Historic Structure Reports (HSR) provides a valuable foundation for the rehabilitation, restoration, stabilization or reconstruction of a historic building. They are particularly important if the proposed work involves fabricating significant missing architectural or landscape features and removing later additions among other goals and objectives. An HSR provides a clear description of the building's architectural history, its original appearance and documents the changes that have occurred over time. In addition, it provides guidance to an owner as to how to approach a scope of work utilizing the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties.

Typical chapters in an HSR include an Introduction or Executive Summary, a Brief History of the Property, Construction History, an Architectural Evaluation, an Existing Conditions Assessment and a Maintenance Requirements and the proposed Scope of Work chapter. Other chapters may included an Archeology, Bibliography, Reference and Appendices sections. Drawings and photographs are a significant component of the document.