At BUILD 26, Walls & Ceilings Editor John Wyatt spoke with Jason and Yamila Bertoniere of Jason Bertoniere Inc. to discuss one of the company's most notable restoration projects—a historic home featured in the film The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.

The project represents much more than a simple renovation. Located near the iconic Commander's Palace in one of New Orleans' most historic neighborhoods, the property carries significant architectural and cultural value. According to the Bertonieres, the homeowner spent nearly a year and a half researching local contractors before selecting their company to restore the residence.

"The homeowner did extensive research," Yamila Bertoniere explained. "She followed our work on social media, watched our projects throughout the area, and wanted to make sure she chose the right team to bring this beautiful older home back to its original beauty."

Historic Restoration

Jason and Yamila Bertoniere of Jason Bertoniere Inc. discuss their ongoing restoration of a historic New Orleans residence featured in "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button". The project involves extensive plaster restoration, careful phased construction, and modern techniques designed to preserve the home's original character. The discussion also highlights growing restoration opportunities across New Orleans and the importance of protecting the city's architectural heritage for future generations.

When Jason Bertoniere first visited the property, the homeowner was considering whether to hire a general contractor or work directly with a specialty contractor. After evaluating the home, Bertoniere was confident his team could manage the restoration.

The primary challenge involved extensive plaster and paint delamination, a common issue in historic homes. Bertoniere explained that many houses built in the late 1800s were never designed for modern HVAC systems. As climate-controlled environments create constant pressure changes, older plaster systems often develop cracks, peeling, and separation from the substrate.

To address these issues, the team developed a meticulous restoration process. The work begins with protecting floors and surrounding surfaces before removing all peeling, blistering, and loose material. A bonding primer is then applied, followed by extensive fiberglass mesh reinforcement and multiple skim coats using both premixed and setting-type joint compounds.

"We're typically applying three or four coats," Bertoniere said. "There's sanding between coats, additional priming, and careful detailing around reveals and trim. It's a process that requires patience and precision."

Environmental conditions add another layer of complexity. South Louisiana's humidity can dramatically slow drying times, forcing crews to rely on dehumidifiers, airflow management, and careful scheduling to keep projects moving efficiently.

The restoration, which began in October, is expected to continue for many months. The project is being completed in phases to minimize disruption for the homeowners and their family. By focusing on room completion, the team can finish individual spaces and return them to service while work continues elsewhere in the house.

Beyond this landmark project, Jason Bertoniere Inc. is seeing growing demand throughout New Orleans. The company reports increased opportunities in both residential restoration and commercial redevelopment projects across the Lower Garden District, Warehouse District, and French Quarter.

The interview also highlighted Yamila Bertoniere's recent recognition in Walls & Ceilings' “Women Who Build” feature, where she was profiled among influential women helping shape the construction industry.

For the Bertonieres, projects like the Benjamin Button home represent the intersection of craftsmanship, preservation, and community history. By combining modern restoration techniques with a deep understanding of historic construction methods, they are helping preserve some of New Orleans' most treasured properties for future generations.