Historic Building Restoration Contractor - Professional Commercial Painters Near You

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Expert Historic Building Restoration

Moorhouse Coating specializes in historic building restoration combining over 20 years of experience with the latest techniques and premium materials. Our comprehensive approach ensures lasting results that protect and enhance your property value.

Every project begins with detailed consultation and surface assessment, followed by meticulous preparation and application using industry-leading paints and techniques. We work with your schedule to minimize disruption while delivering exceptional results.

Key Benefits

✓ Period-appropriate materials and techniques

✓ Historical color research and matching

✓ Compliance with preservation standards

✓ Reversible restoration methods

✓ Documentation and archival records

✓ Craftsmen trained in traditional techniques

Preservation-Quality Restoration Services

Specialized restoration painting honoring architectural heritage while meeting modern performance standards. Our craftsmen combine historical knowledge with preservation best practices.

Exterior Historic Restoration

Authentic restoration of historic facades preserving architectural character and meeting preservation standards.

• Historical paint analysis determining original color schemes
• Period-appropriate surface preparation respecting historic fabric
• Traditional application techniques matching original methods
• Breathable coatings compatible with historic substrates

Interior Period Finishes

Authentic recreation of historic interior finishes using traditional materials and techniques.

• Historical finish research and documentation
• Traditional plaster repair and restoration
• Period paint formulations and application methods
• Decorative painting and gilding restoration

Compliance & Documentation

Comprehensive documentation ensuring compliance with preservation standards and tax credit requirements.

• Secretary of Interior Standards compliance
• State Historic Preservation Office coordination
• Photographic documentation and archival records
• Tax credit application support and documentation

Our Historic Restoration Process

Systematic approach ensuring historically accurate, preservation-compliant restoration protecting architectural heritage.

Historical Research & Analysis

Comprehensive research determining original finishes, colors, and techniques. Paint analysis, archival research, and physical investigation establish historical baseline.

Preservation Planning

Develop restoration approach meeting preservation standards while addressing modern performance needs. Coordinate with preservation authorities ensuring compliance.

Material Selection

Select period-appropriate materials compatible with historic substrates. Modern formulations matching historical appearance while providing improved durability and protection.

Traditional Restoration Work

Execute restoration using appropriate techniques and materials. Craftsmen trained in traditional methods ensure work respects historic character while meeting quality standards.

Documentation & Certification

Comprehensive documentation including before/after photography, materials specifications, and compliance certification. Support tax credit applications and preservation records.

Historic Properties We Restore

Specialized experience with diverse historic structures requiring authentic restoration and preservation expertise.

National Register Properties

Buildings listed on National Register of Historic Places requiring work meeting Secretary of Interior Standards for Rehabilitation.

Historic Museums & Cultural Centers

Museum buildings and cultural institutions where historical accuracy and public education are paramount considerations.

Government & Civic Buildings

Historic courthouses, city halls, and government buildings requiring restoration maintaining civic dignity and architectural significance.

Religious & Institutional Buildings

Historic churches, temples, and institutional buildings with significant architectural and community heritage value.

Commercial Historic Buildings

Downtown historic buildings, theaters, and hotels where restoration supports economic revitalization while preserving character.

Residential Historic Properties

Historic homes and estates in preservation districts requiring period-appropriate restoration and maintenance.

"Moorhouse Coating's restoration of our 1887 courthouse was exceptional. Their historical research uncovered the original color scheme, and their craftsmen executed the restoration beautifully. The State Historic Preservation Office praised their attention to detail and documentation. A stunning result honoring our building's heritage."

Margaret Sullivan - County Historic Preservation Commission National Register courthouse exterior restoration

Historic Restoration Investment

Restoration pricing reflects specialized expertise, historical research, traditional materials, and meticulous execution required for preservation-quality work.

Pricing factors include:

• Building size, age, and architectural significance

• Historical research and paint analysis requirements

• Extent of surface preparation and repair needed

• Material specifications and custom formulations

• Documentation and compliance requirements

• Access challenges and safety considerations

Schedule preservation consultation to discuss your historic property and receive detailed restoration proposal.

Historic Restoration FAQs

What are the Secretary of Interior Standards?

Secretary of Interior Standards for Rehabilitation are federal guidelines for historic preservation work. They require preservation of historic character while allowing compatible contemporary use. Key principles: preserve historic materials and features, repair rather than replace where possible, use compatible new materials when replacement necessary, and ensure work is reversible when feasible. Compliance is required for federal tax credits and many grant programs. We're experienced working within these standards.

How do you determine original historic colors?

Multiple research methods. Paint analysis (microscopic examination of paint layers) reveals original colors and finish sequence. Archival research reviews historical photos, documents, and specifications. Physical investigation examines protected areas preserving original finishes. Comparison with documented contemporary buildings provides context. We combine these methods developing accurate understanding of original color schemes. Results are documented for preservation records.

Can modern paints be used on historic buildings?

Yes, when properly selected. Modern paints can replicate historical appearance while providing better durability and UV resistance. Key is selecting formulations compatible with historic substrates - breathable coatings for masonry, oil-modified systems for woodwork. Modern low-VOC paints work in many applications. For buildings with original intact finishes or requiring absolute authenticity, we use traditional materials. We balance historical authenticity with practical performance requirements.

What if original finishes are too damaged to preserve?

Preservation standards allow compatible new work when original materials are too deteriorated. We document existing conditions thoroughly, salvage any preservable material, and replicate original finishes using appropriate techniques and materials. Goal is retaining historic character even when physical fabric must be renewed. This approach maintains architectural integrity while addressing deterioration and ensuring long-term building protection.

Are historic restoration tax credits available?

Yes. Federal Historic Preservation Tax Credits provide 20% credit for qualified rehabilitation expenses on income-producing National Register properties. Many states offer additional credits. Requirements include meeting Secretary of Interior Standards and detailed documentation. We provide documentation supporting applications including before/after photos, specifications, and compliance statements. These credits significantly offset restoration costs making preservation economically viable.

How do you handle lead paint on historic buildings?

Extremely carefully. Many historic buildings contain lead paint. We're EPA Lead-Safe Certified and follow strict containment, removal, and disposal protocols. Options include encapsulation (covering with new coatings), enclosure (installing new surface over existing), or removal (when deteriorated or incompatible). Choice depends on conditions and preservation requirements. Safety for workers, occupants, and environment is paramount. All work complies with EPA RRP Rule and state regulations.