PERIOD HOMES ◀ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 20 “This makes it all the more important for


you to ensure that you are insuring your home or business for the correct amount. Buildings insurance needs to take into consideration the rebuilding cost of the property – not the commonly held misconception that it should be the resale price.”


Period Home Renovation Tips


We spoke to TV presenter, Georgina Burnett, who runs the interior design and DIY website Property Porn (propertyporntv.com), about her top fi ve tips for getting the best out of your period home renovation:


Save Original Features Wherever Possible


I know from personal experience that builders will encourage you to remove period ceilings, Victorian cornices – roses and all – because it’s easier for them to start from scratch. This is not always necessary though and certainly not always cost eff ective. Get an expert to check the ceilings are stable. If not, there are ways of pinning them so as not to lose the features that give the property its ‘wow’ factor. If the walls are lathe and plaster, I’m afraid these are likely to need replacing at some point so it’s worth doing at the start –


“


this way you can insulate walls and be sure they won’t crumble as you hang pictures on your freshly painted interiors!


Beware The Cost Of Windows


Original wooden sash windows are to die- for, however, they also rattle like a train, are drafty and the upkeep is costly and time-consuming. If you are buying a period property beware that replacing windows with double glazing – either wooden or UPVC – is likely to be your single biggest cost.


Don’t Play With Fireplaces


Unfortunately, if it’s a period property the chimney is likely to need lining. Not checking this out could put you in danger of carbon monoxide poisoning, so don’t take it lightly


Who doesn’t love a fi replace? Unfortunately, if it’s a period property the chimney is likely to need lining. Not checking this out could put you in danger of carbon monoxide poisoning, so don’t take it lightly. Also be aware that if any work is carried out you will be expected to abide by building regulations to fi t vents in the room.


Don’t Skimp On Electrics And Plumbing


Before (left) and after fi replace renovation ADVERTORIAL


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Anthony Wakefi eld & Co and its underwriting arm Connoisseur Underwriting are specialists in insuring listed properties. As well as our in-house facilities, we have select Insurance Partners to provide a bespoke service to clients that require guidance in arranging the insurance of their properties on the most cost eff ective basis.


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Protect your Period Home with Quality Insurance


Insure your period home or listed property through a company that understands your needs and gives peace of mind


Replacing electrics and plumbing is a costly exercise. Replacing electrics and plumbing when you’ve already decorated and carpeted a property is soul destroying. If you’re buying a period property don’t think this is something you can save on unless you have certifi cates to prove it has been recently done. You need the right kind of boiler, modern radiators and decent water pressure and


Wooden fl oors may look the part but they can cause drafts


potentially a host of other mod cons. Consider this carefully when the floorboards are already up!


Know When To Give In!


Original fl oorboards can be a beautiful thing to lovers of period properties, but they aren’t always the most practical when it comes to modern living. They tend to shrink and expand due to central heating, rendering crack-fi lling pointless. Without insulation, you will fi nd drafts impossible to avoid and thus rooms costly to heat. If you do want to honour the original boards, make sure a carpenter removes them for any work, as plumbers tend to butcher them!


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22 Arts, Antiques & Collectibles


Images: Property Porn


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