Columns

RSS

In Part 1 of this series, Sean Scott explores the fundamentals of historical building restoration, from defining what qualifies as a historic property to understanding obsolete materials, preservation standards, and structural challenges. 

With market uncertainty, workforce transitions, new technology, and customer service expectations evolving, here is how restoration companies are reshaping their operations in 2026.

The restoration industry lacks an industry-specific labor code, but OSHA’s Top 10 violations offer clear insights into the safety gaps restorers face every day. Here’s what each violation means for your teams and how you can use this data to improve compliance, reduce injuries, and protect your business. 

Restoration estimates often overlook the soft costs like insurance, bonds, and management fees. Here’s why these factors matter and how you can include them in Xactimate. 

Drones equipped with lidar, thermal imaging and AI Analytics will help revolutionize restoration workflows in 2026, helping improve safety, efficiency and decision making.

From extractors to chainsaws, restoration noise can cause permanent hearing loss, unless safety becomes habit.

Emerging science reveals that lingering fire smoke residues may pose health risks similar to thirdhand tobacco smoke.

Editor-in-Chief Kayla McGowan reflects on the value of our teams and why people, not tools, drive our success.

Take a dive into the layers of contractor safety, PPE standards and OSHA responsibilities every restorer should know.

From code compliance to cross-contamination, learn about the 12 most common mistakes in commercial kitchen restoration and how you can avoid them.