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Painting, decorating and home improvement tips blog

Stepping back in time

Posted by Adrian
September 17th, 2023

Stepping back in time

Stepping back in time, kind of. I revisited this 17th century property again recently to paint the exterior again, which I did back in 2014. Both the woodwork and the masonry had weathered well considering the property is exposed on all sides
Some filling was needed to repair some minor rot on a couple of windows, the masonry has lasted well, but as it is so exposed to the elements it had faded, and there was some mould and lichen growth.
This was treated and removed before apply two coats of masonry paint. The windows were then painted, pipework and plinth. Once completed it bought the property back up to scratch and to its former glory and now almost glows when the sun is on it that can be seen as you drive along neighbouring roads.
So now this property will look good, and be protected from the elements for at least eight more years.

Side of house with ladders leaning against it

Ladders over porch

Side porch and extension

Completed front of house side angle

Finished side wall painted

Side porch

Side of house with ladders leaning against it part painted wall

rear of house

Completed front of house side angle

Side of house and pergola

Completed front of house

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Some recent Painting and Decorating work

Posted by Adrian
December 21st, 2020

Below are some photos of recently completed work. They include a home office, and two lounges.

A Bedroom/office

A collection of images: Flower pattern wallpaper with green background
This Home office is in a listed building, hence the exposed beams. It was a challenge to wallpaper as there are no straight walls or corners. The ceiling was painted in brilliant white emulsion,the window, sill and door frame was painted in white satinwood. I was very pleased with the end result, as was the client.

Lounge

Brick effect wallpaper
In this lounge the client wanted to change the appearance of two plain walls, this brick effect wallpaper was chosen and is very effective and lifelike. Only the wallpapering was done for this client. An effective way to dramatically change plain walls.

Lounge

Feature wallpaper
In this lounge I wallpapered two walls, either side of a firebreast in the alcoves, and also the opposite wall. Both above a dado rail. A good way to give the room a new look without the expense of major decorating.

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Listed buildings

Posted by Adrian
January 28th, 2016

Listed buildings

I thought I would write a post about listed buildings as I am about to start working on one. Owning a listed building is slightly different than owning a non listed building in as much as what you can and can not do.

If you have a building that is listed it will be on the Statutory List of Buildings of Special Architectural or Historic Interest, being listed doesn’t only apply to property but also parks, wreck sites and monuments etc.

Screenshot of Historic England website

Grades of listed buildings

There are three grades of listings I, II* and II.

  • Grade I: These are buildings of exceptional special interest. There is only a small number of listings with this status.
  • Grade II*: These are high quality buildings and on the most part are unaltered, and often with an interior of special interest.
  • Grade II: This is the biggest group consisting of around 95% of buildings.

So if you own a listed building it is more likely to be a Grade II listed.

Working on a listed building

When working on a listed building it is best to check with your local council what you can and can not do to your property, don’t just go ahead with works think it will be ok as it could be costly and you may have to redo the works in line the the local Planning Department. Listed buildings can not be modified without first obtaining listed building consent through the relevant local planning authority.

When working on any listed building any alterations or decoration should be undertaken sympathetically to its original state and or surrounding area.

You should always stick to the guidelines and to what has been agreed with the local council, if not you may be required to change what has been done at your cost.

Local authorities can if required serve a repair notice if they fell the property isn’t being preserved well enough and maintaining it well. If one of these notices are served, it will explain what is required to be done and a timeframe to complete works. If this notice isn’t complied with the local authority could submit a compulsory purchase order to the Secretary of State.

Owning a listed building

If you own a listed building you should do some research about the property, contact the local council planning department and find out as much about your property as you can, find out what you can and can not do without permission. You can find out some information about the listed building on the Historic England website.

When making alterations or simply routine upkeep of your property you may have to employ specialists, such as a thatcher for you roof. You may have to source materials that were used originally on your property, such as slate, or you may need to use lime render rather than standard render.

All of these things need to be thought about and budgeted for when buying and maintaining a listed property.

The important thing to remember is if you are unsure, seek advice. It is always better to be safer than sorry.

Some useful links

Below are some useful links you may find of interest and helpful.

17th century house

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