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.
Restoring a period cottage
January 21, 2012
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
How to choose a builder for my home extension?
October 23, 2011
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?
October 22, 2011
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.
Property investor’s appetite for commercial property ripples into the north
June 7, 2011
Commercial property investors are following the usual pattern of the ripple effect, as prime London commercial property yields are affected by increases in capital values. They are looking for the next hot spots and as the investors move their attention and funds to other areas, sectors and properties, so do property speculators. Data has shown an incredible increase in completed deals in Manchester office space with deals completed hitting two hundred percent. There are big similarities between the current commercial property market in Manchester and that of the London market as the recovery began. So where next for increases in lease uptake and capital values? Many believe there is good value in places like Birmingham, Nottingham, and Stoke on Trent, time will tell.
Buy below market property
July 24, 2010
If you are looking for great property investments one of your main concerns will be getting your new investment property below market value. This way you have a head start compared with many other landlords and property investors in your area. There are several companies that can assist you in building property portfolios and help you find property below market value. It is always a sensible idea to go for a company with a well proven track record and a good trading history. If you are looking for a company to help you with your property investment strategies in the Midlands, we recommend Amber Valley Homes, with 12years of property trading experience they are always please to help new investors with sound advice. ambervalleyhomes
How to replace my slate or tile roof
June 16, 2010
First things first, spend a little time finding the correct materials and a good contractor a good roofing contractor will take care of the little details on the verves and valleys that give the overall finish a high standard. Remember all slate and tiles are not created equally Welsh slates are expensive for good reason and cheap tiles may not last as long as a better quality alterative.
Lead flashings and finishing?s can really give your roof a beautiful look but can also give problems if these works are not carried out correctly. There are various grades of lead and lead substitutes so make sure your contractor uses the best. If you are in any doubt ask a Royal Institute Chartered Surveyor to act as project manager or contract administrator.
Getting harder to find a good builder?
June 15, 2010
With another announcement of a local building contractor going into administration within weeks it is getting harder to find a good builder. Many of these firms have years and good trading history but are often pushed into administration as a result of money they are owed by cash strapped developers and members of the public.
The latest casualty is a well know contractor from the Mansfield area and is thought to be leaving up to thirty local builders out of work. They will also leave sub contractors like electricians, plumbers, joiners, painters and decorators, looking hard for their next building contract.
Should I build an extension?
June 14, 2010
Building an extension to your home is well worth considering for at least three reasons :-
(1) it will provide you with the additional space that you require,
(2) it will increase the value of your property, and,
(3) it will avoid you having to sell your property to acquire the space you need, and buy a new home when the locality you are in at present is the one that you like, is close to work and family, and maybe the children are settled in at a nearby school etc.
I have seen a good example of house extension work carried out recently in the North of England which I am aware involved someone who employed a local reputable builder who did a very good job. The semi-detached house had a small kitchen facing the back garden alongside a dining area, the latter forming part of an L shaped lounge.
Although the kitchen and dining area was only extended by a relatively small amount (about 2 meters or so), the new kitchen, and extended dining area, has now an impressive appearance, and a surprisingly large area which the owners are now using, enjoying, and are proud to own.
The example mentioned above had/has further scope for extension as another approach could have been not only to extend the ground floor but also the bathroom above the kitchen could also have been extended, and the bedroom above the dining area could have been extended as well to provide an en suite in this back bedroom. It shows that there can be more than one way to pursue an idea you have in mind.
Whatever your requirements, it is well worth considering and pursuing your ideas to seek a solution to meet your need for more space in your home by building the extension that is right for you.
