ABOUT US
Restoration Resources has been restoring and preserving 18th and early 19th-century buildings since 1975. Our team, with over 160 combined years of experience, provides restoration and historic preservation services for any structure, from barn or backhouse to stately colonial or small cape.
We're based in Midcoast Maine. Our education and consulting services, including historic house inspections, are available throughout Maine. In addition, our preservation specialists have the knowledge and passion for restoring your building, no matter the scope.
We take great pride in providing value in our work and look forward to helping restore and preserve the wonder of your home, old barn, outbuildings, and more.
Our Philosophy -
At Restoration Resources, we take a unique approach to restoring old buildings. As a result, we may spend time talking you out of spending money while still fulfilling your dreams. While our work is done with an eye toward preserving the character, integrity, and safety of period structures, we often advise clients to make only minimal changes and attend to any structural needs before restoring historical details or features. This respectful and patient approach ensures that planning is well-considered, and your resources are not wasted.
We are dedicated to quality craftsmanship. Our skilled and sophisticated crews thrive on solving the unique problems posed by historic construction techniques and the workings of time and weather. We attend to detail, soundness, and accuracy, from barn rafters to intricate moldings.
Restoration Resources values a living approach - integrating period buildings and contemporary occupants. We care about the family homes, personal connections, cultural buildings, and historic architecture that characterizes Maine.
Our Mission -
At Restoration Resources, we take a unique approach to restoring old buildings. As a result, we may spend time talking you out of spending money while still fulfilling your dreams. While our work is done with an eye toward preserving the character, integrity, and safety of period structures, we often advise clients to make only minimal changes and attend to any structural needs before restoring historical details or features. This respectful and patient approach ensures that planning is well-considered, and your resources are not wasted.
When you work with our craftspeople, you get expertise and values you can trust:
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Craftsmanship: We take pride in the quality of our work, which is always done to the highest appropriate standard.
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Respect: Preserving historic structures requires an informed and patient approach.
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Detail: We believe every historic structure is unique and requires careful attention to preserve its integrity and beauty.
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Collaboration: We work closely with our clients to ensure that each project succeeds.
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Community: We value the interplay that historic structures have with their environments, and we strive to preserve that sense of continuity through our work.
Our Founder
Les Fossel, the founder of Restoration Resources, has been working on old buildings since 1975. He has worked on a wide range of structures, including colonial homes, barns, and community buildings. Les is a respected speaker and writer on the subject of old house restoration and has been featured in various publications and media outlets. He has a deep appreciation for the history and character of old buildings and brings his passion for preservation to every project.
How We Do Business
At Restoration Resources, we understand that starting a restoration project can be daunting. That's why we've developed a clear and transparent process to guide you through the project from start to finish. Our team is fully insured as our subcontractors. Here's a rough overview of the steps involved:
Consultations
Les Fossel meets with customers to explore the most appropriate ways to meet their needs and preserve their building.
Permits
We'll obtain the necessary permits to ensure the project meets local regulations and codes.
Job Start
Once we start, we diligently work to ensure your project is completed on time and to your satisfaction. We bill every two weeks, so you are frequently updated on job progress.
Estimates
Next we give you a general idea of the costs involved based our site visit, and your priorities.
Drawings
If necessary, we'll create floor plans, elevations and detailed sketches to ensure we're all on the same page.
Communication
We are constantly in touch with our clients throughout a project so assure that we meet their needs.
Informed Decision
We provide a detailed estimate for the project, including the materials, costs, timelines, and permits, so you can make an informed decision.
Contract
Our team will provide a formal proposal for your signature that ensures a legal and fair agreement as well as a 20% deposit before starting work.
Trust Our Team!
We guarantee ours and our subcontractors work permanently against any defects of workmanship or materials and will make repairs without charge.
GETTING STARTED
Step 1: Write down your questions, your concerns, your plans and your dreams. Be sure everyone involved in your project is consulted and agrees on your priorities.
Step 2: Call or email to schedule a house inspection or arrange to see our facilities, which include our office, library, cabinet shop and barns.
Please get in touch with us early since we generally have a backlog of work. We always find time for emergency conditions - we treat clients as we would like to be treated.
We always encourage our prospective clients to meet and speak with previous clients and see completed projects. The photographs throughout our website demonstrate our work. We adhere to the U.S. Secretary of Interior’s standards for work on historic buildings.
We're excited to help you bring your old house back to life!
