Learn how to restore your period property this summer

03/06/2008

Caring for a period property can be rewarding and fascinating - but owners often experience real difficulties trying to find the right information about maintenance and repair. For this reason, The Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (SPAB) is bringing its highly respected Weekend Homeowners’ Courses to Wales at the Ty Mawr, Lime Centre, Brecon June 28th and 29th and then on 13th and 14th September in Somerset (venue tbc).

 

Their unique and highly enjoyable course is designed to help people who own listed and period properties to make informed, confident decisions about their homes. It tackles questions such as:

• Do I really need to install a damp proof course?

• How do I know if this crack in my wall is serious?

• Am I doing the right thing for my period home?

 

The SPAB is Britain’s oldest heritage organisation, established in 1877, and it's Homeowners' Course has helped period property owners in all parts of Britain for 22 years. Led by experts in the field, the course gives people access to the kind of advice and guidance that is often difficult to obtain - whether they live in a moated manor house or Victorian cottage. The weekend covers a range of topics including: treating damp, timber decay, roofs, building conservation, conservative repair, surfaces and finishes, pointing, plasters and renders.

 

Each course is tailored to reflect the character and particular needs of properties in the region where it is held. Older properties were usually built from local materials, using local crafts and techniques - so the SPAB courses look at the use of natural materials and approaches where possible and practical.

 

Homeowners’ Courses also include question and answer sessions, a close look at case studies, practical demonstrations and hands-on workshops - as well as the opportunity to meet like-minded enthusiasts and fellow owners of old and listed buildings. At both locations the Sunday afternoon session will include a lime slaking demonstration followed by practical workshops in using lime for repointing and plastering.

 

Running from 9.30am to 5.30pm each day, Saturday and Sunday, the SPAB Weekend Homeowners’ Course costs £150 per person, including lunch and refreshments on both days (accommodation not included).

 

For more information or to make a booking, please call 0207 377 1644 or visit the website linked below.