Conveniently located among the historic states of New England, Colonial Restorations is an expert choice for structural restoration services. Our family business has been preserving the structural integrity of old historic homes and barns since 1981. We offer a wide range of services designed to breathe new life into commercial and residential historic properties, with a focus on historical preservation.
Don’t ignore the signs!
If you notice any of the following in your home, barn, or building, you should act soon:
- Cracks in walls
- Gaps between walls and ceilings
- Cracks in the foundation
- Cracks around door frames, windows, and corners
- Sagging floors
- Buckling or warping of floors and walls
- Uneven floors
- Visible shifts in the roofline
- Water damage and moisture issues
What To Do When You Notice Signs of Structural Damage
If you observe any signs of damage or are concerned about the structural integrity of your property, it’s crucial to act quickly in order to address issues of structural stability before they worsen over time. A professional can evaluate the extent of damage and make suggestions for the next course of action. It’s important to consult not just a general contractor but a specialist in historic or colonial restoration.
Catching structural damage early—and working with a team you can trust—can make a big difference in the outcome of your project. At Colonial Restorations, we take pride in helping homeowners restore and strengthen their homes with expert repair services designed to stand the test of time. Contact us or learn more from our FAQ.
Barn Restoration
Colonial Restorations specializes in restoring historic post and beam barns in New England, particularly those with hand-hewn timber frames. Over time, these barns often face sagging, leaning, or even collapse due to years of use and neglect.
Our restoration process begins with a barn evaluation to estimate repair costs. Common issues like leaning or sagging are usually signs of structural damage, often caused by deteriorating joinery or weakened beams. These issues need attention to prevent further damage. Restoring a barn’s original timber frame not only preserves its beauty but also adds value to your property.
Our barn restoration services include replacement timber frames, sills, beams, and joists, along with footings and vertical supports in the basement. We approach each project with care and expertise to ensure a successful restoration.
At Colonial Restorations, we bring nearly four decades of experience to every assessment we do. Brad Green, our owner, specializes in evaluating old homes and barns—looking beyond the surface to understand the structure from the inside out before any restoration work begins.
These evaluations are key. They help uncover hidden issues caused by age, weather, or wear—things that aren’t always visible at first glance. For those considering the purchase of a historic property, we always recommend a pre-purchase inspection. Most traditional home inspectors simply don’t have the experience to accurately assess structural integrity in these older buildings, but that’s exactly where we come in.
Old Home & Barn Evaluations
Sill Replacement
Sill beams are critical to the structure of old homes and barns, as they sit on the foundation and support the rest of the building. Over time, moisture damage from leaks, contact with the ground, or water infiltration around windows and doors can cause the sills to rot. This can lead to structural issues, often hidden from view, as damage typically starts on the outside of the sill.
We always recommend professional inspections of sill beams before undertaking any major renovations. Addressing sill damage early is crucial for the effective restoration of historic homes and barns.
Structural Inspections
It’s always a good idea for buyers of historic properties to get a professional structural inspection before purchasing. A structural inspection would help identify potential issues like rotted beams, timber frame damage, and sill replacement costs, which could affect the property’s value. A pre-purchase inspection is beneficial because by learning more from an expert on the property’s condition, it can lead to price adjustments, benefiting both buyers and sellers.
Structural problems in older homes often aren’t visible from the outside, and issues like wet rot or insect damage can go unnoticed. We offer detailed evaluations and fixed-cost estimates, providing peace of mind for potential homeowners. Our expertise ensures an accurate report on the condition of the structure, helping owners like you make informed decisions.
At Colonial Restorations, We’re the Top Structural Restoration Specialists in New England. Here’s What Our Clients Are Saying…
Mathew B.
“Our house was “one of the most interesting houses we’ve dealt with.” As with anything dealing with a 200 year old house, project creep was a very real thing, but Brad would present options and fair pricing if we wanted to go for the fix now and also talked us out of having more work done that wasn’t 100% necessary. I recommend Brad and Colonial Restorations.”
John G. | The Chelmsford Historical Society
“Colonial Restorations did an excellent job from start to finish. Working with the entire organization was a pleasure and an excellent experience. I would recommend Colonial Restorations to any of my associates. The Chelmsford Historical Society would like to thank Brad and his team for all their hard work in providing concise and accurate information and experience. And the last good thing is we came in under budget. Which is always a help to any non-profit.”
Work With a Restoration Team You Can Trust
At Colonial Restorations, we treat every home and historic structure with the same expert care we’d give our own. As a family-run business, our story began in 1981 with Brad’s father, Tom Green. In 2000, Brad joined him as a partner, continuing the tradition of craftsmanship and integrity that he built from the start.
Other than being an avid triathlon athlete and outdoor enthusiast, Brad has decades of experience restoring old historic structures. Brad is a lifelong student of the New England post and beam timber frame and is always learning something new and teaching others at conferences and seminars on the subject.
Contact us if you have questions or would like to start your structural restoration journey with Colonial Restorations.
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