Bid Opportunity – Leavitt Institute Exterior Restoration/Repairs

Bids arenow being sought for exterior repairs/restoration of portions of the Leavitt Institute Building at 98 Matthews Way in Turner.  The general scope of work covers the wood shingles, building columns, railings and trim.  Work is to be completed by October 1, 2026.

Specific tasks are as follows:

1.Wood Shingle Preparation & Repair

• • Gentle Cleaning: No high-pressure power washing. All surfaces shall be cleaned using low-pressure (under 500 PSI) or hand-scrubbing with a mild detergent to remove biological growth without damaging 130-year-old wood fibers.
  • Lead Safety: Contractor must be EPA RRP (Lead-Safe) certified and follow all containment and disposal protocols for pre-1978 structures.
  • Shingle Replacement:
    • Identify and replace all split, rotted, or missing shingles.
    • Replacement shingles matching the original type of wood, dimensions and exposure.
  • Painting:
    • Scraping: Hand-scrape loose paint.
    • Priming: 100% of bare wood must be primed with a high-quality, oil-based primer.
    • Finish: Apply two coats of [brand to be determined] exterior paint. Colors to match historical colors.

2. Column Replacement (The Core Work)

• • Shoring: Contractor is responsible for temporary structural shoring to support the porch/roof during column removal.
  • Columns: Replace existing columns sized and shaped to historic accuracy
    • Option A (Historic Accuracy): Custom-turned solid or stave-built wood columns.
    • Option B (Low Maintenance): Architectural-grade fiberglass/composite replicas with the exact same taper and necking profile as the 1896 originals.
  • Base Supports: Replace column bases with rot-resistant plinths (ventilated bases are preferred to prevent future moisture trap).
  • Trim: Match the existing decorative necking and base moulding exactly.

3. Windows, Doors, Soffits, Rails

• • Trim: Repair or replace damaged wood including soffits, casing and sills around doors and windows. Use “Dutchman” repairs for minor rot; full replacement with matching profiles for severe rot.
  •  Windows, Doors, Soffits, Rails (continued)
  • Stair Rails: Install three (3) extruded aluminum structural grade, code-compliant handrails (both ends and middle) including support mounting pad/blocking. Design must be sympathetic to the 1896 aesthetic.
  • Porch Railings: Install two (2) porch railings, extruded aluminum commercial grade, code-compliant railings. As with stair rails, must match the historic railings.

4. Terms for “Hidden” Discoveries

• • Discovery Clause: Should the contractor encounter structural rot in the sills or framing upon removal of columns or trim, work must stop. The contractor will provide a documented “Change Order” with a price for the additional repair.
  • Hidden Work: Any work not specified in this SOW requires written approval before proceeding.

There will be a non-mandatory pre-bid conference at 10:00 a..m. on Wednesday, June 17, at the Leavitt Institute Building, during which the specific scope of work will be reviewed.  Bids are due no later than 12:00 Noon on Monday, June 29, 2026, at the Turner Town Office, 11 Turner Center Road, Turner, ME 04282, or may be emailed to kurt.schaub@turnermaine.com by the deadline.