PROTECT & PERFECT

Period properties seem to have it all – character, history, charm and individuality, something of which new homes can’t seem to match up to. If you’re looking to restore an old property then we’ve sourced some top advice and ideas for you to try…

EXPERT ADVICE
Looking to buy a listed property? Or own a listed property and looking to do some work? Well, stop right there! As we all know there are so many rules and regs when it comes to listed properties. Here’s a little beginners guide to from Architect Your Home to help you on your way…

LISTED BUILDINGS – A BONUS OR A BURDEN?
It’s extremely important to preserve buildings of historic and/or architectural interest and listing them ensures this heritage is maintained. However owning such a building can bring with it significant financial obligations along with a greater restriction over any alterations and/or additions you may want to make.

Listing is not a preservation order preventing change or to freeze a building in time. It simply means that any material changes are subject to listed building consent which ensures the special interest aspects of the building are properly considered.

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT CATEGORIES?

Grade I - buildings of exceptional interest, sometimes considered to be internationally important – 2.5% of listed buildings are Grade I

Grade II* - particularly important buildings of more than special interest – 5.5% of listed buildings are Grade II*

Grade II - nationally important and of special interest, 92% of all listed buildings are Grade II & it is the most likely grade of listing for a homeowner.

HOW CAN I MAKE CHANGES?

The first thing to remember is that, unlike planning law (which is common law), listed buildings are subject to criminal law – so under no circumstances attempt to make changes and/or additions to your listed home without seeking professional advice.

At Architect Your Home we have many architects who have specialist knowledge of the best way to make alterations to your listed home and can guide you through the Listed Building Consent process.

COMMON MISONCEPTIONS

Only part of the building is listed -The idea that only part of a building may be listed is quite wrong. If a building is subject to a listing, all of it, including unoriginal features, alterations and/or extensions, is subject to that listing. Changes to any part of it will require Listed Building Consent.

Grants to help with cost of the work - You are very unlikely to get a grant to help with the cost of work to a listed building. The fact is that while grants do exist, they are extremely rare and are almost never available to Grade II buildings.

It’s impossible to get permission to make changes - Many people think that there is little or no chance of getting consent to extend or alter a listed building. This is certainly not the case, and the expertise at hand through Architect Your Home has resulted in many successful applications for LBC. In some cases quite radical proposals are deemed acceptable. Planning Policy Guidance note 15 (PPG15) sets out the principles of when consent will and will not be granted.

Approved alterations to listed buildings qualify for a zero rate of VAT - Whilst it has always been the case that repairs & maintenance to listed buildings were taxable, undertaking alterations approved under Listed Building Consent qualified for a zero rate of tax. However from 1st October 2012 this VAT relief is being withdrawn.

A SAFE PAIR OF HANDS
Architect Your Home are specialists in home design who fully understand the constraints of Listed Building Consent. By producing a properly considered, appropriate design we make sure you’re getting the full potential out of your home, we can also help you find a builder or get discounts of up to 15% on various products you may want use with our Customer Discount Scheme.

Whatever help you need with your building project, you can feel reassured that with Architect Your Home you’re in a safe pair of hands.

WHAT FINISHES ARE SUITABLE FOR A LISTED BUILDING?

Royal Mosa Terra XXL ceramic floor tiles - These are large format tiles which are spectacular in appearance and effect, bringing a new dimension to your home. There is a wide range of colours, textures & sizes that will allow you to reflect your personal style, and create your perfect living space. There are also many benefits to choosing a ceramic tile, they’re extremely durable, easy to install, resistant to daily wear and tear, and perfect for high traffic areas in the home.

For more information on the Customer Discount Scheme call Tristan at Architect Your Home on 020 8940 8575.

WE’LL LET YOU KNOW INTO A LITTLE SECRET…

We’ve found the perfect place to buy all those finishing touches for your interiors. Period Features in Leek has plenty of accessories to ensure you don’t damage the whole look and feel of your property with some classic designs. Here are our favourite picks….

Clockwise from top left: classic round brass mortice door knob, £49.  Beehive nickel door knob, £63.  Classic letterplate, £98.  Hand door knocker, £30.  Wooden Victorian door knobs, £46.  Wooden tulip door knobs, £46.