We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Construction

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is Historic Restoration?

Mary McMahon
By
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 7,252
Share

Historic restoration is a process in which an object or structure is restored with an eye to its historic character, rather than just with the goal of restoring functionality. Restoration can be performed on homes, gardens, vehicles, and a wide variety of other objects. This procedure is often performed by a specialty contractor who has received specialized training in historic restoration, and it can be extremely costly.

There are a number of reasons to perform a historic restoration. In a classic example, an object or structure has suffered from lack of maintenance for an extended period of time, and the goal is restoration to former glory. For example, a Victorian home which has been allowed to molder may be treated to a restoration.

Restorations are also performed when an object or structure has been radically altered, with the goal of returning the object to its original state. In the example of a Victorian home above, a historic restoration might be performed on a home which was chopped up into apartments with dropped ceilings and other major modifications which have compromised the character of the home, such as covering wainscoting with drywall, installing carpets on hardwood floors, and so forth.

Contractors which perform historic restorations can work in a number of ways. Some pride themselves on using methods which were utilized during the period when the object was created, keeping a historic restoration as true as possible to the original. The contractor may fabricate replications and replacements for badly damaged or destroyed parts using original techniques if they cannot find replacements made during the period in question, and it also uses period-appropriate paints, finishes, and so forth. This type of restoration can be quite costly, as it involves a lot of detail work, research, and work by hand.

Other contractors try to maintain the character of the object, but may use modern methods to accomplish their goals. This type of restoration work is less costly, and tends to take less time. It can also be performed extremely well, creating an accurate look and feel which many people are content with. However, certain activities may prohibit structures from being listed as historic landmarks, or may interfere with acceptance of the authenticity of an object by a museum.

The process of historic restoration can be deeply enjoyable. Specialists often greatly enjoy doing the background research before they start work to learn more about the period in which the object or structure was made, and the techniques used by craftspeople of the time. Tracking down sources for everything from appropriately manufactured mechanical parts for a car to drawer pulls salvaged from other homes built during the period can also be a fun project. Putting together the restoration and watching the transformation of the object or structure is also a fascinating process.

Share
About Mechanics is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Mary McMahon
By Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a About Mechanics researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Discussion Comments
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a...

Learn more
Share
https://www.aboutmechanics.com/what-is-historic-restoration.htm
Copy this link
About Mechanics, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

About Mechanics, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.