Whether you’re an avid history enthusiast or someone who simply appreciates the beautiful architecture of yesteryear, restoring a period property is one of the most satisfying things you can do as a homeowner.
Of course, carrying out extensive renovations that pay respect to the style, materials and craftsmanship of a specific period in time is easier said than done – but it is possible. Here at City Crafts, our team of highly trained and experienced plasterers are well versed in the art of restoring plaster mouldings, ceiling roses, cornices and coving to their former glory. To make your life that little bit easier, we’ve rounded up three key things to consider when restoring a period property in the UK.
1. Understand the Difference Between Restoring and Rehabilitating
One of the most important things to consider when renovating a period property is whether you want to rehabilitate or restore it. While the two terms are relatively similar, there are some core differences to be aware of. As the name implies, rehabilitating involves making the property functional for life in today’s world while preserving its notable historical features.
A true restoration, on the other hand, means the entire home should be more or less identical to how it was when it originally built. Strict restorations are rare because living without modern conveniences (plumbing, heating, window glazing and so on) is not very appealing. Think about how faithful you want to stay to the original property and plan accordingly.
2. Find the Right Tradespeople for the Job
It’s vital that you find the right tradespeople when restoring a period property because the work involved is usually more nuanced and challenging than a regular project. Ideally, you should look for tradespeople who specialise in restoration work and have a proven track record of working with older homes. Don’t be afraid to ask for references and visit projects they’ve worked on in the past.
As the leading provider of plaster restoration services in Central Scotland, you can rely on City Crafts to finish the job to a high level of quality. Whether you’re repairing damaged coving or installing new ceiling roses that are faithful to the architecture of the time, you can rest assured that your property will be in caring hands from beginning to end.
3. Check Building Restrictions
Last but not least, it’s a good idea to check if your property is listed long before you start work. A listed building is one that is deemed to hold significant historical value and may be subjected to various building restrictions. Depending on how your property is graded, you might need to apply for special building consent that may influence your approach to the restoration project.
Want to learn more about how the team at City Crafts can help restore the plaster work in your period property? Have a chat with our friendly staff. Call City Crafts on 0131 477 2075 or complete our City Crafts Enquiry Form on our contact page.