Period properties

Most people who choose to become the proud owner of a period home do so because they want to experience a sense of history, owning a home with character that has been enjoyed by generations before them who have all left their stamp with adaptations that have reflected their tastes and lifestyle requirements. Period homes are often a fascinating historic diary of the changes in our culture and design periods that the building has spanned and the proud custodians of these buildings are responsible for the heritage that they pass down through their ownership.

Replacing the doors, windows, staircases or introducing fitted furniture in your period property represents a substantial investment which requires a great deal of thought and extensive research. These additions and improvements can transform the appearance, security and comfort of your home and, if accomplished with sensitivity and understanding, can represent a significant improvement which can also increase the value of your property.

Here at Parsons Joinery we offer a completely bespoke service with joinery that has been specifically tailored to suit the architectural proportions and period of your property whilst being designed to meet your individual specification. We have many years of experience designing, manufacturing and installing joinery in period homes, many of which have been listed properties or fall within a conservation area.

Whilst the greater proportion of our work is the reproduction and replacement of existing joinery which is beyond repair and requires replacement, many of our customers require a combination of traditional design with modern technology such as draught proofing, double glazing and sophisticated security measures. We are able to assist and advise in designing joinery to suit your individual requirements.

When we receive your initial enquiry, we will arrange an appointment with our surveyor, Trevor Flint, an experienced joiner, surveyor and estimator and he will discuss your project in great detail, listening to your requirements and advising you of the most cost effective way to achieve them. This will be followed up with a written quotation and information about the deposit indemnity insurance and insurance backed guarantee that we offer through our membership of The Consumer Protection Association. We are happy to answer any queries that you might have prior to placing your order. When you have confirmed your order, we will undertake a detailed survey prior to manufacturing your joinery in our workshop. We are delighted to show customers around our workshop at any time during this process.

Conservation Areas and Listed Buildings

Listed buildings are protected by law and it is necessary to obtain Listed Buildings Consent by making an application to your local council if you are considering a change in design or use of materials. As a general rule, Listed Buildings Consent is rarely given for replacement double glazed windows in listed properties even when the windows are to be constructed to replicate the originals. Once your windows have been replaced with new, fully draught stripped, single glazed replacements, compensatory measures can be taken to increase energy efficiency in other parts of the building such as roof or floor insulation or, with the windows, to fit shutters, thermally line curtains or install secondary glazing. If your property is your private residence, has listed building consent and is a new extension, then the joinery could be zero rated.

Further information and advice about renovations and alterations to Listed Buildings can be obtained through the Listed Property Owners’ Club at www.listedpropertyownersclub.co.uk.

For properties located in Conservation areas, permission for aesthetic and functional changes to the exterior of the building rests with your local Conservation Officer and their advice should always be sought prior to an installation. They will advise on whether a Planning Application is necessary. In either case, a Building Notice application is a requirement and should be made in addition to other consents. Building Control monitor building work to ensure that it meets safety requirements and is up to permitted standards and they will inspect an installation prior to work commencing and will follow up with a further inspection after the work has been completed. They will then issue a certificate of compliance which will be required when you sell your property. A charge will be made for this service which is usually a percentage of the cost of the building work. If you are permitted to replace your windows with double glazed alternatives, a FENSA regulated company, such as Parsons Joinery, can self-certify their own work and a Building Notice application will be unnecessary.