New blocks on the Peninsula
Greenwich Peninsula has filled with modern residential towers, and across the Royal Borough 51.6% of homes are flats. In blocks like these, the work that matters most to managing agents is often in the shared spaces: corridors, lift lobbies, stairwells and entrance halls. These areas see constant traffic from residents, deliveries and moves, so washable, hard-wearing paints are the sensible choice, and lower walls in busy entrances can be given tougher coatings. Work is planned so that fire doors, lifts and escape routes stay usable, and residents are given notice.
Georgian and Victorian West Greenwich
Around Croom’s Hill and Gloucester Circus, West Greenwich keeps a large stock of Georgian and Victorian houses. Typical features include timber sash windows, panelled front doors, fanlights, railings, tall ceilings and decorative cornicing. Preparation is slower on homes like these: old paint is often thick, timber may need filling, and sashes have to be eased so they still run after painting. Where window joinery is rotten, a joiner should repair it before we paint.
Living within a World Heritage Site
Maritime Greenwich is a World Heritage Site, and there are about 1,107 listed buildings within 4 km. Conservation areas include East Greenwich, Blackheath, Sun in the Sands and Rectory Field. For a listed home, changes that affect its character can need listed building consent, and that may include altering exterior colours or stripping historic finishes. Royal Borough of Greenwich planning officers can advise. Keeping to the existing colours and using a suitable paint system is usually simpler.
Between tenancies
About a quarter of homes across the borough, 25.5%, are privately rented. When a tenancy ends, landlords and letting agents need flats turned around with clean, neutral walls, sealed stains and refreshed woodwork. Empty flats are quicker to decorate, so giving us access straight after check-out helps keep the gap between tenants short.
Restaurants, shops and the market
Greenwich Market and the restaurants and shops in the town centre need decorating that fits around opening times. Early starts, evening work by agreement and finishes that cope with cleaning all play a part. Office repaints, our main service, can be planned in the same way.
Inside the older houses
Georgian and Victorian interiors in Greenwich often have tall, well-proportioned rooms, cornices, panelled doors and sometimes working internal shutters. Walls may be lime plaster, which can be soft or uneven, and many coats of old paint can blur fine mouldings. We fill and sand carefully rather than aggressively, use paints that suit older surfaces where needed, and protect original floors and fireplaces while we work. Hallways and stairs in narrow terraced houses are planned as one job, as they share the same tall wall.
Front doors and railings
Glossy panelled front doors, fanlights and black railings are part of the classic Greenwich street. Doors are prepared and finished in a durable exterior paint, and railings are cleaned of rust and flaking paint before priming and recoating. Keeping these details in good order protects them and keeps the house looking right among its neighbours.
Protecting the house while we work
Older homes often have original floorboards, tiled hallways and fireplaces worth protecting. Floors are covered with breathable dust sheets, furniture is moved and wrapped, and doorways are sealed off when sanding so dust stays in the room we are working in.
Arranging a visit
Greenwich falls within our working area of up to 40 miles from our Swanley base. Parking and access can be tight in the older streets, so mention any restrictions when you get in touch. Call Eric on 07872 324935 or use the form to send your postcode and details.