In light of the recent Coronavirus pandemic, many people have been looking to move home, particularly from urban to rural areas. This outward migration is seeing families take on old country cottages, farmhouses and even more unique buildings like old windmills and schoolhouses.

Unfortunately, picturesque though these properties typically are, they also usually need a lot of work - and sometimes also have various restrictions on the kind of work that’s allowed. Fortunately, we can help with that - at least with the external guttering and rainwater system.

Using Sensitive Building Materials

Whichever aspect of your new home you’re improving, whether it be your external guttering or anything else, you need to be conscious of the building materials you’re using. Many country properties are also listed buildings, which restricts the kinds of materials you can use and the types of work carried out on a property.

Cast iron fittings and pipes are more in keeping with traditional properties than modern PVC alternatives, and so are more likely to be deemed an acceptable repair/addition, especially given what’s already there is most likely to be cast iron, even if it’s in a state of disrepair. That latter point is important because general on-going maintenance doesn’t require any form of listed building consent when there’s no material change. 

Improving your New Home - Do I Need Permissions?

Legislation and rules surrounding planning for listed buildings and those situated in conservation areas can be a bit of a minefield, if truth be told. If you’re ever in doubt as to what is (or isn’t) allowed in terms of alterations, additions or repairs, then get in touch with a surveyor, and they’ll easily be able to shed light on the situation.

Because, whilst you can get what’s known as ‘retrospective consent’ for works carried out without the appropriate permissions, it’s an almighty faff and that consent is by no means guaranteed. It’s better not to take any chances, and just double-check before carrying out any work on an older rural property.

Wanting to Renovate?

Of course, home improvements aren’t exclusively the domain of those moving property, people staying put also often want to renovate, too. If you’re going to be investing in your current home, then it’s worth spending wisely. After all, you don’t want to be pouring money into renovations, only to have to re-do them a couple of years down the line.

That’s where cast iron pipes and fittings can prove such a shrewd investment; not only will they gleam on the exterior of your property, adding a touch of class and timeless elegance, they’ll also last so long as you live in your home, and well beyond. You’ll more than make your money back on them in terms of low maintenance costs, when compared with PVC alternatives. In short, if you’re looking to really turn your home into a forever home, then cast iron gutters are a good place to start.

Final Thoughts…

Whether you’re looking to move to the countryside or stay put and improve your current home, cast iron guttering can make a huge difference, both functionally and aesthetically. If you’d like to find out more about our cast iron products, then get in touch! Call us today on 01752 917 497 or by visiting our contact page.