Masonry
Before beginning any interior improvements, it is important that the building be as water tight as possible. For most masonry buildings, this means re-pointing exterior mortar joints and re-securing any loose or missing bricks or cement blocks.
In some cases, it may mean coating the exterior surface with a moisture barrier to prevent moisture from migrating into the structure causing damage to the plaster or drywall surfaces. Masonry restoration is expensive because it normally involves scaffolding and is very labor intensive but it is absolutely required to make a building watertight.
Because of its expense, masonry work tends to be more difficult to sell to a congregation because when it is completed, there isn’t very much to see. The same money spent on interior renovation yields grand and glorious results in new carpeting, upholstered pews, pendent lighting, stained glass windows, and sanctuary furnishings.
Still, it is important to remember that to undertake a complete successful renovation, the first step must be to insure that the structure is watertight and structurally sound.
By Stephen Ferrandi, Director, KLNB Regious Properties
Stephen Ferrandi is the Director of KLNB Religious Properties, a real estate firm serving religious clients in Maryland, D.C., Pennsylvania, and Virginia. He is one of the top experts in land development in the region. Mr. Ferrandi frequently contributes real estate related articles to both print and online publications.