Period properties

1. Understand the fabric of your period house. A builder or surveyor will be able to tell you what your house is made from, and then suggest what you can or can’t do in terms of extending or adding fixtures and fittings.
2. Have a large contingency fund to fall back on. Scratching the surface of period property may reveal a number of unwelcome surprises, so keep this in mind before you even start your project.
3. Decide if you’re doing a renovation or a restoration. The former is about making the house what you want regardless of existing style and architecture. The latter is all about character and style, essentially taking it back to or close to its original state.
4. Set aside more budget than you would do for a modern home as standard fixtures and fittings may not work, and bespoke items inevitably can cost more.
5. Visit your local salvage yard when it comes to replacing or mending interior features.