ABOUTTraditional Craftsman
The craftsmen at Colonial Barn Restoration Inc. are timber frame artisans. Not only are we experienced at typical mortise and tenon joinery but also more elaborate scarf joints and other challenging joinery. It can be easy to cut the joinery required to raise a typical timber frame but more of a challenge to replace a rotten timber in an already standing frame.
When timber engineering is required, we often work with Robert (Ben) Brungraber. (http://www.bensonwood.com/company/press/ben.html) Ben has an enormous amount of experience at timber calculations and consults us on species of wood, sizing, joinery, and contemporary fasteners when needed to satisfy modern building codes.
Whenever possible, we try to make all of our repairs with traditional mortise and tenon joinery. However, where mortise and tenon joinery is not possible or if a joint would be much stronger if we incorporated some steel fasteners, we try to keep the fasteners out of sight.
We understand that traditional timber framing is labor intensive and repairs with traditional joinery are not within every client’s budget. We are not such purists that we are against using simple steel brackets to make a repair economically. Sometimes the most important part of a project is saving the structure from collapse in the least expensive manner.
Since we started the company we have replaced miles of sill beams where softwood timber comes in contact with the stone foundation. To prevent this from reoccurring, we often isolate the sill from stone with pressure treated lumber.
Antique barns in New England are an ideal connection to our agrarian roots, yet numerous classic barns collapse every year. Colonial Barn Restoration Inc. helps people save their old barns for generations to come.
Restoring an antique barn or converting it to living space can be an outstanding investment in your property. Having the work done by a barn specialist who understands architectural standards of traditional craftsmanship ensures the work is done right.
Restoring or converting an antique barn is an amazing project. Shoring up hand-hewn timbers, framing, and joists crafted hundreds of years ago can turn a collapsing liability into an antique museum. Whether it’s a simple sill replacement, a new home office, or a complete barn/home conversion, we have the experience to get the job done right.
We meet with clients and establish a project plan. We oversee all aspects of the job and have established relationships with architects, engineers and various sub-contractors to save money and assure quality with every aspect of the project.
Converting a barn to living space involves many unique challenges. We often work side by side with other general contractors to fill the gaps in their construction experience.
Each project is unique, and we always work closely with clients to determine the best course of action.
Our specialties are viewable throughout our featured projects.
