You ask the questions
- How is Heritage Restoration different from other building companies?
- Do you only carry out work on period properties?
- Do you undertake building projects all over the UK?
- What measures do you take to ensure that your work is as environmentally friendly as possible?
- How do I get a quote for a barn conversion?
- Do you employ workmen for any mechanical and electrical work?
- Do you have a comprehensive health and safety training programme?
- As a lot of your work is carried out on period properties, could you explain what a listed building is?
- If a building is listed, are you allowed to undertake any restoration or refurbishment work without applying for permission?
- Which kinds of buildings are listed?
- How many grades of listed building are there?
- Do you have to pay VAT on repair work to a listed building?
- Do you need permission to have interior decoration work done on a Grade I listed building?
- Does re-roofing count as repair or alteration work?
- Do I need planning permission to build an extension to my house?
Q: How is Heritage Restoration different from other building companies?
A: With our team of craftsmen and specialists we are able to offer a bespoke service that is delivered with a passion for excellence. We use traditional building practices to provide a quality that meets the exacting standards of the 21st century.
Q: Do you only carry out work on period properties?
A: While we specialise in the restoration and refurbishment of period properties, we also undertake work on contemporary buildings. Please click on Case Studies for an example of new build.
Q: Do you undertake building projects all over the UK?
A: Our office is in Devizes in Wiltshire and because we have a small dedicated team, we are unable to take on work that requires our craftsmen to travel beyond south-west England.
Q: What measures do you take to ensure that your work is as environmentally friendly as possible?
A: We are totally committed to protecting the environment in as many ways as we can so wherever possible we implement the following:
- all timber to come from sustainable forest
- recyclable goods to be used
- safe disposal of all harmful or hazardous products
- safe disposal of all waste materials
- all hazardous materials to be stored safely
- all aerosols and plastics to be CFC free if possible
At Heritage Restoration we recognise and respect the balance between industry and a healthy, sustainable environment. Our role in this balance is to construct and restore buildings in a way that preserves the quality of our environment for our generation and for the generations to come.
Q: How do I get a quote for a barn conversion?
A: You should contact us at Heritage Restoration. We would initially discuss your requirements and then send someone to view your property. The initial consultation would be free and we have our own quantity surveyor.
Q: Do you employ workmen for any mechanical and electrical work?
A: We use Wheeler’s Electrical and Mechanical Contractors of Westbury for all work requiring mechanical and electrical expertise.
Q: Do you have a comprehensive health and safety training programme?
A: We employ an in-house health and safety manager who is responsible for all the on-going training of our staff.
Q: As a lot of your work is carried out on period properties, could you explain what a listed building is?
A: A listed building is a building considered to be of importance to our heritage either architecturally or historically.
Q: If a building is listed, are you allowed to undertake any restoration or refurbishment work without applying for permission?
A: In the first instance, you would be well advised to contact the Conservation Office or Listed Buildings Register who would be able to offer you advice and guidance as restrictions can apply to the interior as well as the exterior of a listed building.
Q: Which kinds of buildings are listed?
A: The Department of Culture, Media and Sport holds overall responsibility for the Listing of Buildings and the designation is carried out by English Heritage.
The categories can be divided broadly as follows:
- all buildings prior to 1700 which survive in anything like their original condition
- most buildings dating between 1700 and 1840
- buildings of definite quality and character dating between 1840 and 1914
- selected buildings of high quality between 1914 and 1939
- a few outstanding post-1939 buildings.
Q: How many grades of listed building are there?
A: There are three grades:
- Grade I: buildings of exceptional interest such as fine country houses and important churches.
- Grade II*: most country houses, important churches or very old secular buildings.
- Grade II: buildings of special interest. 96% of listed buildings fall into this category.
Q: Do you have to pay VAT on repair work to a listed building?
A: Any repair work would be charged at standard rate VAT. However, extension work or alterations qualify for zero rating.
Q: Do you need permission to have interior decoration work done on a Grade I listed building?
A: If you wish to make changes to the interior, you may need to apply for listed building consent. The Conservation Office will be able to advise you.
Q: Does re-roofing count as repair or alteration work?
A: Re-roofing is considered to be repair work so is charged at standard rate VAT.
Q: Do I need planning permission to build an extension to my house?
A: It depends on the size but we always recommend that you contact your local council to be sure.