Restoration construction work is vital to keeping commercial, historical, and institutional buildings safe, functional, and visually appealing, especially in areas like Milwaukee, where harsh weather and seasonal shifts can wear on concrete and masonry over time. While the restoration process can vary, understanding what affects the construction timeline can help property owners and facilities managers plan more effectively.
Starting with an Assessment
Every restoration construction project begins with a thorough inspection. This step gives a better understanding of the building’s condition and helps identify structural concerns, cosmetic damage, or safety issues. During this phase, masonry problems such as crumbling mortar joints, spalling brick, or uneven surfaces are documented. Similarly, concrete issues like surface cracking, scaling, or joint deterioration are evaluated. Whether a building needs tuckpointing or large-scale concrete restoration, the assessment drives the next steps forward.
Planning and Permits
After identifying any issues, the next stage is planning the scope of work and obtaining permits if needed. Timelines can vary depending on the structure type, project size, and whether the property is classified as historic. Older buildings, especially those with landmark status, often require extra documentation and adherence to preservation standards.
The greater Milwaukee area has many buildings with unique historical value, which can influence what materials are used and how work is performed. Factoring in additional approvals can add time, but they’re crucial for maintaining a building’s long-term value and safety.
Masonry and Concrete Restoration Work
The core of restoration construction involves hands-on repair. This could include replacing damaged bricks, repointing mortar joints, and reinforcing structural elements for masonry. For concrete, services often include patching damaged areas, resurfacing, and improving drainage or structural integrity. The time needed for this work depends on several factors—weather conditions, building height, accessibility, and material availability all come into play. For example, brick restoration on a three-story facade downtown takes longer than concrete crack repair in a low-traffic service area.
Each project is approached differently. A straightforward tuckpointing job might be completed in a few weeks, while concrete restoration across multiple floors or parking decks could take several months. Specialized equipment, safety measures, and material cure times are part of the reason timelines aren’t one-size-fits-all.
Working Around Occupied Buildings
Restoration construction projects often take place while the building is in use. For facilities managers, this adds another layer of planning. Working around staff, tenants, or operations requires careful coordination. Noise, dust, and access restrictions can be minimized, but they do require added time and sequencing. Projects may be broken into stages to limit disruption, which affects the overall schedule.
This is especially common in concrete restoration jobs where traffic flow or access to mechanical rooms needs to stay open. Similarly, masonry restoration on high-traffic facades might require working during off-peak hours or setting up temporary barriers.
How Historical Restoration Affects Timelines
Even minor decisions like mortar color or brick matching can take longer when working on a building with historical significance. These properties often require approval from local commissions or architectural consultants before changes are made. Materials may need to be custom-sourced, or traditional methods used, which impacts how quickly work can progress.
In Milwaukee’s older neighborhoods and business districts, maintaining architectural character is just as important as fixing the structure. Restoration construction, in these cases, is about striking a balance between modern solutions and preserving original design elements.
Getting a Clear Estimate for Your Property
If you’re managing a property in Milwaukee or the surrounding areas and want to know how long your building restoration project might take, reach out to Advanced Restoration. We’ll provide a detailed estimate based on your building’s condition and restoration needs.
From masonry restoration to concrete repair, we offer construction solutions built around real property challenges. Request a consultation today to discuss your restoration construction project. Let’s help protect and restore your building’s value with lasting results.
