Entries by Andriy Balita

ABM Period Decorators Ltd are highly skilled in lime plaster, resulting from many years' experience.

Nevertheless, we don't claim to know it all so we have been brushing up our skills with lime plaster suppliers and experts Mike Wye & Associates.

Our hands-on owner and director of Period Decorators Andriy Bailta has received a certificate upon completion of the "Practical use of lime" course.

If you'd like to see more of what we do for our customers throughtout London, Surrey, Kent and the South East visit our lime plaster project gallery, which shows how we restore period properties using traditional lime plastering techniques and materials to achieve beautiful results without breaking the bank.

Our many period property customers may be interested to hear that the term "listed building" is to be scrapped - at least in England. Listed properties we have renovated such as The Malt House in Surrey which are protected for their historical or archaeological merit will now be called a "registered heritage asset." Catchy?

The term "listing" is to be abolished after more than 40 years, apparently to simplify the system. In the future Grade 1, Grade 11* and Grade 11 designations will continue to be valid, but buildings and monuments will both be called "registered heritage assets".

The pending Parliamentary Bill will will allow property owners who oppose their property being included in the Heritage Register to appeal. This is worth noting, because owning - and particularly renovating - a period property can be a minefield it it's a listed building (sorry - "registered heritage asset" !)

Remember that you need to get listed building consent from your local council if you want to alter any part of a listed building in any way which would affect its character - inside or out. Your local council will advise you on this as the effect of any repairs is not always straightforward.

Examples of work which may need consent include changing windows and doors, painting over brickwork or removing external surfaces, putting in dormer windows, changing roofing materials, moving or removing internal walls, making new doorways, and removing or altering fireplaces, paneling or staircases. Visit our partner links page for more listed building resources.

"Welcome to the website of ABM Period Decorators Ltd, the South East's period property specialists. We provide the skills you need to enhance the character and authenticity of your period property." Andriy Balita, Director
Period decorating
A period property requires careful renovation that is in keeping with the appearance and construction of the property. Period Decorators specialise in traditional wattle and daub and lime plastering techniques that allow the building to breathe and adjust to the changing seasons.

Our painters use only breathable lime or earth-based paint and specialist wallpapers that will enhance the character of your investment, whether it's a listed building or a barn conversion.