CT Trust Series

by Jay Bright, AIA
published in the July/August 1998 issue of the AIA Connecticut News

The Connecticut Trust for Historic Preservation organized a series of presentations on "What To Do When you Don't Know What to Do With Your Historic or Just Plain Old House" in March and April. John Leeke, a preservation consultant, teacher, passionate record keeping contractor, and writer of magazine articles and several detailed guides presented our 4-day program of morning talk; hand-outs and slides on various subjects; long-term maintenance planning; quick, inexpensive emergency repairs, and contractor selection and standards. Afternoons were filled with construction site visits to see restoration techniques on wood, plaster and iron actually being done. There were also discussions of detailed investigation and general project planning, either do-it- yourself or using a contractor, restoration architect or engineer.
"Leeke's presentation was a blend of practical advice and Zen-style long views, such as "Ask why seven times". He advised respect for tradesmen and experts who finally answer "I don't know." The selection of the "right" product is a small part of a successful project: correct analysis, timely intervention and testing, treatments and knowledgeable workmen count for far more. 100% success is rare in solving chronic old building problems, so good maintenance becomes an honor- able, even exciting key to saving and improving old structures. He stressed understanding the "big picture" through good investigation, even if it takes money away from satisfying projects like painting the whole place. Flexibility in making bud- gets is recommended: there are times when years of stabilization or spot touch ups are all that can be done so that money will be available for correcting major problems. After tasks are identified, spread sheets can organize data and develop a picture of long-term expenses.

Committed to good results, John has developed a method of testing by several contractors in which 3' x 3' samples (e.g., alternative paint removal methods, epoxy systems and stone repair) are prepared. After sufficient weathering, often a year or more, he advocates doing a 10’ wide, full-height sample so that the contractor will know what is really involved in doing the whole building. Unlike the usual solutions where an owner trusts a contractor to do the work properly, or a consultant to tell bidders in advance exactly what must be done, this process develops information and contractor knowledge which results in better performance of the work. It also weeds out incompetence and low-ball bids.

This series represented a significant educational effort towards making owners and architects knowledgeable enough about their own structures to deal intelligently with contractors. Although I was surprised how few architects attended, I am pleased that the Trust is planning to have John Leeks return for future programs.

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