What You Need to Know Before Starting a Project with Restoration Builders in Bucks

Do you have the good fortune to live in one of the charming period cottages, historic farmhouses or even grand manor houses that dot the Buckinghamshire landscape? If you do, but are yet to find out that restoration work on it can be expensive, time consuming and difficult, here’s some of what you’ll need to know before diving into a renovation or restoration project with experienced restoration builders in Bucks.  Oh yes, you really do want them to be experienced.

1. Not all builders are the same

Not even all good builders are the same, and at Saunders Brothers, one of the areas in which we feel at home is sharing with you our knowledge and experience in using traditional materials, respecting historic features or preservation techniques. It goes without saying that restoring a historic or listed building isn’t the same as a standard renovation. You may have heard it’s often expensive, difficult or troublesome – but what about the results? Well, that’s why you want an experienced restoration builder. They’re the ones who can make your home look like a piece of history that hasn’t aged a day. Choose a builder with proven experience in restoration, not just general construction.

2. Understand what you’re working on

Before any work begins, make sure you understand the current condition of your property – as a minimum, check carefully on the part of the house you’ll be working on. If you can, commission a full building survey; they can be money very well spent. Unfortunately, any bad news won’t go away, but it’s best to know about it as soon as possible, so that’s one benefit. Also, in areas where your qualified surveyor has found no bad news, you can relax. It should mean there's nothing to worry about. If your home is listed, familiarise yourself with what parts of the premises are protected. Sometimes, even garden walls or outbuildings fall under the listing. Don’t worry, Saunders Brothers are experienced in restoring them all.

3. Permissions and paperwork take time

If your building is listed or in a conservation area, you will likely need Listed Building Consent and/or specific planning permissions. These are likely to take time to secure, so build this into your project timeline. Engaging with your local conservation officer early can save delays down the line.

4. Expect the unexpected

Restoration work can uncover surprises – even in houses that have been surveyed unfortunately - from hidden structural issues to outdated plumbing or electrical systems. A good restoration builder will help you budget for contingencies and offer solutions as issues arise. Also remember, “the unexpected” might be revealing a charming antique feature. We can tell you about a few.

5. Budgeting needs to take into account the nature of the work

Restoration often comes with additional costs, especially when using traditional methods or materials such as lime mortar or handmade materials. Please don’t be tempted to cut corners. Firstly, quality craftsmanship pays off in the long run, especially in old buildings, and secondly, your Conservation Officer is quite likely not to accept it. Best to do it right first time.

6. It’s a collaborative process

Successful restorations happen when clients, builders and architects work closely together. Share your vision, but also be open to expert advice – especially if it involves preserving or reinstating original features. Using knowledge and experience is like that. Two heads are better than one and with three heads, you should really get a good result.

7. Be realistic about timelines

Restoration takes time. Drying times for lime plaster, waiting on bespoke joinery, or coordinating multiple specialist trades means things can move more slowly than a new build. A rushed restoration is rarely a good one.

8. Respect the character of the building

Modern updates should enhance, not overshadow, the original character. Any firm describing themselves as restoration builders in Bucks should be passionate about preserving the integrity of these buildings while making them comfortable and suited for modern life.

9. Choose quality over quick fixes

Use experienced craftsmen and reputable suppliers. Whether it’s sourcing reclaimed materials or matching brickwork and pointing styles, the details show and they matter.

10. It’s worth it

While restoration projects can be challenging, the results are often extraordinary. Bringing a piece of Buckinghamshire’s architectural heritage back to life is deeply rewarding – and it’s a legacy that lasts. Think of this too: by doing a quality job, respecting your home’s age and period character, you’re playing your part in stopping it deteriorating further over the years until it perhaps becomes impossible to restore. Your contribution to your own bit of English heritage just might be everlasting.

If you’re planning a restoration project in Buckinghamshire and want trusted experts to guide you through the process, Saunders Brothers have decades of experience restoring period and listed buildings with care and craftsmanship. Get in touch to discuss your vision at mail@saundersbrothers.co.uk or call 01844 273783 - we’d love to hear from you.