Repair and Listed Building Specialist in Lancaster (2)

Listed buildings are structures with extra architectural or historical interest. As these buildings are incredible examples of past architecture, they’re protected under UK law. This means any alterations or repairs need to be approved before they can begin.

Most listed buildings were built before 1700 but there are also listed buildings from between 1700 and 1850.

Types of listed building

Listed buildings are also classed in different grades which affects how they can be repaired or renovated. The different classifications are Grade I, Grade II* or Grade II. Below is a summary of each type of listed building:

• The majority of listed buildings fall into Grade II and are classed under special interest.

• Around 5% of listed buildings are considered Grade II* and these are buildings of more than special interest.

• The remaining 3% of listed buildings fall under Grade I and are classed as buildings of outstanding interest.

What are listed building repairs?

As listed buildings are generally quite old, repairs are inevitable. However, making repairs to a listed building isn't as simple as hiring a handyperson to fix any issues. If a listed building needs repairs, they not only need to be carried out by a listed building specialist but they also need listed building consent.

In order to protect and preserve listed buildings, there are certain rules and regulations stating what can and can't be done. That's why before altering or repairing your listed building, you need to get consent from your local authority.

To do this, you’ll need to complete an application covering all the details of your plans. This will then be looked over by your local planning authority who’ll approve or decline the changes. To learn more about this, visit our listed building consent guide.

Not all changes to a listed building need consent. In fact, there are a few renovations that are allowed on Grade II listed buildings without going through the application process. These include small changes like property maintenance and minor repairs, although you need to ensure that you use like for like materials and methods.

If you’re unsure whether you need listed building consent, it’s better to be cautious and submit an application. You can learn more about listed building renovations in our handy guide.

If you’re unsure whether or not your home is a listed building you can check your governing body’s website. Depending on where you live in the UK you’ll need to check the below websites:

• England: The Historic England website

• Scotland: The Historic Environment website

• Wales: The Cof Cymru website

• Northern Ireland: The Department for Communities website

No, listed buildings should only be repaired or renovated by a builder specialising in listed buildings. They need to have the right training and experience working on listed buildings. This is vital to preserve the building and prevent damages.

When your listed building needs repairs or any other type of work to be carried out, it’s important to get consent from your planning authority. Thankfully, listed building consent costs nothing, so you won't be out of pocket.

Check out our listed building consent cost guide for more information and advice.

Hiring the right professional to work on your listed building is essential. Other builders may not have the right skills in certain techniques that are necessary to properly preserve and restore your home.

The best way to know if a contractor is a good fit is to invite them round, have a chat and ask for a quote. Also consider asking whether they:

• Can provide pictures of past jobs

• Are willing to explain the project details to you

• Are able to answer your questions

• Have sufficient experience in working on listed buildings

• Have positive reviews on Checkatrade

• Have the right qualifications

• Have a friendly and professional manner

• Have the necessary insurance in case anything goes wrong

Want to speak to specialist builders for listed buildings in Lancaster?

As we mentioned above, hiring the right builder to complete any repairs on your listed building is vital. However, you also need to be able to trust them to invite them into your home.

The good news is that our members pass through 12 checks before becoming a Checkatrade member, so you can be sure that you’re hiring someone you trust for your project. What’s more, you can also see the reviews left by your neighbours.

You can discover listed building repair professionals by using our free search feature. Just add your postcode for a variety of results.

Alternatively, try our request a quote feature. Simply fill in the full details of your job and we’ll forward these to three specialist builders for listed buildings in Lancaster. They’ll then contact you with a quote. It couldn't be easier!