Going well beyond the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation, this book shows how wood, stone, masonry, and metal were used in the past and what causes them to fail in old buildings. Not only is the technology of preservation explained, but also adaptive re-use is shown as a means to bring modern amenities to historic structures, whether through the use of modern building systems or application of the latest building codes.

Every likely challenge is addressed, including life safety and accessibility issues, seismic upgrades, and considerations of sustainability. All aspects of the exterior and interior building fabric is covered, including windows, roofing, doors, porches, and the electrical and mechanical systems for both residential and small scale commercial buildings.

Appropriate for those training as preservationists as well as interior designers, renovation managers, engineers, or anyone interested in how buildings are appropriately renovated and rehabilitated.