Information for Contractors

Drawings of historic details, building codes and products

Elevations, plans, detail drawings and photos of historic design elements. Review preservation guidelines, find modern restoration products and identify architectural styles.

Building Products for Restoration

Sources for modern restoration building products engineered to meet current building codes and best practices for installation, with options for sustainable design and recycled products.

Organized by the standard CSI MasterFormat® divisions((Construction Specification Institute MasterFormat®)), from concrete to furniture, with special emphasis on methods and materials to repair existing historic buildings.

Restoration Guidelines, Building Codes and Preservation Board Regulations

Coming soon: Guidelines for preserving historic buildings from the U.S. Department of the Interior, U.S. Government Service Agency and other sources. Refer to prescriptive building codes and specifications about doors, stairs and the other major Elements of design. Create documentation for review by  prepare documents for review by local preservation boards.  

Architectural Elements

Use the top menu to access to all the major Elements that help to define architectural styles including Fireplaces, Stairways, entrance Doors, interior doors and Window openings. See Finishes and materials for ceiling, wall and floor treatments, and Furnishings including light fixtures, furniture and modern conveniences.

Architectural Styles

View examples of architectural Styles that match your project and find Elements that fit the style.  Explore early Colonial settlements, and the Colonial Revival houses in many parts of the country, to mid-century modern and contemporary architectural designs.

See drawings and details of historic details created by master craftspeople in the previous centuries to remodel your building.

Use the top menu at any time to access architectural Styles and historic Locations in the United States.