Historic Restoration & Millwork in Jefferson, LA
We serve Jefferson as part of our broader work in home restoring in New Orleans and nearby communities. Many buildings in this area were built long before modern systems and materials. They need a careful approach. Our work starts with understanding how the building was made and how it should keep working today.
Residential Historic Restoration in Jefferson
Many homes in Jefferson were built using methods that are no longer common today. These houses were designed to handle heat, rain, and time. We work on single-family homes, raised cottages, older brick homes, and early suburban houses that need skilled restoration.
A common issue we see is damage to the exterior envelope. Water gets in through siding, trim, windows, or roof lines. Over time, this can affect framing and interior finishes. We also restore historic details like wood siding, porch elements, windows, doors, and interior trim. These features are often removed or covered during past repairs, even though they can be repaired.
Structural integrity is another concern. Older homes settle. Materials move. Our work focuses on steady, practical fixes that respect the original build.
Commercial Restoration & Build-Outs in Jefferson
Jefferson has a growing mix of restaurants, cafés, offices, and hospitality spaces that operate out of older buildings. These spaces need to function for staff and customers while keeping their historic feel. We work on small commercial properties where the building itself is part of the experience.
Our commercial restoration work balances original character with daily use. Kitchens, service areas, and public spaces must meet current code and handle heavy traffic. At the same time, original walls, ceilings, and wood details deserve care.
Durability matters in these spaces. Materials must hold up in heat and humidity. Long-term maintenance is always part of the plan, not an afterthought. We also have experience working in buildings that remain open during construction. That means clear planning, clean job sites, and respect for the people using the space every day.
Custom Millwork for Historic Properties in Jefferson
Custom millwork plays a major role in historic renovation in Jefferson. It is not decoration. It is part of how a building works and how it looks. Older homes and commercial buildings were built with details made by hand or with early tools. Those details give each space its identity.
We design and build custom millwork to match original profiles and proportions. This includes interior trim, exterior trim, windows, doors, built-ins, and architectural details that are no longer available off the shelf. Each piece is made to fit the building, not forced to fit it.
Millwork is often needed when original elements are damaged beyond repair or were removed during earlier renovations. Our goal is to recreate details that feel like they belong. The work should blend in, not stand out.
Local Conditions That Shape Our Work
Jefferson’s climate affects every building. Heat, humidity, heavy rain, and storm seasons all take a toll. Water management is one of the biggest challenges we see. Cracked caulk, exposed fasteners, and failing trim allow water to move where it should not.
Seasonal demand also matters. Many property owners plan work around storm season or business cycles. Clear planning and realistic timelines help projects move forward without rushing repairs that need care.
Neighborhoods With History in Jefferson
Old Jefferson
Old Jefferson sits close to the Mississippi River and has a mix of historic homes and long-standing local businesses. Flooding and moisture are common challenges here. Many houses need careful exterior repairs and drainage planning. We focus on keeping materials breathable and assemblies working as intended.
Jefferson Heights and Surrounding Areas
This area includes homes from different periods, often with original wood details still in place. Past repairs sometimes caused more harm than good. Our work here often involves undoing improper fixes and restoring balance to the structure.
Near the Levee and River Road
Buildings near the river face heavy moisture, sun exposure, and shifting ground. These conditions affect foundations, siding, and trim. Preservation-focused repairs help reduce long-term damage while keeping the building’s original form.
What People Say about us
What's new in the industry
How to Choose the Right Millwork Style for Your Interior Design
Choosing the right millwork style is one of the most important design decisions you can make when shaping an interior. Custom millwork doesn’t just support functionality—it defines the character of a space. From subtle architectural details to statement-making built-ins, the right woodwork can elevate your interior and tie every design
Benefits of Custom Millwork vs. Stock Millwork
When planning a renovation or new build, the details matter just as much as the structure itself. One of the most important choices you’ll face is whether to use custom millwork or stock millwork. While both options serve a purpose, the differences between them can significantly impact the quality, functionality,
How Custom Millwork Adds Value to Historic New Orleans Properties
Historic homes in New Orleans are more than buildings—they are pieces of living history. From Creole cottages to grand townhouses, these properties carry architectural details that give them lasting character and cultural significance. Preserving that identity while meeting modern living standards requires thoughtful craftsmanship, and that’s where custom millwork plays
What Is Custom Millwork and Why It Elevates Your Space
Custom details are what transform a well-built structure into a truly memorable space. At Franklin Construction and Design, thoughtful design and precision craftsmanship come together to create interiors that feel intentional, refined, and timeless. One of the most impactful ways to achieve this level of quality is through custom millwork.
Popular Historic Window Styles in New Orleans Homes
In New Orleans, historic homes are celebrated for their character, charm, and cultural value. Among the most defining features of these homes are their windows. More than just functional openings for light and air, they reflect the craftsmanship, architecture, and traditions of the city’s past. At Franklin Construction & Design,
How to Protect Historic Windows During Hurricane Season
In New Orleans, the arrival of hurricane season is always a reminder of how vulnerable our homes can be to high winds, flying debris, and heavy rainfall. For owners of historic homes, this risk is even more significant. Original wooden windows not only hold architectural value but are also key