#TuesdayTips - 5 tips for tackling a listed property restoration in 2017

Believe it or not, there are nearly 400,000 listed buildings in the UK, so it’s not as uncommon to own one as you might imagine, but if your perfect home is one, will it be a dream fit or simply a cash cow you wish you had steered clear of?

For a building to become listed it needs to be historically or architecturally significant or of interest. By obtaining listed status, it means alterations that affect this status are protected and governed by strict rules. However, it doesn’t mean you can’t make any changes, you just have to check first or you could be hot with a large bill to revert the building back to its original state.

Any building built before 1700 that still has its original structure is protected and most built before 1840 do as well, although to become listed a building doesn’t have to be hundreds of years old.

There are three classes of listed building; Grade II, which covers the vast majority, 92%, Grade II, 5% and Grade I, only 2.5%.

If you do opt for a listed building you need to check no unauthorised work has been carried out by previous owners as you will be liable for repair costs when you become the legal owner.

If you have been thinking of getting your listed property spruced up, whether it’s an extension or re-structuring the foundations, there are fundamental things that you will need to consider before you start.

Sarah Khan, a member of the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (SPAB) and Jonathan Clark who is a member of the RIBA conservation group share their top tips on approaching a listed building restoration.

1 - Be particular with restoration scale

According to RIBA accredited Conservation Architect Sarah Khan if you plan on doing work to both the interior and exterior of the building, you’ll need to apply for listed building consent and planning permission. If your listed building is in a conservation area, you’ll need to take this into account.

2 - Restore for reasons of practicality not trends

Late last year it was announced that the Buckingham Palace will undergo a 10 year refit. Work will start in April 2017 and will focus on replacing 33-year-old boilers, electrical cables and pipework. The most common misconception people have is that just the façade of a property is listed says Sarah, find out everything you need to know about your property from your local council.

3 - Materials will shape how far you can restore

The restoration projects of the Elizabeth Tower (Big Ben) includes using original gold paint for the face of the clock, prepare yourself for the fact that the use of cheap, modern materials will often not be possible, advises Sarah.

4 - Surround yourself with the right craftsmen and architects

The biggest challenge we faced was undoubtedly dealing with the conservation officer. It was a process of negotiation and convincing them that our proposals would materially enhance the building and bring it into the 21st century in a sympathetic way - says Jonathan Clarke, founder of Jonathan Clark Architects.

5 - Strike a balance between replica and restoration

Your restoration plans should clearly highlight how you will be preserving your listed building, it could be anything from not chopping down an old tree in your garden to using 10,000 bricks from original building (part of Battersea Arts Centre restoration plan.)

Sarah and John share their experiences working with listed building restorations as part of the Hiscox cover stories campaign, read their full interview here.