We thought we would do some more blogs on problems that can be encountered with period properties. One thing to look out for is woodworm. It is really important to identify a woodworm problem as early as possible, because otherwise if left untreated, it could result in structural failure of the infected timbers. So what is woodworm? Contrary to popular belief, there are several different types of woodworm beetles in the UK. These include the common furniture beetle, death watch Beetle, House Longhorn Beetle, and the Powderpost Beetle. The most common of these is the common furniture beetle. This beetle only measures about 4.5mm in length but can do an awful lot of damage! It attacks softwood species of timber, leaving little holes of 1-2mm which are the exit holes where the beetle leaves the wood. Unfortunately, by the time you spot these signs, the damage has been done. Another sign of an infestation is a fine dust known as frass, which is created by the woodworm as it chews its way through the wood. You may also see dead (or living!) beetles on or near the timber. 

Many species of woodworm beetle like damp wood, such as damp floorboards, damp loft timbers, and old furniture. The beetles lay their eggs on the timber, and the grubs burrow through it doing the damage. They exit the wood after around three years, leaving the telltale holes. If you suspect that you have a woodworm problem, it is important to get it sorted straight away. You can contact specialist companies who will perform a woodworm survey to establish the extent of the problem, the type of beetle, and the treatment required.

As with most things, prevention is better than cure, so to woodworm-proof your period property, we would recommend that you get rid of any damp problems. This is something that we have done for many of our customers. It is also important that you keep the house well heated and ventilated, and if required, wood should be sealed with the appropriate varnish. Always check before bringing in antique furniture into the home, that you are not bringing in a piece infected with woodworm.

If you do find woodworm in your home. We would advise getting a specialist to treat it. We are always happy to quote on any necessary structural repairs so that you can then enjoy your period home. Take a look at a property that we restored after a problem with death watch beetle .

We have been busy over at Wissington where we have built a small extension onto a property. Purpose-made windows are going in too.

Back at the beginning of the year, we started work on a basement renovation in Colchester. We had to strip it right back and waterproof it first of all. After several weeks of very hard work, the job is now complete, and we think you'll agree, it looks incredible!

Our Bures Road project is looking fantastic! As you can see, at the front of the property, the front gable has roof tiles on, and external boarding is due to go on next.

At the back of the property, the kitchen is about to be fitted in the extension.

We will be posting more pictures once the kitchen is fitted, so watch this space!

We are coming along nicely with our basement renovation over in Colchester. On our last update we were doing the first fixing, and now the job is nearing completion. More pictures to follow shortly!

This week we have started a new job in Little Cornard. The chimney is being built first, and then we have numerous alterations and renovations to carry out there. Watch this space for more information and pictures as we progress!

It's been a while since we blogged about our job in Bures Road. On our last update we told you that the steels had been put in. Since then we have made great progress and this job is now nearing completion. Here are the latest pictures. We think you'll agree that it looks fantastic - look how the light floods into the room. 

This week we have started on another new job in Wissington. We will be installing expansion joints and repairing cracks that have appeared due to movement of the building. For more information about how movement cracks can be repaired, check out a blog we wrote last year 'Period Property Projects: Things That Can go Wrong - Part 3.'

We had another busy week last week. As well as preparing the base for our conservatory build in Newton, we also rebuilt a lean-to at another property in the village.

Last week we began work on a new job in Newton. We are building a conservatory. So far the base has been laid in preparation.