Restoration - ask the experts

Step 1 The first port of call should always be your local authority conservation officer. Don't think of them as the conservation police, but as useful allies. They can suggest specialist tradesmen and suppliers as well as providing details of local building traditions.

Step 2 Research relevant organisations and societies to join. Members of SPAB, for example, can make use of its technical advice line, courses and pamphlets, while the Listed Property Owners Club gives you access to experts and experienced owners.

Step 3 Use the internet. There are hundreds of sites with invaluable information about old buildings, good suppliers, courses and craftspeople. Visit the Building Conservation Directory site for specialist products and services.

Step 4 Go on a course. Practical knowledge and the chance to speak to an expert can set you on the right road. SPAB runs courses through the year all over the UK. Many local colleges and institutions offer short courses in skills such as using lime plaster and it's worth checking with specialist suppliers, many of whom also run introductory courses.

Find financial help
The Heritage Economic Regeneration Scheme (HERS) offers grants to restore home and business premises in conservation areas. Contact your local planning office to find out if your home qualifies.
English Heritage gives grants to Grade II* and Grade I buildings on a case-by-case basis. The proposed work must cost £10,000 or more and successful applicants typically receive 40-60 per cent of repair costs and fees. Grants are not usually offered if the building has just changed hands, as it is assumed the cost of work was reflected in the purchase price.
Local authorities may have their own historic buildings grant funds, generally quite modest (£1,000-£2,000 per application).
The Georgian Group gives small donations towards the repair and restoration of Georgian buildings via the Cleary Fund.
SPAB has a Thomas Hardy fund, which can contribute to the cost of repair to buildings with a Hardy connection.

Directory
The Building Centre 020 7692 4000 www.buildingcentre.co.uk Information on building and home improvement, including products and materials, standards and codes of practice.
The Building Conservation Directory 01747 871717 www.buildingconservation.com Source for specialist products and services.
Building Research Establishment 01923 664000 www.bre.co.uk A centre of expertise on buildings, construction, energy, environment, fire and risk.
CADW: Welsh Historic Monuments 01443 336000 www.cadw.wales.gov.uk
Carter Jonas 020 7493 0676 www.carterjonas.co.uk Building consultancy, planning and development, listed building conservation and restoration.
The Guide to Building Services for Historic Buildings 020 7377 1644 www.spab.org.uk The chapter Sustainable Services for Traditional Buildings is useful. Available through SPAB.
Institute of Historic Building Conservation 01747 873133 www.ihbc.org.uk
The Lime Centre 01962 713636 www.thelimecentre.co.uk Practical one-day courses on lime and its uses.
Listed Property Owners Club 01795 844939 www.lpoc.co.uk Information and advice for owners of listed properties, including guidance on grants, insurance and maintenance.
Royal Institute of Structural Engineers 020 7235 4535 www.istructe.org.uk
United Kingdom Institute for Conservation UKIC 020 7785 3807 www.icon.org.uk and www.conservationregister.com Publications, training courses, information and special events. It also operates a conservation register of specialist companies and craftsmen.
University of York Centre for Conservation 01904 433901 www.york.ac.uk/depts/arch Runs courses including Study and Conservation of Historic Interiors.
Weald and Downland Open Air Museum 01243 811363 www.wealddown.co.uk Centre of excellence in building conservation with a variety of courses throughout the year.
West Dean College 01243 811301 www.westdean.org.uk Graduate and postgraduate diplomas in conservation and restoration of interiors and sites.