Case Study – restoration of Capel Almshouses dwelling

The Capel Almshouses in Surrey were built in 1871, financed by the Webb family from Clapham to provide ā€œresidences for people in need in the Parish of Capelā€. The declaration of trust is dated 10 February 1873. The property is Grade II listed and consists of six one bedroom flats.

With the exception of some flat roof extensions at the rear of the property that were added in the early 60s to allow for larger kitchens and bathrooms, the sandstone front and side elevations are all as built. Maintaining the fabric of the building is expensive, and the requirement to use specialist contractors who have experience with listed buildings makes it even more so.

Part of the service The Almshouse Association offers its member charities is to help support them with grants or loans if they do not have sufficient funds to carry out necessary works to their almshouses.

We recently provided The Capel Almshouses with a Ā£25,000 loan to support the refurbishment/renovation of Flat 3, No.137.

Gary Collins, Treasurer of Capel Almshouses, has kindly shared with members his report on the restoration:

Background

Five years ago the trustees decided to implement a renovation plan of all six units over a ten year period, on top of an ongoing stone work restoration project.

By the summer of 2023 they had renovated two of the properties and wanted to start on the third. They realised that financing this project would require more funds than their finances would safely cover and after approaching several other organisations to no avail, they talked to the funding team at The Almshouse Association.

“The very helpful Loans and Grants team guided us through the application process and in due course we were extremely fortunate to be awarded a Ā£25,000 interest free 10 year loan.”

Resolving the damp issues

The loan allowed the Charity to complete the internal renovations to the third property and have extensive work done to provide restored, less draughty, sash windows for their new resident.

The renovation for this property started early August 2023 with quotes coming in from specialists in damp solutions who stripped back render, injected and tanked areas of high moisture and re plastered.

The buildings suffer from damp, mainly due to condensation but also with rising damp, which is not unexpected in a building of this age. When built, the open fire places would have warmed the house and allowed circulation of air. These fireplaces have long been bricked up and along with windows being kept firmly shut due to the cost of heating, damp is inevitable.

Within the renovations, they have added humidity triggered extractors to both the bathroom and the kitchen to help mitigate the moisture levels and so far these are providing a successful solution. The trustees also reminded their residents that having a window ajar is good for their health and their accommodation.

Finished kitchen and shower
Windows removed in one of the rooms
Windows during painting

Bedroom during renovations

Restorations

The trustees also contracted suppliers to fulfil all aspects of a complete restoration:

  • Electrics: a complete rewire including new distribution board and updating lighting to LEDs. Installing mains powered heat/smoke alarms and connection to a central TV arial
  • Plumbing: a new boiler and upgraded radiators, a full bathroom refit including a walk in shower and kitchen plumbing
  • Fitters: a new kitchen and appliances, boxing in of unsightly pipe work, tiling in both the kitchen and the bathroom
  • Painters: a top to bottom re-paint
  • Decor: carpets to the lounge and bedroom and vinyl floors to the kitchen and bathroom, as well as new curtains rails and blinds.
Lounge during and after renovations

Project Management

The trustees report that they have been very well served by their contractors and with the project management skills of a local builder, Paul Childs creating, within five months, a property which is warmer, dryer and much more enjoyable to live in.

Treasurer, Gary Collins comments

“We hope that we will benefit from less running maintenance in the years to come. We are about to start on the fourth refurbishment and along with the ongoing process of maintenance to the stone work and windows we will certainly be in need of further funding and grant opportunities to continue the updating of the remaining properties.”

Click here to find out how you can help us support almshouse charities build new and renovate older almshouses, ensuring safe, warm and affordable homes in friendly communities are available for people who need them for many years to come .

posted July 2024