[MassHistPres] Referrals for contractors

[James Hadley]

Has anyone out there ever heard of using consultants to direct the work of 
contractors? This discussion displays an attitude central to the problems of 
maintaining preservation quality.
Please Note - first you develop a first class analysis of the problem; then 
you develop a thoughtful solution to the problem; following these crucial 
steps, then and only then, do you call in a contractor. Perhaps the 
writer(s) already have plans and specifications prepared, but I can't 
believe they would be casting around for good contractors had they done so.
PreservatiONMASS maintains a list of qualified consultants. These people/ 
firms are advocates for the owner and client; they develop estimates based 
on the scope of the project and the budget for the work, and advise on 
qualified contractors to do the work.
Our hiscom finds itself continually cleaning up proposals from contractors 
hired by local groups to do work funded by the CPA in Town. In general no 
research has been done prior to preparing a cost for work, leading to either 
cost overruns, damage to historic fabric or conficts with building codes. 
(Yes, all of these have come up in our reviews.)
James Hadley AIA, BSA.  President, Orleans Historical Society; Chair, 
Orleans Historical Commission.
----- Original Message ----- 
From: <Bufffive at aol.com>
To: <masshistpres at cs.umb.edu>
Sent: Sunday, April 22, 2007 4:49 PM
Subject: [MassHistPres] Referrals for contractors


> We have recently in Wellesley had a request for a referral  for 
> contractors
> that are sensitive to historical buildings. I am wondering  if any of you 
> have
> a list? We've been going back and forth in our Commission  about the pros 
> and
> cons of having this type of thing and are wondering how  other communities
> handle this.. We worry about sounding like we are recommending  someone. I 
> know
> Preservation Mass has one but am not sure how they were obtained  or how
> extensive it is.
>
> Thanks,
>
> Linda Buffum
>
> Chairman
> Wellesley Historical  Commission
>
>
>
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