Preservation projects are nothing like new construction since there are unknowns. Because they are normally bid just like new construction, the surprises that arise later make preservation projects more expensive. Too often risk mitigation on restoration projects means increasing the budget 50% or more. This isn't necessary. By reserving the first month of the project for on-the-scaffold investigations by the conservators with the key members of each team of tradesmen, optimal details can be developed and any training needed to show tradesmen new skills can occur before contractors finalize their bids for the project.
