How does one find a builder who does period work?

[Maisiedays]

Hello All,
Many of our projects we have planned we will be doing ourselves however, a few things we are going to need help with. Every time we have someone who, "works on period cottages" come in they start talking about using modern materials and it's untrue that stone breathes, etc.
is there a register of period builders somewhere that I'm missing, or is this more of a hit and miss thing and I just need to keep trying?
Thank you in advance

 

[plasticpigeon]

There are lists on the SPAB site, but I've had no luck with "restoration" tradespeople I've had over. Not so much a problem with materials, but a big problem with poor knowledge and very poor standard of work. I really think the best idea is to find someone who is good, ie, can lay bricks straight and set out well, plaster without bulges and gouges and understands what a plane surface is etc, and ask them to use materials of your choice, and to build to your design. There is no substitute for being informed, so you can direct things as much as possible. Another thing i have learned is not to feel bad asking people to stop. I wish I had thrown the first builders I had off the job, but didn't out of a sense of fair play and as I thought it would upset my girlfriend. In the long run all it had meant is that I paid a few thousand pounds for jobs I will do again myself.

 

[TheForge]

Word of mouth and recommendation will usually trump any adverts in terms of quality or value. Just because a company advertise in publications usually just means they have a big advertising budget to pass on to their customers.

If you give an indication roughly where you are (county, nearest town etc) some people may be able to suggest personal recommendations.

 

[Zebra]

Totally agree with plasticpigeon. For my exterior render for example, I decided what product to use, found out all the specs and technical information, and only needed someone's trowel skills. This may or may not be a universal truth, merely the way it worked out for me, but I found that young tradespeople (in their twenties, say) were willing to do what I asked for, and not tell me how they've always done it. Or perhaps they were just easier for me to boss about, being a woman in my (early) forties! Of course this approach has led to mistakes, for which I take full responsibility.
I am rather wary when someone says they've "worked on hundreds of old houses". That doesn't tell you what they did to them, and even the conservation architect accredited by the AABC was going to have me install an injected dpc, so I ignored him.
Becoming your own expert is the way to go, with lots of help from on here, of course.
Which tasks is it that you are thinking of getting someone in for?

 

[Maisiedays]

Great advice, all around, once again.
Zebra, we are looking at some roof repairs. It's the one area I just can't bring myself to do, or consent to have my husband do. I'm pretty sure it's because I saw my neighbour fall off his 2nd story roof when I was 5. Something you never forget, unfortunately.
I think that's the best way to do it. Get someone who is good. Know as much as I can and just use their skills and my materials.
For some reason, I was so overwhelmed with everything this never occurred to me? Oh well, at least I know where to go for help.
Thanks again.

 

[plasticpigeon]

Feltwell put up pictures of his roof repairs that looked absolutely excellent.

 

[jocelyn plummer]

Keep an eye out for building work going in your local area, and make a note of the standard of work as well as noting the Builder's names /contact numbers on their vehicles . Some builders will be happy to tell you where they have worked or even have a portfolio of their jobs. Good Luck!

 

[88v8]

In our previous house I used to climb all over our roof, made my own wooden cat ladder. Here, being thatched, I only climb to the chimneys.
It's just one of those things one needs to do. Yes, it can be dangerous, like riding a bike, driving a car, going upstairs, wearing trousers.
Get thee behind me, Health n Safety.

Best not let roofers know you can't/won't climb on the roof, that gives carte blanche to bodge things.

Ivor