Rewiring a listed building is usually possible, but cable routes need careful planning to protect original fabric.

Why lime mortar, not cement, is right for old brick, and how to get the mix right.

What drives sash window restoration cost, and why replacement isn't always cheaper.

Realistic ways to warm up original sash windows, from draught proofing to slimline glazing.

What's worth checking before you buy a listed property.

Whether repointing needs consent depends on the work's extent and mortar used.

When internal work on a listed building needs consent, and what happens if you skip it.

Removing cement render is usually possible and often fixes damp, but it must be done carefully.

Lime plaster cures far more slowly than gypsum. Here's what to expect, and why rushing it causes failure.

Why lime render suits period properties, and what happens when cement is used instead.

Standard paint can undo a correctly applied lime finish. Here's what to use instead.

Why gypsum plaster fails on breathable period walls, and what to use instead.