We saw Jess’s banner in the next street and had a chat with her. She was very professional in doing the quote, for restoring the door and four sash windows over three floors and one newer basement window, plus the surrounding plaster and cast-iron front railings. At first it struck us as expensive, but now the work is finished it seems great value.

She arranged the scaffolding, advised on contacting the council on conservation area rules (avoiding worry when someone made a complaint afterwards because we use heritage colours rather than brilliant white). She has deep knowledge of how these local houses are built and what they need.

She was great to have at the house, always upbeat, and shared a comprehensive diary of what she was doing. She was extremely diligent and skilled. The restored woodwork and plaster and railings all look terrific and given the amount of her prep work and multiple coats, should be very long lasting. A new lease of life.