construction Archives - Page 23 of 26

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 Also, you will need to be aware of any outdated or broken pipes as you will need to replace them.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 Visitors that are looking to buy will appreciate a modern and contemporary appearance compared to an outdated design.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

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

Extensions

Modular home extensions: is this the best choice for you?

19th January 20220

What is a modular extension?

A modular extension is an extension such as a conservatory or orangery that has been pre-fabricated. When it leaves the factory, it’s then transported directly to the house for the final fitting.

Benefits of modular house extensions –

Faster –

While there is no such thing as an instant home extension, modulars are great if you want an extension quickly. Prefabricated extensions greatly speed up the manufacturing and build time massively. This is because they’re constructed off-site and put together on site. Typically, once the foundations are in place, the prefab can take about 6-8 days. The quick construction time means that there is less disruption to your daily life.

Cleaner –

Because they are fabricated off-site, you won’t have to worry about the mess of a typical build. Not only this but you won’t need as many people on site to put it together.

The foundations will not have to be dug to such a dramatic degree. And a durabase system will be installed. What is a durabase system? It’s an advanced steel base modular wall system. Durabase offers a time-saving and cost-effective solution for constructing conservatories of every shape and size.

Cheaper –

This type of extension is great because it dramatically reduces the price compared to a traditional extension. You won’t have to pay out for all the materials and builders like you would have to with a normal extension. An extension that is prefabricated off-site will be between 10 and 25 percent cheaper than on-site construction.

The prices can vary depending on the size, the features, the location, and how you decide to use it. Based on estimates you could be paying anywhere between £20,000 – £33,500.

How long do modular extensions cost?

Most of the time a modular building will last just as long as a regular building. It all comes down to the way you maintain your home. With the right amount of cleaning and maintenance, a modular building can last for many decades, maybe even longer.

Extensions

Side Extension: Your Questions Answered

6th January 20220

What is a side extension?

A side extension is often built in the kitchen area or at the back of the home. Its also known as a side return extension is the pathway that runs alongside the ground floor of your home. Constructing can bring many benefits to your homes such as creating additional space, light, and comfort. Extensions can create new rooms for other activities and your needs.

Does this extension increase property value?

In the majority of cases, this will increase you’re the value of your property. This could increase your property value to up to 23%.

Is Planning Permission needed when adding a this type ofextension?

No, planning permission is not needed. In addition, a side return extension is considered to be permitted development. However, if the development does not satisfy certain criteria, you will need planning permission. To keep your construction under permitted development you cannot go any further than six meters out or eight if you live in a detached home.

Questions Frequently Asked

Can you add a side extension to a semi-detached house?

Yes, however, your local council would want to make sure this does not affect your neighbours in any way. For example, to make sure it doesn’t overshadow your neighbour’s home.

Can you add a side extension to a terraced house?

Yes. However, it is not common.

Can you add a side extension to a detached house?

Constructing on a detached home is a good option as you have a lot more open space than most homes. This will minimise the chances of impacting your neighbours.

Do you need an architect?

For all large home improvements, an architect is recommended.

How much does an extension cost?

Starting prices for a single-storey side extension are around 30,000 – 50,000 depending on the chosen dimensions of the build.

Materials

Bricks: Simple And Easy

17th December 20210

Firstly the types of bricks are:

Sun-dried brick
Burnt clay brick
Fly ash brick
Concrete brick
Engineering brick

Engineering Bricks

However, these bricks have high compressive strength and low water absorption. These bricks are commonly found in a red colour although you can find them in a blue colour as well.

Is this brick solid?

So, this brick is detailed, square-edged, and solid.

Can you drill into an engineering brick?

This brick is extremely hard to drill into. Even though this brick is very strong, if drilled into with the wrong tools it could shatter or explode.

Can you build a house with this brick?

Yes. When having a construction project, you want a brick that is strong and durable. Also, this brick can withstand damp and cold weather.

Burnt Clay Brick

The common burnt clay bricks are constructed by pressing clay into Molds to take shape, and then dried and fired in a kiln. This brick is used for general constructions, for example, walls.

What is this brick used for?

These are commonly used in columns, walls, foundations, and more.

Is a clay brick better than a concrete brick?

Clay brick is three times stronger than concrete brick.

Fly Ash Brick

Fly ash bricks are made using the waste of thermal power plants.

Advantages

Firstly, they are light in weight as it is suitable for multi-floored buildings.
This brick absorbs less heat
Eco-friendly

Disadvantages

Slow strength gain. After the brick has set it gains strength the longer it’s there.
Longer setting time
Seasonal restrictions. Low temperatures increase the setting times and cause slow strength gain.

Concrete Bricks

In addition, concrete brick is a mixture of cement and sand formed in Molds and cured.

Why are concrete blocks used?

So, these blocks have a hollow core to make them lighter and to improve insulation.

Sun-Dried Bricks

They are also known as adobe or mudbrick. It’s made from a mixture of sand, clay, and water mixed with a binding material such as rice husks or straw. Instead of using a kiln, these bricks are sun-dried.

Where is sun-dried brick used?

Finally, this brick is one of the oldest building materials that have been used for thousands of years to build houses, mosques, churches, palaces, and cities.

professional construction worker laying bricks and building barbecue in an industrial site. Detail of hand adjusting bricks

Architecture & Building

Everything to know about designing a driveway

17th December 20210

A nice driveway design can completely transform the first impressions that your home creates. Not only can a driveway increase the aesthetic of your home, but it can also add value to the property as well. If you’re renovating your driveway here’s everything you need to know.

What materials should you use for your driveway?

The materials that you use for your driveway should complement your home’s exterior or any walls in your garden. So, this will affect the colour of the material that you can use. Here are some materials that you might use:

Gravel or pebble. –

They are good-value and an ecologically friendly option, as they retain rainwater rather than sending it into the drains. Gravel also acts as a security feature because you can hear when people are approaching your home.

Gravel is a good option because it’s affordable and quick and easy to lay. However, it will shift over time so you may need to level it out with a rake from time to time. If holes appear, you can simply add more gravel. And gravel won’t stop the weeds from growing so you will have to maintain the driveway.

Block paving –

Usually made from moulded concrete blocks, clay bricks, or natural stone, paving can be permeable to allow water to drain away. Using paving allows you to be creative with your new driveway design, the shades grey, and terracotta are the most popular. Block paving is ideal if you are on a strict budget because it is cheap, and doesn’t need much maintenance.

Resin-bound gravel and paving –

This is a single–stone layer, created by applying a film of resin onto the surface, and scattering aggregate on top. Meaning it is quite rough and there may be some loose stone. It’s suitable for slopes and is available in different colours and textures.

Resin-bond paving gives a smooth and durable surface. Resin-bonded paving is cheaper as it’s quicker to lay and uses less material.

Cost and longevity –

An average driveway will cost around £50 to £70 per square meter. Although the prices can vary because each project is different. Resin-bound driveways can last up to 25 years.

Loft Conversion

Dormer Loft Conversions Made Easy

16th December 20210

Types of Dormers

Flat roof – This is a dormer with aa flat roof that’s sitz horizontally.

Shed – A flat roof that slopes down.

Dog house – A dormer with a roof that has two pitched sides like your classic dog house.

L shaped – Touched on above, this dormer has two parts that form an L shape.

Hipped roof – Similar to a dog house dormer, but with three sides instead of two.

Pros And Cons Of Dormer

Pros

Brings more natural light into the room.
Better ventilation
Adds head room and floorspace.
Versatile – has many different options to choose from.

Cons

More structural work needed.
More labour intensive
You may need planning permission if It doesn’t fall under permitted development.
Extra costs

Building Regulations and the Party Wall Act For A Dormer

While planning permission for a dormer may not be required, building regulations are mandatory. Regulations are there to ensure the safety of the structure you’re building. For example, ensuring that the structural strength of the new floor that would be installed is sufficient. Also making sure the roof is stable or even to make sure the new stairs up to your new loft is safe. The party wall act is there to prevent any disputes with neighbours due to building your structure.

What is the party wall act?

The party wall act prevents building works by one neighbour that can undermine the structural integrity of shared walls or neighbouring properties.

Do Dormers Need Planning Permission?

Yes and No. One benefit of dormers is that it can be constructed under permitted development. However, depending on your home’s circumstances you will need planning permission. Here are two examples:

You live in a listed building or conservation area.
Your neighbours are affected by the structure through overlooking or overshadowing.

And there’s more reasons to why you’ll need planning permission.

Is my home suitable for a dormer loft conversion?

Any room with a pitched roof and loft space can have a dormer.

Design and Inspiration

Showers: Which One Works Best For You

14th December 20210

Different types of showers

Electric
Mixer
Power
Digital

Electric shower

One of the main advantages of an electric shower is that a hot water supply is not needed from your boiler. These showers have been proven energy efficient as you do not need to heat your boiler tank for an electric shower. Also, electric showers are simple to install. However, this shower needs a good water pressure either from your main supply or water pump. An electric shower can instantly heat up water instead of taking the hot water supply from your boiler tank. No more waiting for your boiler to heat up! One downside to an electric shower is that your existing water pressure isn’t good, your shower may not be very powerful.

Mixer shower

A mixer shower is different to an electric shower as it needs an existing source of hot water. The shower does exactly what the names says it does. This shower mixes your hot and cold water together before the water comes out the shower head. An advantage to a mixer shower is that it is more powerful than an electric shower. The water comes out a lot stronger.

Power shower

These showers a perfect with homes that have low water pressure. A power shower uses a pump to improve the flow rate of the water it using. One of the benefits to a power shower is that flow rate is instantly increased for a powerful shower. Also, the installation is quick and simple and many power showers come with eco-friendly options.

Digital shower

Digital showers are at the top of bathroom technology. This shower stands out due to the control panel that can change the temperature and the flow rate. This means you can adjust the temperature by the degree. Key features to this shower are that some are even compatible to smart devices and there are many options of different digital showers available. There are different types of digital showers to suit almost any water system, this is why they are the perfect showers.

Architecture & Building

Architecture: Around the World Part 1

14th December 20210

Firstly, architecture, the art, and technique of designing and building. Architects design structures such as office buildings, businesses, stadiums, schools, malls, and homes. They also design outdoor spaces.

Is architecture a good career?

In addition, architects are highly respected in society making this a good career.

Different types of architecture

Firstly, Landscape architect – A person that designs outdoor environments.
Architectural technologist – An architectural technologist provides technical building design services and is trained in architectural technology.
Architectural designer – So, they create digital plans based on architectural sketches, visiting construction sites, oversee contractors and facilitate communications with consultants.
Preservation architect – They prepare plans for appropriate work on historic buildings and direct the work to preserve important features and avoid damage.
Green building and retrofit architect – This person’s job is to safeguard water, air and the earth by choosing eco-friendly materials and protecting the biodiversity of the area during construction.
Commerical architect – Somone that specialises in designing commercial buildings such as shops, restaurants and public buildings.
Finally, Industrial architect – An architect that designs buildings for industry.

Best places to study

Firstly, England
China
Italy
Japan
France
Spain
Australia
United Arab Emirates
Finally, The Netherlands

Examples of famous architecture

Firstly, Eiffel tower – France, Paris. In fact, it was constructed 31^st of March 1889

Secondly, The Burj Al Arab – Dubai. Constructed in 1994, Finished 1999

Parthenon – Greece, Athens. Constructed in 447BC

Angkor Wat – Cambodia. Constructed in the 12^th century

Saint Peters Basilica – Italy, Rome, Vatican. So, this started to be constructed in 1506 and was finished in 1415.

Sydney Opera House – Australia, Sydney. Constructed in 1973

Panoramic scenery of Sydney harbor and Sydney opera house, Australia

Colosseum – Italy, Rome. Constructed in 70AD

Tower bridge London. – Constructed in 1886

Hagia Sophia Istanbul – Turkey. Constructed in 537AD

Kremlin – Moscow. In addition, its constructed in the 13^th century

Empire State Building – New York. Constructed in the 1930s

Petronas Towers Kuala – Malaysia, Lumpur. Constructed in 1993

Leaning tower Pisa – Italy, Pisa. Furthermore, its constructed in 1173

Taj Mahal – India, Agra. So, it was constructed in 1631

Guggenheim museum Bilbao– Spain, Bilbao. Constructed in 1997

Beijing national stadium – China, Beijing. Constructed in 2008

Flatiron Building – New York. Furthermore, its constructed in 1902

Villa Savoye – France, Poissy. In fact, it was constructed 1931

Finally, Kauffman residence or falling water – Pennsylvania. Constructed in 1936.

Uncategorised

Listed Buildings: An Easy Guide

13th December 20210

Categories of listed buildings

In England and Wales, there are 3 categories of listed buildings

Grade 1 (2.5% of buildings)- Buildings of exceptional interest. For example, the Liverpool Anglican cathedral.
Grade 2*(5.5% of buildings)- Buildings with particular importance. For example, Buckingham Palace.
Grade 2 (92% of buildings)- Buildings of special architectural or historic interest. A grade 2 listed building is a UK building or structure that is of special interest, warranting every effort to preserve it.

Things you should know before buying a listed property.

You’ll need to be granted permission to make any changes to the building. This is including all renovations or any changes to the internal layout.
All listed buildings are on a national register which is searchable on the Historic England Website.
Repairs will cost more. You will have to hire specialist labourers that have the correct skills and tools to carry out the repairs, which can be more costly than a standard labourer.
You’ll need specialist home insurance to cover your home which will cost more. This will cost more due to the materials needed for your home.

Do’s and don’ts for listed buildings

Do’s

Remove or alter original architectural features such as doors, decorative stonework, fireplaces or windows.
Don’t assume your garden is yours to play with.

Don’ts

Before buying a listed building, you need to make sure that all renovations done by the previous owners were done correctly. It doesn’t matter if the renovations were done before you owned the building you are still liable.
Make sure you have specialist home insurance.
Keep in regular touch with your conservation officer as they have all the information you may need.

How do buildings become listed?

The older the building is the more likely the building is listed. All buildings that were built before the 1700s which is still in its original condition will be listed.

The newer the property the more remarkable it needs to be to become listed, for example a building with outstanding architecture. Buildings are not usually eligible for listing until it’s at least 30 years old.

Tag: construction