CELEBRATING 35 YEARS IN SPECIALIST BUILDING CONSERVATION
OUR SERVICES
Lime Plastering Renovation Restoration
We repair existing internal lime finishes such as plaster and lath or plaster and reed. We also provide many types of new lime plaster finishes.
Conservation of Historic and Period Buildings
We conserve or restore original features of historic and period houses whether it is in stone, brick, timber or any traditional building material.
Planning & Listed Building Consent
We offer advice on listed building consent and how to bring out the best of the historic features in your property. We liaise with the Local Authority on your behalf.
Tanking
A basement room can add value and much needed useable space to your home. We can use either traditional techniques or modern materials to achieve the look and feel that you want.
Cast Iron Guttering
We calculate the right size gutters and downpipes to use for your roof to check that the current size is appropriate. We would then take down the old guttering, prepare, re-paint, refit and renew sections beyond repair.
Re-Pointing
Re-pointing transforms the look of your building as well as repairing the defects within the masonry. We can repoint stone or brick masonry façades, where desirable we match the original colour and style.
Timber Floor Restoration
We carry out pre-sanding repairs renewing damaged boards with a similar species either in new or reclaimed timbers. We sand the boards to the desired level and stain to match or leave natural as is required protecting with hard wax oils.
Damp Proofing & Timber Treatment
Damp can cause rot to your timbers, cause moulds and spoil decorations. Damp can also lead to a poor internal environment with musty smells. Getting an accurate diagnosis of the cause of the damp is important.
Dry Rot
We are specialists in the treatment of dry rot and wet rot. We try to minimise the need to remove affected timbers using a holistic, environmental approach with the targeted use of the least toxic chemicals in the management of fungal decay.
Decorating Services
A room can be transformed by the design and choice of colour schemes. We can provide advice on historic colours and schemes as well as the more modern use of colour. The aim is to complement the style of your property whilst putting your own stamp on it.
Chimney Restoration
Chimneys that are in a poor state of repair can collapse and or leak dangerous fumes into . We can repair and reline your chimney to current building regulations and install a new wood burning stove or traditional fire and fire surround.
Under Floor Heating
We can install under floor heating as part of the floor restoration service. Or we can design a floor to go on top of your own plumber’s underfloor heating whether it is in timber, tile or stone.
OUR PROJECTS
WE RECOMMEND AND USE
WHAT OUR CUSTOMERS SAY
“The building is essentially a brick vaulted mediaeval building which had been insensitively altered and misused over a considerable period of time. There were a number of serious and complex defects throughout the building requiring urgent attention. Mr. Hamblin had secured the necessary listed building consent to carry out extensive structural repairs to the property to ensure its long-term future. This included the remediation of extensive damp problems in the cellar which in turn had created other problems within the structure.”
“Whilst on site he carried out the majority of the repair work himself and also coordinated his team including a structural engineer. He also liaised closely with me and English Heritage throughout the project. I spent many hours on-site and saw first-hand the application of his craft skills including structural brickwork, first and second fix joinery, and lime plaster work. It is my professional opinion that the quality of his workmanship is first rate and his understanding of building pathology (the identification and correction of defects) and conservation repair techniques is unequalled locally. I have not come across anyone of his calibre in my time” …
“I found his manner throughout my dealings with him and his team to be professional and conscientious at all times. I would recommend him without hesitation as a first-rate conservation professional.”
“I can unequivocally say Mark is an outstanding tradesman and a person of exceptional professional and personal qualities – a rare find. ”
“He has worked for my wife and I, on behalf of our insurance company, since October last year in respect of substantive structural repairs to our cottage that dates back to 1850. When initially attending site with a detailed Schedule of Works he appraised, amended and agreed it with me in detail ensuring everything was accurate from the outset. He took great care to assess the potential extent of the required repairs in the context of their impact on the cottage. As the project progressed and walls/ceilings were exposed, he encountered several unforeseen significant building deficiencies requiring a thorough survey, accurate specification and remedial repairs. ”
“Some of these surveys were outsourced c/o the Loss Adjustor/Insurance Company – Mark always held these professionals to account ensuring their assessment and recommended problem resolution was appropriate. It became quickly apparent he has a significant ability to understand the structure of a building, the way the component parts work and interact and the most preferred way to resolve issues. He thinks problems through carefully and has an inherent ability to think ‘outside of the box’ to achieve the most desirable result. He was politely demanding of outsourced professionals, never shying away from stating his preferred way forward if it was at variance – more often than not he was correct. ”
“Mark is a ‘craftsman’ with an in-depth knowledge of conservation work and is skilled in all aspects of building methods required of historic and modern buildings. ”
“He is fully aware of building work cost implications and controls. When working to a budget he is happy to advise on the best way forward but will not compromise on standards – he will always discuss matters fully with the client thereby facilitating a collegiate approach and eventual resolution. ”
“He has a breadth of knowledge across many trades and whilst competent to deal with many subjects himself will source and appoint the relevant sub trade skills as required. His knowledge of current building regulations and British standards is comprehensive – he has a naturally inquisitive mind with regard to the minefield of statutory construction legislation and a sound grasp of it. ”
A man of significant intellect, a creative thinker and an excellent communicator. I have no hesitation in saying his integrity is beyond reproach. ”
“Mark is a thoroughly competent professional – it has been a pleasure to have him working for me or perhaps better stated, ‘with me’. FYI, I am quite a fan of Channel 4’s TV programme ‘Restoration Man’ – Mark always comes to mind when viewing the series, he would make a creditable successor to the current presenter…”
WE ARE PROUD TO HAVE BEEN AWARDED
