FAQ

What sort of heritage projects have Guild worked on?

Guild Architectural Restoration specialise in heritage building conservation, period restoration and associated repairs and refurbishments. We are proud to provide our specialist services for some incredible properties of special interest and are dedicated to preserving and taking care of heritage buildings for future generations.

Our award winning team have worked on a vast array of protected, period and listed buildings across both the public and private sectors. In addition to our expertise in heritage craft skills and traditional materials and methods, we have also provided specialist temporary propping design and installation to enable structural steel repair and replacement. Guild have also developed a specialism in the relatively modern requirement for the restoration of Glulam structural beams.

You can find out more about some of the work that Guild has provided for an array of heritage projects here: https://guildrestoration.com/case-studies/

**What is the difference between Grade I, II* and II?**

Just 2.5% of buildings are listed in the Grade I category. These include buildings of the highest national, architectural or historic significance. Some of the UK’s Grade I listed buildings include Blackpool Tower, Portchester Castle and Liverpool Cathedral.

Grade II* and Grade II are the most common listings. Grade II* listed buildings have a specific characteristic of special interest, such as an aesthetic feature. Examples include Battersea Power Station and the Coliseum Theatre.

Grade II listed buildings account for 92% of all listed buildings in the UK and are buildings that warrant preservation efforts for their special interest. Examples of buildings and properties that have Grade II listing include houses and public houses, hotels, railways stations, theatres and stadiums.

What is like-for-like repair?

When conducting repairs or maintenance on a listed property, it’s important that any architectural or structural features that contribute to the building’s special interest are not removed or changed in character.

Therefore, the materials used should be period appropriate and the same as those used in the original features. In circumstances where the original material cannot be identically matched, the most similar, or ‘like-for-like’ materials should be used to match the original material as closely as possible.

What alterations can I make to a listed building?

Buildings are listed for the purpose of protecting their special historic importance and architectural features. The listed status applies both internally and externally and can include objects such as chandeliers, structures and affixed buildings.

Whilst it is possible to make alterations to repurpose or modernise a listed building, the types of alterations that can be made will depend on the property and its protected features. Therefore consent is required if work is to affect features of special interest within the listed building. This includes alterations to the properties internal layout, timber, plasterwork, walls or brickwork, windows or fireplaces etc. Local authorities decided whether to grant Listed Building Consent.

Do I need Listed Building Consent for basic maintenance and repair?

Basic maintenance and repair work is imperative for the general upkeep and preservation of historic and listed properties. Listed Building Consent is only required if you intend to carry out repairs and maintenance work that will affect the character or architectural features of the building.

Generally, light maintenance work does not require consent. However, it is important to note that some maintenance and repair activities, for example, replacing a broken window pane with a like for like pane, would require consent because the pane itself would be included within the listing. You will be required to acquire Listed Building Consent if repair work will change the building’s character, and in some circumstances, you may need to apply for planning permission.

What is Listed Building Consent?

Listed Building Consent involves getting permission to alter, extend or demolish a listed building from your local authority. This consent is in place to protect such historic buildings and architectural features for future generations.

In order to obtain Listed Building Consent, you should contact your local authority Conservation Officer with a detailed outline of what works you intend to carry out, whilst expressing how you intend to protect and preserve the building and its listed features.

Without Listed Building Consent, any unauthorised work is deemed as a criminal offence.

Guild can support your application and ensure that any changes made are in compliance with the building’s listing regulations.

How can I find out if my building is listed?

The older the building, the more likely it is to be listed. Buildings are generally listed due to their architectural and historical interest and tend to have a specific aesthetic appeal. A building may also be listed if it is particularly rare or one of few still in existence. You can find out if a property is listed by visiting Historic England, Historic Environment Scotland or Historic Wales .

What is heritage conservation?

Heritage conservation concentrates on maintaining and restoring buildings and landscapes of historic importance for future generations. Many listed or protected buildings need to be conserved for the purpose of maintaining their features of historic importance and cultural heritage. Heritage conservation seeks to preserve architectural elements that contribute to a building’s character and importance whilst adding value to a building.