Edwardian Restoration

[Anonymous]

Does anyone have any experience of restoring Edwardian property? We are buying a house built in 1901 which although having been converted into 2 flats in the late 70s, generally remains pretty un touched aside from a partition inside the front door and the stairs being boxed in.
There are the usual damp problems and some "insect infestation" which we have to check on, as well as the small matter of a roof, which may or may not need total replacement. Anyway.. I'm rambling.. but any stories about this period's restoration would be gratefully received. Have just found this website - isn't it great?
Many thanks

 

[Anonymous]

Well - have a look at the Victorian Society website.
The usual damp - well, it's not always the case that older properties are damp, and your timber infestation may have departed long ago.

Don't be tempted to get someone along to test for damp with a damp meter, tell you you need a new chemical injection damp proof course, waterproof plaster etc etc, as in all probability you already have a damp proof course - and damp may not really be a problem.

Consider a SPAB Homeowner's weekend course - for all period building owners, they don't have to have a really ancient property, and very worthwhile.



http://www.victorian-society.org.uk

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks very much for this. The course looks great. Will certainly check that out. Such a relief to see that there is such a 'can do' attitude on this website after the tutting, head shaking and sharp intakes of breath we've had from our 'new home owning' friends!
Much appreciated.

 

[Anonymous]

I'd also recommend that you buy the Victorian Society 'Book of the Victorian House'.

Don't let your friends with (boring) new houses put you off! Period homes are much nicer!

 

[Anonymous]

You may well find that the damp (if, indeed, there is any) will disappear once the house is occupied and heated. If not, follow the advice you will find in abundance if you do a site search here for "damp" - it's a regular question.
If you're pushed for time, here are some of the standard solutions:
Check the outside ground levels; if they're too high, lower them.
Check the air-bricks, which should be clear of debris so that they can ventilate the under-floor areas.
Check all gutters to make sure that they're not leaking.
Check that the house is well-ventilated, because condensation can cause many of the symptoms of damp.

Then relax and enjoy the house.

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks very much for this. We are now booked in with our lovely builder (who is down to earth and a nice guy which always helps!) to go and look at the roof and various bits, on Thursday morning. We have also had a great chat with a timber specialist who has told us how to test for insect infestation which is always useful!
Feel so much better since I found this website!

 

[Anonymous]

Well - being down to earth doesn'rt always mean a builder has knowledge of how to treat old buildings - he may, but he may not!

 

[Anonymous]

No. Very good point. It is however nice to have someone on hand who you know at stressful moments such as this one!

I am fully aware that we may have to give the job to a specialist rather than him but he does hate working for people who rip out and renew old houses so that has to be a good sign - and certainly wouldn't have gone along with the 'chuck on the bonfire' routine of a previsous weeks "Restored to Glory' nightmare... I know.. I know.. don't mention that programme....!

 

[Anonymous]

He sounds OK then!
Have a look at Gervase's pics via his profile link - the best of the series so far!

 

[Anonymous]

Our house dates from at least 1907, possibly earlier. It too was converted to flats and badly treated. But the basic construction is simple, and nearly everything that needs doing is within the scope of careful and considered DIY. Most of the original features have gone, and it has been a real pleasure to put back picture rails, strip off years of badly applied paint and deal with the inevitable outcrops of rotten timber. Don't be put off! Enjoy the history of the property, start with some minor projects and build up your knowledge and confidence. Above all, read around before tackling anything, and never listen to (most) builders!