Directory of Contractors and Service Providers*
Old houses and other like structures have demands of their own, as do the landscapes and gardens that hold them. Owners need solutions to preservation and restoration problems as well as help with vigilant and ongoing maintenance.
For success, products, services and professional service providers must match with their specialized needs. The challenge is that today's building materials, construction methods, and technology are generally different from those of the past. Contemporary home building sources, large or small, often don't offer resources or solutions appropriate to older houses.
With problem-solving in mind, the OHS offers a list of service providers and craftspeople. mostly from Central Illinois, who work with older structures. If you know of a service provider that you'd like to see added to our list just e-mail your suggestion to the OHS coordinater, Ryburn Ryburn. at coordinator@oldhousesociety.org and we'll try to include them (after we check with them). That way we can pool our knowledge for the benefit of all.
| Additions/ Rennovations |
Electrical | Flooring | Glass | Heating/ Cooling |
Landscaping/ Lawn Care |
Masonry |
| Painting | Plastering/ Succo |
Roofing | Refinishing | Tiles | Woodwork | Misc. |
- Conklin Custom Builders (309) 661-1916, Lance Conklin
Period sensitive additions to existing buildings. Environmentally friendly new construction, concrete & energy efficient. - Jones & Dressler Builders (309) 663-7010 Paul Jones & Steve Dressler
Restoration. Additions to existing structures. - Parker Builders Inc. (309) 828-4880; Mobile (309) 275-0657
Steve Parker, owner
Services include room additions, remodeling bathrooms and kitchens, roofing, decks, interior carpentry. In the remodeling business since 1978.
- Roehm Renovations (309) 663-1909, Eric Roehm
Restorations & design-appropriate additions to existing structures. - Ropps Diversified (309) 275-6600 Jon Ropp
Restores old farm buildings, barns, corn cribs and other out buildings. Projects and products too numerous to mention. - John Shea Custom Renovations, Inc (309) 664-6117, John Shea
Remodeling & renovation since 1973. Experienced crew. Like unusual and challenging projects. Period or contemporary. Most work in McLean County. - Sullivan Construction (309) 242-3805, Arthur "Bud" Sullivan
Experienced general contractor specializing in historic restoration and renovation. - Trillium Dell Timberworks (309) 289-7921, Rick Collins
Construct or repair any timber frame buildings such as barns and carriage houses. - Trunk Bay reDesign Moble: 309-275-9371 or Office: 309-661-9229
3807 G E Road, Suite #3 Bloomington Il, 61704
Building or remodling of historic homes. - Brad Williams (309) 828-1506
General contractor with many years experience in all aspects of restoration work. - Chuck Wright, Jr (309) 826-6916
Many years experience as general contractor specializing in all aspects of older homes, frame to masonry.
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- Emmett-Scharf Electric Co. (309) 664-1111
Extensive experience with older structures. Re-wiring existing structures. Wiring new additions. - Kirk Repair Services (309) 452-5248
Re-wiring & repair. Antique lighting, fans, and small appliances. - Martin Wyckoff & Associates (309) 452-7284
Historic research & consultation. Repair books. De-acidify paper. Lamp repairs and rewiring. - Soy City Antique Lamps (217) 429-6717 or (217) 433-3591
Monte Calhoun, owner - Decatur, IL
Specializing in antique lamps and fixtures of all types - kerosene, electric, gas, whale oil, etc. Old and new shades, chimneys, burners and accessories. Professional restoration: rewiring, polishing, and shade repair.
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- Allred Floor Service (309) 263-7138
Wood floor installation, maintenance, sanding, refinishing. Minor repair. In business since 1957. - Carlson's Barnwood Co. (309) 522-5550
Remilled wood plank flooring & heavy antique timbers. - Integrity (720) 581-1575 or (309) 981-0875, Reid Miller, Owner/Operator (redmiller53@yahoo.com)
6380 N. 3725 E. Road, Belliflower, IL 61724
Hardwood flooring and woodworking. NWFA certified installer, sander / finisher - Ken Menestrina (309) 726-1247
Wooden floors. Sanding, refinishing, minor repairs. Installation.
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- A Touch of Glass (309) 454-4666, Terry Garbe
Stained glass repair, etching, beveling. Design & construction for window replacement. - Bob Fink (309) 444-3732
Cutting and shaping antique glass. Small jobs such as cabinet doors or single windows. No large jobs. - Reggie Hankins
Stained glass windows built to order. Repairs. - Stained Glass Designs (309) 829-6833
533 N. Main, Bloomington, IL 61701
Custom stained glass, retail sales of supplies and finished products
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- C & E Mechanicals (309) 828-1422, Carl Edlund, owner
Works on old hot water heating systems, including boilers and radiators. - Maas Radiator (309) 829-6915
Heating system radiators evaluated for pressure & leakage. - Wm. Masters, Inc (309) 662-8481
Heating, electrical, air-conditioning, plumbing. Experience with old mechanical systems. - Meister Mechanical Services (309) 472-3900, Mike Meister
Heating, air conditioning, geothermal. Refrigeration. Specialty and custom work. Can solve difficult problems. Experience with old mechanical systems including hot water heat. Residential or commercial. Third generation family business. Single crew, more than 35 years experience.
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- Central Illinois Arborist (309) 467-5508, Randy Thorndyke
Certified Arborists. Complete tree evaluation and service. - Eco-Lawn (309) 451-1441 Clark Abraham
Natural lawn care. No synthetic chemicals. The safest choice for your family. - Terry Everett (309) 527-4492; (309) 310-3397
Certified Arborist. Care & maintenance of old and valuable trees. Consultations. Complete tree service. - McLean County Master Gardeners (309) 663-8306
Information on plant care & selection for central Illinois. - Old House Gardens (734) 995-1486, Scott Kunst
Informative web site. Midwest business with catalogue sales. Specialist in heirloom bulbs. Public programs across the country. - Spence Farm (815) 692-3336
Family farm settled in 1830. Supplier of native Illinois trees and plants, both woodland and prairie. Education programs and tours of rural Illinois heritage.
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- E.J. Garneau Construction (309) 664-5684
Masons. Brick and stone. - Olde Tyme Masonry (309) 825-3005
Specializing in fireplaces and chimney repair but can do any masonry work. - Slayback Masonry & Tuckpointing (309) 212-6496, Ron Slayback owner
410 E. North St, Heyworth, Il 61745
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- Arbogast Paint Analysis (319) 351-4601, David Arbogast
Architectural conservator specializing in paint analysis. - Bellis and Bolek (309) 827-4889 Kevin Bellis & Dave Bolek
Painters, exterior and interior. Sponge, rag wiping. No wallpaper. Not afraid of heights. - The Color People (800) 541-7174, James Martin
Architectural color consultants. A mail based service for homeowners, historic districts, and commercial buildings, old or new. - David Draper (309) 275-4799 or (309) 828-7110.
Signmaker. Can restore painted house numbers or designs on glass such as transom windows or entry doors. Gold leaf. Stencils for decorative painting. Exterior signs painted on buildings. - Mike Finley (309) 828-6468
Painting, exterior and interior. - Historic House Colors - Exterior Color & House Paint Consulting (734) 668-0298, Robert Schweitzer
Identifying architectural styles of your home as well as exterior colors, paint or stain. Rob has taught architectural history and historic preservation for over 25 years. His work has been featured in This Old House magazine, among many others. Wide range of example projects on website. - Doug Jenkins Painting & Decorating (309) 531-2908
Painting, exterior & interior. Faux finishing. Wallcovering installation & sales. Interior design. - Richard Schaad Architectural Art (309) 827-7552 or (309) 530-4416.
Highly skilled decorative painting.
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- Irish, Inc (217) 947-2322, Jim Irish
Historically correct restoration including masonry, plaster, millwork, windows.
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- Calhoon Roofing Systems & Architectural Metals (309) 242-8041, Gary Calhoon
Roofing: tile, slate, metal. Copper gutters, finials. Other restoration services for existing buildings. - Kreiling Roofing (309) 673-3649
1616 SW Washington St., Peoria, IL 61602
Residential and commercial roofing, including tile - Dale McCumsey (309) 928-3920 or (309) 826-4395
Roofer. Historic roofs, houses and barns. Slate, tile, metal, standing seam. Gutter repair. Specializing in older structures. - Mortenson Roofing Co., Inc. Toll Free: 888-773-7306 Cell 773-447-6382
9505 Corsair Road, Frankfort, IL 60423
Slate, sheet metal and tile roofs
Website: www.mortensonroofing.com - Renaissance Roofing, Inc (800) 699-5695
Large selection of clay tile and slate roof materials; also restorations and repairs; salvaged roofing materials.
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- A-1 Restoration (309) 473-3434, Bob Wills
Refinishing architectural elements such as doors, casements, molding. Minor repair. - Al Bar-Wilmette Platers (800) 300-6762
Door, window, & cabinet hardware restoration & refinishing. Lighting fixtures, plumbing hardware, fireplace hardware refinishing. - Associated Sandblasting Systems (309) 827-8805
Grates, registers & other metal components refinished. Bathtubs re-surfaced. - Mary McGuire, (309) 726-1009 or (309) 275-9280
Stripping and refinishing furniture, stairways, banisters, fireplaces, windows, doors and trim.
22869 N. 1600 East Road, Hudson, IL 61748
- Midwest Chemicals (800) 270-0777
Lockport, IL company specializing in refinishing claw foot bathtubs and pedestal sinks with baked-on porcelain enamel. - Miracle Method (309)657-2252 Todd Smith
Refinishes bathtubs, tile, showers, sinks and countertops. - Powder Coatings Unlimited (309) 820-1444
Metal refinishing; rust & paint stripping. Iron fencing, grates, heat registers, other metal building components. Pick-up for large items.
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- Bayston Ceramic Tile / Hardwood & Remodeling (309) 268-9366; Mobile (309) 275-9942
Fred Bayston, Normal, IL - David W. Beich Restoration, Inc. (309) 827-8640, David Beich
9 Harwood Place, Bloomington, IL 61701
Antique ceramic and porcelain tiles.
- Bailey Hardwood & Millwork (217) 529-6800, Tom Bailey
Custom & historical moldings, stairways & parts, fireplaces. Cut-to-order trim & other molding from choice of 800 knives. - Birkey & Associates (309) 261-1749 Andy Birkey
Restoration master carpenters. Commercial & other large projects. - Keefe Custom Woodwork (309)728-2824
RR1, Box 53, Towanda, IL 61776
Maker of custom woodwork, has over 350 knives for molding, casing and baseboard. Builds doors, cabinets, and even Stickley style of Craftsman furniture. - Jim Ferrell Custom Woodworking (309) 962-7076 or (309) 824-9663.
Custom cabinetry including historic reproductions. Finish carpentry. Familiar with unusual woods. - Miller-Whiteside Woodworking (309) 829-5025, Kent Whiteside
Cabinetry. Period style design & replication. Can build about anything in wood. Will do repairs but is a low priority. Most work done for existing homes, cabinets, furniture. All work done in shop, only install on-site. - Post & Beam (309) 726-2662, James King
Period custom cabinetry & home furnishings 17th- through mid 19th-Century. Historically accurate reproductions. Named Top 200 Traditional Craftsman by Early American Life magazine. - Prairie Woodworks (309) 378-2418, Ron Skidmore and Steve Stenger
Cabinetry; replication, & built-to-custom-specification designs. - Jack Ruch, Inc (309) 663-6595 or (309) 824-0293
Architectural moldings & trim run to order. Manufacture reproduction handrails, corners blocks, stair treads, wood molding, wainscoting, paneling, fireplace mantels, surrounds & other. - The Village Craftsman (217) 578-3834, Ronnie Schlabach
Specialty woodwork; moldings & trims. Replication. Replacement. Small jobs done here.
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- ATC Insulators (309) 383-2161, Jim McGath
Foam and cellulose insulation. - Bill's Key and Lock Shop (309) 454-1713 (Normal); (309) 827-5522 (Bloomington) Andy or William Streenz. Two locations.
Locks cleaned & repaired. New keys. - Gronemeier Concrete Cutting (309) 829-7991, Dave Gronemeier
Concrete cutting and removal. - Bill Kaufmann (309) 963-4906
Blacksmith. Metal fabrication & repair. Founder Illinois Valley Blacksmiths Association.
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* The Old House Society does not recommend these services and service providers nor warranty their skills or work. The final responsibility for hiring a competent and reliable professional rests with the owner. The responsibility for evaluation, final choice, and oversight of the project is the homeowner's. Do your homework including issues of insurance, licensing, and bonding. For more information about working with professionals look at Caring For Your Old House published by the National Trust for Historic Preservation and available in the OHS library.