So you’ve plumped for that rather gorgeous thatched house in the village you dream about often. . . . . Your conveyancing solicitor has explained as much as they can about the possible perils of taking on such a property but you have reached that time in your life when you fancy an adventure and you can afford to play a little now. So you are still in the negotiating and pre purchase stage but you have basically made up your mind to buy.

Your next step before signing on the dotted line, is to book a meeting with an advisory consultant who deals only with listed buildings. They, unlike the project management teams for all other building schemes, will have your interests very much at heart but also a deep love and reverence for the property you are thinking of investing a massive amount of time and money on.

If you’re doing up a old building, give due reverence to original old beams and corbels. The flooring also needs sympathetic treatment. Old flagstones are also very much worth keeping and taking care of.