Listed
below are some of the most common ways he can
help. These options may be more cost effective
than you may think.
Advice over the phone of
via e-mail
With this option, digital photographs are typically
emailed to John so he can visually relate to your
project challenges and see them in context. A
picture is worth a thousand words, and many pictures
are worth even more. He then answers your questions
and advises you over the phone and/or via email.
Masonry materials (pieces of stone, brick mortar
etc.) are usually shipped to him so he can see
them, feel them and observe their physical properties.
This gives him the knowledge necessary to competently
recommend the most appropriate course of action.
On site, in person advice
Under certain circumstances, there is no substitute
for John being on site in order to observe things
that are beyond the capabilities of photography.
Under these circumstances, he comes to your site
and advises you. While there, he can evaluate
the overall masonry (conditions assessment) on
your structure and advise you regarding what needs
to be done, and how it ought to be done. If needed,
John can also extract the original masonry materials
he may need in order to recommend an appropriate
mortar recipe, or other repairs etc.
On site working advisor
You may already be working with a local architect
or contractor who you feel comfortable with. If
you want them to have the additional perspective
and experience of a hands-on historic masonry
expert, this is the best option for you. John
comes to your work site and works along side your
local architect and/or contractor for the purpose
of training and educating. This ‘team approach’
assures you that your project gets off to the
right start from the beginning, by making sure
those actually doing the work are, a) using the
most appropriate and best materials, b) using
the best and most efficient methods and procedures
to do the work, and c) informed regarding the
quality expectations for the rest of your project.
Writing or reviewing written
specifications
Perhaps you need a written plan of action on how
the masonry on your project should be restored.
This helps in standardizing the materials, methods
and quality criteria so those you invite to bid
on your project, are all bidding ‘apples to
apples’. If you already have prepared basic
written specifications, and simply want them fine
tuned and reviewed by an experienced historic masonry
restoration expert, John will be happy to assist
you. |
