[MassHistPres] historic preservation contractors

[Skelly, Christopher (SEC)]

Lauren, as I mentioned, I remain concerned about this methodology you have chosen.  It sounds like you are assuming that there is an increased cost to a historic preservation approach compared to a replacement approach.  As I understand it, you would like to know what the increased cost differential is between repairing a wood window and installing a presumably lower cost replacement window.  Yet, every project/building is different and each project must be evaluated based on the specific conditions present.  Hard figures would not take into account the specific condition of an existing window, whether it needs major or minor repair, the quality of the replacement window, how long the replacement window will last, the possibility of future repairs and so on.  The same could be said for a variety of other projects such as replacing a slate roof with asphalt shingles.  Again, this methodology would not consider the specific conditions present on the slate roof and whether simpler slate roof repairs, handled by a knowledgeable person, would be better and of lower cost. Chris.

Christopher C. Skelly
Director of Local Government Programs
Massachusetts Historical Commission
Christopher.Skelly at state.ma.us<mailto:Christopher.Skelly at state.ma.us>

________________________________
From: masshistpres-bounces at cs.umb.edu [masshistpres-bounces at cs.umb.edu] on behalf of Lauren Gaherty [Lgaherty at berkshireplanning.org]
Sent: Wednesday, April 08, 2015 3:37 PM
To: masshistpres at cs.umb.edu
Subject: [MassHistPres] historic preservation contractors

Dear Colleagues  -

Berkshire Regional Planning Commission is investigating the feasibility of establishing a revolving loan fund for historic preservation projects in Western Massachusetts area.  The target audience for this loan program is private homeowners and small businesses who own historic properties and who have little or no programs to aid them.  We are trying to understand the increased costs to maintaining/repairing wood siding, windows, building trim, etc., as well as other factors that owners consider when contemplating exterior improvements.  We have not found any previous studies that have documented costs increases.  We have called and emailed several contractors to gain their perspectives on this issue, but have received no call backs.

If you know of a contractor that you believe has the knowledge we’re looking for AND would spend 15-20 minutes on the phone with us, please forward their contract information to me.  We are also looking for case studies to highlight in our report, so if you know of a few small-medium sized preservation projects that you think would make good case studies, we’d be very interested in hearing from you and/or the contractor.

Thank you in advance for any information you may have.

Lauren Gaherty, Senior Planner
Berkshire Regional Planning Commission
1 Fenn Street, Suite 201
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Mon. – Thurs. 8:00 – 5:30
(P) 413-442-1521, ext. 35
(F) 413-442-1523

The Secretary of the Commonwealth has determined that most e-mails to and from public offices are public records.  Consequently, confidentiality should not be expected.


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