Nowadays reconstruction becomes a major issue for the housing facilities of the Russian Federation and it is caused by the critical condition of many buildings. Further postponement of restoration work may lead to the demolition of buildings. One of the main directions for solving this problem is the reconstruction. This article discussed the current condition of the housing facilities of the RF and identifies general features and tasks of the reconstruction. The author suggests ways of increasing the operational parameters and strengthening the load-bearing elements of buildings, in order to prolong their life cycle. The article also stresses three categories of buildings, depending on their age and the methods of their reconstruction. Analysis of the characteristic features of restoration work, for each category. And also the necessity of reconstruction of buildings, different periods of construction is justified