Commercial building restoration is a sensitive operation that typically requires substantial expertise to get right. Preserving and renovating old commercial properties can be a real challenge, especially if further commercial use is planned. So how can this task best be approached?
Commercial Building Restoration in Six Steps
Challenging though it may be, a custom builder with the right skill set may be able to breathe new life into these architectural gems. In this article, we’ll look at the typical stages involved in commercial building restoration and see exactly why the job deserves the touch of an expert.
Step 1: Assessment and Planning
The first (and most essential) step in commercial building repair is a thorough assessment of the property and formulation of a plan. This means getting an expert’s analysis of the structure to determine the scope of restoration work that may be needed.
A custom builder can help you to assess the structural soundness of elements like the building’s foundation, walls, floors, and roof. With your input, they’ll also determine the historical relevance of the building and follow any regulations for preservation.
Creating a precise restoration plan that includes goals, budget considerations, deadlines, and securing the necessary permits is foundational to everything that happens next.
Step 2: Hazardous Material Remediation
Before beginning any restoration work, treat any hazardous items that may be present. Depending on the era of construction, many old buildings come with intrinsic hazards, whether from the original building materials or the effects of time.
Certified professionals will need to be hired to identify and properly remove hazardous contaminants like lead-based paint, asbestos, or mold. Working in accordance with environmental regulations will ensure the correct manner of disposal, ultimately keeping you and everyone involved safe as the commercial building restoration begins.
Step 3: Exterior Restoration
The exterior of the building is a focal point of restoration operations. Facades, windows, doors, roofs, and even minor decorative features can be expertly restored by a team of experienced custom builders.
It takes a qualified team to revive the building’s original appearance while keeping its historical integrity intact. This often means repairing or replacing degraded elements with historically accurate or compatible substitutes. Through meticulous cleaning and refined craftsmanship, the architectural magnificence can be brought back to life.
Step 4: Interior Restoration
Interior areas in commercial buildings can have enormous historical and aesthetic importance. Custom builders with experience in interior work can restore elements like walls, ceilings, flooring, and architectural work to approximate the original appearance.
Damaged or degraded materials such as plasterwork, moldings, or flooring can be fixed or replaced with closely matching substitutes. Any faults in the electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems will have the chance to be addressed, guaranteeing compliance with modern building requirements while keeping the property’s distinct character.
Step 5: Mechanical and Electrical Upgrades
Underlying systems are often one of the earliest things to go in older buildings. Outdated mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems will generally need to be upgraded to improve the functionality and efficiency of the building.
The result is a more safe, affordable, and comfortable environment following the commercial building restoration. These modifications can be designed to integrate with the building’s original charm with tastefully-incorporated modern technologies.
Step 6: Historical Features Preservation
One of the most critical goals in any commercial building restoration is to preserve and restore a commercial building’s historical features in order to maintain its authenticity. It takes a skilled team of craftsmen to appropriately recreate and repair the historical architectural aspects.
Custom Commercial Building Restoration with VPC Builders
As you can see, commercial building restoration is no simple task. It takes a team of experienced builders to make an old building work and shine like new.
If you’re preparing to restore an old facility to its former glory, contact your local custom builders. VPC Builders is North Carolina’s premier team for commercial building restoration.
To learn how we can help guide the process of commercial building restoration for your next big project, contact VPC Builders today.