Traditional Buildings
Norfolk heritage builders and specialists
Verified thatchers, lime and clay-lump specialists, flint masons and conservation builders working in Norfolk, plus the registers to search.
Norfolk firms that work on traditional buildings: thatch, lime, flint, clay lump, carrstone, timber and iron. Search by name or town, or filter by trade. We checked every number and email here against the firm’s own website or a trade register in August 2026, and left out anyone we could not confirm.
| Firm | Trade | Area | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| A&R Kelly Traditional Norfolk ThatchersThatching in Norfolk materials with heritage-project experience, including work at Gunton Saw Mill for the Norfolk Windmills Trust. | Thatcher | Norwich | 01603 411569 · kellythatching@gmail.com · kellythatching.co.uk |
| Anglia Thatching Co.Traditional reed and straw thatching across Norfolk and Suffolk; a third-generation family firm near Hingham. | Thatcher | Hingham | 01953 558048 · angliathatchingcompany.co.uk |
| Broadland ThatchersComplete re-thatching, re-ridging, new work, roof-timber repair and fire-barrier installation. Member of the National Society of Master Thatchers. | Thatcher | North Walsham | 01692 652908 · 07887 791788 · broadlandthatchers@hotmail.co.uk · broadlandthatchers.co.uk |
| Daniel Rebbeck Thatching ServicesWater reed and long straw: complete re-thatches, re-ridges and repairs. Full member of EAMTA. | Thatcher | North Walsham | 01692 615130 · 07899 093409 · drebbeck@hotmail.co.uk · EAMTA profile |
| G. J. StokesReed thatching for houses, churches and estates across Norfolk and Suffolk, including English Heritage and local-authority work. About 25 years trading. | Thatcher | Rockland St Mary | 01508 538267 · gjstokes64@gmail.com · gjstokes.co.uk |
| M & B ThompsonReed and straw thatching across Norfolk and Suffolk; about 40 years’ experience, with work approved by English Heritage and local authorities. | Thatcher | Wymondham | 01953 603059 · info@mandbthompson.co.uk · mandbthompson.co.uk |
| Nick Walker ThatchingWater reed and long straw: re-thatches, ridges, repairs and inspection reports. Full member of EAMTA since 2013, covering South Norfolk, North Suffolk and the coast. | Thatcher | Ellingham (near Bungay) | 07867 977832 · nickwalker788@gmail.com · nickwalkerthatching.co.uk |
| R. RobinsonThatcher, and a listed member of EAMTA. No personal email is published, so enquiries go through the EAMTA directory. | Thatcher | Colby (near Aylsham) | 01263 739966 · 07768 123793 · EAMTA profile |
| Stephen LetchLong straw and water reed: new work, conservation and repairs. Grows his own thatching straw, and is Honorary and Web Secretary of EAMTA. | Thatcher | Starston (near Harleston) | 01379 852335 · 07796 796200 · stephen.letch@icloud.com · EAMTA profile |
| Amar Eco-PlasterLime plastering and rendering for pre-1900 buildings, plus lime-plaster training courses. Daahir Mohamed is a 2022 SPAB William Morris Craft Fellow and sits on the board of the Building Limes Forum. The firm publishes a phone number and an enquiry form, but no email address. | Lime & plaster | Smallburgh (near North Walsham) | 07568 795273 · enquiry form · amarecoplaster.co.uk |
| Built of Earth (WCK Design and Conservation)Design, repair and conservation of earth buildings, clay lump included. This is a conservation practice rather than a general builder, which is useful when a job needs a specification and consent before you get trade quotes. The firm publishes only a website enquiry form, with no phone or email. | Lime & plaster | Lyng | enquiry form · builtofearth.co.uk |
| GS Plastering and LimeLime plaster, render and repointing, lath and plaster, pargeting and flint repair on listed and medieval buildings across Norfolk. Listed in the National Churches Trust skills directory. | Lime & plaster | Great Witchingham | 07474 021771 · giusesalvaggio.mb@gmail.com · gsplasteringandlimenorfolk.co.uk |
| Lime & FlintLime plastering and rendering, lath-and-plaster repair, flint and brick repointing, and limecrete floors. Works across Norfolk. States no trade-body membership, so judge it on past work. | Lime & plaster | Rougham | 01328 838810 · 07711 852208 · info@limeandflint.co.uk · limeandflint.co.uk |
| Maltby PlasteringHaired lime plaster and rendering, lath-and-plaster renewal, clay-lump repair and wattle-and-daub on timber-framed and listed buildings. | Lime & plaster | Hingham | 01953 853061 · info@maltbyplastering.co.uk · maltbyplastering.co.uk |
| S.C Plastering (Sam Church)Traditional lime plastering and repair on lath, clay lump and stone, including church work, plus lime rendering. Covers Norwich, Norfolk and Suffolk. | Lime & plaster | Norwich | 01508 498014 · 07766 022687 · info@norwichplasterer.co · norwichplasterer.co |
| DGS Lime Plastering & RenderingLime plastering and rendering on wattle and daub, clay lump, clunch and laths, for Grade I and II listed and timber-framed buildings. Covers Norfolk, Suffolk and beyond. | Lime & plaster | Bury St Edmunds | 01284 653774 · 07702 544588 · info@dgsplastering.com · dgsplastering.com |
| Fenland Fine FinishesInternal lime plastering and external lime rendering for period cottages, barns and listed buildings, using breathable materials. Covers Norfolk, Cambridgeshire and the Fens. | Lime & plaster | Soham (near Ely) | 07525 483438 · enquiries@fenlandfinefinishes.co.uk · fenlandfinefinishes.co.uk |
| SD PlasteringBreathable lime plastering and rendering for period and heritage properties across Norfolk and Suffolk. | Lime & plaster | Great Yarmouth | 07767 490992 · wedge28@hotmail.com · sd-plastering.co.uk |
| Geo Low PlasteringTraditional three-coat lime plaster, lime rendering and lath and plaster repair using breathable materials, for older and listed buildings. Covers Norwich and Thetford. | Lime & plaster | Norwich | 07464 706836 · geolowplastering.co.uk |
| Greenacre PlasteringRenders and plasters including traditional lime render, with around forty years of experience across west Norfolk. | Lime & plaster | King’s Lynn | 01485 542036 · 07767 613006 · greenacreplastering.com |
| Plasterer NorfolkTraditional breathable lime plaster and render for listed, Victorian and heritage properties, working within listed building consent. Covers all of Norfolk. Family run since 1985. | Lime & plaster | Great Yarmouth | 07877 848313 · inbox@email.norfolkrendering.co.uk · norfolkrendering.co.uk |
| Paul’s Plastering East AngliaLime rendering and plastering, breathable and suited to older properties, across Norfolk. Also sand and cement render. | Lime & plaster | Gorleston | 07905 653740 · 07874 943972 · plasteringeastanglia.co.uk |
| Anglian HeritageInternal and external lime plastering and multi-coat lime render on timber frame, wattle and daub, lath, brick, stone and clunch, plus limecrete floors and lime pointing. Covers Norfolk and Suffolk. | Lime & plaster | Bury St Edmunds | 01284 774722 · info@anglianheritage.co.uk · anglianheritage.co.uk |
| B Clark PlasteringLime plastering, limewash, lime repairs and pargeting on period and Grade II listed buildings, working alongside conservation officers. Trading since 2002. | Lime & plaster | Bulmer (near Sudbury) | 07515 448306 · barry@bclarkplastering.co.uk · bclarkplastering.co.uk |
| Baileys Specialist PlasteringInternal and external lime plastering, lath and plaster and fibrous plasterwork on listed buildings and heritage monuments. Around thirty years of experience. | Lime & plaster | Chatteris (Cambridgeshire) | 07966 036591 · benbaileyplastering@gmail.com · baileysplastering.com |
| Buckland Stowe PlasteringHeritage and lime work: lime plastering and rendering and lath and plaster repairs using traditional methods. Covers Norwich, Wymondham and Aylsham. | Lime & plaster | Norwich | avanteplastering@outlook.com · BookaBuilderUK profile |
| D R Plastering & Lime CraftLime plastering and rendering on lath, brick, clay clunch and flint, including haired and thermal lime mixes, on listed buildings. City and Guilds qualified. | Lime & plaster | Bury St Edmunds | 07899 100510 · cutterdarren@gmail.com · dr-plastering.co.uk |
| DB Building ConservationSpecialist lime plastering and rendering for listed and historic buildings: lath and plaster, chalk plasters, hemp lime and fine lime finishes, and wattle and daub. Dan Burnstone holds an MSc in Building Conservation from York. | Lime & plaster | King’s Lynn | 07568 077065 · danburnstone@gmail.com · dbbconservation.co.uk |
| East Anglian Lime PlasteringTraditional lime plastering, from lime putty to chalk lime, to let old walls breathe. Works across Suffolk and Norfolk. | Lime & plaster | Halstead (Essex) | 07758 362209 · john@ealimeplastering.co.uk · ealimeplastering.co.uk |
| G M Plastering & Lime RenderingLime plaster and render, including haired, fibre and insulating lime, plus clay lump and wattle and daub, on timber-framed and listed buildings. Removes failed cement renders. | Lime & plaster | Yaxley (near Eye) | 07518 349787 · garymarcks24@gmail.com · garymarcksplastering.co.uk |
| Magpie PlasteringLime rendering alongside general plastering and rendering, with around twenty years of experience across Norfolk. | Lime & plaster | Norwich | 07447 948842 · magpieinteriors@outlook.com · MyBuilder profile |
| Norfolk Bespoke FinishesTraditional lime render for heritage and listed buildings, breathable and heritage-safe. Covers Dereham, Attleborough, Watton, Norwich and North Norfolk. | Lime & plaster | Dereham | 07944 298798 · norfolkbespokefinishes@gmail.com · norfolkbespokefinishes.co.uk |
| Norfolk Plastering ServicesInternal and external traditional lime rendering alongside general plastering, with over fifteen years of experience in west Norfolk. | Lime & plaster | King’s Lynn | 07722 199051 · norfolkplasteringservicesltd@gmail.com |
| Period Property ServicesHeritage lime pointing, repointing, rendering and plastering in the restoration of listed and historic buildings, to conservation-officer and Historic England specifications. | Lime & plaster | Bungay | 01508 482582 · periodproperty@btinternet.com · periodpropertyservices.com |
| Rickards Period PlasteringLime plaster and render, clay and earth plaster, clay lump and wattle and daub on the vernacular buildings of East Anglia, for nearly twenty years. | Lime & plaster | Bury St Edmunds | 01284 828369 · 07775 763222 · info@period-plastering.co.uk · period-plastering.co.uk |
| Suffolk Lime PlasteringTraditional lime plastering and render on listed buildings, cottages and barn conversions, plus lath and plaster repair and lime pointing. Family-run. | Lime & plaster | Suffolk | 01728 567207 · info@suffolklime.co.uk · suffolklime.co.uk |
| WG PlasteringTraditional lime plastering and rendering for heritage and modern properties, breathable finishes inside and out. Also Venetian plaster and microcement. Covers East Anglia. | Lime & plaster | Norwich | 07745 159737 · info@wgfinishes.com · wgfinishes.com |
| G L Building NorfolkTraditional flint-wall conservation, imperial-brick rebuilding, hot-lime and earth-lime mortars, and sympathetic repointing, in North Norfolk. | Flint & stone | Thurning | 07786 685580 · george.lacey@hotmail.com · glbuilding.co.uk |
| GFA StonemasonryHand-worked stonemasonry in natural stone, plus DOFF steam cleaning of historic elevations. | Flint & stone | Norwich | 01603 623742 · 07917 869389 · jeff@gfatthowe.co.uk · stonemasonsnorwich.co.uk |
| Gold BricklayingStructural brickwork, chimney repairs and lime-mortar repointing on heritage and listed properties across Norfolk. | Flint & stone | Norwich | 07753 233538 · 07713 694240 · goldbricklaying@gmail.com · goldbricklayingnorwich.co.uk |
| John Briggs and SonBrick, flint and stone restoration on listed buildings, churches and heritage homes, using like-for-like lime mortars. More than twenty years working on Norfolk flint and brick. | Flint & stone | Norwich | 01603 854859 · enquiries@johnbriggsandson.co.uk · johnbriggsandson.co.uk |
| Norfolk ConservationHeritage-conservation contractor owned by the Great Yarmouth Preservation Trust; flint and brick repointing and consolidation, including the Great Yarmouth town wall. | Flint & stone | Great Yarmouth | 01493 859640 · info@gy-pt.org · norfolk-conservation.uk |
| Norwich Repointing ServicesTraditional lime-mortar repointing for heritage and period properties across Norwich and the county. | Flint & stone | Norwich | 07719 467904 · contact@norwichrepointingservices.co.uk · norwichrepointingservices.co.uk |
| Point UKBrick and stone repointing for period and listed buildings across Norfolk. | Flint & stone | Norwich | 01603 339119 · pointuk.co.uk |
| Rake Out & RepointRake-out and repoint specialist for brick and stone, including lime-mortar work on period and listed buildings. | Flint & stone | Dereham | 01362 370070 · rakeoutandrepoint@gmail.com · rakeoutandrepoint.co.uk |
| S&L RestorationStone, flint and heritage-building repair, plus supply and hand-carving of bespoke stone. Serves Norfolk, Suffolk and Cambridgeshire. | Flint & stone | Felthorpe (near Norwich) | 07719 299983 · 07765 286747 · sl.restoration@yahoo.co.uk · restorationnorfolk.com |
| S1 Builders NorfolkFlint, carrstone, brick and lime-render repair, restoration and new masonry across Norfolk. | Flint & stone | Syderstone | 01328 730206 · s1@s1buildersnorfolk.co.uk · s1buildersnorfolk.co.uk |
| Tesmar BuildersNorth Norfolk builder with flintwork as its speciality, working around Cromer, Holt and Sheringham. | Flint & stone | Roughton | 01263 768915 · tesmarbuilders@gmail.com · tesmarbuilders.co.uk |
| Tyrrell Builders & SonBrick and flint, flint knapping, lime plastering and stonework on Grade I and Grade II listed buildings. | Flint & stone | Norwich | 07825 910255 · tyrrell.builder@hotmail.com · tyrrellbuildersandson.co.uk |
| WB Brickwork NorfolkBrick, masonry and flint work, including bespoke flint panels and repairs, across west Norfolk. | Flint & stone | King's Lynn | 07572 031050 · wbbrickwork@outlook.com · wb-brickwork.co.uk |
| LG Carpentry and ConstructionNorth Norfolk oak framing using scribe carpentry and pegged mortice-and-tenon joints, plus flint masonry, including listed-building work. | Timber framing | West Runton | 07907 665418 · lgcarpentryandconstruction@gmail.com · lgcarpentryandconstruction.co.uk |
| Merry Oak TimberworksGreen oak and timber-frame specialists: new frames, extensions and bespoke structures. | Timber framing | Runhall | 01603 514200 · info@merryoaktimberworks.com · merryoaktimberworks.co.uk |
| Norfolk Timber FramesDesign, supply and construction of bespoke green oak and softwood timber-frame buildings, made in-house. | Timber framing | near King's Lynn | 07884 220871 · norfolktimberframes@gmail.com · norfolktimberframes.co.uk |
| Oak Frames NorfolkHand-cut green oak porches, cart sheds, garden rooms and pergolas using traditional joinery. | Timber framing | Wells-next-the-Sea | 01328 711000 · info@oakframesnorfolk.co.uk · oakframesnorfolk.co.uk |
| S R Ford CarpentryTimber framing, green oak porches, staircases and structural conservation across Norfolk. | Timber framing | Norwich | 07810 487443 · srcarpentryservices1@gmail.com · srcarpentryservices.com |
| Stafford CarpentryBespoke and heritage carpentry for period and listed buildings, with work on the Holkham Estate. | Timber framing | Norwich | 07881 023243 · info@staffordcarpentry.com · staffordcarpentry.com |
| AJ Driver JoineryBespoke timber staircases, handrails and balustrades, including period recreations. | Joinery | Brockdish | 01379 668631 · info@adriverjoinery.co.uk · adriverjoinery.co.uk |
| Bennett & BrooksBespoke sash windows for listed buildings and conservation areas. FENSA registered; FSC certified. | Joinery | Norwich | 01603 652401 · enquiries@bennettandbrooks.co.uk · bennettandbrooks.co.uk |
| Catton WindowsHandcrafted hardwood windows and doors, including sash replication for listed homes. FENSA registered; Accoya-approved. | Joinery | Norwich | 01603 788437 · sales@cattonwindows.co.uk · cattonwindows.co.uk |
| Downham CarpentrySash and casement window repair, restoration and draught-proofing across west Norfolk. | Joinery | Downham Market | 07847 777629 · John.DownhamCarpentry@gmail.com · downhamsashwindowrepairs.co.uk |
| Harleston JoineryBespoke doors, windows, staircases and gates for listed and conservation-area homes. FMB member; FENSA registered. | Joinery | Harleston | 01379 853084 · harlestonjoinery.co.uk |
| Johnny Sharples Bespoke WoodworkBox sash window repairs, bespoke cabinetry and listed-building restoration since 1985. | Joinery | Necton | johnnysharples@gmail.com · johnnysharples.co.uk |
| Luke Stanton CarpentrySash window restoration using hardwood splices and traditional methods, plus slim-line double glazing. | Joinery | North Walsham | 07766 738355 · lukestantoncarpentry.com |
| Norwich JoineryBespoke oak frames, staircases, windows, doors and porches from a Norfolk workshop. | Joinery | Norwich | 07497 905729 · info@Norwichjoinery.com · norwichjoinery.com |
| Sash DevelopmentBespoke sash and casement windows, repair, draught-proofing and vacuum glazing, from a Norwich yard. | Joinery | Norwich | 07429 683191 · info@sashdevelopment.co.uk · sashdevelopment.co.uk |
| Sutherland JoineryBespoke joinery, heritage replica and restoration from a Norwich workshop. | Joinery | Norwich | 07826 857481 · hello@sutherlandjoinery.co.uk · sutherlandjoinery.co.uk |
| T&F JoineryBespoke timber sash and casement windows, doors and staircases, made in the Broads. | Joinery | Ludham | 01692 678678 · tandfjoinery.co.uk |
| Taylored JoineryBespoke windows, doors, staircases and oak-framed structures. Accoya-approved; BWF member. | Joinery | Old Buckenham | 01953 860302 · office@bjt-group.co.uk · tayloredjoinery.co.uk |
| The Joinery WorkshopHandmade staircases, doors and windows, including profile-matched joinery for listed and conservation-area homes. | Joinery | Attlebridge and Cromer | 01603 860564 · 01263 510033 · katie@joineryworkshopnorfolk.co.uk · joineryworkshopnorfolk.co.uk |
| The Sash Window & Door Company NorfolkSash and casement renovation, timber double glazing and bespoke doors across Norfolk. | Joinery | Harleston | 01603 414604 · quotes@sashwindowsnorfolk.co.uk · sashwindowsnorfolk.co.uk |
| EFLHeritage tiling, slating and specialist leadwork on churches, halls and listed buildings across Norfolk. Lead Contractors Association members. | Roofing & lead | Southburgh (near Watton) | 01362 820534 · enquiries@eflltd.co.uk · eflltd.co.uk |
| North Norfolk Roofing ServicesSlate, pantile and plain-tile roofing on older cottage roofs using hand-cut timbers and lime work, plus leadwork. | Roofing & lead | North Norfolk | 07900 513122 · norfolkroofing.co.uk |
| Richard Waterfield Lead SpecialistSand-cast and milled lead roofing, chimney and bay leadwork, flashings and guttering, plus slate and tile re-roofing. Work to Lead Sheet Association standards; Norfolk Trusted Trader. | Roofing & lead | Norwich | 01603 454228 · 07879 408160 · richardwaterfieldnorwich.co.uk |
| Daniel Johnson ForgeWorksArchitectural and ornamental ironwork commissions, plus blacksmithing courses, from a South Norfolk forge. | Blacksmith | South Norfolk | 07507 107084 · djohnsonforgeworks.com |
| Fransham ForgeHand-forged period ironmongery, door furniture and architectural ironwork, from a forge, museum and showroom near Dereham. | Blacksmith | Dereham | 01362 687116 · sales@forged-ironmongery.co.uk · forged-ironmongery.co.uk |
| Hodgsons ForgeRestoration, conservation and reproduction of architectural and ornamental ironwork; hand-forged gates and railings. Worshipful Company of Blacksmiths medals; work for the National Trust and Sandringham. | Blacksmith | Terrington St Clement | 01553 828637 · info@hodgsonsforge.com · hodgsonsforge.com |
| Holkham ForgeBespoke architectural metalwork, restoration and sculpture from a 19th-century forge on the Holkham Estate. British Artist Blacksmiths Association members. | Blacksmith | Wells-next-the-Sea | 07881 632257 · holkhamforge.co.uk |
| Norfolk BlacksmithHand-forged gates and railings, and restoration of period ironwork including historic window ironwork. | Blacksmith | Ashmanhaugh | 01603 291351 · 07767 867561 · jason@norfolkblacksmith.co.uk · norfolkblacksmith.co.uk |
| Tom Boyd BlacksmithBespoke hand-forged metalwork combining traditional forging with modern manufacture. | Blacksmith | Norfolk | 07470 608282 · enquiry@tomboydblacksmith.co.uk · tomboydblacksmith.co.uk |
| Grocott & MurfitHeritage and conservation work, barn conversions, renovations, extensions and new builds. Based at Heath Barn, Norwich Road, in North Norfolk. | Builder | Fakenham | 01328 851420 · info@grocottandmurfit.co.uk · grocottandmurfit.co.uk |
| The Green Man Building CompanyTimber framing, lime mortar and plastering, period masonry, inglenook and listed-building work. Serves Norfolk and Suffolk from Watton. | Builder | Watton | 01953 558307 · 07805 877236 · greenmanbuilding@hotmail.com · thegreenmanbuildingcompany.com |
| Willow BuildersListed-building renovation, barn conversions, extensions and refurbishment. Based at Langley, south-east of Norwich, and serving Norfolk and the Suffolk border. | Builder | Langley (near Loddon) | 01986 891414 · info@willowbuilders.co.uk · willowbuilders.co.uk |
| Anna High ConsultancyChartered building surveyor providing historic-building consultancy on listed and pre-1900 properties, based at Woodfellows in Norwich. RICS Certified Historic Building Professional. | Architect / surveyor | Norwich | 01603 531700 · 07932 163064 · ahigh@woodfellowsllp.co.uk · woodfellowsllp.co.uk |
| ConisbeeConsulting structural and civil engineers with a Norwich studio and a long heritage record on listed buildings, churches and historic estates. CARE conservation-accredited engineer. | Architect / surveyor | Norwich | 01603 628074 · norwich@conisbee.co.uk · conisbee.co.uk |
| Isle ArchitectsRIBA Chartered practice advising on listed-building consent, conservation-area work and the retrofit of historic buildings. RIBA Conservation Architect and IHBC full member. | Architect / surveyor | Bracon Ash | 01508 578599 · info@iarchitects.co.uk · iarchitects.co.uk |
| Nicholas VanburghChartered surveying and architectural technology for heritage appraisals, listed-building applications and the repair of pre-1950 buildings. RICS Certified Historic Building Professional and IHBC full member. | Architect / surveyor | Norwich | 01603 928506 · nicholas@nicholasvanburgh.co.uk · nicholasvanburgh.co.uk |
| Nicholas Warns ArchitectsConservation architects working on churches, listed buildings and historic properties across East Anglia. AABC registered; RIBA Chartered. | Architect / surveyor | Norwich | 01603 622056 · info@nicholaswarns.com · nicholaswarns.com |
| PurcellNational conservation-architecture practice with a Norwich studio, working on listed buildings, cathedrals and heritage-led reuse. AABC-registered architects in the Norwich office. | Architect / surveyor | Norwich | 01603 674444 · purcellarchitecture.com |
| PurslowsA chartered building-surveying and conservation practice: surveys, architectural design, listed-building consent and project management. Its principal holds RICS Historic Building Professional accreditation. Worth calling before you get builders’ quotes, because listed work usually needs a professional on the client side first. | Architect / surveyor | Cromer | 01263 513489 · office@purslows.co.uk · purslows.co.uk |
| Ruth Brennan ArchitectureNorfolk practice specialising in the repair, conservation and alteration of listed buildings, churches and traditionally-built homes. AABC registered; SPAB member. | Architect / surveyor | Little Melton | 01603 810003 · ruthbrennanarchitecture.co.uk |
| Wright ConsultingStructural engineering practice specialising in the conservation of historic structures, near Aylsham. CARE conservation-accredited engineer. | Architect / surveyor | Oulton | 07957 430204 · aw@awce.co.uk · awce.co.uk |
No firms match. Clear the search or pick another trade.
Before you hire
Whatever the trade, the thing that matters most is whether the firm understands that an old wall needs to breathe. A cement render on clay lump, or a hard cement mortar on flint, traps the moisture the wall was built to let out, and the damage builds up unseen. Three questions are worth asking before you hire.
- Have you worked on this material before, on clay lump, lime or flint, and can you show me a nearby job at least three years old?
- Which lime will you use, and why? A good answer names a type (non-hydraulic, NHL 2, NHL 3.5 or hot-mixed) and gives a reason.
- How will you keep the wall breathable?
If a firm is vague on all three, keep looking.
Search the registers yourself
The table above holds the firms we could check against a live website or a trade register. Plenty of other good trades work on Norfolk buildings, so it is worth searching the registers yourself.
- East Anglia Master Thatchers Association (EAMTA). Vetted regional register for Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex and Herts. eamta.co.uk/find-a-thatcher.
- National Society of Master Thatchers (NSMT). UK-wide, all peer-inspected. nsmtltd.co.uk/find-a-thatcher.
- Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (SPAB). No public contractor list, but it runs a free technical advice line on 020 7456 0916 (Monday to Friday, 9:30am to 12:30pm) and points to the AABC register for architects, RICS Building Conservation Accreditation for surveyors, and CARE for engineers.
- Building Limes Forum. The lead body for traditional lime work. buildinglimesforum.org.uk.
- Heritage Crafts. Makers directory and craft map at heritagecrafts.org.uk; it lists flintwork on its endangered-crafts Red List.
- AABC Register. Architects Accredited in Building Conservation, searchable by region at aabc-register.co.uk.
- Institute of Historic Building Conservation (IHBC), East Anglia. ihbc.org.uk.
- EARTHA. The East Anglia earth-buildings group, for clay lump and other earth walls. eartha.org.uk.
For listed or curtilage-listed work, the quickest route to a specification is your district council’s conservation officer. North Norfolk, Broadland, Norwich, South Norfolk, King’s Lynn & West Norfolk, Great Yarmouth and Breckland each keep at least one. They will not recommend a contractor, but they will tell you what the consent is likely to require.
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How this list is compiled
We chose these firms ourselves, and nobody paid to appear. We checked every entry against the firm’s own website or the naming body’s register. Phone numbers and emails are copied from the firm’s own contact page; where a firm publishes only a form, we say so rather than invent an address. We list a trade-body membership only where we could confirm it, and flag any credential we could not. Firms just over the county line are left out unless they have a Norfolk base. Before you sign anything, check the firm’s Companies House status, ask for three recent local jobs on similar buildings, and get at least two other quotes on the same written specification.
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