Protected House- all advice greatly appreciated

Jellybean13

I know this is a very general thread but we are about to buy a protected structure. Havent got survey or anything yet but I believe it to be in good nick. Obviously going to ask surveyor to focus on roof and what the insulation etc is like.
What in general can you do to a protected structure... as in can you pump it with insulation without a problem? There is a loft attic off one of the bedrooms There is a stair case up to it etc. Would we be able to convert that to an ensuite esp as there is a staircase and door etc already there?
Anyone any idea how much proper suitable windows for old houses are. Windows there seem fine but assuming they are single glazing and if down the line the house if really cold would love a rough idea of how much windows are. Have an idea they are shockingly dear! I am assuming they have to be top quality hand made timber period windows and probably 1500 a window? Maybe I am totally off the mark.
Presuming with a protected structure you dont need planning for changing the colour of the house. I feel like a right fool asking that question but I havent owned a protected structure before. I know its all about material change etc but this country it would appear nothing is simple.
Many thanks

DOCARCH

Jellybean13 wrote: »

... as in can you pump it with insulation without a problem?

Given that it is a protected structure, I doubt there is a cavity to pump insulation into...unless it is a modern/contemporary protected sturcture?

Jellybean13 wrote: »

There is a loft attic off one of the bedrooms There is a stair case up to it etc. Would we be able to convert that to an ensuite esp as there is a staircase and door etc already there?

Sounds o.k., but if it involves structural alterations to facilitate, you may need planning permission.

Jellybean13 wrote: »

Anyone any idea how much proper suitable windows for old houses are. Windows there seem fine but assuming they are single glazing and if down the line the house if really cold would love a rough idea of how much windows are. Have an idea they are shockingly dear! I am assuming they have to be top quality hand made timber period windows and probably 1500 a window?

Your probably close to the mark there, but note that you probably will not be allowed to put double glazed windows into a protected structure, in addition, you probably need planning permission to change the windows (even if you are replacing newer/modern windows with more traditional ones).

If you have not had a survey done yet, and you intend to get one done, you should consider getting a surveyor, or an architect, experienced in conservation/protected structures to carry out the survey and give you some general advice.

If/when you do own the house, you can apply to the local authority for a Section 57 Declaration...the conservation officer in the local authority will come out, have a look at the house and give you general advice (both in persoon and then follwoed up with a written document/schedule) on what you can and cannot do to the house without planning permission.

kkelliher

Jellybean13 wrote: »

I know this is a very general thread but we are about to buy a protected structure. Havent got survey or anything yet but I believe it to be in good nick. Obviously going to ask surveyor to focus on roof and what the insulation etc is like.
What in general can you do to a protected structure... as in can you pump it with insulation without a problem? There is a loft attic off one of the bedrooms There is a stair case up to it etc. Would we be able to convert that to an ensuite esp as there is a staircase and door etc already there?
Anyone any idea how much proper suitable windows for old houses are. Windows there seem fine but assuming they are single glazing and if down the line the house if really cold would love a rough idea of how much windows are. Have an idea they are shockingly dear! I am assuming they have to be top quality hand made timber period windows and probably 1500 a window? Maybe I am totally off the mark.
Presuming with a protected structure you dont need planning for changing the colour of the house. I feel like a right fool asking that question but I havent owned a protected structure before. I know its all about material change etc but this country it would appear nothing is simple.
Many thanks

to be blunt, what can you do with a protected structure - Nothing. Well nothing without the ok from the local authority conservation offer and depending on the grade, planning permission. I have being involved in properties where changing the wall paper required planning permission so it all comes down to the actual level of preservation on them.

The general rule with any building of this type would be that if you buy it be prepared to sink a lot of money into it and based on experience this has being the case in every single project I have worked on of this type.

Best of luck with it but you are buying the most difficult (but in my opinion also the best in terms of character) building you can buy.

Jellybean13

Thank you both very much for your replies.
Yes I am aware of the fact it will eat money but I just love the old world feel to the place. How does one know how protected the structure really is!
Any recommendations for a surveyor with that particular experience who could also give the advice. I intend having it surveyed and bizarrely had not thought of what you said about bringing an architect etc. I suppose it all adds up and money so tight at moment with house purchase that trying to save every penny!
When house is protected how do they keep tabs on what owners do. Do they inspect etc?!
It would appear the current people have changed rooms etc. I see they got pp for roof change but dont see any other applications. Will get solicitor to properly check up on that. But would have thought they needed pp to change rooms etc! When I say change rooms i of course mean knocked down walls etc!!!
I knew the house before!
The more I write here the more i realise I have a lot of work to do before close the deal!!

BryanF

Jellybean13 wrote: »

I know this is a very general thread but we are about to buy a protected structure.

1. Havent got survey or anything yet but I believe it to be in good nick.
2. Obviously going to ask surveyor to focus on roof and what the insulation etc is like.
3. What in general can you do to a protected structure... as in can you pump it with insulation without a problem?
4. There is a loft attic off one of the bedrooms There is a stair case up to it etc. Would we be able to convert that to an ensuite esp as there is a staircase and door etc already there?
5. Anyone any idea how much proper suitable windows for old houses are. Windows there seem fine but assuming they are single glazing and if down the line the house if really cold would love a rough idea of how much windows are. Have an idea they are shockingly dear! I am assuming they have to be top quality hand made timber period windows and probably 1500 a window? Maybe I am totally off the mark.
6. Presuming with a protected structure you dont need planning for changing the colour of the house. I feel like a right fool asking that question but I havent owned a protected structure before. I know its all about material change etc
7. but this country it would appear nothing is simple.

Many thanks

1. wait for survey - id be bringing experienced conservation architect and Qs along - pre-purchase stage
2. not really insulation
3. depends on level of 'protected structure' you are referring to. generally you cannot do anything without approval from local authority (conservation officer) and this can be a drawn out process
4. as above local conservation officer will determine in conjunction with your conservation architect
5. could be double that - we dont know what size they are, whether you'd be expected to keep & repair originals, pulley cords, frames, shutters etc
6. as per item 3/4
7. damn straight! this is part of the reason many of our old building are derelict