It’s been one year of Talking Conservation — and in this special anniversary episode, Rich and Stephen step back to reflect on the journey so far. From favourite episodes to lessons learned behind the mic, they also reveal what’s coming next.

In this episode:
• Key takeaways from 12 months of podcasting
• Exciting plans for 2025 — including hands-on training and a conservation day
• Updates on Stephen’s new CPD training platform for professionals
• How Rich’s platform, Expertible, is helping homeowners access independent conservation advice
• How you can shape future episodes with your feedback

🎯 Got a question or an idea for future episodes? Reach out via our websites below.

Book a 1-to-1 consultation: https://www.expertible.com
Explore Stephen’s CPD training: https://www.beconservation.com
Register interest for our Conservation Day:
https://bit.ly/conservation-day-survey

🔔 Follow to get notified about new episodes as we launch a brand new series soon – including one focused on timber and internal finishes.

In this final episode of our Lime Series, we’re joined once again by master plasterer Sean Wheatley to explore the finer details of working with lime plaster on ceilings, restoring decorative cornices, and repairing historic mouldings in older UK homes.We cover:How to approach lime plaster ceiling repairs safely and effectivelyWhy cornices and ceiling roses matter for character and breathabilityCommon causes of ceiling failure in older buildingsRepairing and replacing traditional decorative plasterworkReal-world tips from decades of experience working on Victorian and Edwardian homesHow to blend new and original plaster seamlesslyWhether you're dealing with sagging ceilings, cracked cornices, or missing mouldings, this episode will help you understand what to do — and what to avoid — when working with lime plaster in period properties.🔔 Subscribe to our channel for expert advice on maintaining and restoring older homes📣 This wraps up our series on lime — next, we’re diving into a whole new theme. Hit the bell to be notified when the next series goes live!🔗 Links👉 Expertible – 1:1 video consultations with independent heritage professionals👉 Stephen Boniface Associates – Chartered building surveyor and conservation specialist📌 Who is this for?Homeowners of older UK properties, tradespeople working with traditional buildings, and anyone interested in practical conservation.🎬 Don’t miss our full lime mortar series – Watch the full playlist hereContents00:00 Introduction00:40 A brief history of decorative plasterwork03:08 A brief history of fibrous plasterwork05:52 Forms of plaster and mixes 07:49 Changes in decorative plaster through the 17th and 18th centuries11:14 Whether to repair or replace14:00 Cleaning plaster details and taking a squeeze17:16 Applying soft distemper17:48 Taking a squeeze19:58 Installing new/replacement cornices and details25:00 The most challenging, rewarding, impressive jobs30:19 Running moulds and what lies behind32:33 Decorative plaster34:10 Aggregates, hair and additives48:31 Closing49:14 Outro

In this episode of Talking Conservation, we’re joined by expert heritage plasterer Sean Wheatley, who brings decades of hands-on experience in the restoration of traditional ceilings and plasterwork in older homes. From sagging lath and plaster to hairline cracks and inappropriate repairs, Sean explains what to look out for, how to fix it — andwhen to call in a pro.

🧱 We discuss:

●      What materials were historicallyused for ceilings (and why it matters)

●      How to tell if a ceiling needsrepair or replacement

●      Spotting signs of serious failurevs. cosmetic issues

●      Why modern materials often makethings worse

●      DIY options vs. when to leave itto specialists

●      The pros and cons of differentlime plasters for interiors

●      Myths around steamers, fillers,and patching old ceilings

●      What goes wrong when corners arecut

●      What not to do with cracked or sagging ceilings

🛠️ Whether you're dealing with acrumbling Victorian ceiling or just curious about traditional internalfinishes, this is packed with insight.

🔗 Mentioned in this episode:
👉 Expertible– 1:1 video consultations with independent heritage professionals
👉 Stephen Boniface Associates – Chartered building surveyorand conservation specialist

📌 Who is this for?
Homeowners of older UK properties, tradespeople working with traditionalbuildings, and anyone interested in practical conservation.

🎬 Don’t miss our full lime mortar series – Watch the full playlist here

Contents

00:00             Introduction

00:54             Sean’s background

04:07             Worshipful Company of Plaisterers

05:45             Apprentices

07:13             Working at distance from home

08:30             Ceiling constructions and laths

11:53             Choosing riven or sawn laths

13:35             Application and fixing of laths

18:21             Gaps between laths

19:49             Reed as a backing

23:03             Board backings

24:41             Earth plasters

27:07             Identifying ceiling constructions

28:19             Dealing with cracks and discussionabout hair

33:17             Patching ceilings

34:13             Checking the soundness of a ceiling

37:10             Repairing lath and plaster

41:41             Causes of ceiling failures

46:28             Lime plaster mixes

50:19             Hot lime mortar mixes

51:26             Hydrated (bagged) lime

53:04             Using plasterboard

55:29             Overboarding a ceiling

58:27             Concluding comments

59:18             Outro

In this follow-up episode of Talking Conservation, we’re back with Steve Hogarth – SPAB Fellow, heritage mason, and rope access conservator with Highlife Rope Access – to dive deeper into how conservation really happens at height.From blocked gutters and cracked coping stones to wildlife nests and fragile leadwork, Steve shares what really goes on when you're dangling from ropes on cathedrals, castles, and churches – and why rope access can offer major advantages over traditional scaffolding.We explore:• What rope access actually is and when it’s used• Real-world examples of unexpected issues found at height• Why hands-on surveys can reveal more than drones or binoculars• The most common (and preventable) problems that damage old buildings• How rope access enables small, cost-effective repairs that prevent bigger failures• What makes rope access viable (or not) for domestic buildings• Why it’s an essential part of modern conservation practiceWhether you’re a homeowner, architect, or heritage professional, this episode offers unique insight into how careful, targeted intervention at height can extend the life of historic buildings.👉 https://www.highliferopeaccess.com/👉https://www.instagram.com/highlife_rope_access/👉https://www.facebook.com/HIGHLIFEROPEACCESS/👉 Subscribe to our channel for future episodes on building conservation, heritage homes, and expert advice.👉 Book a consultation with us for 1-1 advice on managing your historic home on www.expertible.com👉 Professionals involved in working on or with historic, traditional, or listed buildings may want 1-2-1 mentoring and/or training with Stephen. Visit his website at www.beconservation.com#talkingconservation #traditionalbuildings #buildingconservation #historicbuildingrestoration #traditionalconstructionmaterials #limemortar #preservingarchitecturalheritage #listedbuildings #heritageprotection #historichomes #traditionalhomes #restorationtips #homerestoration #architecturalheritage #historicmaterials #highliferopeaccess

What’s the biggest threat to your historic building? Water.

In this special episode of Talking Conservation, we’re joined by Steve Hogarth — SPAB Fellow, heritage mason, and rope access conservator with Highlife Rope Access — to explore how the smallest details up high can make the biggest difference to your building’s long-term health.

We dig into:

- Why effective drip detailing is critical to keeping water off your building

- What causes damage when high-level details are missing or poorly repaired

- Sky-facing joints and how they differ from vertical surfaces

- How to assess and choose the right lime mortar mix for exposed locations

- The overlooked genius of traditional detailing (like string courses, throatings & hood moulds)

- When to use NHL, hot lime, or natural cements- Why small targeted maintenance can prevent costly full-scale repairs

- Real-world insight from Steve’s rope access conservation work on churches and historic buildings

This is an essential listen for homeowners, tradespeople, or professionals working with older or listed buildings.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction

01:57 Drips and throatings

06:44 Impact of the Grand Tour

07:35 Umbrellas for buildings!

09:13 Clogged details and past rebuilding

10:28 Water pathways and identifying problems

12:59 Stephen's anecdote about finding a leak

15:01 Stopping water getting in

16:54 Junctions between materials

17:38 Choice of material for repair

19:56 Mortar mixes for exposed areas

24:38 Dealing with coastal locations

27:21 Ongoing maintenance

29:04 Limewashing or covering and changing exposed elevations

31:08 Shedding and sky-facing surfaces

35:02 Concluding comments

35:54 Outro

👉 High Life Rope Access: https://www.highliferopeaccess.com/

👉 Need expert 1:1 advice for your traditional or historic home?Book a video consultation with an independent specialist at www.expertible.com

🎓 Professionals wanting mentoring or training with Stephen Boniface? Visit www.beconservation.com

🔔 Subscribe for more episodes on lime, building conservation, materials, and expert insights from tradespeople working at the sharp end.

Before choosing your lime mortar or plaster, you need to understand your substrate.

In this bonus episode of Talking Conservation, Stephen and Rich explore the importance of knowing what's behind or beneath your mortar; from soft handmade bricks and old stone to chalk walls and cob.

Whether you're repointing, plastering, or rendering, understanding the substrate is critical to choosing the right mix and achieving long-lasting results.

We cover:

- What a “substrate” actually means in traditional buildings

- Common types found in historic homes (brick, stone, cob, timber)

- How substrate affects your lime choice and application

- Assessing problems and indicators of hidden issues

- Mistakes to avoid when applying lime to inappropriate surfaces

- Decision making, such as when to strip inappropriate materials

- Key questions to ask before starting any conservation work When to call in the professionals

- Keeping a record

▶️ Whether you're a homeowner or a professional working with heritage buildings, this video helps you avoid common issues and build with confidence.

👉 New to the Lime Series? Start here:

Ep.1: The Lime Cycle Explained – How lime is made and reabsorbs CO₂

Ep.2: Lime Mortar Types Explained – Key differences between air lime, NHL, pozzolans & more

Ep.3 Part.1: Which Lime to Use? – Mortars for pointing & bedding in older buildings

Ep.3 Part 2: Which Lime to Use? - Plasters and Renders

Ep.3 Part.3: High Exposure Areas & Floors – Using lime in chimneys, ridges, parapets, and floors

🔔 Subscribe for upcoming episodes on more specialist areas

📞 For 1-to-1 advice or a consultation, visit: www.expertible.com

💼 Professionals: Training & mentoring available at www.beconservation.com

#TalkingConservation #SubstratesExplained #LimeMortar #BuildingConservation #OldHouseDIY #HistoricHomes #TraditionalMaterials #LimePlaster #problemsolving #decisionmaking #professional help #heritageskills #limerender #lathandplaster #historictimberframes

Chapters00:00:00 – 00:00:50

Introduction00:00:50 - 00:02:23

What is a substrate?00:02:23 - 00:03:33

Flint00:03:33 - 00:05:22

Stone00:05:22 - 00:05:31

Cob and earth00:05:31 - 00:06:12

Wattle and Daub, lath and plaster00:06:12 - 00:06:56

Multiple substrates00:06:56 - 00:08:24

Behaviour of substrates (the science bit!)00:08:24 - 00:09:43

Timber00:09:43 - 00:10:57

Absorbency and moisture performance00:10:57 - 00:14:25

Cement render on timber frame (case study)00:14:25 - 00:16:34

Assessing problems and key indicators00:16:34 – 00:19:48

Delamination and hammer testing00:19:48 – 00:23:02

Decision making00:23:02 – 00:24:43

Should I remove cement render/pointing?00:24:43 – 00:26:36

Have I got layers of material?00:26:36 – 00:27:46

A judgement call and bringing in professionals00:27:46 – 00:28:52

Substrate preparation00:28:52 - 00:30:43

Wetting down surfaces 00:30:43 – 00:32:05

Plaster coats00:32:05 – 00:34:56

Use of hair in mixes00:34:56 – 00:39:25

Controlling the ‘set’00:39:25 – 00:40:14

Lath and plaster00:40:14 – 00:41:33

Dealing with modern interventions00:41:33 – 00:46:37

Removing modern material00:46:37 – 00:49:30

Surface finishes00:49:30 – 00:55:58

Changing aesthetics and appearance00:55:58 – 00:56:56

Key message – understand the building00:56:56 – 00:58:27

The importance of keeping a record00:58:27 – 00:59:11

Future episodes00:59:11 – 00:59:48

Expertible00:59:48 – 01:00:05

Close01:00:05 – 01:00:28

Outro

Not sure which lime to use for a chimney, solid floor, or coping stone? In this episode of Talking Conservation, we explain how to choose and apply the right lime mix for floor construction and high-exposure areas in older homes.

In this episode, Rich and Stephen continue their deep dive into lime mortars, exploring how to apply them in real-world contexts where performance under pressure really matters.

We cover the use of limecrete floors and lime ash floors, debunking common myths about moisture performance and clarifying where lime-based solid floors offer real benefits (and where they don’t).

We also examine high-exposure areas such as chimneys, ridge tiles, parapets, and copings — where material choice is critical. Should you use NHL 3.5? NHL 5? Is cement ever appropriate? We walk through the options and trade-offs.

Whether you're repairing flaunchings or considering a breathable solid floor alternative, this episode gives you practical advice grounded in conservation principles.

👉 Missed the earlier episodes? Start here:• Ep.1: The Lime Cycle Explained – Where lime comes from, how it’s made, and how it changes chemically from limestone to lime and back again.• Ep.2: Lime Mortar Types Explained – Air lime, NHL, hot lime, and pozzolans demystified — we explain their properties and behaviour.• Ep.3: Which Lime to Use? Part 1 – Mortars for Building & Pointing Older Buildings – Where and how to use the different lime types for masonry and repointing.

• Ep.4: Which Lime to Use? Part 2 – Plasters & Renders - Which types of plasters to use internally and pros and cons of the various options for external renders.

👉 Subscribe to our channel for future episodes on conservation, traditional buildings, and expert insight.👉 Need personalised advice? Book a consultation at www.expertible.com👉 Professionals can also book mentoring or training via Stephen’s site: www.beconservation.com

#BuildingConservation #TraditionalMaterials #LimeMortar #HistoricBuildings #Retrofitting #HeritageSkills #TalkingConservation #Architects #Surveyors #Builders #ConservationProfessionals

Lime Plaster & Render Uses Explained — How to choose the right mix for old buildingsIn this episode of Talking Conservation, Stephen and Rich continue their deep dive into lime applications; this time focusing on internal plasters and external renders for traditional and historic buildings.We discuss the different types of lime used in plaster and render work; including air lime, NHL 2, NHL 3.5, hot lime, and pozzolanic mixes and how to choose the right one based on the substrate, exposure, and performance needs.We cover:Why flexibility and vapour movement matter in internal plaster systemsWhen to avoid overly hard or dense mixes on older wallsHow to approach external render repairs or replacementsWhat to do when cement-based render is already presentModern vs. traditional techniques — and where specialist mixes like insulating plasters might helpThis practical discussion is rooted in conservation knowledge, with decades of experience in what works, and what doesn’t, when applying lime-based systems in heritage settings.Whether you're working on your own older property or advising clients as a professional, this episode will help you make informed choices on plaster and render mixes.👉 Missed Part 1? Watch it here: “Which Lime to Use? Part 1 – Mortars for Building & Pointing Older Buildings”👉 New to the series? Start here:• Ep.1: The Lime Cycle Explained — where lime comes from, how it's made, and how it behaves chemically in use• Ep.2: Lime Mortar Types Explained — covering air lime, hydraulic lime, hot lime and hybrid mixes👉 Subscribe for more on building conservation, restoration, and heritage homes👉 Homeowner? Book a 1-1 consultation at www.expertible.com👉 Professional? Learn more about mentoring or training with Stephen at www.beconservation.com

Lime Mortar Uses Explained — How to apply the correct mix for your historic homeIn this episode of Talking Conservation, Stephen and Rich explain how different types of lime mortar are applied to traditional buildings; from soft brick pointing to bedding stone walls. We cover the pros and cons of air lime, NHL 2, NHL 3.5, and hot lime mixes and how they compare to cement-based mortars often found in repairs.When considering pointing; we talk about the adage that "the pointing should always be softer than the surrounding masonry" and explain this. We discuss when to consider repointing and briefly look at what repointing involves. In our discussion we briefly touch on tuck pointing.During the discussion we consider how brick making has changed over the centuries and how mortar/pointing has also changed.Whether you’re a homeowner working on an older property or a trade professional unsure which lime mix is right for the job, this episode gives you practical guidance rooted in conservation experience.The next episode looks at the use of lime for internal plasters and external renders.👉 New to the series? Watch these first:• Ep.1: The Lime Cycle Explained — where lime comes from, how it's processed, and how it transforms chemically from limestone to lime and back again.• Ep.2: Lime Mortar Types Explained — the different types of lime (air lime, NHL, hot lime, pozzolanic mixes), their characteristics, and how they behave in buildings.👉 Subscribe to our channel for future episodes on building conservation, heritage homes, and expert advice.👉 Book a consultation with us for 1-1 advice on managing your historic home on www.expertible.com👉 Professionals involved in working on or with historic, traditional, or listed buildings may want 1-2-1 mentoring and/or training with Stephen. Visit his website at www.beconservation.com

In this episode of Talking Conservation, we explain the different types of lime used in building and restoration work. If you have ever wondered what the difference is between air lime, natural hydraulic lime (NHL), pozzolans, or hybrid lime mixes, this video will give you a clear introduction.

Understanding the types of lime is essential before starting any work on older or historic buildings. Whether you are a homeowner, builder, surveyor or anyone dealing with traditional construction, choosing the right lime can make a big difference to the long-term condition of the building.

We cover:

What air lime is and how it works

How pozzolans change lime chemistry and performance

What makes a lime hydraulic and how NHLs are classified

The role of hybrid mixes, including hot lime and insulating lime plasters

The importance of matching materials to traditional buildings

This is the second video in our lime series. In the next episode, we will discuss how to select and apply the correct lime type for specific jobs including pointing, rendering, plastering and flooring.

👉 Subscribe to our channel for future episodes on building conservation, heritage homes, and expert advice.

👉 Book a consultation with us for 1-1 advice on managing your historic home on www.expertible.com

👉 Professionals involved in working on or with historic, traditional, or listed buildings may want 1-2-1 mentoring and/or training with Stephen. Visit his website at www.beconservation.com

Rich finds a lime kiln. Stephen nerds out on chemistry. Somehow, it all makes sense.

In this episode of Talking Conservation, we walk through the full lime cycle — from burnt limestone to breathable lime mortar — and explain why it still matters today.

Packed with practical knowledge, dry humour, and the occasional chemistry flashback, this is your crash course in the building material that’s been quietly doing the heavy lifting for centuries.

Rich comes across an old disused lime kiln and this leads us to discuss the Lime Cycle. Stephen talks about how a source of Calcium Carbonate (e.g. Limestone) is taken through various processes that each change the nature of the material, but that at the end it reverts to a form of Calcium Carbonate again - hence the term Lime Cycle. Rich reflects on this at the end and mentions that we will look at various forms of lime (as used in building works) in a future video.

#limestone #thelimecycle #buildinglimes #buildingconservation #talkingconservation #buildingmaterials

Douglas Kent is the Technical Secretary ofSPAB, but in his private capacity purchased The Old Sun Inn, Saffron Walden, afew years ago, having previously acquired the neighbouring properties. We talkabout how Douglas got involved in conservation and how he came to the point ofbuying these buildings.  We discuss thechallenges he has so far faced and those he is yet to tackle. Amongst theissues discuss3ed we consider how to undertake appropriate repairs, dealingwith inappropriate past works, upgrading to modern requirements and dealingwith building regulations.  Douglas tellsus about his plans for the future and mentions some of the events lined up.

The website of The Old Sun Inn can be foundhere:

https://oldsuninn.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oldsuninn/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100093592571779

Alec Clifton Taylor’s ‘Six More English Towns– Saffron Walden’ – the quality of the video is not great.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KgUyzk8V7IY

Links to books on Amazon.  Please note that we do earn a very smallamount of commission from Amazon if you purchase through these links.

Alec Clifton Taylor

Six More English Towns (book) https://amzn.to/3FDgTOI

The Pattern of English Building https://amzn.to/3DyIPmc

Ronald Brunskill

Illustrated Handbook of VernacularArchitecture https://amzn.to/3FydvnX

Chapters

00:00:00                        Intro.

00:08:21                        Welcome to The Old SunInn and introduction of Douglas.

00:40:03                        Douglas’ background andbecoming a surveyor.

02:33:15                        Introduction to SPAB andgetting a job there.

03:39:06                        How Douglas came topurchase the properties.

05:45:11                        History of thebuildings.

08:21:09                        Condition at the time ofpurchase.

09:12:06                        Original intentions forthe buildings.

11:21:00                        Tackling externalproblems.

14:06:17                        Dealing with the layersof limewash, plasterwork, and pargeting.

20:53:16                        History of thepargeting.

24:57:23                        Obtaining consent forworks.

27:06:22                        Being a leaseholder.

29:08:11                        Advice to those puttingin consent applications.

31:33:07                        Surprises encountered.

35:03:05                        Understanding thebuilding – why it is important.

35:49:14                        Challenges of modernliving and requirements, particularly services.

38:18:03                        Building regulationsincluding fire safety.

40:20:10                        Windows and thermalperformance.

44:14:13                        When to DIY and when notto.

46:04:04                        The need forprofessionals to have practical knowledge.

47:42:16                        Favourite books.

49:34:21                        Favourite building.

50:23:12                        Contact information andfuture events at The Old Sun Inn.

52:51:02                        Outro.

Ian is the CEO of Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome (museum). We talk about his past and how he came to be at Stow Maries, as well as describing the site and its buildings. Some issues we specifically talk about are Hoop Iron and Asbestos. We also discuss the use of volunteers and how these are essential to the running of the museum. An ongoing problem that faces most museums is funding and we talk about funding for Stow Maries. We also look at future plans and Ian also tells us what inspires him.Chapters00:00:00 Music intro. 00:07:09 General introduction.00:30:07 Introduction to the museum and Ian Flint.00:56:11 Ian’s story about how he became involved.02:54:08 About Stow Maries Great War Museum.04:28:23 About the site.08:34:15 Types of buildings on site.10:01:03 Accessibility, facilities, and buildings in use.12:00:13 The present condition of buildings and what works are ongoing and planned.14:14:15 Hoop Iron – what is it and how it is being dealt with?19:21:06 The airfield aspect.20:22:19 Asbestos – how it is approached and dealt with.23:33:04 Seeking professional guidance.26:35:21 Dealing with contractors.30:36:18 Volunteers – creating a group of volunteers and retaining them.38:29:04 Funding and the Heritage Lottery Fund.44:22:00 Donating to the museum.45:16:23 Social media presence.46:24:02 The future of Stow Maries.49:10:03 What inspired Ian and continues to drive him.52:18:19 Favourite place or places.55:14:04 Closing comments and thanks.55:29:09 Outro.

Buildings Insurance for Historic Homes: Everything You Need to Know In this episode, we sit down with Steve Moores, Client Director for Howden Insurance, to discuss the ins and outs of buildings insurance for historic homes. Whether you’re a homeowner, landlord, or tenant of an old property, this episode is packed with essential advice to help you protect your home. Key Topics Covered: - How to assess the rebuild value of your historic property. - Factors that impact insurance premiums and how to lower costs. - Risks specific to older homes, such as fire, flood, subsidence, and more. - The challenges of insuring during the current "hard market." - What happens if you’re underinsured and how to avoid costly mistakes. Jump to specific sections using the timestamps below: 00:00:00 - Introductions 00:02:38 - Assessing the rebuild value of a building 00:08:49 - Building Cost Information Service limitations 00:19:07 - How often to assess a rebuild value 00:27:52 - What affects insurance premiums the most 00:30:47 - Water leak detectors 00:37:39 - Escape of oil 00:40:55 - Domestic energy storage & batteries 00:43:02 - Risks of fire 00:46:32 - Risk of flood 00:50:09 - Subsidence 00:51:35 - The current insurance "Hard Market" 00:59:09 - Insuring for subsidence 01:04:54 - Discussion on claims 01:08:38 - "Betterment" 01:16:37 - What happens if you're underinsured 01:26:13 - Having significant building works done 01:31:05 - Wrap up Links & Resources Mentioned: 🏠 Tools for Assessing Your Historic Property: * Building Cost Information Service (BCIS): https://www.bcis.co.uk * Rebuild Cost Assessment (Desktop Assessment - use code HOWDEN20):https://www.rebuildcostassessment.com/desktop-assessment * Benchmark Cost Assessment Services: https://bch.uk.com/benchmark/

🌊 Flood Risk Resources: * Flood Re Initiative (Affordable Flood Insurance): https://www.floodre.co.uk * Government Flood Risk Information: https://flood-map-for-planning.service.gov.uk

🔧 Renovation Insurance: * Renovation Plan (Insurance for Renovation or Building Work): https://www.renovationplan.co.uk

💬 Join the Conversation: * "Your Old House UK - Repair and Conservation" Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1Ew6kmuVjw/?mibextid=wwXIfr

🔒 Building Insurance Services: * Howden Insurance – Private Clients: https://www.howdeninsurance.co.uk/private-client/

📧 Connect with Steve Moores: * Email Steve: ⁠steve.moores@howdeninsurance.co.uk⁠ 👉 Subscribe to our channel for weekly episodes on building conservation, heritage homes, and expert advice. 👉 Book a consultation with us for 1-1 advice on managing your historic home on https://expertible.com

If you're a fan of home renovations, historic properties, or jaw-dropping transformations, you’ve likely heard of Greg—better known on social media as “Man with a Hammer.” In this episode, we dive into his epic journey of restoring the Admiral’s House, a massive 8000-square-foot ex-Naval officer’s quarters in Plymouth, into a stunning forever home. Built in 1804, this grand Georgian property boasts 30+ rooms, 5 floors, and 60+ windows—but it needed serious TLC. Greg shares his Yorkshire upbringing, his DIY struggles as the self-proclaimed 'office wally,' and the inspiration behind his gorgeous interior design style. We also explore the challenges of tackling such a huge solo renovation project. Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast, a lover of historic homes, or just curious about this viral renovation story, this episode is packed with inspiration and insights. Don’t miss it! Link to Greg's Sunday Times Best Seller Book: https://bio.to/ManWithAHammer #oldbuildings #restoration #interiordesign #conservation

In this episode we explore what many homeowners have experienced during the purchase process of buying an older property; the dreaded "you require a separate timber/damp survey".

Stephen and Rich discuss the reasons you may get such a requirement, usually from your mortgage lender, the history that surrounds it and finally what people can do about it to ensure you both satisfy the lending conditions but also do what is appropriate for your home.

Thanks for listening.

Links:

Joint Position Statement, September 2022: "Investigation of moisture and its effects on traditional buildings" - https://www.rics.org/profession-standards/rics-standards-and-guidance/sector-standards/building-surveying-standards/investigation-of-moisture-and-its-effect-on-traditional-building

To book a consultation with a heritage professional regarding damp & timber: https://expertible.com

#conservation #surveyor #oldhouse

MYTHBUSTING!

James Wright

We are talking to James Wright - the Historic Buildings Mythbuster!

We start off by looking into his background and how he got into building archaeology, and then we go on to tease a bit more out about him in terms of some of the grand buildings he's dealt with to some of the smaller historic buildings, and the lessons that he's learnt from those. We talk about some of the science involved in building archaeology, so dendrochronology what it is, how that works and how he uses that, as well as some of the other investigation techniques and the technology that's used.

The historic reuse of building materials is discussed and how that can throw you off the scent of a particular building in terms of it’s age and legacy. From this we go ont to talk about where to start with understanding your own building and some of the resources that homeowners can use to research their own building's history.

Then, onto the myths. In particular we talk about the myth of reusing ship timbers, as well as touching on the issue of the oldest pub.

And then James mentions his favourite books, including Linda Hall’s ‘Period House Fixtures & Fittings’. When we go on to talk about his favourite building, we benefit from a fantastic overview of the history of Knole House in Kent.

Of course, we mention how to contact James.

We think it's a really good episode, this one, very engaging, hope you enjoy it, do let us know.

00:00 - Intro to James

04:28 - How do you take the lessons from studying grand buildings into smaller historic buildings?

09:46 - Dendrochronology

19:58 - How do you deal with something that’s covered up?

26:04 - When to involve a building archeologist

29:09 - Buildings archaeology isn’t very expensive in the grand scheme of things

31:46 - Investigation techniques and technology

43:35 - When changes occur to buildings and changes of ownership

53:20 - Reusing of building materials

57:54 - Where do you start with trying to understand your own building?

1:02:24 - Resources homeowners can use to research their building’s history

1:13:49 - The myth of reused ship’s timbers

1:22:09 - James favourite books

1:24:39 - James’ favourite building

1:29:04 - How to contact James

Links:

James' website: https://triskeleheritage.triskelepublishing.com/

James' Historic Building Mythbusting: https://amzn.to/3OvF4Q5

Linda Hall's Period House Fixtures & Fittings: https://amzn.to/4i980el

The books of Ronald Brunskill: https://amzn.to/4fOuIHb

Knole House: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/kent/knole

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#talkingconservation #mythbusting #heritageconservation

#podcast #conservation #buildingconservation #buildingsarchaeologist #historicbuildingmyths #shipstimbers #knolehouse #architecturalresearch #triskeleheritage

#heritagepreservation #historicbuildings #traditionalbuilding #architecturalconservation #architecture #architects #surveyors #buildingsurveyors #engineers #archaeologists #architecturaltechnologist #planning #planner #conservationofficer #heritageskills

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In this episode, we interview the directors of the National Retrofit Hub - Rachel Owens and Sara Edmonds.

00:00 Introduction

00:52 What is NRH?

02:02 Rachel’s background

04:12 Sara’s background

08:40 About the NRH, who is involved and getting the message across

14:25 Reasons for, and benefits of, retrofit

15:27 Retrofit for homeowners, builders and builders’ merchants

20:50 Community involvement

24:17 Getting the message out

27:17 Aims of NRH

30:15 The NRH directory and looking for examples and exemplars

31:50 Getting the next generations involved

33:15 The bigger picture and meeting the challenge

34:55 Scientific research regarding traditional buildings and technical issues

40:10 Funding for research

44:20 EPCs and concerns regarding tenants

50:20 Home buying and selling and log books

53:54 Global cooperation and coordination

57:52 Archetyping by age

1:00:30 Longer term aims and aspirations

1:04:40 Sustainability

1:05:10 How to contact NRH and how to get involved

1:06:27 Rich and Stephen sum up

Links

Built Environment Smarter Transformation - BEST: www.be-st.build

Home Energy Action Lab: https://www.instagram.com/home_energy_action_lab/ 

Architects Action Network - ACAN: www.architectscan.org

National Home Improvement Council - NHIC: https://nhic.org.uk/ 

Retrofit Reimagined - film: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8m2hSkCZ_zE 

Canopy Housing (Leeds): https://www.canopyhousing.org/ 

Timber Fest: https://timberfestival.org.uk/

Civic Square: https://civicsquare.cc/ 

Centre for Moisture in Buildings: https://ukcmb.org/

SEDA - Scottish Ecological Design Association: https://www.seda.uk.net/ 

Ecological Building Systems: https://www.ecologicalbuildingsystems.com/ 

Impact on Urban Health: https://urbanhealth.org.uk/ 

Home Buying and Selling Council https://homebuyingsellingcouncil.co.uk/ 

REScoop - https://www.rescoop.eu/ 

UKERC - https://ukerc.ac.uk/

SME - Small medium enterprise

RMI - Repair maintenance and improvement

BSI - British Standards institute

DESNZ - Department for Energy Security and Net Zero

DLUHC - Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities

UKGBC - UK Green Building Council

SHDF - Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund

EPC - Energy Performance Certificate

MEES - Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards

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In this episode we chat with Ben Kerslake of CarringtonLIME. Rich visited him at his premises in the Forest of Dean. We discuss Ben winning a Blue Peter competition, getting his neighbours to work on his house, and painting a room for 50p! On a more serious note, we talk about lime, hot lime, Naturally Hydraulic Lime, training, and innovation. Ben is keen to help train the next generation of plasterers, but also homeowners wanting to have a go themselves, and professionals wanting to understand the use of lime better.

00:00 - Intro

01:02 - About Ben

04:10 - Where it started

06:11 - The courses CarringtonLIME run

08:06 - How can we narrow the skills gap?

09:12 - Advice on coating plasters and paints

11:36 - Making your own paints and plasters

16:10 - Subscribe to channel

17:10 - “Hot” lime

21:28 - Hydrated Lime

24:02 - Using lime now very different to historic mixes

26:16 - Specifying mixes

31:19 - Bought Lime quality can be too pure for buildings applications

35:01 - Over-prescriptive specifications

36:28 - Understanding materials

39:07 - “One size DOESN’T fit all”

39:58 - Experimenting with materials and mixes

44:52 - Lath and plaster ceilings

52:02 - Insulating plaster mixes

55:06 - Overview of CarringtonLIME courses

58:23 - Favourite Book

60:04 - Favourite Building

CarringtonLime: https://www.carringtonlime.co.uk/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carringtonlime

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carringtonlime

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In this episode we talk with Jonathan Taylor, exploring his beginnings in Architecture and then as a Conservation Officer, before the founding of the Building Conservation Directory. We discuss its success and some of the challenges Jonathan faces in publishing, as well as issues that are close to Jonathan's heart relating to conservation and his concern that conservation is about more than just the buildings.

Chapters

00:00 - Intro

00:26 - Jonathan Taylor biography

02:06 - What made Jonathan change from Architecture to conservation

05:47 - Not just the building but the whole social side too

08:52 - How did the Building Conservation Directory come about?

12:21 - How the BCD directory is funded

15:45 - How did you select where the BCD copies were sent? 

18:35 - Did the internet change the BCD and it’s reach?

20:43 - Not really any trade secrets in conservation

22:24 - What about people wanting to write or advertise things that aren’t appropriate?

25:24 - The directory is the start of the specification process

26:05 - “People have asked for an accredited only publication…”

27:58 - Homeowners do phone in 

31:37 - How do you keep articles up to date?

33:56 - The challenge of retrofit 

37:27 - The debate on what is right or wrong

38:08 - Has conservation gone too far, and prevented evolution of buildings?

41:17 - How much, as a society, are we prepared to lose?

42:00 - How many buildings are of ‘traditional’ construction and how many listed?

42:51 - The other publications and articles that BCD cover

46:39 - New website looking exclusively at retrofit and sustainability 

48:43 - Dr. Robyn Pender on a fresh way to look at historic buildings 

50:54 - Global reach of the website

52:43 - “We will never abandon print”

53:18 - Jonathan’s recommended books 

55:09 - Jonathan’s favourite buildings and why 

59:21 - Training is one of the main subjects on the website too

59:53 - How to get in touch with Jonathan and the website

Links: 

Building Conservation Directory:

https://www.buildingconservation.com

Joint Position Statement: https://historicengland.org.uk/advice/technical-advice/buildings/damp-in-historic-buildings/investigation-of-moisture-and-its-effects-on-traditional-buildings/

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