Homeowners planning on doing some DIY should do so with caution, it has been claimed.
In particular, those looking to carry out home improvements on a listed property need to consider what they are doing carefully, claims Melanie Griffiths, assistant editor at Homebuilding & Renovating magazine.
She states that despite planning laws being in place to prevent poor-quality or unsuitable DIY projects being carried out on such properties “too many alterations have been thoughtlessly made”.
Those looking to tackle this form of home improvement were reminded that any work they do must help to preserve the property’s original character.
However, planning DIY projects should not just be the reserve of those living in a listed home.
“Every homeowner should pay just as much due care and attention to their property’s maintenance and overall appearance,” Ms Griffiths asserts.
Her claims follow research carried out by English Heritage showing that one in seven conservation areas are at risk of neglect, decay or damaging change.