Repair of Old Buildings Course Autumn 2026

Monday 28 September - Friday 2 October 2026

Presented by leading building conservation professionals, the course explores British and international approaches to the conservation of old buildings. The programme is underpinned by the SPAB philosophy of repair and maintenance, as set out in the SPAB Approach.

Through a series of lectures and site visits, you’ll gain an in-depth understanding of the repair, maintenance and conservation of old buildings.

Spring and Autumn In-Person Repair of Old Buildings Course Options

This page is for our Autumn Repair of Old Buildings course.  

Bookings are also open for our Spring Repair of Old Buildings course, which is also being held at the Museum of the Home from Monday 18 - Friday 22 May 2026

Online Repair of Old Buildings Course

We are currently developing a new learning platform and look forward to launching our updated Online Repair of Old Buildings course in 2027, SPAB's 150th anniversary year.

What You'll Learn

The course includes lectures on the following topics, accompanied by a comprehensive reading list:  

• Conservation principles: The SPAB Approach  
• Historic building controls   
• Construction and performance of traditional buildings  
• Conservation structural engineering 
• Dealing with damp in old buildings  
• The care and repair of historic roofs  
• Plasterwork in historic buildings  
• Historic paints and wallpapers  
• Services in historic buildings   
• Stonework repairs  
• Flintwork repairs 
• Timber repairs 
• Traditional brickwork repairs 
• Metalwork  
• Lime   
• Conservation of stained glass  
• Climate change, sustainability and retrofitting

Who is it for?

The course welcomes students and professionals interested in deepening their understanding of old buildings, and who may be interested in developing work in this area.

Past delegates on this course have included:

Architects;

Architectural Technologists;

Builders;

Building Surveyors;

Buildings Archaeologists;

Conservation Officers and Planners;

Craftspeople;

Project Officers and Managers;

Structural Engineers and others.

Assessment

There is no formal assessment for this course. You will receive a Certificate of Attendance upon completion. 

The Repair of Old Buildings Course is recognised by the IHBC for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and RIBA for Career Learning.

Bursary places

We have a small fund to provide bursaries to people who might not otherwise be able to attend.  

If you would like to apply, please contact education@spab.org.uk with your CV and a cover letter explaining your need for the bursary and how attending the course will support your career. Please note the bursary may not cover the full course fee.  

Deadline: Monday 29 June 2026

Bursary places are made possible thanks to the Donald and Patricia Marsh Fund. 

Accessibility

Anything we can do to make this course more accessible for you? Please email us at education@spab.org.uk.

Booking Terms and Conditions

Image © Ralph Hodgson