It is common knowledge amongst listed building owners that in order to make repairs to a building permission is needed. A grey area appears however when talking about the interior of the property. You may believe that what people can’t see doesn’t matter. But things are not as clear cut as this. Grade 2 listed internal alterations may also need permission. Read on to find out more.
Grade 2 Listed Internal Alterations : Modernising your Home
Investing in a period property comes with responsibility. The exterior of your home must not be altered without prior permission. But, there are times when you will want to modernise a property without losing any of its original appeal. Say for example that the trusses and beams are riddled with dry and wet rot. Or you want to knock through from one room to another. Perhaps you have a small kitchen or scullery and wish to open it up.
Unfortunately you cannot get rid of walls that easily. Original features of your home cannot be removed, even if you think that no one will notice. It is possible to modernise a Grade II listed building. But you must abide by the rules when carrying out Grade 2 listed internal alterations.
When maintaining your listed build you are expected to use like by like materials. As an example, lime render should be replaced with lime, and not modern alternatives. Even for grade 2 listed internal alterations. Qualified conservation builders should be used for the job. Plastering a wall with lime is completely different to modern day techniques.
Bathrooms
One area that you should pay attention to is your bathroom. If you have Victorian fittings in your bathroom they may be part of the listing for your building. For this purpose, you cannot simply replace them with a modern alternative. Historic layers cannot be peeled away, and all original features in your property should remain the same. This means that although you may cover over a fireplace if you don’t use it, you cannot remove it.
Extensions
As well as making alterations to the interior of your home, you may be thinking about extending your home. Guidelines are changing, and whereas in the past an extension should have been constructed to imitate the original, modern extensions are now allowed under some circumstances. For more information on what’s allowed and what’s not, you can visit the Historic England website. Alternatively, get in touch with BBN today. We have years of expertise in grade 2 listed internal alterations and can answer any queries you may have today.
If you need to apply for permission for the alterations you wish to carry out, this can take some time. Even when things are cut and dried, there will be a waiting period before your permission is granted. Use this time well, deciding just what you want to do to your property, allowing Bristol Builders Network to guide you every step of the way from planning to finishing touches.