Watford housing
Watford grew quickly in the Victorian era after the railway arrived, so the streets around the town centre and West Watford are lined with Victorian and Edwardian terraces. Further out, areas such as Cassiobury, Nascot and Oxhey have larger period and inter-war family houses, and there's plenty of 1930s and post-war housing across the town.
1930s semis
Inter-war semis are one of the most common house types around Watford. They often have original picture rails, panelled doors and bay windows. Inside, the usual job is a full redecoration. Outside, it's the bay windows, rendered upper floors and front doors that need attention. Pebble-dash and render take a masonry paint well once loose material is brushed off and any cracks are filled.
Victorian terraces
Older terraces bring sash windows, high ceilings and staircases that need proper access equipment. Paint layers built up over a century can hide the detail on cornicing and doors, and sometimes it's worth stripping back rather than adding another coat. See interior decorating.
Feature walls and wallpaper
Patterned wallpaper on a chimney breast or a single feature wall is a popular way to update a living room or bedroom without papering the whole room. I match the pattern across every join and line the wall first where the plaster is uneven. See wallpaper hanging.
Getting a price
Watford is on the far side of the county from my Hertford base, so photos help. Send a few pictures and a description on WhatsApp, and I'll come and look before giving a firm price.
Other areas I cover
Hertford, St Albans, Stevenage, Welwyn Garden City, Hitchin, and the rest of Hertfordshire.