How to Keep Yours in Great Condition
Today’s property market is as competitive as it has ever been, and buyers are looking for things that make a home stand out from the crowd. Period features such as sash windows in Central London can have a big impact on the value of your property, but only if they are in great condition! Here’s everything you need to know.
Sash Windows
Sash windows are one of the most iconic period features a home can have, and they are most commonly seen in Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian homes. Buyers are really drawn to properties that still have their sash windows, as it hints at yet more character on the inside of the home.
However, if your sash windows are in less-than-ideal condition, buyers may see them as a burden instead. That’s why investing in yours is so important! By choosing a specialist in sash window and repair maintenance, your windows can be kept in great shape using traditional materials and techniques.
Original Fireplaces
Fireplaces used to be the sole heat source in a room, and that is why original fireplaces serve as a real centrepiece of a space. Whether it’s a cast iron or tiled fireplace in your property, an original feature like this brings so much character to a room. To make the most of yours, ensure that it is clean and is safe to use if it is going to be used functionally. If the latter isn’t possible, you can style the fireplace with an electric burner or even place flowers in the inner hearth.
Decorative Plasterwork
Cornices, ceiling roses and coving can all make a room feel much more elegant and emphasise the home’s age and craftsmanship. They are most commonly found in Georgian and Victorian homes, and they can be a major selling point if they are intact. So, if you are lucky enough to have original decorative plasterwork, make sure it is kept in good condition! Restoration experts can carefully clean, repair and even replicate missing sections.
Wooden Flooring
Original timber flooring is another highly sought-after period feature. Parquet and herringbone patterns are particularly desirable right now, as they are really on trend. Buyers love the character that comes with aged wood, especially if it has been well looked after over the years. Re-sanding, polishing and sealing original floors can breathe new life into them while maintaining their charm. You’ll want to avoid taking a heavy-handed approach with this and call in an expert.
Taking the Right Approach
Buyers often love the idea of owning a period home, but they’re also wary of the time and money that can go into maintaining them. This is why keeping on top of the maintenance of the original features in your property is so important. However, when you are doing so, it is important to focus on authenticity. You should always ensure that traditional techniques are used where possible, and that any replacements, such as new glazing, are in keeping with the original style of your home.
Embrace the Old!
Period features can take a home from ordinary to extraordinary, so don’t shy away from yours! Rather, work with a team specialising in their care, so that yours look as good as possible while keeping their historic charm.