
Expert advice
Featured expert:
Butcher Plasterworks
Original period details, such as plaster cornices and ceiling roses, not to mention mirror frames and fireplace surrounds are often what distinguish the charming home from the indifferent house.
If you buy a typical 18th, 19th or early 20th century house, the chances are that at least some of the original mouldings have been ripped out, or they have fallen into disrepair.
North London-based Butcher Plasterworks is one of the few specialist companies that still use fibrous plaster, which is both tough and versatile, since it is made from a mixture of plaster and hessian, to make bespoke architectural details.
Whether you want a run of cornice or something more fancy, this small company will be able to suggest a solution, either replicating what is there or using its own huge pictorial reference library.
Prices to supply and fix replacement cornicing from £25 per metre.
Butcher Plasterworks, Chalcot Yard, 8 Fitzroy Road, NW1 8TX.
Telephone 020 7720 9771 or see
www.butcherplasterworks.com.
Surveyors
RICS
The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors is the professional body for chartered surveyors, offering impartial and expert advice on property issues.
www.rics.orgMore than 10,000 member firms are listed on the RICS’ Find a Surveyor service. Search by location, area of practice or name of firm.
www.ricsfirms.comRICS’ Building Cost Information Service (BCIS) provides expert advice on building costs. With the House Rebuilding Cost Calculator you can check your home insurance policy based on the correct rebuilding cost of your home, not the property value.
calculator.bcis.co.ukMeanwhile, the Property Makeover Price Guide helps home-owners to plan and budget for home improvement.
www.bcis.co.uk/propertymakeoverguide