Historical buildings are appealing to live in as they are full of character and have features that new builds won’t have. Buying a run down older building to restore and turn into the perfect home is something that appeals to many people, and it can be a real labour of love, as well as a great way to get a property that you can then make your own.

When it comes to renovating an older building, there are likely to be rules that you will need to follow so that you get the planning permission to be able to do it however. After all, taking on a building that is old makes you a custodian of history, and making sure that you restore it sympathetically is important.

Whether you have taken on a ramshackle old cottage or an old barn, using the materials that fit in with the style and the era of the building is something that you need to be really aware of. Older properties for example are likely to be made of wooden beams, so use oak trusses like this https://www.timberpride.co.uk/oak-trusses/ rather than more modern building materials.

When you are starting to design the property, find an architect that specialises and has experience with restoring older buildings, as they will be able to advise you and also they will know more about what it takes to be able to get planning permission for the work. They will also be able to point out certain features of the building and advise you on how to work with them and what you can do with them, such as fireplaces for example. They will also be able to show you how to blend modern life with older features in the property.

If you are the type of person that wants a completely fresh clean slate, that you can more or less do what you want with, then an older building is not going to be for you. However, if you like the idea of keeping as much of the original building itself and creating a home that is full of character and history, then this is something that you will be suited to.