All articles
Restoration
·
·
4 min read
Repair, don't replace: saving sash windows
Most rotten sashes can be repaired for a fraction of the cost of new, and draught-proofed to perform almost as well.

Dan Mortise
Head joiner

Victorian and Georgian sashes were made from slow-grown timber that is far more durable than most modern wood. Even when the bottom rail has rotted, the rest is usually sound.
We splice in new timber where it’s needed, free the pulleys, replace the cords and fit brush seals into the beads. The result is a window that opens with one finger and stops most draughts.
In a conservation area, repair is also usually the easiest route: no planning arguments about replacement windows.
A typical repair and draught-proofing costs £650 to £1,400 a window, against £2,000 or more for a good new timber sash.
N° 01 — Keep reading
More from the yard.

Planning
·
6 min read
Do I need planning permission for a rear extension?
Permitted development, prior approval, conservation areas and listed buildings: what applies to your house, in plain English.

Materials
·
5 min read
Lime plaster or gypsum: which does an old house need?
Why solid-walled houses need to breathe, and when modern plaster is fine.

Costs
·
7 min read
What a fair builder's quote looks like
Line items, provisional sums, contingency and payment stages: how to compare quotes without getting caught out.
Start with a survey
Tell us about your house.
A free survey visit, a clear written quote within ten working days, and no pressure.
