St Albans housing
St Albans is a cathedral city, and its housing reflects a long history. Around the cathedral and the old town there are medieval, Georgian and Victorian buildings, many in conservation areas. Fleetville, Clarence Park and the streets off Hatfield Road are full of Victorian and Edwardian terraces, while Marshalswick and Jersey Farm have more post-war and modern houses.
Edwardian and Victorian terraces usually share the same jobs: tall hallways and staircases that are awkward to reach, original panelled doors with years of paint on them, and bay windows that need careful exterior work.
Hallways, stairs and landings
The hallway and stairwell in a St Albans terrace is often the biggest single job in the house. It's high, it's the first thing people see, and it takes the most wear. I use proper access equipment for the high walls over the stairs, and paint spindles, handrails and skirting in hard-wearing finishes. See doors and staircases.
Exteriors in conservation areas
A large part of the city is covered by conservation areas, and some houses are listed. Before choosing a bold new colour for the front of a house, it's worth checking with St Albans City and District Council. I'll use paints suited to older brick and render, and keep sash windows working.
Specialist finishes
St Albans has plenty of original period features worth keeping: grained doors, marbled fire surrounds and decorative plasterwork. I spent 25 years doing these finishes on film sets, and can restore or recreate them. See wood graining and faux marbling.
Other areas I cover
Hertford, Stevenage, Watford, Welwyn Garden City, Hitchin, and the rest of Hertfordshire.