Restoration
Materials and techniques used are still available in the Chettinadu region that can be used for restoration. However, they are fast depleting and we are looking at ways and means towards skilling people on these techniques.
We address the complete restoration of the structure to its original architecture as close as possible. Our restoration works have taken anywhere between 6 weeks and 9 months depending on the shape and condition of the structure.
Most often than not, regular maintenance and cleaning would address most issues associated with the buildings. Negligence over a sustained period of time results in expensive and irreversible issues with the mansions.
Wooden elements are plenty in each of the mansions and their preservation is extremely important for the structure to look and last generations. This is something that we do regularly towards ensuring the structure’s strength.
Some of the key restoration activities performed include:
- Painting in accordance with traditional Chettinadu color scheme
- Complete termite treatment inside and outside the mansion
- Replacement of broken tiles and granites and restoring them to its original color, aesthetics and usage
- Addition of modern amenities like toilets, air conditioners, pools, power backup, CCTV, water supply, and drainage with concealed plumbing and electrification
- Restoration of wells or conversion of wells into artifacts
- Application of traditional lime wash for the entire building
- Restoration of furniture
Regular maintenance
We perform this as a half-yearly activity where we:
- Address the menace of termites
- Paint touchups
- Plumbing and electric works
- Closing of any holes and cracks in the structure
- Replacement and repair of meshes in the muttam
- Power backup batteries
- Cleaning of the entire premises – this would be done once a month
Termite treatment
Termites are the biggest concern in entire Chettinad and they cannot be avoided at any cost with the kind of structures that are there. Hence, it has to be proactively monitored and treated regularly to ensure the structural strength.
More often than not, people end up paying a fortune for this service, as it is charged on a square feet basis, which is not appropriate for Chettinad mansions. We do this as a piecemeal service where we address the damage proactively and do it at a cost that is easy on your pocket.
Housekeeping
This would be done on a monthly basis where the entire premises would be cleaned – both at the floor level and the ceiling level. We will ensure that all the electrical and plumbing points are operational and are in a state to occupy at all points in time.