Planning a restoration project

Tips on raising finance, keeping to a budget and finding the best people to help with your restoration project

Finding the right people

Surveyor You'll need a full structural survey by a surveyor with knowledge of the building period and local architectural styles. Expect to pay around £500 for an average-sized property. Contact RICS or visit the Association for Environment Conscious Building (AECB) website. SPAB can advise but not recommend.

Architect Experience is key; find an architect who knows about thatched roofs and green oak joinery. Choose someone who can think in imperial as well as metric - that's what your property's measurements will be in. RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects) can recommend architects in your area who have worked on similar projects. A relevant architectural society such as the Georgian Group or the Victorian Society might also be able to help.

Builder or tradesman Ask around (your local conservation officer might be able to recommend someone), check references and look at other jobs the company has done. Don't simply use the cheapest. If you find a builder with expert knowledge, but he's booked up, wait for him. Try the Federation of Master Builders or Heritage Information, an on-line database of restoration information including experts, consultants and skilled tradespeople. The Association for Environment Conscious Building can recommend local builders and craftspeople, from thatchers to joiners. Contact the Heritage Building Contractors Group for reputable companies.

Lender If the property is habitable most mortgage companies will lend. If not, try the Ecology Building Society. Buildstore also has arrangements with several lenders who loan for restoration projects. If you use a Buildstore-approved project-manager, your money will be released on request without the need for visits from a valuer.


Budgeting
Essential costs Work these out based on time and materials, but be prepared for unforeseen work - allow a contingency of around 15 per cent of the original quote.
Surveyors RICS recommends that if work is substantial - more than £40,000 - you employ a surveyor to project-manage, which will cost a few thousand pounds.
Mortgages Remember that you may be paying two mortgages or additional rent if your restoration project is initially uninhabitable.
Maintenance Don't forget to budget for ongoing maintenance.


Directory
Architects Accredited in Building Conservation 01625 871458 www.aabc-register.co.uk
Association for Environment Conscious Building AECB www.aecb.net Independent environmental building trade organisation with a network of members and publications.
Buildstore 0870 870 9991 www.buildstore.co.uk Self-build and renovation advice and products.
Ecology Building Society 0845 674 5566 www.ecology.co.uk
Federation of Master Builders 020 7242 7583 www.fmb.org.uk
Heritage Building Contractors Group 01543 414234 www.buildingconservation.com
Norwich and Peterborough Building Society 01733 372372 www.npbs.co.uk Provides loans for restoration projects.
Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland 0131 229 7545 www.rias.org.uk
Royal Institute of British Architects RIBA Client advisory service 020 7307 3700 www.riba.org
Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors 0870 333 1600 www.rics.org

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