the full story
what to keep
Panel doors, mouldings, ceiling roses, a staircase with a beautiful handrail, stained glass, an old floor: they give a house its character and can often still be restored well. A new version rarely matches the original. Restoring takes time, but results in a house that feels right.
what to replace
Old electrics, without earthing or with too few circuits, are almost always due for replacement in an old house. The same often applies to the pipework and drainage. In a renovation the walls and floors are open anyway, so that is the moment.
structure and floors
Timber joists, old foundations and walls that have been altered over time: in an old house it is wise to have the structure assessed first. A floor that sags or a beam that is affected is repaired before the finishing goes on.
making new connect to old
The art is to make new parts, such as a kitchen, bathroom or extension, strengthen the old house rather than clash with it. Sometimes with classic details, sometimes with a deliberately clean contrast. What matters is that the transitions are right: where new plaster meets an old cornice, where a new floor meets an old staircase.
rules for listed buildings and protected townscapes
If your house is a listed building or in a protected townscape, extra rules apply to changes, especially to the exterior and the structure. Always check this in advance with the municipality. Freiwerk started as a carpentry business and works a lot on old properties: we check it for you and tailor the work accordingly.
