Expert Advice
Sleeping Beauty awakens: A decade ago, 84 Plymouth Grove in Manchester was in the doldrums, with damp, dry rot and an uncertain future. Now, the former home of 19th-century novelist, Elizabeth Gaskell, is being coaxed back to life by local campaigners.
Period walls need sensitive renovation because of their age and method of construction, says Roger Hunt, in his problem-solving guide. Plus advice on the warning signs to look out for.
Period buildings expert Marianne Suhr admires the quality and pleasingly irregular finish of cleft oak tiles used to construct the roof of an eco-friendly music studio.
Period building expert Marianne Suhr examines the various types of period-style and eco friendly roofing available and the difference between shingles and shakes.
If you are considering a large-scale renovation to your home that will require working with a construction company, you should research this type of coverage and make sure that the builder that you choose has it.
Out on the tiles Make an old roof your high priority, says Roger Hunt, who gives practical advice on spotting potential problems and how to get them fixed.
Old buildings expert Roger Hunt highlights the main things you should look out for to keep your roof and roof structure as sound as possible and avoid leaks and further structural damage.
Eco wisdom Period buildings expert Marianne Suhr discovers how innovative wood by-products make superb insulation when incorporated into new walls.
Maximising insulation properties or ‘U’ value of your building is crucial, but choosing natural alternatives lessens the environmental impact. Period buildings expert Marianne Suhr offers a quick guide to choosing eco insulation.
Home contents cover may be one of the most important things you ever decide to invest in. After all, without it, you may end up in a situation where you lose most of the things you worked hard to buy, with no chance of getting them all back.
Out of control trees and shrubs, cracked drains, leaking rainwater goods, missing roof tiles; these are just some of the things that may lead to structural problems in older buildings. Roger Hunt offers his advice on how to identify and repair subsidence and other structural issues in period properties.
Creeping cracks, corrosion spots and damaged masonry can all be symptoms of underlying problems that need fixing. Roger Hunt offers his advice on how to identify structural problems with your property.
A perfect fit Period buildings expert Marianne Suhr watches the arrival and construction of a new Douglas fir timber frame for a garden music studio, made to order.
Period buildings expert Marianne Suhr offers her advice on how to commission a timber frame building and how to obtain planning permission for construction of a timber frame kit.
Sacred art of stone Covered up for over 100 years, the ancient Cosmati Pavement at Westminster Abbey is on show again after a major restoration, discovers Caroline Wheater.
Situated in Westminster Abbey, London, the Cosmati Pavement is an intricate mosaic tile floor that dates from the 13th century. One of only three such pavements in Britain, here are a few facts about this rare piece of history.
Watertight plan It’s easy to forget the essential role gutters and drains play in collecting rainwater. Regular checks and repair will keep your home dry and avoid damp, says Roger Hunt.
Period homes can fall prey to damp due to aged guttering and rainwater management systems, but regular checks and repair will keep your home dry. Here are the warning signs to help you find damp in your home.
Striking a chord Period buildings expert Marianne Suhr looks in on a new project to transform a 1940s wooden hut in a cottage garden into a timber-framed music studio. Plus find out more about the rules on converting garden structures.
Old buildings expert Marianne Suhr offers her advise on how to go about choosing a house designer or architect for your renovation or conversion project.
This advertisement feature from MoneySupermarket.com looks into the different home insurances on offer when renovating your home.
The story continues with phase two of the restoration of 84 Plymouth Grove, the historic home of 19th century writer Elizabeth Gaskell. The Manchester Historic Buildings Trust applies for a Heritage Lottery grant.
Boundary mark: Fencing adds a finishing touch as old buildings expert Marianne Suhr discovers when she installs salvaged railings at her own 16th-century cottage.
Old buildings expert Marianne Suhr offers her advice on installing iron railings around a period property. Plus advice on how to make reclaimed metal railings safe for re-use.
Love your house: An annual ‘MOT’ on your period property will save you money in the long run, advises Roger Hunt as he begins a new series on old house maintenance.
Postcard pretty: Kent’s landscape, from downland to woods, allowed a variety of architectural styles to flourish, says Roger Hunt, many of which are on show in Elham.
Done and dusted It has taken two years to transform Watts Barn into a home, using the latest know-how. Old buildings expert Marianne Suhr admires the results of the completed barn conversion.
Building a picture In a corner of Essex is Dedham, captured on canvas by John Constable. Roger Hunt describes the architectural skills that are integral to its period properties, including limewashed Georgian facades in earthy hues.
Old buildings expert Marianne Suhr checks renovation progress at Watts Barn to find out whether any problems or 'snags' have arisen and how they’ve been solved.
Old buildings expert Marianne Suhr provides a list of all the things you should check before signing off on your renovation project. Plus advice on how to make sure that you are insured against defects with a watertight building contract.
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