Questions
Questions and answers
Here are answers to the questions readers ask most often: about the magazine itself and the previous websites on this domain, about preparing for a renovation in an old house, about the safety of old materials and about when approvals are needed. Each topic is covered in more detail in the themed sections.
If you are not sure whether you can do something yourself in an old house, ask yourself: can it be undone later? If not, ask a specialist first.
About the magazine
Are you connected with the company that used to own the website?
No. The domain used to host the website of a company that worked on historic buildings, and later unrelated advertising. Nrfmir has no connection with that company or the advertising and does not restore their pages.
Do you provide restoration or renovation services?
No. We are an independent magazine: we don't restore, renovate, carry out surveys or take requests. Nor are we a heritage authority.
Why don't you recommend workshops or specific brands of materials?
We write about principles, not products or contractors. Advertising for workshops, shops and brands goes against our editorial rules, and it is better to choose a contractor by their experience than by someone else's recommendation.
What are your articles based on?
On the text of Russian Federal Law No. 73-FZ, guidance materials on the preservation of heritage sites and safety recommendations for working with old coatings. Other countries have their own rules for protected buildings. We don't invent statistics or regulations.
Before renovating
Where should I start a renovation in an old flat?
With an inspection and the building's status. Find out whether the building is a heritage site, bring in a survey specialist and make a list of the details you want to keep. Only then is it worth discussing a design and choosing a team.
Should I replace my timber windows with new ones?
Not necessarily. Old frames made of good timber can often be repaired and draught-proofed. If the building is protected, replacing windows needs approval; if not, compare repair and replacement with a timber window specialist anyway.
Can I level old walls with cement plaster?
This is a common mistake. Dense cement mixes over a lime base can trap moisture in the wall, and the finish will start to flake. A specialist will choose a repair that is compatible with the original plaster.
How can I tell whether a team has experience with old buildings?
Ask about work with timber floor structures, lime and old windows, ask to see completed projects and listen to whether they suggest keeping details or tearing everything out straight away. Caution in their answers is a good sign.
Safety and approvals
Is old paint dangerous?
On its own, as long as it is sound, usually not. But old coatings may contain lead, and sanding, burning off or scraping creates hazardous dust. That is why removing old paint is left to specialists.
What should I do if I suspect asbestos?
Leave it alone: don't drill, break or remove the material. Asbestos is found in old building materials, and it is assessed and removed only by specialists. Report your suspicion to the building's management.
How do I find out whether a building is a protected heritage site?
Contact your local heritage authority or the building's management. It is important to find out not only the status but also what exactly in the building is protected.
What happens if I alter the facade or windows without approval?
In Russia, work to preserve a listed building is carried out only with the heritage authority's approval, and other countries have their own rules. Unauthorised changes may lead to a requirement to restore the original appearance at your own expense, so start with approval.
Related sections
- Planning
How to plan a renovation in an old building: its status, a survey, approvals, choosing a team and signing off the work.
- How-to
How to get a timber window ready for winter and how to look after old parquet. And what you should never do yourself in an old house.
- Care
Caring for timber windows, parquet, mouldings, stoves, old doors and lime-plastered walls, plus a seasonal check.
Sources
- Russian Federal Law No. 73-FZ "On Cultural Heritage Sites (Monuments of History and Culture) of the Peoples of the Russian Federation"
- Guidance materials on the preservation of cultural heritage sites
- Safety recommendations for working with old coatings
This information is given in general terms, based on the text of Russian Federal Law No. 73-FZ, guidance materials on the preservation of cultural heritage sites and safety recommendations for working with old coatings. Other countries have their own rules for listed or protected buildings. The status of your building and the work allowed are decided by the heritage authority, and the condition of the structure is assessed by survey specialists.