My ceiling has water-damaged plaster. Can you fix this?

Yes. Renaissance Restoration will assess the extent of damage and develop a plan of action for restoration. We’ll also work with you and other trades to be sure the substrate and area are free of moisture before we begin our work — there’s no reason for you to pay for your plaster repair if the source of the problem will cause future damage. Renaissance Restoration will help you along the way.
 
I want to rewire my historic home, but my electrician said he needs to create channels in my walls. Renaissance Restoration can patch electrical channels and blend to your existing plaster. Once your new plaster is primed and painted, you won’t be able to tell that work has ever been done. Need more information or want a free quote? Contact us today for a free consultation.

I'm looking to make a special room stand out. What would you recommend?

Every room is unique, and Renaissance Restoration can look at your project and make recommendations for what can work with your space, your taste and your budget. From full ornamental ceilings to touches like medallions or Venetian plaster, we can provide recommendations and develop solutions that will make your room a masterpiece.
 
What's the difference between plaster crown moulding and wood crown moulding?

Plaster is the material used in higher-end homes because of its flexibility and durability. Plaster crown moulding is seamless, while wood moulding shows its joints. Plus, with plaster, any design or shape can be created on any surface, unlike wood. Need more information or want a free quote? Contact us for a free consultation.

Is plaster green?

Plaster is one of the greenest construction materials available. It’s made from gypsum, which comes from the earth. If you’re interested in building green, Renaissance Restoration is one of the few companies in Chicago with experience working with lime plaster, a system dating back to 4000 BC that will allow the structure to breathe moisture and accept carbon dioxide.

What kind of training do you have?

Renaissance Restoration's artisans average more than 15 years of experience. Each plasterer was trained classically for four years at the Chicago Plastering Institute. Many traveled the country leading historic restoration efforts at churches, state capitols, theaters and other prominent buildings. Need more information or want a free quote? Contact us for a free consultation.

Do you also paint?

No. The reason our work is such a high quality is because we do plaster and only plaster. We do, however, have relationships with painters and other trades, and we’d be happy to recommend another company who will meet your high expectations for your home. Need more information or want a free quote? Contact us for a free consultation.

What experience does Renaissance Restoration have with churches and theaters?

Renaissance Restoration has artisans who’ve participated in and run some of the largest and most complicated plaster restoration projects in the country. Our artisans have worked on: Presidents Church, Quincy MA; Iowa State Capitol, Des Moines, IA; Drake University, Des Moines, IA; Sheboygan Theatre, Sheboygan, WI; St. Mary’s Basilica, Natchez, MS; Oriental Theatre, Chicago, IL; and many more. Need more information or want a free quote? Contact us for a free consultation.

My ceiling looks like it's "pillowing" or I have cracks in my ceilings — can this be fixed?

Whether your ceiling is just starting to pillow or if sections have fallen completely, Renaissance Restoration can help. We’ll assess the problem, refasten the remaining ceiling to its joists with the appropriate materials, and install a full plaster system tailored to your needs. Your ceiling will look like new and last for decades to come. Need more information or want a free quote? Contact us today.

My brownstone facade is deteriorating. What can I do?

Renaissance Restoration restores and cleans all sorts of historical facades, including brownstones, greystones, limestone facades and others. It’s important to restore your facade with proper materials to ensure not only the beauty of your home, but also the longevity. Need more information or want a free quote? Contact us for a free consultation.

Why is plaster so much more expensive than drywall?

Plaster is more durable and flexible than drywall, and lasts much longer. In fact, drywall was designed as a temporary replacement for plaster, but its minimal cost made it a staple of low-cost building. Installed correctly, plaster systems will last substantially longer than drywall. Plus, you’ll get the benefits of better insulation, noise reduction, mold resistance and the flexibility to blend to existing designs, etc. If you’re thinking about replacing your plaster with drywall, please call Renaissance Restoration first for a consultation. Need more information or want a free quote? Contact us for a free consultation.

Another contractor gave me a bid, but what he's saying just doesn't seem right.

This happens a lot. Because so few people work with plaster, many contractors will work to solve a problem using different materials or simply state that your project can’t work as you’ve outlined. Renaissance Restoration can create virtually anything from plaster — from curved stairbacks to specialty fireplace mantels to custom sculptures. Even if you decide not to use Renaissance Restoration, if you want to maintain the original quality and beauty of your home, look beyond others who suggest drywall as an option. Need more information or want a free quote? Contact us for a free consultation.

Do you have any references?

Historically, Renaissance Restoration has been 100% referral. Bad news travels five times faster than good news, so we rely on our customers to be so happy with our work that they’ll share their experience. We're consistently rated highly amongst Angie’s List self-reporting customers, and we frequently receive inquiries from friends and neighbors of past customers. Take a look at what some of our clients have said about our work. Need more information or want a free quote? Contact us for a free consultation.

I've had many plaster contractors come out to look at my project, and they all tell me what I want can't be done. Why are you going to be any different?

We pride ourselves on solving problems and finding a way to implement your idea. Our artisans have managed some of the most difficult projects in the country. Need more information or want a free quote? Contact us for a free consultation.