Restoring an old house can be a daunting task and there are many pitfalls for the owners.
Here the design and construction team of Petra traditional constructions share some of their experience.
Here the design and construction team of Petra traditional constructions share some of their experience.
MAKE THE HOUSE WATER TIGHT
One of the primary jobs to be completed when renovating an old house is to remove the roof.
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One of the primary jobs to be completed when renovating an old house is to remove the roof.
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RING BEAM
This will tie in all the key walls and create a strong and sound structure. The correct way is to use square metal cages, which are tied in together with metal rods as well.
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This will tie in all the key walls and create a strong and sound structure. The correct way is to use square metal cages, which are tied in together with metal rods as well.
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ROOF TILES
When renovating an old property, often the first job to be done is to remove the old roof and tiles. We always remove them wih great care and re-use them.
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When renovating an old property, often the first job to be done is to remove the old roof and tiles. We always remove them wih great care and re-use them.
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INSULATION
Once the roof planks have been laid down, the next stage is to lay down a polystyrene based material.
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Once the roof planks have been laid down, the next stage is to lay down a polystyrene based material.
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WOOD
In all cases with the roof, we try where possible to retain the original beams and planks. Where extra wood is needed, we do all we can to find wood which matches the original timber, so it fits well with the original.
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In all cases with the roof, we try where possible to retain the original beams and planks. Where extra wood is needed, we do all we can to find wood which matches the original timber, so it fits well with the original.
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STONEWORK
It is imperative to use subcontractors specialising in one or maybe two trades. For instance, for the roof restoration we use only roofers, for the tiling we use only tilers and for stonework, we use only skilled stonemasons.
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It is imperative to use subcontractors specialising in one or maybe two trades. For instance, for the roof restoration we use only roofers, for the tiling we use only tilers and for stonework, we use only skilled stonemasons.
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WINDOWS AND SHUTTERS
All windows and shutters are either reclaimed and refurbished items or exact copies replicated to your requirements and painted in a traditional Corfiot colour, again preserving the character of the island and retaining the look of an old house.
All windows and shutters are either reclaimed and refurbished items or exact copies replicated to your requirements and painted in a traditional Corfiot colour, again preserving the character of the island and retaining the look of an old house.
RENDER
Rendering can be done in two key stages:
Firstly a layer of strong cement fills the gaps and gives the plaster something to bind to. Secondly the application of the plaster itself which gives a finer finish. Wee will add colour at this stage, often ochre, a pinky red hue or a colour of your choice. This of course does away with the expense and the need for painting.
Rendering can be done in two key stages:
Firstly a layer of strong cement fills the gaps and gives the plaster something to bind to. Secondly the application of the plaster itself which gives a finer finish. Wee will add colour at this stage, often ochre, a pinky red hue or a colour of your choice. This of course does away with the expense and the need for painting.
FLOORS
The traditional options here are wooden floorboards or stone. As with the roof, if putting down wood we can use old boards or lay hardwearing boards.
A favourite here is Cypress, which is indigenous to the island.
The traditional options here are wooden floorboards or stone. As with the roof, if putting down wood we can use old boards or lay hardwearing boards.
A favourite here is Cypress, which is indigenous to the island.
MEDITERANEAN LOOK
When you paint your old village home try to give it the 'Med look'. The worn out stuco paint can be easily achieved by applying a few coats of lime paint adding a different quantity of dye in each coat.
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When you paint your old village home try to give it the 'Med look'. The worn out stuco paint can be easily achieved by applying a few coats of lime paint adding a different quantity of dye in each coat.
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STAIRCASES
In many cases the old original stair can be restored, keeping the authentic fabric and saving a huge cost on new staircases.
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In many cases the old original stair can be restored, keeping the authentic fabric and saving a huge cost on new staircases.
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