Understanding Your Old House

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The SPAB presents a NEW one-introductory course on the maintenance and care of solid-wall buildings. This course is designed to help you understand the construction and performance of traditional buildings and how to tackle common problems.

Understanding Your Old House: an introductory course on maintenance and care

18 May 2019, 10:00 - 17:00

The SPAB presents a NEW one-day introductory course on the maintenance and care of solid-wall buildings. This course is designed to help you understand the construction and performance of traditional buildings and how to tackle common problems – whether your home is listed or unlisted, a timber-framed medieval cottage, Georgian, Victorian or Edwardian.

The course will introduce the SPAB conservation approach and offer guidance on how best to tackle common problems and maintain the character and value of your old house.

A beginner’s guide and demonstration will explain about lime and its use in the construction and repair of traditional buildings. The course also aims to demystify the legal framework that building owners and custodians need to be aware of when carrying out work to their property, and will offer advice on working with professionals and local authorities.

This course will be relevant primarily for owners and managers of period properties, but also for professionals who may need to brief their clients on understanding their old house. Certificates of attendance for CPD purposes will be available on request.

Topics covered by this course will be:
•    The Conservation Approach: character and why we value old buildings
•    Construction and Performance: understanding why old buildings are different
•    Introduction to Lime: a beginner’s guide and demonstration*
•    Dealing with Damp and Timber Decay: spotting and tackling common issues and problems
•    Understanding the Legal Framework and Working with Professionals  
•    Maintenance Matters: the importance of the routine care of buildings

The course will be led by James Innerdale, an accredited architect, historic buildings consultant and former SPAB technical officer. It will be held at the SPAB headquarters in London - an opportunity to view the inside of the only remaining Georgian house in Spital Square. The building dates from around 1740 and originally belonged to a Huguenot silk merchant. It was rescued from dereliction by the Spitalfields Trust before being sold to the SPAB in the early 1980s.

With opportunities to ask James questions throughout the day, the course is also an excellent opportunity to meet and learn from other property owners who may be facing similar challenges. Copies of the SPAB publications Old House Handbook (RRP £25) and Old House Eco Handbook (RRP £30) will be available to purchase at reduced rates, and discounted SPAB membership will also be offered to those who join on the day.

Places are limited so book now!

* The lime demonstration will not involve hands-on participation but is an opportunity to illustrate the lime cycle and how the material is processed.

Booking Terms & Conditions

Accessibility: please contact the SPAB before booking to discuss any special access requirements.

When
18th May 2019 from 10:00 AM to  5:00 PM
Location
The Society For The Protection Of Ancient Buildings
37 Spital Square
LONDON, E1 6DY
United Kingdom
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