How To: Find Restoration Materials and Contractors

Often when performing a restoration or a rehabilitation of an older property, you need unique or unusual materials that can’t be found off the shelf at Lowe’s or Home Depot. PHW’s research library contains pamphlets on some of these companies and products, but thanks to the internet, many of these can now be found online. Here is a quick overview of some places to look for more information on restoration materials and companies:

The Old House Journal has a Restoration Products Directory listing more than 2000 companies. They also have products broken down by categories for easy browsing.

Preservation Directory also has a section dedicated to Businesses, Products & Services. Not only does it include actual materials and contractors, but also to consultants for associated aspects of preservation like National Register nominations.

If you have access to the National Trust for Historic Preservation Forums, you may wish to search past topics for information and experiences with unusual materials.

Don’t forget our local architectural salvage business, Maggie’s Farm in Front Royal, VA.

The Virginia Department of Historic Resources has a consultant directory. DHR’s directory is not an approved or all-inclusive list, but a starting point for owners seeking professional help with their preservation project. Download as a PDF.

Finally, PHW has a contractor directory to local craftsmen who have specialties in historic preservation work, or even just small odd jobs around old houses. We are always accepting new craftsmen to be included in our directory; drop us an email at phwi@verizon.net to update your listing or submit one to us. You can download a blank consultant form here.

Do you have any other favorite sources to go to for restoration materials? Let us know!