About Architectural Conservation

 
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High costs of utilizing historic buildings are often the result of deferred maintenance and inappropriate interventions. Research plays an important role in Architectural Conservation, as a full understanding of the resource is needed to apply the standard conservation approach of minimum intervention. One must utilize as much of the existing building as is feasible; limit interventions to those required for its survival; and, avoid those that could contribute to or increase its rate of deterioration. Intervention costs are reduced by minimizing change and ensuring that only necessary work is done, while meeting program needs and protecting character-defining elements.

Since December, 2006 Architectural Conservation Services has been offering consultant services from its Halifax, Nova Scotia base. The work has included restoration of historic masonry; preparation of historic structures reports and maintenance plans for designated historic buildings; writing master conservation specifications, providing functional direction for specific projects including compliance with Canadian Conservation Standards/Guidelines, good conservation practice and prioritizing work; and, providing designs and/or construction inspections for interventions to designated historic buildings.