Inferior soil conditions necessitated the use of piles and a beam and block floor.

Existing single glazed windows have been replaced with Conservation style double glazed windows to satisfy building regulations.

Storm damage to a “Sussex Roof” has resulted in further improvements to the splendid six-bedroom house including chimney replacement/rebuilding, structural repairs and details reinstated internally.

The tiles were stripped off to reveal that the battens were rotten and had totally disintegrated, after replacing the battens the tiles were then slipped into place – this took us almost two days of solid work to complete.  

All of the external woodwork was stripped of existing paint. Linseed oil paint was used to ensure that the wood could breathe. This is a more expensive paint but apparently lasts 2 to 3 times longer. It does however take days to dry and get absorbed by the wood.

Continuous drainage problems arise at the outset, which is dealt with efficiently by DJH Restorations. It was found that the route of the Ditchling Village pond (not belonging to The Old Manor House) overflow pipe passed directly under the location of the proposed extension. This needed to be moved to ensure…

Rotten Wood cut out and replaced from the door frame. Vertical DPC and wood treatment added to hinder future problems.

Demolition work exposes inferior soil conditions and troublesome drainage that will need resolving ASAP. The trench does however expose the existing brick foundations that are exceptionally deep.