Renovation reveals hidden damage in historic building restoration

November 06, 2024 | Muscatine County, Iowa


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Renovation reveals hidden damage in historic building restoration
During a recent government meeting, officials discussed ongoing renovations to a century-old building, highlighting the complexities and unexpected challenges of the project. The conversation centered on the approval of additional funding for repairs, with a consensus that work would not proceed without official written notice.

Mike, an engineer involved in the project, initially recommended approving $75,100 for the work completed, but after thorough review, it was determined that the total cost would exceed that amount. Concerns were raised about the materials used, particularly regarding the replacement of rafter tails, which were not treated to withstand moisture-related rot. However, the team acknowledged that the waterproofing methods employed were superior to previous installations.

The officials expressed frustration over the hidden conditions that emerged as layers of the building were stripped away, revealing extensive deterioration that could not have been anticipated. They noted that the building's unique design and age contributed to the difficulties in assessing its condition prior to renovations.

Despite the challenges, the team expressed satisfaction with the workmanship and solutions proposed by the contractors, although they acknowledged the costs associated with the repairs. The timeline for project completion was also discussed, with expectations set for the end of November for masonry work, while roofing repairs may extend into the new year.

As the project progresses, officials are closely monitoring the budget, particularly concerning unforeseen repairs that have arisen during the renovation process. They emphasized the importance of addressing issues as they are discovered to ensure the longevity of the building, which is expected to last another century with proper maintenance.

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