Tag: home

House Renovation, Interior Design

10 ways to modernise your old house and make it feel brand new

26th November 20210

As the saying goes don’t move, improve. Especially if you love your house but want to modernise it to become more of your style. Adding affordable improvements can also add value to your home and can maximise how you use it.

Remove walls – 

removing the walls between the dining and living room or even the kitchen can transform an older home. Creating an open plan living space and making the room feel airy and modern, without damaging the character too much. 

How to Divide an Open-plan Space With a Half-wall | Houzz UK

Replace or clean the flooring –  

If the older house has a dirty carpet, it would be best to either clean it or buy a new one and make the space feel fresh. And if the flooring is wood or dark in colour to modernise the place you should opt for a lighter colour choice. 

▷ How to replace carpet with vinyl flooring? And why? | L'Antic Colonial

Paint the walls – 

The walls in outdated houses often have crazy wallpaper or dark paint on them. To make your home modern you need to choose colours that will tie your home together. This is an affordable easy way to transform your house quickly.  

Bright Pieces gallery wall - White and gold - desenio.co.uk

Install larger windows –  

By replacing the old windows with larger ones or by adding bi-fold doors it can open up a space. By doing this you will be creating indoor/ outdoor living which has become a very popular style of home design.   

50 Living Rooms with Big Windows (Photos) - Home Stratosphere

Replace old fixtures  

From light switches to cabinet handles, fixtures can really date a home. Update these common fixtures in your home and they will bring your design.  

  • Light switches 
  • Outlets and plugs 
  • Cabinet hardware 
  • Door handles  
  • Indoor and outdoor light fixtures 
Modern Nordic Lighting | Wayfair

Hide the clutter –  

Having numerous ornaments, pictures and magazines can instantly make a home feel outdated and uninviting. Having multi-functional furniture and hidden storage is a simple way to declutter and give your space a modern feel.  

Amazon.com: HOMCOM 39" Modern Lift Top Coffee Table Desk with Hidden Storage Compartment for Living Room, Coffee Brown Woodgrain : Home & Kitchen

Add new lighting to your home – 

Having proper lighting can bring a room to life. A poorly lit room looks small, dark, and cramped, while a bright room appears open and welcoming. The easiest way of doing this is by adding lamps to dark areas and replacing the ceiling lights.  

Lenny Smoked Glass Table Lamp | Dunelm

Landscape the garden – 

 Landscaping is often overlooked. Planting more trees and flowers or having freshly cut grass can transform the garden and the look of the house. Many outdated houses have overgrown plants or plants that need a lot of love. To modernise the house, you should show just as much care to the outside as you do on the inside.  

9 Peter Fudge Gardens ideas | modern garden, landscape design, outdoor gardens

Revamp the fireplace –  

A fireplace is a great focal point to a room. However, because fireplaces first became popular in the 70s and 80s you may need to make some changes for them to become modern. 

Traditional or Modern Fireplace? | Heat & Glo

Refresh or replace internal doors –  

You can give any room an update with a new door. By repainting or adding glass windows to the doors it can transform the entire layout of a home. Glass doors create an open-plan area without removing any internal walls, which is perfect for families.

An inspiring guide to French door perfection.

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Design and Inspiration

Everything You Need to Know About Installing a Balcony

26th November 20210

How much does it cost to add a Balcony? 

Depending on the complexity of the job would depend on the price. The estimated price of installing a balcony would vary between £1,500 – £5,500. 

The estimated cost would cover: 

  • Size
  • Design  
  • Labourer costs 
  • Material costs 
  • How complex the job is. 

Types of balconies  

  • Stacked – The most popular and common. Easy to install. 
  • Juliet/Faux – This is a faux balcony that may contain a small standing area but usually does not. A Juliet balcony contains a balustrade connection to the building without flooring to walk on. 
  • Hung – This structure is made out of stainless-steel cables that are fixed on the sides of the structure. These balconies are less common but have great strength. 
  • Cantilevered – This structure can be made from concrete, steel or timber. This type of project needs to be planned accordingly as the job is quite complex. 
  • Mezzanine – They have a large decking area with railing. This structure gives you more space. 

Do I need planning permission to install a balcony? 

Furthermore, if your home is in a conservation area or your property is listed you must apply for planning permission. 

In other cases, if your balcony is smaller than 300mm you may not have to seek planning permission but it is always best to do so. When submitting your planning application form expect to pay a fee. 

Installing a Juliet/Faux balcony means you won’t have to apply for planning permission unless you decide to add flooring to walk on and then you must. 

Will it raise my house value? 

There are no guarantees that this will raise the price value, but they have been known the raise the value up to 12%. 

What are balconies used for? 

In addition, balconies are used for extra space, kind of like an outdoor room. Many people like to use their balconies as a garden. For example, adding a barbecue or flowers onto it. Whereas, others like to use their balcony to admire the views the structure allows them to see and relax on it. 

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Architecture & Building, The science of a happy home

Designing A Home For People With Disabilities

25th November 20210

For those who have a  disability, the opportunity to adapt their house or create some more space could dramatically improve their quality of life. However, the inclusive design goes much further than making a house wheelchair-friendly. 

Willingness to make a house useable to the greatest extent to every individual. Regardless of their physical condition and ability leads to the development of an idea called “universal design” for homes.  

What is universal design?  

Universal design is the design and composition of an environment so that it can be accessed, understood, and used to the greatest extent possible by all people. Regardless of their age, size, ability, or disability.   

Making a more accessible home –  

Building an accessible home could mean catering for those with impaired movement, failing eyesight, or reduced hearing. You may need to make your home accessible if you have become temporarily disabled. For example getting an injury, illness, or even pregnancy.

Movability within and outside the home – 

People with limited mobility may find standard homes a little too cramped and hard to move around in. Wheelchair users need their homes to be wider than usual. A good way to ensure that limited space doesn’t become an issue is by creating an open-plan space. By having an open plan living area, you would be able to get around easier if you struggle with mobility, or impaired senses.  

You should replace all doorknobs with lever handles. So, that they can be used by everyone. They can be easily grabbed by a person with arthritis or Parkinson’s issues. They can also be opened with an elbow if need be.   

The outside designs need to offer straightforward access between the car and the house. The driveway and pavement leading to the house should be wider than a traditional house. And there should be a ramp instead of stairs leading to the house. 

Building an inclusive layout –  

Having a standard layout will not work with a wide majority of disabled people, the goal is to make sure those with reduced mobility can use everything in the house. 

 Storage is a big thing to keep in mind when designing this type of house. Having plenty of built-in storage is useful because it helps to avoid clutter.

Including a wet room is great for accessibility because the shower area can be an extra maneuvering zone. Plus they allow for someone to wash while seated.  

Installing handrails and bars to hold on to all over the house will also be beneficial to the people living in the house.   

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Design and insperation

Eco-Friendly Ways To Improve And Create An Eco-House

25th November 20210

Building an eco-house has never been easier than what they are now. They have become the new focus for many new builds, wanting to help the environment.  

What is an eco-house? 

An eco-house is a type of home that tries to lessen its impact if the environment. This affects everything, including the materials chosen to build it. Also, the water and energy usage are set up to be as efficient as possible. 

Are eco-homes good to live in? 

One of the biggest benefits of choosing to build with eco materials is that they are free from harmful chemicals, finishes, and potential environmental pollutants. This makes them safer to build and a healthier home environment.  

Do you need planning permission for an eco-house? 

Getting planning permission for an eco-project will be similar to planning permission on a traditional build. Whether you get accepted will depend on the location and the overall look and design of your project.   

If you are planning to build an eco-house here are some things you should include:  

  • Double or triple glazed windows  
  • Large windows that increase daylight – larger windows means that more sun light will light up the house. This will help you save energy.  
  • High levels of insulation – increasing the amount of thermal insulation is the main component of preventing energy loss.  
  • High levels of airtightness 
  • Heating and/or hot water provision from a renewable source (solar panels, heat pump) 
  • Renewable energy systems, such a solar PV and solar thermal – placing solar panels towards the sun means that you will be getting free heat and electricity gained from the sun 
  • Build with sustainable materials  

How much does it cost to build an eco-house? 

Eco-houses and their various features can be more expensive than traditional homes. However, you should keep in mind that you are making an investment in the environment. In Scottland, it cost around £325,000 to build an eco-house in the Unst, but because of the extra costs, it would come to around £195,000 – £200,000 on the mainland. 

Why are eco-friendly homes important? 

Green homes are environmentally friendly because they make use of renewable and plentiful clean energy sources. They also help reduce your carbon footprint; this would help slow climate change. They reduce air and water pollution and helps maintain clean water resources.  

Alternative Sources of Energy and Eco Homes - Environments in Danger
Extensions, House Extension

The Ultimate Beginners Guide To Ground Floor Flat Extensions

12th November 20210

Improving your home is becoming very popular among homeowners who are looking for more space. This is because with property prices increasing, it is becoming more expensive to move houses. If you own a ground floor flat it can be greatly improved by a bit of construction work.  

Ownership of the flat –  

Firstly, if you are a leaseholder and want to commence works on the property, you must get freeholder consent before you can carry out any internal or proposed building extensions.  

The lease plans will tell you whether the demised premises space is occupied under a lease contract. This includes the garden that comes with the flat, or whether you simply have permission to use it. Some leases don’t allow any construction to take place in the garden, so make sure you check.  

Do you need planning permission?  

Before going into the planning process, it’s a good idea to know what you are trying to gain from the proposed space.   

When adding an extension onto a ground floor flat, planning permission is a must. However, with the right architects by your side, this doesn’t have to be stressful. 

To add an extension to your flat you must apply for planning permission. If your flat is a listed building it is likely that you will need listed building consent. You should contact your local planning authority for advice before you start work. 

Adding work to a listed building that affects the historical character without consent is a criminal offense. 

However, if you are using an architect, they will be the best people to guide and advise you through the planning process.  

Planning your design for the flat extension –  

Once your planning is approved it is a good idea to plan and understand exactly what you require to do with the new space. Do you want to extend the kitchen? Open up the living room? Or create another bedroom?  

It is also important to play around with the space and work out the best layout for the extension. A popular element many homeowners like to include is natural daylight. So, to increase the property value and aesthetic of the home you should think about including skylights and bi-folding doors.  

Lewisham basement flat extension - JNJ Building Solutions

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Extensions

Everything To Know About Extending Buildings Upwards

19th October 20210

New permitted development rights that will cover a range of building types that allows them to go upwards and deliver new homes. 

At last, homeowners, developers, and landlords can build upward extensions and add two storeys for housing to their buildings without needing planning permission. This is generally referred to as upwards extension permitted development rights.  

The logic to this type of extension is that there is a severe housing shortage. And the government doesn’t want concrete over green space. So, if you can’t build out, you should build up.  

Can I extend my house upwards?  

If the existing house is two or more storeys high, you can extend your house upwards and add two storeys under new permitted development rights. If the building is only a single storey currently, you can add one more storey under permitted development.  

You can’t add new storeys using the new permitted development rights if the house has had any new storeys added to it since it was built.  

Planning permission –  

Houses built before 1948 cannot be extended upwards without planning permission. However, the easier route to building isn’t open to you. 

 Your property also will not qualify if it’s in a conservation area, an area of outstanding natural beauty or a national park. You also can’t use permitted development on a listed building, so you will need to get planning permission if you fall under any of these categories.   

A short summary –   

  • Firstly, If you live in a terrace, you can only go 3.5 meters above the rest of the terrace. 
  • If you live in a semi-detached house that’s two or more storeys high, you can add two storeys 
  • If you live in a bungalow, you can only add one storey, and for all houses, the roof type must match what you have right now.  

Cost of an upward extension –  

There are a lot of factors that will affect the cost. However, you should be budgeting around £50,000 – £70,000 to build a one-storey extension. Whereas, if you’re building a double-storey the price would be around £80,000 – £100,000.  

Not only does an extension add space to your home, but it also increases the value of the property. Research has shown that an extension can add up to 23% to the value of your property.   

Upwards Extension in Islington - HPD

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Advice Center

The Ultimate Guide To An HMO Property

19th October 20210

What is an HMO? 

A house in multiple occupations (HMO), is a property rented out by at least three people who are not from one household, for example, a family. However, they share facilities like the bathroom and kitchen. They’re known as house shares.  

However, many types of accommodation could be an HMO. These may include:  

  • Hostels 
  • Lodgings 
  • Shared houses 
  • Refuges 
  • Private halls of residence 
  • Blocks of converted flats 
  • Employee accommodation 
  • Building containing numerous bedsits with shared facilities 
  • Buildings containing flats with their own facilities, but are not self-contained 

Design –  

In HMOs, the bathrooms, kitchen, stairs, gardens and landings are designated as common areas shared by all tenants. In addition, the house may be divided up into self-contained flats, bed-sitting rooms or simple lodgings. 

What determines whether the property is an HMO or not? 

Properties must have these four common features before being classified as an HMO: 

  • Occupants are not forming a single household 
  • Occupants must be using the property as their main residence 
  • Used for residential purposes 
  • One of the occupants must be paying rent  

Households are regarded as family members living together or single people living alone.  

HMO Licences – 

HMOs require a licence from the local council in the area the property is located, which is valid for five years. For instance, the general rule is that any property with five or more people from two or more separate households that share facilities requires a licence. Although this depends on the council, some smaller properties with fewer tenants can also require a licence.  

The standard HMO licence fee is £1,100, split into two payments. For larger HMOs with more than ten units of accommodation, the fee increases by an extra £50 for each additional unit of accommodation.  

The pros and cons of renting an HMO by room  

Pros  

  • Usually more profitable as you can charge a higher rent per room 
  • Can let the room on a licence (this makes things easier if you need to evict a tenant) 
  • You cannot be excluded from the common parts. Only individual rooms 
  • If one tenant leaves, you are losing less rent than if a whole group moves out 

Cons  

  • So, you will be responsible for paying and managing bills  
  • Tenants do not know each other which may result in mismatch of personalities and potentially cause issues 
  • A tenant is only responsible for their room, not the common parts. In addition, this means if there is any damage it may be difficult to prove who caused it  

Are HMOs profitable? 

HMOs can be very profitable because you can charge rent per room that totals more than if you let the property to one household. For example, you could rent a 3-bed property for £1000 per month to a family, or 3 rooms for £400 each giving a total of £1200.  

Are you aware of the HMO Changes for Landlords coming into effect in October?

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Extensions, House Extension

What You Need To Know About Flat-Pack Extensions

14th October 20210

With not enough houses on the market, and unstable house prices more people are choosing to improve their homes rather than moving. Although it can be a better investment, extensions are not cheap. This is why people are looking for a low-cost option.  

This is why flat-pack extensions are on the rise. Because they are pre-made additions they have been gaining popularity, thanks to their budget-friendly price and quick installation. They are also a great way of adding extra space to your home if you don’t have the space or don’t want construction work going on.  

What is a flat-pack extension?  

A flat-pack extension is a home addition that is built off-site. Either in a workshop or a factory. Once it is constructed it’s delivered to your home, and then put together by the extension provider and a contractor.  

Just like a normal extension, there are many different styles of flat-pack extensions, for example:  

  • Steel 
  • Timber  
  • Brick   
  • uPVC  

Do you need planning permission with a flat-pack home?  

Yes, flat-pack require the same planning and building regulations as a traditional extension. Although, if you are within the permitted development rights you will be able to extend your home without planning permission.  

Flat-pack Extension costs –  

On average a flat-pack extension would cost between £1,260 and £1,680 per square meter for a room that is at a plastered finish. So, you can expect to pay around £25,000-£33,000 for an average-sized single-story extension. However, you need to keep in mind that this doesn’t include paint, flooring, and lighting. All designs are unique so the prices will vary. And also, fees could become 10-15% higher if you’re getting help from architects, planning officers, and engineers.  

Pros – 

One major benefit to having a flat-pack extension is that the only on-site work that needs to be completed is digging the foundations and connecting the utilities. Another benefit is that it would cause less disruption to your everyday life and the neighbour’s and it would be less of an inconvenience.   

Cons –  

With flat-pack extensions, you are limited in the designs you choose, and you might not be able to get an extension that matches your home. This could affect your planning permission and devalue the property. They are also more common on the rear of the property. Which is a disadvantage for someone who was hoping to add a side or a two-story extension.  

What are my options? - Habattach - Modular Extension | elink
Flat-pack extension

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Architecture & Building, Flat Conversions

Looking To Live In A Maisonette? Everything You Should Know

13th October 20210

What is a maisonette?  

It is a set of rooms for living in, typically on two storeys of a larger building and having a separate entrance.  

The difference between a maisonette and a flat –  

A maisonette is a two-storey flat, where the front door is your own. This means you can exit your home directly to the outside. However, with a regular flat, you have a shared corridor. And your usual flat consists of several rooms that span a single floor.  

Maisonettes are often more bespoke than flats and aren’t typically sold as part of a development block. They also vary largely in square footage, layout, and spec. Living in a maisonette also gives you more outside space as opposed to a flat.  

Is a maisonette a house? 

They are not necessarily a house although they can come with similar square footage and many of the same perks. For instance, they offer similar privacy to that of a house, and they are argued to be safer. Because with all the windows on the higher level, and the only access is the front for it is less likely you would get burgled. 

Maisonettes are ideal for families because just like a house they often house gardens and sometimes even garages. However, the garden might have to be shared with others in the flats. And you’ll have to access the garden separately outside, typically through a side gate.  

Where can I find them?  

In the UK maisonettes are not uncommon, you can find them usually above shops, in town centres and close to cities. Due to them being slightly smaller and more affordable than a house many are located in cities.  

They are also popular in areas with lots of students because landlords convert one house into two separate dwellings to take on more tenants.  

Is it good to live in one?  

There are plenty of advantages to living in a maisonette the first one is that they are warm and cosy. Being upstairs is a major positive especially in the winter because the heat from the downstairs flat rises and it heats up the house.  

Maisonettes often also have a lot of storage compared to a flat or an apartment. This is because most of them have exterior storage such as a garage.  

Maisonettes itself would be about 20-25% cheaper than the equivalent space in that block.  

Some negatives to living in one –  

Although there are many positives, there are some hurdles to living in a maisonette. With either no off-road parking or a shared driveway parking you can be difficult. And a lot of people find parking on a residential street a nightmare.  

When living above someone you have to be extra neighbourly, you need to be respectful and keep an eye on the amount of noise you make.  

8 Maisonette Designs That Are a Step Up from Your Usual HDBs | Qanvast
A modern maisonette

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Extensions

The Ultimate Guide To The Kitchen Extension Of Your Dreams

11th October 20210

A kitchen extension is a project that’s at the top of many homeowners’ Wishlists. Gaining more space, creating room for dining as well as preparing food, achieving a more sociable arrangement are all great reasons to plan a brand-new kitchen.  

For many people adding an extension will transform life at home. Creating an open-plan space can bring families together. The kitchen is usually the heart of the home, the room you spend the most time in – cooking, eating, socialising, working, and relaxing. 

How to plan an extension – 

The key to creating the perfect kitchen is getting the space and the layout right first. There is no point in spending money on an extension that is too small or one that is too big and looks out of place.  

The first thing you should do is write a list of all the features you wish to add to the space, for example 

 kitchen extension desires  

  • Island unit 
  • Bi-fold doors 
  • Breakfast bar 
  • Outdoor dining area 
  • Separate utility room 

Once you have made the list you should then give all of these ideas to the architect and they can incorporate them into the design.  

Where to put the extension – 

You need to find the area that is most beneficial for an extension. Luckily, there are a lot of options when it comes to extending your kitchen. For this type of project rear and side, extensions are the most common because people like to incorporate indoor-outdoor living with the garden.  

Small extensions to a house may not need planning permission if they fall within the definition of permitted development. However, if it’s a larger extension they will always need planning permission. And if your house is a listed building, to make alterations you always require listed building consent. 

Anyway, if you are unsure of where to have your extension or don’t know what permission you need, talk to your architects and they will advise you.  

The next step is to find a good architect. You will need plans and construction drawings for the builders, and to show compliance with building regulations. Architects can inspire you with designs you may not have considered.  

How long will a kitchen extension take? 

Depending on the project and how bespoke you want it, you can expect a small kitchen extension to take between 10-12 weeks. And a large kitchen extension could take up to 6 months. However, each project is different and these timings do not include the planning and design stages.  

Kitchen extension cost-  

Prices will vary depending on the work you want to do. Although here’s a guide: 

  • Building work: between £1,200-£3,00 per m2 and upwards 
  • New kitchen: £20-£200 per m2  
  • Painting and tiling the walls: will cost between £50-£100 per m2 if you use a contractor 
  • Flooring: £25-£100 per m2  
  • Building regulation costs, depends on what work is involved and the area of the proposed project. Expect it pay upwards of £200.  

Maximise light  

Adding an extension could possibly displace some of the daylight that would normally reach your original room, so you should consider supplementing it. Skylights and bifold doors are a good modern way to light up the room. If a skylight or new doors are not in your plans, you could add mood lighting to your kitchen, which will ensure adequate illumination in the evenings.  

As your kitchen-diner will be on display and the heart of the home getting the details right is essential. You should choose materials and accessories that help the room work as one.  

An Industrial Style Kitchen Extension By Burlanes - Industrial - Kitchen - London - by burlanes interiors | Houzz UK

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