What We Do / Historic Restoration
Historic building restoration in Boston
ProFix Solution Corp restores older and historic properties across Boston and Greater Boston, repairing and preserving original fabric rather than replacing it. Documented work includes restoration of Boyden Hall at Bridgewater State University, Salem’s Old Town Hall, and Dunstable’s Old Union School.
Understand the building and the material worth keeping.
What this service covers
- Assessment of original fabric: what can be repaired, what truly needs replacement
- Wood restoration: cornices, trim, scrollwork, windows, and architectural details
- Masonry repointing and exterior envelope repairs in restoration scopes
- Restoration grade painting and finishing
- Documented methods and progress for owners, boards, and commissions
A good fit when
The property’s character is the point: a historic home, a civic or institutional building, or a property under preservation review where methods and materials must be defensible.
Cost and timing factors
Access, material condition, repair extent and approvals shape the scope. After a walkthrough, we confirm the work, price and schedule in writing.
See the work in context on our Boyden Hall restoration.
Before we look closer
What owners ask
before they call.
Begin with what you want to keep. Explore the questions that matter to your building, then tell us about the details you would like us to look at.
What is historic restoration?
Historic restoration starts with what makes a building worth keeping: its original woodwork, windows, doors and architectural details. We look at the material and its condition, then discuss what can be retained, repaired or carefully matched. Tell us which details matter most to you so they can guide the scope.
Can original woodwork be saved?
Assess the original piece before deciding to replace it. A worn finish and damaged timber need different kinds of attention, and the condition determines what can be repaired. Show the damaged area, a wider view and an intact example of any detail that needs matching. Previous repair records are useful too.
Should I restore or replace original windows?
Consider restoration first when the original window is repairable. Weatherstripping and a suitable storm window can improve the thermal performance of an existing wooden window while keeping its original details. Replacement makes sense when the condition calls for it. Original windows are part of a designated property’s character, so check proposed changes with the relevant preservation office.
National Park Service guidance on historic wooden windowsHow long does a restoration project take?
It depends on three things: scope (a single cupola versus a full facade), access (scaffolding, lifts, occupied buildings), and approvals. Historic commission review can add time before work starts. A focused exterior restoration is a different programme from a full building envelope. The honest answer comes from a walkthrough. Scope and schedule are stated in writing before work begins.
How much does historic restoration cost?
There is no honest generic number. Cost is driven by access, the condition of the original fabric, how much can be repaired versus replaced, and any required approvals. What you should expect from any contractor is a written estimate tied to a defined scope after a walkthrough. That is how ProFix works: we inspect, then state scope and price in writing before work begins.
What permits or approvals are required?
The requirements depend on the property and the proposed changes. Start with the local building and preservation offices, particularly if the building is designated or in a historic district. Share any existing reports, drawings or approval requirements with your enquiry so they can be considered before the scope is agreed.
Boston Landmarks Commission guidanceDoes restoration increase property value?
Retaining original details may be an important part of what you value in the building, but a restoration proposal cannot guarantee a resale increase. Begin with the result you want: preserving character, improving everyday use or addressing recurring damage. Those priorities give the assessment a clearer purpose.
Why hire a restoration specialist instead of a general contractor?
Original material needs someone who can assess its condition, understand the detail and explain the repair choices. When comparing contractors, ask to see relevant work and how they would retain or match the features you want to keep. A clear proposal should describe the materials, methods and responsibilities for your particular building.
Proof, not promises
Boyden Hall, Salem Old Town Hall, and Old Union School.
Restoring a property built before 1978? Tell us the age of your building when you enquire. A team member has completed Lead Safe Renovator Supervisor training.