Slate roofing materials lasts more than 100 + years. It won’t burn, its waterproof and resists Mold and fungus. Slate is effective in wet climates but is expensive, heavy and may be easily broken when stepped on.
Clay tiles
Roof tiles made from clay can withstand damage from winds up to 130 miles per hour, earthquakes, hurricanes and tornadoes. Clay tiles are also known as Spanish tile roofs. These tiles are a good choice for your roof as they are durable and long-lasting tiles but they are extremely heavy meaning your roof may need to be reinforced to support the additional weight.
Concrete tiles
Concrete tiles last the life of the structure, fire resistant and weather resistant. These tiles are a good choice for roofing materials as they are very durable.
Frequently asked questions about these roofing materials
Are slate roofs expensive?
Yes, slate roofs are one of the most durable and longest-lasting roofing materials on the market.
Are clay tiles eco-friendly?
Clay tile roofs are eco-friendly because they are made from natural earth minerals that can be recycled.
Are concrete tiles cheaper than slate?
Concrete tiles tend to be cheaper than slate.
Are slate roofs expensive?
Yes, slate is one of the most expensive roofing materials.
How do I maintain a slate roof?
Cleaning the gutters around 3-4 times a year. You should get professionals to inspect the roof for any damage around once every 10 years.
How long does clay roofs last?
80-100 years old
What is the life of concrete tiled roof?
Normally, a concrete tiled roof can last as long as 50 years.
Is a clay tiled roof waterproof?
Clay tiles are waterproof, fire resistant and wind resistant.
Can you walk on slate roof?
Slate is hard-wearing and durable but it can easily crack if under too much pressure. Professionals use hook ladders, jacks and planks on slate roofing, which allows them to walk across the roof without putting weight on the slate and damaging it.
Adds immediate vintage charm and period detail to a bathroom
Easy to install
Space beneath
Cons
Lack of storage
Undermount tub
Pros in particular
Easy to clean
Durable and sturdy
High end, luxurious feel
Cons
So, tub cannot simply be removed without destroying the surrounding decking.
Hot tubs
Prossuch as:
Deep soaking relaxation
Hydrotherapy for those with achy joints and arthritis
Cons
Expensive
Japanese tub
Pros for instance,
Amazing design
Adds house value
Artistic presentation
Offers deep soaking
Consfor example:
No storage
Expensive
Questions that are frequently asked about bathtubs
What materials are bathtubs made from?
Often bathtubs are made out of porcelain which is usually steel-based. But bathtubs can be made from marble, acrylic, and fiberglass. However, historically bathtubs have been made from wood, copper, and iron.
Can bathtubs be repaired?
In addition, it is possible to make repairs on a variety of tubs. For example, these include porcelain tubs and those made from marble, acrylic, and fiberglass. Small chips and scratches can often be repaired making this more of an economical option than replacing the entire tub.
How long do bathtubs last?
Although it depends on the tub material and how well it has been made. In addition, you can find original bathtubs in old houses that are in fantastic condition at 100 years old.
Furthermore, what are the most popular bathtubs?
Freestanding tub
Drop in tub
Three-wall alcove tubs
Can bathtubs be recycled?
So, a bathtub is not easily recycled. Although, cast iron tubs may be of interest to some metal scrap yards or foundries. Nevertheless, steel is one of the most recycled materials. However, it takes some work to remove the enamel finish which may not be worth the effort for some recyclers. It may be better to repurpose your bathtub instead of recycling, for example:
The party wall act is very important if you’re planning work that will affect a shared wall between you and your neighbours. Here’s everything you need to know about the act.
What is a party wall?
A party wall is a dividing partition between two adjoining buildings that are shared by the occupants of each residence or business. Typically, the builder lays the wall along a property line dividing two terraced houses. So, that one-half of the wall’s thickness lies on each side.
What is the party wall act?
The party wall act 1996 introduced a procedure for resolving disputes between owners of neighbouring properties. As a result of one owner’s intention to carry out works that would affect the party wall.
An act to make provision in respect of party walls, and excavation and construction in proximity to certain buildings or structures; and for connected purposes.
What does the act do?
The act came into force on the 1st of July 1997 and applies throughout England and Wales. It provides a framework for preventing and resolving disputes in relation to party walls. Also boundary walls and excavations near neighbouring buildings.
Anyone intending to carry out work of the kinds described in the act must give adjoining owners notice of their intentions. A notice must be given even where the work will not extend beyond the centre line of a party wall.
It is often helpful if the owners consider themselves joint owners of the entire party wall instead of sole owners of part of it. Although there is no written consent or agreement, the act provides for the resolution of disputes.
What does the act cover?
Various work that is going to be carried out directly to an existing party wall or structure.
New buildings at or astride the boundary line between properties.
Excavation within 3 or 6 metres of a neighbouring building or structure. Depending on the depth of the hole or proposed foundations.
What happens if you don’t serve a party wall notice?
A party wall notice offers you protection from false or malicious claims from your neighbours and from expensive legal costs. If you fail to submit a Notice and damage is caused, when your neighbours take you to court it will be a black mark against you before you even attempt and defence.
Concrete swimming pools take longer to install than most. Generally, it takes between 3-12 weeks. However concrete pools are the strongest and most durable. Unlike other types of pools, existing concrete pools can be remodelled, enlarged and updated.
Vinyl pools
Vinyl pools are made from a performed flexible liner that fits into the evacuated hole. It’s secured to a reinforced frame made of steel, aluminium or non-corrosive polymer. The majority of vinyl pools are rectangular. Its takes about 1-3 weeks to construct this pool. When wanting a vinyl pool, you must be aware that pool toys, pets and sharp objects can puncture the liner, needing it to be replaced.
Fiberglass pools
Fiberglass pools are factory moulded into one giant bowl, which is set into the evacuated hole by a crane. Pools made from fiberglass can be installed much faster than other pools. It can take as little as 3 days. Fiberglass pools are extremely durable and stain resistant. However, fiberglass pools come in fewer sizes and shapes meaning you may not be able to have one if you have a small or uniquely shaped back garden.
Frequently asked questions about
What is the most efficient way to heat pools?
If you want an energy efficient way to heat your pool, you should consider using a pump pool heater in mild climates. Solar water heaters are cost competitive with other types of water heaters and have low annual operating costs.
Which is better a heat pump or gas heater for pools?
Heat pump heaters cost more than gas pool heaters. Gas pump heaters typically have lower annual operating costs because of their higher efficiencies. However, with decent maintenance heat pump heaters last longer than gas pool heaters.
Is a heated swimming pool worth it?
Pool heaters have potential to be an incredibly worthwhile investment if you want to use your pool all year round.
What is a conventional boiler?
Conventional boilers provide both heating and hot water with the use of a cold-water tank and hot water cylinder.
Do solar rings work to heat a pool?
Most solar-rings can absorb up the top 50% of the sun’s energy to heat water in your swimming pool.
How efficient are pool heaters?
Pool heaters can operate between 80-90% efficiency.
When should I start heating my pool?
Using the heater only when the water clips below a certain point keeps the energy consumption down. For the average person, a pool that is at 78 degrees or higher is comfortable.
Firstly, out of all of the steps included in commercial construction, this one might be the most important. Finding the correct location can either go one of two ways, very easy or extremely difficult. Before choosing a location for a new commercial building you must consider these factors:
The location must consider access to clients and employees and proximity to other buildings.
Ensure the location doesn’t have a suspension on building.
Ensure the nearby infrastructure can handle the needs for future business.
Verify that the water and sewer lines can handle the needs for business.
Does the area have sufficient fire hydrants and flow.
Have environmental testing to see if there is any contamination in the soil.
Once you have decided on a location you should get in touch with an architect and a contractor straight away.
Step 2 – Setting a budget
It is important to set a budget so that when it comes to the design and build element you will be able to afford it. The average cost of commercial buildings covering a large range of building types is £1,310 m2 – £3,100 m2.
Step 3 – The design
The design phase defines all of the intentions and goals of the project. Once you have discussed the plans with the architect, they will then draw up a set of plans and designs. Once the design phase produces a full set of drawings with final specs that contain costs and timelines for each stage of construction. Contractors use the drawings to construct the build.
Step 3 – Pre-construction
Before beginning the construction, the contractors must make sure all building permits and insurance requirements are obtained. For example:
Submit the plans to the building department
Get builders risk insurance
Commercial and contractor general insurance
Workers’ compensation
There are also different roles that need to be assigned, including:
Project manager – in charge of the project team, maintains construction, and time schedules.
Contract administrator – helps the project manager with contract details.
Field engineer – investigates the site to determine if any steps need to be taken prior to commercial construction.
Step 4 – Construction
The construction process will begin and this is the order in which they will take place.
Implement drainage
Excavate site
Arrange power, water, and sanitation.
Remove vegetation.
Begin inspections
Foundation
Framing
Roofing, siding, HVAC
Interior
Exterior
Landscaping
Step 5 – Post-construction
Before you can move in, there are several steps you have to take after you’ve completed the commercial construction. You should do a final walkthrough of the property, checking the paint and seeing if everything is working correctly. Once you have done this you can start installing furniture and equipment.
From architecture to construction terms, it is easy to feel left in the dark especially if you’re not an architect or a construction worker. To help you avoid confusion here is a list of some important words to familiarise yourself with before you meet with an architect or have any work starts.
BIM –
Firstly, BIM stands for ‘building information modeling. It’s a 3D model-based process that architects use to reduce errors and help the client envision a project. It digitally helps them plan, design, and construct buildings.
Cladding –
building cladding is the application of one material over another to add an extra skin or layer to the building. It could be any material wood, metal, stone. It needs to be waterproof because it is used to protect the building against leaking.
Scale –
Scale terms can refer to a few things. Firstly, it’s a triangular, ruler-like device used to determine dimensions. But more often, you’ll hear architects use the term in a statement like, “The scale is all wrong.” In that case, scale refers to how the sizes of different architectural elements relate to one another.
Truss –
A truss is a supporting structure or framework that’s composed of beams, girders, or rods, usually made of steel or wood. It usually looks like a triangle, as it’s the frame that supports the building’s roof.
Carbuncle –
A building that is extremely unpleasant to look at.
Prefabricated –
A prefabricated building is built in sections that can be moved and put together quickly.
Cornice –
Derive from the Italian word meaning ledge, a cornice refers to any horizontal, decorative molding that crowns a building.
Spatiality –
A general term that refers to anything relating to, involving, or having the nature of space.
Massing-
The general shape, or shapes of a building, as well as its form and size. You could compare it to the overall composition of a painting but in case it’s three-dimensional.
Derelict –
Something such as a building or piece of land that is derelict is empty, not used, and in a bad condition.
Cantilever –
These terms refer to any type of beam that’s only anchored at one point. Architects often refer to cantilever when discussing overhanging planes, like a cantilevered roof or deck.
Dormer –
A structural element of a building that protrudes from the plane of a sloping roof surface. Dormers are used to create usable space on the roof of a building by adding headroom and windows.
Fascia –
Finally, a horizontal board is attached to the lower end of rafters at the eaves.
Wanting to change your flooring at home? Heres a list of different types of floors and their pros and cons.
Types of flooring
Timber
Laminate
Bamboo
Vinyl
Cork
Tile
Carpet
Rubber
Poured floors
Wood
Engineered floors
What are the main types of flooring?
Wood
Vinyl
Tile
Carpet
Engineered floors
Pros and cons
Hardwood Pros
Hardwood flooring is adaptable in its looks and can complement all types of interiors.
Many options available
Expensive
Can be refinished multiple times (However this can be expensive)
Strong and durable
Increases home value
Hardwood cons
Expensive
Can incur scrapes, scratches and dents
Avoid water contact – You should avoid large amounts of water that will destroy the flooring with seepage.
Cupping – This happens when the edges of the wood board is higher that the centre, due to the moisture content which has slowly happened will cause the wood to expand.
Engineered wood pros
Price
Better temperature resistance
Adds value to your home
Engineered wood cons
Maintenance
Fading
Potentially weak
Carpet pros
Warmth
Cost
Variety
Carpet cons
Stains
Cost
Variety
Restricted (You don’t tend to find carpet in the kitchen or bathroom)
Tile pros
Easy to maintain
Water resistant
Durable
Cost
Tile cons
Cold
Heavy
Slippery and hard
Vinyl pros
100% Moisture resistant
Low maintenance
Easy to clean
Easy DIY installation
Cost
Variety of décor options
Vinyl cons
Difficult to remove if glued down
Can be punctured with very sharp objects
Can dent with heavy objects on top
Not bio gradable
Can fade and discolour
Things to consider when choosing flooring for your home
Location – Not every type of floor is suitable for every room. You should pick wisely when picking flooring as engineered floors would be perfect for a kitchen however carpet would not be.You need to take into consideration what the use of the room will be before purchasing flooring for the space.
Durability – Durability is important factor in your flooring decision because the quality of your floors can influence the value of your home.
Price – Floors can vary in price. Stone floors are extremely expensive whereas tile and laminate flooring is quite reasonable.
Family’slifestyle – You need to consider the activities that take place in your home. For example, if you have children or pet’s carpet would be best. However, if it is just you and your partner you can take the pick of whichever suits you best.
Maintenance requirements – it advised to check maintenance requirements of any floor so you know if your able to maintain it after it’s been installed.
Whether you are looking for a granny annex, rental accommodation, or just more room for visitors, adding a second dwelling would be a perfect option.
What is a dwelling?
A dwelling is a self-contained unit of accommodation used by one or more households as a home. For example, a house, flat, or another place of residence. People usually opt for these because they are smaller and a more affordable way of adding extra living space to a property.
Reasons to add another dwelling –
Add extra living space – this is one of the main reasons that people add an extra dwelling. This is a great option for people that want their families close to them, or if you want to move out and have a bit of independence.
Extra income – a way to get a bit of extra income is by renting out the dwelling. You can use the money in any way you like. Such as, to help pay your mortgage or the utility bill or you could invest it back into the dwelling.
Increase the property value – adding a dwelling will no doubt increase the value of the property.
Will you need planning permission for a dwelling?
The new building will require planning permission. However, if you stay within permitted development then you may not need to get planning permission. You will not need planning permission if you follow these conditions:
No outbuildings on land forward of a wall forming the principal elevation.
Outbuildings to be single storey with maximum eaves height of 2.5 meters and maximum overall height of four meters with a dual pitched roof.
No verandas, balconies or raised platforms.
Mo more than half the area of land around the original house, would be covered by additions.
Maximum height of 2.5 meters in case of a building or enclosure within two meters of a boundry of the curtilage of the dwellinghouse.
How much does it cost to add a second dwelling?
When it comes to building your new dwelling, you should expect contractor fees and materials to eat up your budget. For example:
Basic build – new build areas – £1500 m2, Refurbished areas – £800 m2
Standard, high-quality build – new build areas – £1650 m2, Refurbished areas – £875m2
Premium quality build – new build areas – £1800 m2, Refurbished area £950 m2
Many people have different opinions, so when it comes to choosing the best architect, it will not be completely accurate. However, an architect that has been mentioned by a lot of sources, as being the number 1 architect in the world is Frank Lloyd Wright.
Many people agree that frank Lloyd wright is the most famous architect of the modern era. Wright helped form a uniquely American architecture.
Who was Frank Lloyd Wright?
Wright (June 8, 1867 – April 9, 1959) was an American architect, designer, writer, and educator. He designed over 1,000 structures over a creative period of 70 years. He believed in a philosophy he called organic architecture, this included designing harmony with humanity and the environment. This philosophy was demonstrated in Fallingwater (1935), which has been called “the best all-time work of American architecture”.
Early life –
Frank was born in the town of Richland Center, Wisconsin. His father William Cary Wright was a gifted musician, public speaker, and preacher. Whereas, his mother Anna Lloyd Jones was a teacher, and also a member of the Lloyd Jones clan.
According to Anna when she was expecting she declared that her first child would grow up to build buildings. To encourage her child’s ambition, she decorated his nursery with engravings of English cathedrals.
Soon after Frank turned 14, his father filed for a divorce and sued Anna on the grounds of “emotional cruelty, physical violence, and spouse abandonment”. After this, his father left Wisconsin and Frank never saw him again.
Education –
In 1886, at age 19 Frank wanted to become an architect. He enrolled in the University of Wisconsin and worked under a professor of civil engineering, before leaving the school without a degree. However, he was granted an honorary doctorate of fine arts by the university in 1955.
Career –
1n 1887 Wright arrived in Chicago in search of work. Within days, and after several interviews, he got a job as a draftsman with Joseph Lyman Silsbee. After only a year wright felt underpaid and left this job.
He then started working for a firm called Adler and Sullivan, working directly under Louis Sullivan, the great architect known for “the father of skyscrapers”.
In 1889, a year after working for Sullivan, wright married Catherine Tobin and had 6 children together. His first architectural masterpiece was their home in the oak park suburbs in Chicago. It was after this wright established his own architectural practice. That same year, he designed the Winslow House in River Forrest, this was a landmark in his career because it was his first major commission as an individual architect. This was the first example of the organic architecture style.
Taliesin –
In 1909, after 20 years of marriage, wright abandoned his wife and kids for a woman named Mamah Borthwick Cheney. In 1913, Wright designed them a home, named Taliesin. However, tragedy struck and a mentals unstable servant set fire to the house killing Cheney and 6 others. He later decided to rebuild Taliesin, to in his own words “wipe the scar from the hill”.
A couple of years later the Japanese emperor commissioned Wright to design the Imperial Hotel in Tokyo. He spent the next 7 years on the project claiming it was earthquake-proof. Only one year after completion the great Kanto earthquake hit and devastated the city. Although, the architect’s claims were true and it was the only large structure to survive the earthquake intact.
Fallingwater project –
In the mid-1930s, Frank had retired from running Taliesin before coming back into the scene to design many of the greatest buildings of his life. In 1935 he created the shockingly beautiful, Fallingwater project. It remains one of Wrights most celebrated works and is considered one of the most beautiful homes ever built.
Other work –
Later in his career wright created many more projects including around 60 middle-income homes. The aesthetic was modern ranch homes, they were revolutionary with features such as solar heating, natural cooling, and carports.
Guggenheim museum –
Finally, in 1943 Frank began a project that took up 16 years of his life, designing the Guggenheim Museum of modern and contemporary art in New York. This is now referred to as one of New Yorks’s finest buildings.
Death –
However, Frank was hospitalized for abdominal pain and was operated on, on the 6th. He seemed to be recovering but, he passed away on April 9, 1959, at age 91, 6 months before the museum opened. He was widely considered the greatest architect of the 20th century and the greatest American architect of all time.
Permitted development is a scheme that was created that allows you to extend or renovate without the need for a full planning application. In addition, PD rights are an automatic grant of planning permission that allows building works and changes of use to be carried out.
What is the difference between Planning Applications and Permitted Development?
Planning permission is asking your local council for permission to construct a scheme. Whereas PD is notifying your local council of your intentions to construct.
Do I need drawing for permitted development?
Yes, you do need drawings. Also, any PD application must be accompanied by Architectural drawings.
Do I need to pay a fee for a PD Application?
Furthermore, yes, you do need to pay a fee.
What size extension can I build without Planning Permission?
Without planning permission you can only extend on a terraced or semi-detached property. However, you cannot go any taller than four meters in height or three meters across.
What projects fall under Permitted Development?
Firstly, building a small rear extension
Building a porch less than 3m2.
Changes of use, such as loft conversions, basement conversions and garage conversions.
Internal altercations (knocking down internal walls)
Installing satellite dishes and erecting antenna
Finally, adding roof-lights or dormer windows
Properties that don’t have PD rights
Flats, Maisonettes or Houses in multiple occupation.
Builds in conservation areas.
Listed buildings
Finally, properties that have had the rights removed.
Do I need Building Regulations approval under Permitted Development?
Yes, building regulations are for the construction work itself. Also, you must comply with the rules of building regulations, as it’s not permitted to carry out the work.
What happens if I’ve built under PD rights, but should have sought Planning Permission?
So, If it’s already constructed you could be faced with enforcement action, which would result in a request for a retrospective planning application. However, if the permission is refused you will need to demolish the new construction.
