Buildings of historical significance or which were owned by historical persons are sometimes required to be restored to a particular time in their history. The building itself may provide guidance for such restoration or historical material is encountered during the work. In these cases, it is sometimes necessary for the preservation contractor to work with professional conservators or architectural historians so that the work is faithfully done and no significant historic fabric should be destroyed.
Cutting a rafter end for the octagonal roof framing. Note the half round eaves trough floating nearby, used for rough tests of President Thomas Jefferson's gutter system.
