Latest
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How to buy an old house
When property hunting, it is all too easy to let your heart rule your head. But there are many things to consider before taking the plunge. Make sure you are up to the task ahead with expert advice, and use our essential checklist on buying an old house
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How to deal with damp and rot
Problems with damp and rot are a common curse, particularly in older properties, where inadvisable remedial work can make it worse. Here, we look at the causes of damp – and its solutions
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How to maintain and repair an old timber frame
Often forming the integral framework of period properties, and an aesthetic feature, timber posts and beams must be treated with care and attention to ensure their longevity
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How to repaint and revive outdoor woodwork
In this step-by-step guide, DIY expert Helaine Clare shows how to repaint and revive outdoor woodwork
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How to maintain and repair leaded windows
Original leaded light windows are historically important architectural features, so when they need attention it's essential to repair and care for them correctly
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How to repair and maintain metal window and door frames
Properly maintained, metal windows can last for centuries. When protective coatings are neglected, however, corrosion may occur. Here's how to repair your metal door and window frames
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How to repair a chimney
Your unchecked chimney could be concealing some dangerous defects. Find out what to look out for, and how to deal with these common chimney problems
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How to replace broken glass
Breaking a pane of glass in a window or door is a hazard of restoration projects – if it happens, Helaine Clare shows how to replace a small pane safely and without too much trouble
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How to deal with cracks in walls and structural problems in old houses
Cracks in walls, bulging, damp and movement are all signs of something sinister going on. Learn how to identify and repair these structural issues in period properties
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How to repair old brickwork
Learn how to spot brickwork problems with a simple maintenance check, and how to repair damage to avoid potential structural issues
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How to maintain your staircase
Our practical guide, complete with a maintenance checklist, advice on building regulations and step-by-step repairs guides, is designed to help you recognise and tackle staircase damage
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Exterior repairs: give your home a health check with these top tips
Neglecting a house's external maintenance can cause serious and expensive problems, so don't put it off. Discover how to spot and resolve common problems such as damp, loose tiles, rot and flaking paint
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Expert guide to traditional plaster mouldings
If you want to restore a home's period charm, understanding which mouldings and plasterwork to choose to suit the era of the property is essential. Here we explain the details and materials to look out for
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Choosing the right windows and doors for your period home
Although there are machines and materials available to help with the process of making traditional windows, the best windows are still put together by hand by an experienced joiner on a woodworking bench...
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How to renovate old wooden floors
With careful renovation using the right materials, old wooden floors can be made suitable for modern life
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A guide to regional house styles
Clive Fewins takes an architectural tour of the traditional building styles across Britain, and advises on restoring such idiosyncratic homes
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How you can repair wood rot
Don’t let wood rot ruin your decorating plans – using two separate cases Helaine Clare shows how to fix this common problem on a shed door post and on french doors and how to prevent it from happening again in the future
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How to repair or remove internal walls
Before knocking through internal walls, identify which are load bearing, spine or simple partitions. Ian Rock looks at the way homes are built, and how to tackle repairs
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How to find reclaimed materials for your home
Looking to enhance your period property with authentic, reclaimed materials? Use this guide to architectural salvage – from how you might use and source original items, to what to look out for
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Repairing or replacing timber beams
Original beams imbue a period home with character, but over time they may suffer from decay or inappropriate finishes. Find out how to look after them, and when replacement is appropriate
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How to fix draughty floorboards
Draughty floorboards are a real nuisance for period homeowners, but are easily fixed, as Helaine Clare shows in her step-by-step guide, which includes a full list of tools and equipment you will need to do the job
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Vertically hung tiling
If your vertically hung tiling has fallen into disrepair, Douglas Kent advises whether to repair or replace
