About the Course

This accredited course is a must-have for anyone working in construction or heritage construction. It combines theory with hands-on learning to give you the essential knowledge and practical skills needed before working on historic buildings.

Led by expert tutors with years of real-world experience, the training brings the subject to life through case studies and live demonstrations—helping you put your learning straight into context.

Completing this course not only strengthens your CPD portfolio but also helps you stand out when tendering for heritage projects, opening doors to new opportunities and career growth.

Complete the form below to register your interest!

During the 2-day course we will cover the following topics:

1. Why is it important to repair and maintain traditional pre-1919 buildings.

• Main characteristics and criteria that should be considered when deciding if a building is worth saving.
• Reasons why traditional buildings and structures are preserved.
• Comparison of the performance characteristics of traditional buildings with those of modern construction.
• Importance of retaining as much of the original structure and features of traditional buildings as possible when repairing and maintaining.
• How the repair and maintenance of traditional pre-1919 buildings contribute to current sustainability practices.

2. What legislation and official guidance relating to repairing and maintaining traditional pre-1919 buildings guides our decision making?

• Conservation plans and statutory listing of historic buildings and conservation areas.
• How relevant regulations and control measures relate to the repair & maintenance of traditional pre-1919 buildings.
• Main terms relating to the repair and maintenance of traditional pre-1919 buildings.

3. Why is it important to use traditional building methods and materials when repairing and maintaining traditional pre-1919 buildings?

• Methods and materials used to maintain and repair a traditional building with a particular focus on lime.
• Meaning of terms including  ‘Like-for-like’, ‘honest repairs’, ‘reversibility’ and ‘minimum intervention/maximum retention’.
• Case studies and examples of situations where incompatible materials, method of construction and application have been used and the consequences of this.
• Reasons for integrating existing and new constructional components or finishes.

4. Understand how to repair and maintain traditional pre-1919 buildings.

• Where to find information and research to inform our decision making.
• Evidence of original or different periods of the structure and features of traditional buildings at a later date.
• Importance of analysing historic developments and changes to a building or components
• Methods and techniques used to understand the condition of a building.
• People and professions involved in the planning and delivery of repair and maintenance of traditional pre- 1919 buildings.

5. Understand how to maintain safe working practices during repair and maintenance of traditional (pre- 1919) buildings.

• Investigate situations where clarification must be sought to ensure the work is carried out safely and effectively.
• Look at appropriate ways of stopping work when doubt occurs regarding existing construction.
• Examine personal responsibilities relating to safeguarding the original building fabric.