 The initial conservation work focused around weatherproofing the house . The repair of the roof , which is 20 times the size of the average British families home , was made possible by the erection of an extensive free @-@ standing scaffold roof structure . At the height of the restoration works , 28 miles ( 45 km ) of scaffolding tubes covered the building 's entire exterior . This allowed over 18 months repairs and restoration to take place , including the final restoration of the original bold red and black tiled geometric diaper pattern . The entire property was rewired with special cabling , copper sheathed ( fire and rodent proofed ) . Much of the original lead piping was replaced and a fireproofing scheme , mainly through the design of a suitable compartmentation system was designed and implemented . Interior scaffolding was installed in the 43 feet ( 13 m ) high hallway to repair the lantern rooflight , and to provide access to other high points of the interior . These initial works cost more than £ 10 million , much of which was raised through donations via the " Save Tyntesfield " campaign and the sale of lottery tickets to visitors . 
