Sash window painting in Cheyne Walk

Record the windows that belong to this house

The Cheyne appraisal identifies painted timber sliding sashes as characteristic of the conservation area, with glazing patterns that vary by period. For your property, photograph each elevation and number the windows by floor and room. Note the glazing bars, frames, shutters and surrounding trim included in the proposed work. A detailed schedule makes it possible to distinguish the time and access needed for a finely divided sash from a different window elsewhere in the same building.

Sources: RBKC: historic windows in Cheyne

Separate painting from window repair

Have the condition of timber, putty, joints and existing coatings assessed before agreeing a finish. List sticking sashes, damaged sections or glazing defects for separate review. The quotation should state whether cords, draught-proofing, ironmongery, glazing and timber repairs are included or excluded. Decoration should follow the agreed repair scope. Retain a record of which parts can be prepared in place and where further investigation is needed before a firm method can be chosen.

Confirm the treatment of historic joinery

Use the property’s listing and RBKC planning information to check the proposed work. A change affecting a listed building’s character requires consent; a different window colour or preparation method should therefore be described when seeking advice. Identify retained glazing bars, old glass and mouldings on the photographs. Do not treat an instruction to repaint as authority to replace a frame, simplify a profile or strip every earlier coating. Keep the agreed limits with the window schedule.

Sources: RBKC: listed buildings explained; RBKC: conservation areas and property checks

Assess the coating before sanding

HSE warns that old lead-containing paint can remain below later layers and that preparation of windows can create exposure. The method should follow an assessment of the existing coating and the work setting, including occupants and the areas needing protection. Ask the specification to identify preparation and containment rather than simply call for sanding back. A finish sample can help agree appearance, but it does not replace the assessment of the coating beneath it.

Sources: HSE: lead in construction work

Plan both faces, drying and security

Agree how each window will be reached from inside and outside, and how the home will remain secure while work and drying take place. If scaffold occupies the highway, the licence needs to be arranged and checked; GOV.UK assigns the application to the builder or scaffolding company. Confirm access through rooms and gardens before settling the equipment. Keep product and colour references for each face, and review operation and the agreed finish without assuming the coating is fully cured as soon as it feels dry.

Sources: GOV.UK: scaffolding rules