Harrogate rendering enquiries and local checks

Send photographs that show the wall

Photograph each elevation you want work on, straight on and from an angle, taken safely from the ground. Add close-ups of the problem areas, such as cracks, hollow-sounding patches, stains or pebbledash, and of the details the work will meet: sills, bays, stone surrounds, the base of the wall and the roof edge. Say what is wrong in plain words and what you would like the wall to look like afterwards.

If you know anything about earlier work, such as when the render went on or whether it has been painted, include it.

Know which local documents apply

The 2010 Harrogate appraisal divides the conservation area into character areas, including the Duchy Estate, High Harrogate, the Stray and Cold Bath Road, and describes their materials. It notes that Knaresborough, only four miles away, is built mainly of Magnesian limestone, in contrast to Harrogate’s sandstone, so the same render choice will not suit both towns. Check whether your address is in a conservation area, whether the Article 4 painting direction applies and whether the building is listed.

Explain access and timing

Say how the walls can be reached, whether there are side passages, conservatories or neighbours’ land to cross, and whether the house will be occupied. Mention any other outside work planned, such as new windows or roof repairs, because it changes the order of the rendering. Dates depend on the weather as well as availability, and nothing should be relied on until the contractor has been confirmed.

1. 1

   Give the address and the type of building.

2. 2

   Describe the problem and the result you want.

3. 3

   Check conservation area, Article 4 and listed status.

4. 4

   Explain access and any other planned work.