish Colonial Revival
- Tudor Revival
- Classical Revival
- Norman Revival
- Art Deco
- Colonial Revival
🧱 Anatomy of 18th & 19th Century Homes
Understanding the components of historic homes is key to authentic restoration:
Structural Elements:
- Balloon Framing
- Post-and-Beam Construction
- Stone or Brick Foundations
- Wooden Lath and Plaster Walls
Architectural Features:
- Turrets and Towers
- Wraparound Porches
- Decorative Gables
- Dormer Windows
- Bay Windows
🪵 Materials Used in Historic Homes
These homes were built with durable, often locally sourced materials:
- Wood: Redwood, Douglas Fir, Oak, Pine
- Brick: Handmade clay bricks
- Stone: Granite, Sandstone
- Metal: Cast Iron, Wrought Iron, Tin
- Glass: Mouth-blown and leaded glass
- Roofing: Slate, Wood Shingles, Clay Tiles
📏 Common Measurements
We provide accurate restoration estimates using traditional and modern measurement standards:
Linear Footage:
- Trim & Molding: 100–500 LF per room
- Porch Railings: 30–100 LF
- Stair Handrails: 10–50 LF
Square Footage:
- Flooring: 100–3,000 SF
- Wall Surface: 400–2,000 SF per room
- Roofing: 1,000–3,500 SF
All We Do
🏛️ Core Historic Restoration
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Architectural Styles
- Victorian home restoration
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Blog
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