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Technical Advice

The Commission offers free technical assistance to property owners in the city who wish to restore or rehabilitate their properties. Property owners may call on the Commission staff for a consultation on any rehabilitation issue that affects the architectural integrity of their buildings. The staff encourages this kind of informal consultation prior to the submission of applications for hearings before the Historical Commission or one of the neighborhood conservation district commissions.

Additional information can be downloaded here:

• Paint color consultations and book -- expert advice about historically appropriate exterior paint colors
• Window Guidelines
• Links for Sustainability and Weatherization Tips for Historic Buildings
• Use of Synthetics in Cambridge Historic Districts (slide show) and statement of practice in Cambridge
• Preservation Grant programs -- for low to moderate income-eligible home owners and non-profit organizations

WHAT ARE THE BEST WAYS TO MAINTAIN MY OLDER HOUSE?
The Historical Commission recommends its publication Maintaining Your Old House in Cambridge, which includes discussion of repairs and maintenance of houses from the early 1800's to the mid-20th century. The book is available for $10.00 at the Commission office. We may also be able to direct you to other helpful publications on specific maintenance and restoration issues. Download order form here.

HOW CAN I RESTORE MISSING DECORATIVE ELEMENTS OF MY BUILDING?
The Historical Commission architectural inventory files may contain an old photograph of your building, which would assist your research of the missing details. If there are no old photographs available, there may be clues on the building itself which would help Commission staff members make suggestions about what would be appropriate. We recommend that you make an appointment for research of our photograph collections or a free staff consultation on site.