JCS Page
JCS Page (FSC, BSC (Hons)) has been working solely with historic buildings since 2007, first as an apprentice mason to Cob in Cornwall, then founding Muddy Mortars in 2012. In this role he carried out building works on historic properties using traditional techniques and principles to solve damp and condensation issues.
Page has spent over fifteen years taking old buildings apart, putting them back together, and making return visits to assess the impact of the works. This has given him a unique perspective on the real world issues that cause old buildings to develop symptoms of damp.
100+
Surveys Completed
15+
Years Experience
40+
Five-Star Reviews
Background in Ecology and Sustainable Building
I came from a background of wildlife conservation, completing a BSc in environmental science in 2004. Following an interest in small scale food production, I worked on small organic farms in the UK and abroad. In Chile I worked on a cob project, and on returning home gained an English Heritage bursary studying Cob Construction and Lime Masonry with Cob in Cornwall.
Unique Perspective Working with Buildings
In 2012 I started Muddy Mortars and spent a decade studying and restoring pre 1900 buildings using traditional materials. The first-hand experience I have gained from taking buildings apart and rebuilding them has given me a unique perspective on the issues impacting older properties. My practical experience is also backed up by the attendance of many seminars and conferences.
Helping Clients Avoid Ineffective Building Work
As a practitioner of building works, I saw how clients were often unsure of how to select and prioritise remedial work. As a result, they would want to commission works that would prove ineffective or counterproductive. Clients are bombarded by misinformation from the internet and from contractors who have vested interests in pushing works that they specialise in.
Impartial Advice and Comprehensive Surveys
In 2020, I started offering a paid service where I would survey and identify issues at properties but not carry out any physical work on them in order to maintain impartiality. The feedback on this service was very positive, and in 2023 Muddy Mortars has shifted its focus away from carrying out building works and is now predominantly a consultation service.
Customer Reviews
"Super Helpful"
Page from Muddy Mortars was super helpful to us in our house buying process. He saved us from a house we loved, but sadly was a potential money pit with an incredibly thorough, detailed and easy to understand survey and report. He acted fast, kept in touch and was great to work with.
Jessica North
"Thorough and Insightful"
Page from Muddy Mortars provided a thorough and insightful and detailed survey on a cottage dated c1850. We would highly recommend anyone not familiar with Cornwall or the building techniques used in old traditionally built property to seek his specialist advice.
Malcolm Cotton
"Highly Recommended"
Page from Muddy Mortars was excellent. Very approachable offered lots of useful advice and detailed report with specifications of what was needed. Most importantly trusted contacts to get quotes from too. Highly recommended. On time and on budget. Don't hesitate to use him!
R M
"Worthwhile Investment"
No hesitation in recommending. Page is a great communicator and has provided a thorough understanding of the multiple factors affecting damp in older properties as well as guidance on how to prioritise works in a practical and realistic way. A very worthwhile investment.
Miranda Freeborn-Swan
"Clear and Impartial"
Page undertook a detailed survey of our house (inside and out) and provided us with a detailed and clear report, with impartial advice on which issues to prioritise. Page highlighted things that our RICS homebuyer report didn't, very helpful and absolutely worth it. Thank you!
Heather Coutts
"Cornish Stone Cottage"
Page was so helpful with our investigations into renovations that would be required for an old Cornish stone cottage. He provided advice and a professional report of works offering the level of detail in the areas we requested, including a list of associated costs. Would definitely use again.
Trecia Filer
"Listed Building Report"
A very detailed report was conducted of our listed building, with orders of maintenance priorities given in a clear an concise manner. It’s often a struggle to know where to start with old properties, but this was such a big help - to have something to refer back to and tick off.
P LG
"Clear Explanations"
We had an extremely useful consultation with Page. He explained why we have problems with damp in our cottage and how to rectify it. He gave very thorough and clear explanations and did not try to sell us his services when he thought it unnecessary. Very impressed.
Diana Verboom
"Fountain of Knowledge"
Muddy Mortars are a fountain of knowledge regarding the construction and remedial works of old buildings. They have proven to be a reliable consultant and we are now in receipt of a thorough and useful report for the restoration of our listed farmhouse. Thank you!
Gren Berger
"Efficient and Professional"
Page arrived promptly, spent two hours on site discussing possible causes of damp in my traditional granite property and various options to solve the problem. Later he sent me a detailed report including cost estimates. I found him efficient, professional and knowledgeable.