Tag: build

Advice Center

An informative step-by-step guide to installing a roof

4th February 20220

This step-by-step guide will show you how to install a roof. It will also list tools and items that you would need during this project.  

List of tools required –  

  • Caulk gun 
  • Air compressor 
  • Circular saw 
  • Roof harness  
  • Roofing Nailer 
  • Scaffolding  
  • Stapler  
  • Utility knife  
  • Cordless drill 
  • Tape measure  
  • Chalk line 

List of materials required –  

  • Felt underlay  
  • Asphalt shingles  
  • Roofing nails  
  • Drip edge  
  • Hook blades  
  • Sealant 
  • Waterproof underlay  
  • Staples  
  • Step and dormer flashing  
  • Valley flashing  
  • Vent flashing  

Step 1: installing the ventilation system  

A rafter roll is usually laid across the eaves and is designed to guide fresh air into the roof. It also allows air to circulate around the space to prevent dampness.   

What is a rafter roll? 

A rafter roll is a glass mineral wool roll. Designed for use in warm roofs where the roof is insulated at rafter level. It offers excellent thermal performance.  

Make sure the rafter roll comes out above any pre-installed insulation. If you don’t the insulation will block the airflow.  

Step 2: installing underlay  

To protect the roof against ice, wind, and rain you should install a good underlay. You need to make sure the underlay you have chosen meets the building regulation requirements for your project. So, to install the underlay you should start on the right side of the roof and tack it into place. Depending on your ventilation system, you may need to leave a gap at the ridge of the roof to allow air to circulate effectively.  

Step 3: putting in the battens and tiles  

You will need to determine the first fix point on the roof for your tiles, and that’s where the top of your first batten will sit. In addition, make sure you use the right size timber batten for your roof tiles. Line up the top of the batten with the chalk line and fix with a nail to every rafter. After that, to keep the ridge batten secure you must use batten straps to keep it in place.  

What is a batten?  

A Batten is a small section of timber or steel that provides a means of supporting, positioning, or fixing roof cladding and ceiling sheets. A Tile batten is parallel to the eaves line and at right angles to the rafters to which tiles are fixed

Next, you should lay your first line of tiles across the roof. Then, make sure that you have a minimum of one nail per tile and two nails per tile around the perimeters. You should time from right to left, depending on the interlock of the tile.  

Finally step 4: adding the roof ridge 

You should place your ridge membrane in a straight line across the ridge batten. Once it’s secured all along the ridge, it’s time to screw the ridge tiles to the ridge batten. Finally, when that is completed, you can install a ridge-to-ridge seal to offer extra strength to the ridge.  

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Architecture & Building, Materials

All there is to know about Cross-laminated timber (CLT)

1st February 20220

What is CLT? 

Cross-laminated timber (CLT) is a wood panel product, made from gluing together layers of solid-sawn lumber. They’re usually stacked crosswise at a 90-degree angle and glued into place. Using an odd number of layers is most common.  

Advantages and disadvantages of using CLT 

Advantages –  

  • Eco-friendly.  

Cross-laminated timber is a renewable, green, and sustainable material.

  • Prefabrication.  

Floors or walls made from CLT can be manufactured before reaching the job site. Which decreases lead times and could potentially lower overall construction costs.  

  • Thermal insulation.  

Being made out of multiple layers of wood, the thermal insulation of CLT can be high depending on the thickness of the panel.  

  • CLT is a light building material  

Foundations don’t need to be as large and the machinery required on-site are smaller than those needed to lift heavier materials.  

Disadvantages –  

  • Higher production costs. 

The production of CLT panels requires a large amount of wood and other materials compared to stud walls. 

  • Flammability.  

Wood is very flammable, unlike other building materials such as steel.   

  • Limited track record.  

Cross-laminated timber is relatively new material. So, a large amount of research has been done on Cross-laminated timber. However, it takes time to integrate new practices.  

How much does cross-laminated timber cost?  

In addition, the cost of cross-laminated timber is usually around £30 per metre square. Or on the high end of the price spectrum, you can expect it to cost about £50 per meter square.  

The cost of materials and labour may be lower than the traditional steel or concrete. Cross-laminated timber also reduces the carbon footprint of buildings.  

It is durable?  

The CLT product has a life span of 60 years and there are occupied timber buildings in Europe that are over 700 years old. The key factor in the longevity of a timber structure is the management of moisture during the design stage.

 

Cross-Laminated Timber MM crosslam - MM Holz

Architecture & Building, Materials

Get to know the pros and cons of Insulated concrete formwork (ICF)

31st January 20220

If you’re looking for a quick structural system with impressive energy performance. Then insulated concrete framework could be a great choice for your build project.  

What is ICF? 

ICF is based on hollow blocks or sheet components, usually made from expanded polystyrene, fastened together with metal or plastic connectors. The panels or blocks feature an interlocking profile, so they can be stacked without bonding materials. Concrete is then poured inside to make the structure secure.

Is ICF energy efficient?  

Once the pour is complete, the ICF remains in place to provide a robust layer of thermal insulation. ICF structures also offer very good airtightness, as the concrete pour and insulating formwork combine to create a highly sealed house shell. In addition, the different thicknesses of ICF blocks, with varying insulation depths, are available to help you achieve your target thermal performance.  

Pros and cons of Insulated concrete formwork –  

Pros  

  • Speed of build  

The construction is simple and not labour-intensive. Insulated concrete formwork blocks are very similar to Lego blocks in the way they interlock and stack together.  

  • Durability 

ICF buildings are incredibly structurally sound due to the concrete and steel reinforcement that is incorporated into the walls. The buildings are known to be disaster-proof. 

  • Reduced energy bills  

They are incredibly energy efficient and can easily achieve an A rating. This level of efficiency means less energy is required to heat the home, which reduces the energy bill. Owners that have Insulated concrete formwork buildings have experienced as much as a 60% reduction in their energy bills.  

  • Peace and quite  

The blocks used in construction create thick and solid walls, which noise cannot penetrate. If noise is an issue in your area, or you live in a city but want peacefulness then, ICF maybe your best solution.  

Cons  

  • The walls can be very thick. This can cause limited space in some areas, particularly cities.  

Cost of ICF –  

In addition, depending on the job, the formwork can be inexpensive or expensive. Most Insulated concrete formwork systems on sale cost between £25 and £35 meters squared.  

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Advice Center

How close can you build to your boundary line?

27th January 20220

When planning a home extension or garden, it’s important to consider if planning permission is required. And then how close to the boundary line the build will be.  

What is a boundary line?  

A boundary is a line that divides one area from another. It may be called a border and defines the extent of one or more areas that are adjacent or in close proximity. Boundaries can be defined physically by coastlines, rivers, roads, walls, fences, and lines painted on the ground.  

How close to your boundary can you build? 

If you’re planning on building an extension of more than one storey, you cannot go beyond the boundary at the rear by more than 3 meters. However, this only applies when there is no other property on the land to the rear of your home.   

A general guideline shows that a build that reaches 2.1 meters is considered acceptable and anything over that  

How close can you build to the neighbour’s boundary?  

The party wall act allows an absolute right to build-up to the boundary between you and your neighbour. It also allows you to build astride the boundary line, but only with your neighbour’s consent. 

A householder planning application may be required, which takes into account the opinions of neighbours and any other parties that may be affected by the new build. You should talk with your neighbours throughout the process to reduce the risk of them rejecting any proposal.  

What is the process for building on the boundary (party wall)? 

If you want to build a wall or garden wall astride the boundary wall, you must tell your neighbour. You can do this by serving a notice, called a party wall notice. You must also inform the adjoining owner if you plan to build a wall only on your land but up against the boundary line. However, if you have a party wall agreement, your neighbour can’t prevent you from building such a wall.  

Permitted development boundary lines –  

If the proposed build falls within permitted development rights, then the council must approve it. As long as it meets the required regulations. For example, a detached new build must have a maximum eaves height of 3m and a total maximum height of 4m.  

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Loft Conversion

Adding a dormer to an existing loft conversion

25th January 20220

There are two reasons why people may want to do this: 

  • People buy a house with an existing roofline conversion and decide they want to upgrade the loft accommodation. They might do this to make the space larger, brighter and, perhaps change the interior usage.  
  • Secondly, the loft conversion is planned in two stages to spread the cost. Or because the demand for accommodation at that time is satisfied with a simpler roofline conversion. 

What is a dormer loft conversion? 

A dormer is a box-like structure with vertical walls which come out from the roof slope. They can vary in size and style. In addition, dormers are commonly used to increase the usable space in a loft and to create window openings in the roof.  

Do you need planning permission to add dormers to an existing loft conversion? 

The same planning deliberations will apply to the upgrade just like if you were to start from scratch. If your loft conversion was built under permitted development, you shouldn’t assume that the dormer you’re adding will be as well. So, some points that may make you need planning permission are: 

  • How far the dormer windows project from the roof 
  • Whether the property is listed or in a conservation area.  
  • How much structural change is made to the appearance and height of the existing roof.  
  • The overall size of the loft conversion, the upgrade could make the conversion larger than the original design.  
  • Your neighbours are affected by your dormer. Either by being over shadowed or over looked.  
  • The dormer exceeds 40 square meters on a terraced house or 50 square meters on a semi-detached or detached house.  

Although, not all dormer conversions require planning permission. Your builder or architect will be able to advise you on whether your plans fall within permitted development rights.  

Advantages of adding a dormer –  

Dormer loft conversions are one of the most popular options when it comes to loft conversions. So, here are some advantages of adding them:  

  • They are suitable for almost every type and style of house. 
  • Dormers increase the head height and usable floor space.  
  • You can use any type of window to match the property. You aren’t confined to Velux windows or roof lights.  
  • Could add a small Juliet balcony 

How much would it cost?  

Finally, if you already have an existing loft conversion and you want to add a dormer, you should expect to pay upwards of £5000. However, this all depends on the size, style, and other factors when it comes to a dormer.  

Image: Nuprojects.co – Eige arbeid

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Architecture & Building

How much does it cost to build Annexe?

24th January 20220

Firstly, a garden annexe can transform a family’s life. By giving the person living in the building closeness to their loved ones. Whilst maintaining the privacy of having their own space. It provides the best of both worlds, especially if the main property doesn’t have the space or privacy required to accommodate a family member.   

What is an annexe?  

An annexe is a building joined to or associated with the main building, providing additional space or accommodation. It’s a self-contained living space featuring a kitchen, bedroom, and bathroom. In addition, the outbuilding can be attached to the main property or housed in a converted outbuilding.  

Will you need an architect? 

While an architect isn’t essential when it comes to building an annexe because it is a project that you can DIY. However, you may want to hire an architect to help you with the planning and positioning process to make sure your project is legal and safe.  

Planning rules –  

An annexe is usually considered to be an outbuilding, which is defined as being incidental to the use of the property. This is important as it will dictate whether you need planning permission.  

The local authority is likely to have concerns over things such as:  

  • The overall size of the annexe in relation to the main house and size of your garden. 
  • The specification of the living accommodation needs to be considered ancillary to the main house to be an annexe.  
  • They will want to know the reason you want to build an annexe. And what long term plans you have for it.  

How much does it cost to build?  

On average it is estimated to cost between £68,000 to £140,000 to build an average-sized one. An annexe is known to add as much as 20-30% value to the property, so it is a great investment. People have also been known to rent out their annexes, which can be a good thing because the property owner is getting some more income.  

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House Renovation

Bathroom Renovations: Things to Consider

24th January 20220

Bathroom renovations gives you the chance to refresh your bathroom and make sure it’s perfect for you. A more efficient bathroom will save you money in the long run and reduce strain on the environment. 

Bathroom renovation cons 

The effect on your home.  

When renovating your bathroom, it will have a huge effect on your household. The process of remodelling can become a nightmare for you and anyone else in the household, especially if it goes wrong.  

Its costly  

Bathroom renovations are never cheap, especially bathrooms. If you’re wanting to completely remodel, you’ll need to know the costs if toilets, bathtubs, showers, sink and any other maintenance that will be needed. Other factors you will need to consider is tiling, mirrors, plumbing and painting expenses. Also, you will need to be aware of any outdated or broken pipes as you will need to replace them. Before you start renovating you should create a budget, and make sure it’s realistic.  

Time  

It doesn’t matter what you plan, the timeline to this project is out of your control. Sometimes small or large problems will appear that needs to be dealt with, the labourers may not be as punctual as you thought. Therefore, don’t expect your planned 2-week renovation to take the correct time as it will most likely take longer. 

Bathroom renovation Pros 

Increase hoe value  

Renovating your homes bathroom can add value by 5% of your homes buying price. Visitors that are looking to buy will appreciate a modern and contemporary appearance compared to an outdated design. Remember, newer features, pluming and design will attract more buyers if your wating to see your home. 

Your dream designs 

When remodelling you get to decide exactly what it will look like and everything that will go with it. For example, you get to have any style you like and add as many touches as you like, such as  

  • Storage space 
  • Energy saving features 
  • Heated towel rack  
  • Mirrors  

Many different styles  

  • Contemporary style 
  • Eclectic style 
  • Modern style  
  • Traditional style 
  • Asian style 
  • Beach style 
  • Craftsman style 
  • Farmhouse style  
Visualizer: Nataliya Yahela

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Conversions

Loft Conversions: All Your Questions Answered

24th January 20220

Are you thinking about getting a loft conversion? Then you have come to the right place! Here are all the common questions asked about loft conversions. 

Things you need to know before starting a loft conversion. 

  • Structural integrity 
  • Head height 
  • Building regulations 
  • Windows and natural light  
  • Fire safety  
  • Insulation 
  • Stairs 
  • Storage space  

Do I need an architect? 

It is not a requirement to have architectural drawings for a conversion but sometimes essential. 

Does my loft have enough head height? 

For a loft conversion roof height needs to be at least 2.2 metres.  

What things can you do when your roof height is under 2.2 metres? 

  • Roof lift – This is a quick way to give headroom. Your existing room will be lifted and replaced with a higher roof. 
  • Dormer – Aswell as bringing in light, a dormer conversion is good it will add head height using a boxed projection from the slope of your roof. 
  • Hip-to-gable – This conversion adds both headroom as well as floor space. This is due to the fact that the slope of the roof is replaced by a straight wall. 

Can you convert a loft without planning permission? 

The majority of loft conversions fall under permitted development. Which means you won’t need to get planning permission as long as the building work fits certain criteria. 

Can my neighbour stop my loft conversion? 

You do not usually need permission from your neighbours nor your local council as it falls under permitted development. However, under certain circumstances you may need to have a Party wall agreement if the project is taking place in a terraced or semi-detached property.  

If you need to raise your roof, do you need planning permission? 

Yes, you will need planning permission. 

How much value can a loft conversion add to your home? 

This project can raise the value of your home up to 10-20%. 

Considerations you should remember: 

  • Ceiling height 
  • Access 
  • Services 
  • Lighting 
  • Planning permission 
  • Building regulations (related to floor strength and fire escapes) 

What are the main types of loft conversions? 

  • Roof light 
  • Dormer 
  • Hip-to-gable 
  • Mansard  
  • Modular  

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Advice Center

Do you need an architect to build a swimming pool in the UK?

21st January 20220

For a lot of swimming pool projects, an architect will be the starting point. In this blog, we will explain whether you need an architect or not for your swimming pool installation.  

Do you need an architect for an outside pool?  

For an outside swimming pool, it is unlikely that you would need to hire an architect. However, you will need drawings and structural drawings as part of the building warrant application process. You don’t need an architect for structural drawings.  

Will you need an architect to install an indoor swimming pool?  

You should hire an architect to install an indoor swimming pool. They will usually involve the construction of an extension or new build. However, architects are a crucial part of any construction project and they have the necessary skills needed to help you with anything. In our opinion, an architect will help the entire process, which will result in a smoother building process and less stress.  

Benefits of hiring an architect for your pool  

Architects will be able to help you with:  

  • Drawings and design 
  • Planning permission 
  • Structural analysis  
  • Building warrants  
  • Help you save money when the construction begins  
  • Outlining building schedule  
  • Onsite supervision of the construction  
  • Liaising with contractors  

How close to the boundary can you build?  

When installing a swimming pool, you need to make sure that you are following protocols and laws. The pool can be at least 1m from the boundary line. And the landscape between the boundary line and the pool to enhance the overall appearance of the space.  

Can you build a swimming pool without planning permission?  

Homeowners with large enough garden space can build an outdoor pool under permitted development rights. Swimming pools are covered by class e for householders and can be built without planning permission as long as you stay within the regulations.  

How much does it cost to install a swimming pool?  

The lowest price for a professionally installed outdoor pool starts at around £15,000, but for this price, you’ll probably get a small pool. However, an average-sized pool would cost around £40,000 or so.  

Image: https://www.opulentpools.co.uk/project/swimming-pool-builders-heathfield-sussex/

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Advice Center, Loft Conversion

Common mistakes made by people when converting their loft

21st January 20220

When you need more space converting your loft can be a great way to go about it. Installing one can be a big investment, so it is important that you make sure nothing goes wrong during the process. Here are some of the most common mistakes made by people, so you can avoid them.  

Not checking if you have enough headroom in the loft- 

Before you even make an enquiry to build a loft conversion you should check to see if you have enough headroom. You need a minimum of 2.2 meters for a loft conversion to be possible. Unless you live in a detached property and have the money to be able to raise the roof.  

How to measure your headroom –  

 The most important measurement you need to take is from the highest point, directly under the roof, vertically down to the floor. Once you have your tape measure in place you just need to check if it’s at least 2.2m.  

Assuming that you don’t need planning permission –  

A loft conversion is typically classed as permitted development, meaning that you don’t need planning permission. However, you shouldn’t always assume because your house or the area you live in could have limitations and conditions. For example, a listed building or a conservation area, which might need a full planning application.  

Positioning the new staircase in the wrong place –  

The position of your new staircase is crucial because it impacts the layout and architecture of the whole house. The staircase should give your home balance, and not seem like it’s intruding on the bedrooms or the upstairs space.  

Ignoring the neighbours –  

If you live in a terraced or semi-detached property, the wall you share with your neighbours is called a party wall. You must tell your neighbours that you’re planning to do a loft conversion and get a party wall agreement in place before work starts.  

Your neighbours have the right to disagree with the conversion, so communication is key and a party wall agreement is necessary to avoid issues.  

Poor loft design layout –  

Lofts often have limited space so the layout of your loft conversion is so important. You should make sure that the space can get lots of natural light. You should also make sure that the roof and wall space is being utilised to maximum effect.  

Image: SxS Design & Build

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