Building Solutions (Midlands) Blog » Extensions

Renovation specialists Derbyshire

Richard — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 07:01:44 +0000

Derbyshire is very fortunate to benefit from an enviable selection of period property, Derby particularly boasts some of the best examples of Georgian period property outside of Bath and London. There are some very good examples in the various market and small towns of Ashbourne, Matlock, Bakewell and Melbourne. When restoring a period property it is all about the details, these are the things that the untrained eye will miss but can make or break the overall quality of a period property renovation. There is little point getting the sash windows mouldings and glazing proportions to match perfectly and then fitting the wrongs style or period of window furniture or hardware. Even with the brick work it’s not just the correct type of brick and mortar it’s the bond and pointing. There is no point in laying a perfect row of the correct bricks in stretchers with 15mm weather strike pointing. When it should be brushed 5mm English bond, so ask yourself a question before you hand over your period property or renovation project to a building contractor are they really period property experts? You will only have one chance to get your renovation project right and leave a wonderful legacy for future generations to enjoy. So take the time to make sure you have the right renovation specialists managing your period property renovations.

Move or improve with a home extension

Richard — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 20:41:01 +0000

With spring just around the corner and Christmas becoming a distant memory, is now the time to make a decision on if you should move or improve your home. With the continuing mortgage drought and challenging housing market conditions many are choosing to stay put. So how can you improve your current home? Well many home owners traditionally have opted for loft conversions. With ever increasing thermal efficiency to buildings through tighter building regulations often a home extension offers better value. This is a good time of year to start planning your project and applying for the relative permissions. Usually a planning application is required for larger home extensions. All new house extensions require building regulation applications to check they comply with building regulations. So don’t let another year slip by get your home extension project planned for a successful home extension build this summer.

Top ten tips for building a home extension

Richard — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 17:07:12 +0000

1. Make sure you know how you want to use the space and design a home extension that fits your needs and your type of property.
2. Chose a design and build company or an architect that specialise in the type of home extension that you are planning.
3. Do not let permitted development rights effect your decisions too much, you could save the planning application fee only to find out that you cannot fit that extra sofa in.
4. Make sure you pay attention to the detail, a well planned project is easier, quicker and cheaper to build than one that needs designing as it is built.
5. When choosing your builder ask to see other examples of their work, do they have references? Do they work with others within the property and construction industry?
6. Make sure you match things like roof tiles, brick types and bonds so that your home extension blends in with the original building.
7. Be prepared for the disruption, there will be skips, dust and delivery wagons, can you plan things so your contractors can have their own access or have the area fenced off? Ask your builder to provide a site toilet so they do not need to walk through your house.
8. Try and get as much of the project controlled and contracted to a main contractor so if there are any issues there is a clearly responsible person.
9. If you chose bespoke lintels or unusual design features be aware they may add time to the project as well as costs.
10. Remember to enjoy your project, chose a contractor who is genuinely excited about your project and does not see it as just another job.

Restoring a period cottage

Richard — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 20:56:55 +0000

It is not just about the building to make the most of a period cottage you will need to pay attention to the garden, it makes such a difference to the overall feel of the project.
Make sure that you do your research, read plenty of books on the type and period of property knowledge is power in the world of restoration. Overlooking the correct paint sheen will destroy the appearance of those lovingly restored windows, so don’t be afraid to mayor in the minor!
Pay attention to local variations in the period and style of the property you should be able to find local enthusiasts groups who can share a wealth of knowledge.
Remember how ever passionate you are about period property you do not have to live in a museum, the people who built these wonderful properties would want to see them sympathetically modernised but most defiantly in everyday use, so the legacy of their toil lives on.
With that said please be aware of your legal obligations particularly where listings and the conservation department are involved.
Always go for reclaimed materials where possible and practical, it is so much easier to get the atmosphere of a period building right with well chosen reclaimed items.
Look for a nice mix of antiques and contemporary furniture to compliment your period property interior

What are planning conditions?

Richard — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 07:04:02 +0000

Planning conditions vary greatly dependant on the size and nature of the building project. Planning conditions are usually used to allow planning permission to be granted while smaller details are still to be confirmed and agreed. Brick sample panels can often be conditions that effects smaller projects like barn conversions and home extensions. They can cover almost any consideration that the planning officers of planning committee have concerns about from drainage schemes through to details of window design. So what if you get a planning application granted and it has conditions attached? Well you need to make sure that these planning conditions are “discharged”, at an appropriate stage of the project. Essentially you need to make sure you mitigate your risk by not carrying out building works that could be affected if there are issues obtaining a discharge of the planning condition. This could be as simple as the planning officer visiting site and agreeing a sample panel of brickwork. If you build out and the conditions are not discharged you could be ultimately faced with demolishing and rebuild!

Underpinning specialists Derbyshire

Richard — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 20:02:53 +0000

Underpinning is a word that strikes fear into many home and property owners so why? Because in many cases it can be a slow and expensive process, this is because it requires repair, replacement and upgrading of the original footings. Some structural issues relating to foundation defects can now be resolved through the use of piles or mini piles. So how do you know if your property requires underpinning? Often the signs are bulges and leaning to the brickwork or cracks particularly around window and door openings. One very important consideration is like your own health certain issues and symptoms require more immediate attention. So if you have any concerns about the need for underpinning you should contact a reputable structural engineer or building contractor that specialises in structural issues.

How to choose a builder for my home extension?

Richard — Sun, 23 Oct 2011 06:56:39 +0000

Many home owners are bombarded with sales letters when their planning application is passed. This is because building companies check on line and send out a standard letter asking to be considered to price up the home extension. The best way to find a reputable builder is through word of mouth from someone who has experienced their work. So what do you do if you cannot find a good builder for your house extension through word of mouth? Well it is easy to find a builder and easy to get them to price up the work. The most important thing on your wish list should be quality you are about to embark on a once in a life time project to your most valuable asset, your home. After you have paid the final bill the most important consideration is that you will have to live with the finish and quality forever. So ask your builder to provide you with photographs of home extension projects they completed. Ask for references from previous customers and industry professional. Good home extension builders will have good working relationships with structural engineers, surveyors and architects. These professionals are careful of who they recommend and will give you their honest opinion of a contractors performance.

Adverse structural survey scuppering your property sale or purchase?

Richard — Sat, 22 Oct 2011 18:37:41 +0000

Have you found your dream home only to find out it has some structural issues? Frightened by structural problems? Worried about underpinning? There are many issues that can affect properties but those affecting the structural integrity of a house or business premises are the ones that concern buyers and sellers the most. So what is the best course of action if the survey comes back with structural issues? There are two positive steps that can be taken dependant on the issues concerned. If it is a simple defect like a defective lintel most competent building contractors should be capable of pricing up a sensible structural solution. If the problems are more serious you need a good structural engineer who will be able to provide recommendations and the best value solutions. For just a couple of hundred pounds you could save thousands by avoiding unnecessary work or missing out on your dream property. Many people are very concerned about structural issues that can often be resolved for less than a year’s mortgage payments. Interestingly many people go ahead with property purchases only to find out later that structural problems exist that have been concealed. How often have we heard “we did not know anything about it until we took the render or plaster off”. Whatever the structural issue it is without a doubt sensible to get an expert opinion. Often there can be temporary fixes that might not last but can save thousands in the long term.

Cracked or sunken concrete floors and driveways

Richard — Sat, 08 Oct 2011 19:28:46 +0000

Cracked concrete floors and drives can be repaired using various methods including resins and stitching bars. The repairs can vary in costs and complexity but they can often be the symptoms of other issues like cracked and damaged drains or poor subfloor infill material. So how can you tell if you have a more serious issue? There are several checks than can be done usually the excavation of trial holes or the drilling of bore hole concrete samples. These give indications of the areas that have been drilled or excavated but they cannot guarantee that the entire area of a floor or concrete is in a stable condition. There are various repair methods including slab jacking using polymers to force up the damaged floor and stabilise the sub floor. The only way to be completing sure you have resolved the issue is to remove the concrete excavate and reinstate the floor or concrete. The other consideration is the cause of the original issue very often damaged or leaking drains or poor original construction technique are the cause. Damaged underground water pipes can also be an issue, even water wells, Washery tanks, old dumps or tips can be are another cause. So what is the best thing to do if you face one of these issues? Find a good structural engineer or a building contractor who can put you in touch with a structural engineer.

Estate agents and buyers switch on to lower energy costs

Richard — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 19:43:42 +0000

The Royal institute of Chartered Surveyors has reported improved valuations on properties that feature stainable and low energy improvements and features. Buyers and agents have been slow in appreciating the increases in a properties capital value from money invested in sustainable and energy saving features. Now reports are showing that both property purchasers and Estate agents are prepared to up sale prices for greener and more eco friendly dwellings. With the introduction of energy ratings and the increases in fuel costs buyers are much more switched on to energy saving additions to properties. It seems that buyers are more focused on savings in running costs than their green credentials but the outcome is the same. Interestingly it has been sited that a similar issue revolved around central heating in the 70’s when buyers were not prepared to pay a premium for properties featuring central heating. In the 70’s many buyers did not see this as an essential on their wish list. With the running costs of large period properties ever increasing those that feature retrospective insulation and other sustainable features buyer can now see a clear pay back and are more prepared to pay more for these additions.