When doing construction on historic buildings, you'll want to be as authentic as possible, using good-quality historic preservation equipment and materials. Often, this means hiring a historic preservation architect or other specialist, or using reproduction or salvaged building parts.

Although historical building preservation may seem to be a greatly specialized area of construction and renovation, there are plenty of businesses out there providing appropriate expertise or materials. Before you consult one, however, consider the following:

1. Will reproduction historic preservation materials suit the project?

2. Would the client prefer authentic, salvaged materials for architectural historic preservation?

3. Will you require the services of a historic preservation architect or other expert?

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Buy new architectural historic preservation materials

Reproduction materials for preserving historic buildings are available from a number of excellent sources. Whether you need old-style plumbing or newly made stained glass windows, you're sure to find a source carrying the perfect item for your project.

I recommend: A&B Historic Preservation Materials carries such items as crown molding, baseboards, casing, combination setups of casing and back moldings, perfect for historic building preservation. Historic Houseparts has a large supply of preservation materials, including hardware, kitchen and bathroom parts, doors, mantels, woodwork, leaded glass, tin and iron pieces, painting and cleaning products and much, much more.

Seek out salvaged historic preservation materials and supplies

Although the variety of items may be more limited, it's hard to get more authentic period materials than those salvaged from run-down or soon-to-be-destroyed historic buildings. Some historic preservation architecture salvage suppliers only service certain regional areas; you can find them in your local phone directory. Otherwise, seek a salvage business willing to ship the items you need.

I recommend: Caravati's Inc. is a supplier of architectural salvage, including doors, tile, brick and roofing materials. Aurora Mills Architectural sells salvaged bath fixtures, doors, lighting, garden decor and more. Architectural Salvage, WD Inc. sells such items as cabinet knobs, mantels, gates and stained glass windows.

Find historic building restoration specialists

Even the best historic restoration contractors can't be specialists at everything a historic building may need. So when it comes time to work on tricky facets of historical building restoration, such as plastering or authentic remodeling, be sure to look for a pro who knows historic architecture.

I recommend: PreservationDirectory.com will help you find the perfect historic preservation architecture firms for your preservation needs. Historic House Colors helps clients select appropriate interior and exterior colors for their historic buildings. Preservation Plastering repairs, restores and preserves historic plastering.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  If you're looking for historic preservation architecture, seek out realtors who specialize in old buildings. You need a real estate agent who knows the ins and outs of getting the best types of loans and inspectors for your purchase.