Britons advised over careful repair of properties

Britons have been advised to be cautious when it comes to repairing derelict properties, as the wrong kind of adjustments could prove to be highly damaging to the value of the building, it has been suggested.

The Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (SPAB) has said that careful repairs of older buildings will naturally help increase its value, but warned that a lack of research often meant that homeowners were doing more harm than good.

Using the correct building materials is particularly important in such developments, SPAB noted.

"What we would say to people is do your research, use the right materials, and be sympathetic to the style and character of the building. And then you can't go wrong, it will pay you back at the end of it – because you can only improve its value by doing that," commented Kate Griffin, press officer for the SPAB.

"If you're taking on a listed building, always talk to your local conservation department. Don't just go in there gung-ho and start changing things, because you may find they'll make you change it back," Ms Griffin added.


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