If you’re lucky enough to live in a listed building, you are probably aware your home comes with a unique set of responsibilities. If your grasp of the details is a little hazy, however, it’s important you refresh your knowledge in order to avoid falling foul of the law.
There are many thousands of listed buildings in the UK, the vast majority of which are Grade II. The older an historic building is, the more likely it is to be listed. For example, all buildings that pre-date 1700 are listed, as are the majority of those built in the period from 1700 to 1800.
Common Problems in Listed Buildings
Most listed buildings are very old, meaning they are likely to need a considerable amount of upkeep compared to newer properties. Historic England has some very useful information on the some of the most common types of work required on older buildings. Obviously, some work is unavoidable, but you might have to use traditional materials or techniques, meaning the cost could be more than you might expect.
Many listed buildings will have already had considerable work carried out on their roofs in the past, but this is an area that might require further attention in the future. It’s vital any repairs or re-roofing projects carried out are done sympathetically, so you will need to find a reputable and reliable roofing repair company in Worcester, or wherever your property is located. Firms such as http://www.lwroofing.co.uk/ are experienced and can provide advice on roofing repairs.
Obtain Permission Before Making Any Changes
You can still carry out work – in some cases, substantial work – on a listed building, but you need to ensure you have obtained permission before making changes. Obviously, making structural changes or adding an extension will require permission, but you might not realise that even things like adding a satellite dish also require permission. You should also ensure you are allowed to change the colour of the property’s exterior if this is something you plan to do.
Replacing windows also requires permission, and you might be limited in the types of window you can install. Conservation officers will assess your property and the nature of the work you wish to undertake and will take your home’s historical significance into consideration before making a decision.
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