Tag: house extension

What key factors should you take into consideration when renovating your home?

What key factors should you take into consideration when renovating your home? | H is for Home

British people love DIY and home renovations. Whether it’s painting and decorating or adding whole new sections to our living spaces, we enjoy making our homes as comfortable and as eye-catching as possible. We’re also big fans of DIY shows such as ‘Amazing Spaces’ and ‘Homes Under the Hammer’.

TV doesn’t always paint an accurate picture of home renovations, however. Whilst giving your home a new lick of paint is fairly straightforward, other tasks like adding an extension are a bit more complex. Outside factors can slow you down considerably if you don’t plan ahead. So, what key factors do you need to take into consideration when renovating your home?

Builder up a ladder in a dusty room

1. Make your neighbours aware of the work

The Part Wall Act of 1996 stipulates that you have to notify your neighbours of any renovation projects.  This occurs if you share a wall with another house and your work may undermine the structural integrity of the wall. Tasks such as fitting shelves and re-plastering aren’t included in this Act; however, if you were looking to undergo more extensive work it’s something to which you must adhere.

This approach may seem unnecessary in some cases, but it’s always polite to notify your neighbours of what work will be taking place. Present this to them alongside a copy of the Act two months before you intend to carry out the work. They will then have 14 days to raise any concerns they may have and provide written approval or rejection. Doing this will cover you if anything turns sour with said neighbour. If they do reject your proposal and it’s impossible to come to some form of agreement, you’ll be required to assign a surveyor who will then determine what work can be carried out.

Internal renovation work

2. Get building regulations approval for loft conversions

Converting a loft is another easy way to create more space in your home. However, make sure you get the correct building regulations approval. This is required to ensure there is sufficient structural strength to the floor, while also making sure that the existing roof and the structure’s stability isn’t jeopardised.

Many houses do not have sturdy enough flooring in their lofts to support a lot of weight. This could cause issues if you plan to turn your loft space into a spare bedroom, for example, and without official planning meeting set regulations you could run into a host of problems. Perhaps surprisingly, any work that you carry out could indeed hinder your future sale if you don’t get the appropriate permission and paperwork. In some instances, you’ll be required to revert the property back to its former state if you haven’t gone through the correct channels when carrying out the work.

Construction work taking place outdoors

3. Check your electricity

Electricity is an important part of home renovations which is often overlooked until work gets under-way. Sometimes, work you plan to carry out will mean moving your electric meter and fuse box. However, you must make sure you don’t move it yourself. Why? Yep, you guessed it; this is also illegal. Usually, if it’s a move of less than 15 centimetres, this can be carried out by your energy supplier free of charge. But for larger-scale moves of over three metres, your local distribution company would have to move your mains supply before the electricity meter can be relocated. If this is something you require, make sure you book the relevant appointments to avoid long delays.

Drawing blueprints for a house

4. Check if you need planning permission

Garage conversions generally don’t require planning permissions if you aren’t intending to increase the size of your house by making the garage larger. If your sole purpose is to use the space for personal gain, then you should be able to carry out your intended work so long as you complete the work thoroughly and to the correct standard. However, it’s important to note that planning permission must be sought if you’re looking to convert the space into a separate house.

Wood frame work on house renovations

5. Planning for an extension

Extensions are a popular way to add extra space to your home. However, not everyone understands the impact it may have on your property. For example, have you considered the impact an extension will have on your current boiler? Adding extra space will mean there’s an added demand on your hot water system and, in some cases, your boiler won’t be able to cope. Make sure you factor this in to any plan.

Even if you don’t require planning permission, due to using permitted development rights, you’ll still need building regulation approval. In some cases, you may also need to pay a Community Infrastructure Levy, so it’s important to investigate this prior to conducting any work.

Hole made in an internal wall between two rooms

6. Check if your home is a listed building

Some buildings in the UK fall under the listed building category – you should have been informed if your home was listed at the time you bought the property.  If it is, then chances are you’ll struggle to carry out any planned work without resistance. It’s actually a criminal offence to simply go ahead with any work without prior authorisation to do so. If you’re unsure whether or not your property is a listed building, you can check at British Listed Buildings.

Whilst renovating your home can be an exciting experience, you’ll have a lot of hard work to undertake before you can enjoy the finished product. For any work you may be thinking of carrying out, it’s important to carry out thorough research before you start so that hidden costs and issues don’t creep up on you.

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5 ideas for glass rooms in your home

5 ideas for glass rooms in your home

**A collaboration with Three Counties and Direct Bifold Doors**

When we moved into our current house, we did various building works to put our stamp on the place and get the layout how we wanted. We knocked two small reception rooms together, moved a kitchen from one area to another – and replaced a fixed window with a set of small French doors leading out onto the garden. These alterations proved very successful in the main, but over the years we’ve seriously regretted one missed opportunity. Close to the newly installed French doors was another window on the same wall. We really, really should have put in much larger bi-fold doors.

Even though the current situation works quite well, bi-fold doors would have been amazing. We can’t believe we didn’t do it back then! They would have opened up effortlessly, completely bringing the outdoors in, and creating a huge space that was half kitchen diner and half patio garden. Also, our house suffers from lack of light for much of the day and this problem would also have been aided by the larger expanse of glass.

It’s never to late, we suppose – and if we decide to stay in this house for the foreseeable future, trade bifold doors will be a definite addition. And there are other glass structures that are worth considering. They can really transform a house or space within it and add value to your property. Here are 5 ideas for glass rooms in your home.

Glass conservatory

Conservatory

This is another home improvement that we’ve thought about. Having that space that is bright and airy – and usable all year round is such a wonderful asset. People style them in all kinds of ways, but we love the classic orangeries in particular. We’d have a host of tropical plants, fruit trees or vines – and then a simple seating area – a bit shabby chic in looks with weathered metal, rattan and aged wood. We can just imagine the amazing light, ambient warmth and the wonderful smell of fresh plants.

To ensure this vision becomes a reality, choosing the right glazing is crucial. To ensure you’re receiving high-quality options that enhance both energy efficiency and aesthetics, companies such as ZEN Double Glazing are worth considering. This way, you can be confident that you’re creating a space that’s comfortable in every season. With thoughtful design and durable materials, a conservatory truly becomes a year-round haven. 

Shelf with gardening books and other itemscredit

Greenhouse

The conservatory or orangery is a mixed use space – for both leisure and growing plants. If you’re going for full on crop production, then a greenhouse might be the answer. Also, many houses don’t have a footprint that allows for an attached conservatory, so an independent structure in the garden is the obvious answer. They can be installed with shelving, staging, seed trays and potting benches – and there’s nothing stopping you putting in a comfy chair so you can enjoy a nice cup of tea surrounded by the fruits of your labour!

Craft room

Art room

Perhaps you’d want to use your glass structure as an art or craft room. The light would be a big plus factor of course. Also, your new space could have uninterrupted views of, or be surrounded by, nature – providing endless inspiration and a calm environment for creative thought and work.

A garden room would make a good home gymcredit

Home gym

Going to the gym generally fills us with dread. I’d make up all sorts of excuses not to go. However, if we had a little room at home with a few free weights, exercise bike or rowing machine that looked out on to the garden we could happily while away a couple of hours exercising while watching and listening to the birds in the garden. Full height roller or Venetian blinds and pivot roof windows will help keep the room cool as we burn those calories! If you’re more of a swimming fan than a fan of weights, you could even create an indoor pool room. Kinniburgh Pools indoor and outdoor pool designers can advise you on this and the options available to you.

Play room with glass doors

Play room

Is your home being over-run with kids toys and furniture? A dedicated play area might be the answer. The children could see it as their own little den or clubhouse. It could be attached to the house where they can play in a safe, bright, well ventilated space. You could join in the fun – or get on with a few household jobs close by. Perhaps you might like something outside – it would be an adventure in itself, heading for their own room at the bottom of the garden. They could help you decorate the ZEN Double Glazing glass with fun decals or transfers. It could be filled with toys – perhaps even a year-round padding pool with a beach theme. You might actually have the luxury of being able to monitor activities from your deck chair close by!

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Is your home running short of space?

Small detached house with white picket fence

If your home or holiday home is feeling a bit cramped and you’re thinking about the possibility of moving, then there are a few alternatives that you might want to consider before you go to all of the hassle of viewings, coping with solicitors and all of the problematic processes of a move.

Rather than going to pastures new, have you thought about extending your existing place? There are many different ways to create new space in your current location, if you have the room to do so.

Loft conversion

Loft conversion

This can be a really quick job that creates an extra room if you currently have some loft space that isn’t being used effectively. What feels like a wasted space can easily be converted into a new bedroom or an office.

Conservatory

Conservatory

A conservatory can add a significant amount of space to your property and can been done fairly cheaply. Perfect for enjoying the warmer weather and can really brighten up the entire feel of your downstairs area. Spending time where you are experiencing more daylight even impacts your mood and your well-being.

Outdoor building

Chicken in front of a shed

If you need some extra space for storage then you could buy a shed for the garden. You can get all kinds of sizes and materials to store the bigger items that are taking up room around the property.

If you’re looking for something bigger for living space, then you could opt for a building to be erected outside if you have enough room. Take a look at some Armstrong Steel reviews for some feedback from customers who have chosen steel buildings to create extra property. They could turn out to be a lot less expensive than you think and could be the perfect option for an office or a living room.

Garage conversion

Blue garage doors

If your household is one of the many that don’t use the garage to park their car in, then you could use the space for something much better. A garage conversion can transform your living space and give you the opportunity to expand your living room, dining room or kitchen area. Or you could simply add plenty of garage shelving and give yourself as much storage as you need, so the rest of your home looks and feels better.

Improve your storage options

Under-sofa storaged drawers

If you have lots of items, maybe toys that are frequently in use, are you storing them wisely? Try to opt for dual purpose storage options; storage boxes that can also be used for seating, when you buy a bed, buy one that has storage drawers built in and look into options for built in wardrobes and cupboards. There are so many inventive ways of creating extra space and if you can get a good joiner, you can create storage space practically anywhere.

If you’re starting to feel that your home is getting too small to live in then take a look at all of the available options and get some quotes for the different possibilities. Moving home can be really stressful and time-consuming, so if you’re already happy with your current location then make the most of the alternative ways to create extra space.

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