10 Things to Consider when adding a Housing Extension

For many it’s the defining moment of owning a house - deciding to extend a property can bring new life into a home, prevent the need to move for extra space and add value...it can also be a great project to put your time into and allows creativity and inventiveness in abundance!

There are however obvious things that need to be considered when developing your property - and while some come to mind immediately, there are many that you may miss and that need to be thought about in a little more depth. Here’s a list of 10 things you may need to consider...

Planning Permission

Following on from this earlier article on conservatory planning permission, it leads me to the first point that needs to be considered - does your extension need planning permission or can it be integrated within existing permitted development rights? There are a number of stipulations, however it’s important to realise the limitations early on in the plan. More info about permitted development rights can be found here

Building Regs

Building Regulation approval is different from planning permission - and it’s an important distinction that must be realised early on in the extension process. You will need approval for a number of common household extensions, including bathroom facilities, loft conversions and the installation of new heating systems.

Minimum Room Size

Thinking of accommodating an entire student property into one extension off the back of your garage? Think again, according to latest planning and permitted development laws. Each type of room needs to be a minimum size to be considered habitable for an extension - for example a double room needs to be 10.2 sq. feet.

Part of the Home?

When you’re planning a development and extension to your property, you’ll obviously want to make sure that it feels integrated and attached to your existing spaces. Think about what you will be using the space for - and ensure that you maximise light and access - consider fitting double doors, for instance.

Use Light to Your Advantage

Adding an extension is a great way of changing the look and feel of your home, but it’s even better if you can add extra light to a space. It’ll make it feel bigger, open it out and change the atmosphere of your entire living area. Light is your friend when you are making changes to your property.

How much will it be used?

Obviously there’s no point spending thousands on an extension if it’s not done with the primary reason of living in it. You’ll want the opportunity to make the space your own - so it’s wise to spend some time finding out and discussing exactly what you need more of in your property and how you can best use the existing space before turning your attentions to filling the new one.

Two Storeys?

There can be a lot of advantages in investing the time and money in building something which has or at least can accommodate two stories. It’ll add value, and a large amount of new possibilities when it comes to bathrooms and bedrooms.

Hire the Right Builders

There are so many people thinking about extensions these days - the amount of builders who have jumped on the bandwagon and claim they can fulfil all your expectations is alarming. Make sure you get recommendations and most importantly hire people you trust and enjoy spending time with - after all, you will be letting them into your home every day for a fair amount of time.

Garden Space

Housing extension need not just be about adding large scale buildings to your property. The importance of great outdoor space isn’t to be underestimated, and can improve the look and feel of your home dramatically. Having a garden is also a great way to add value. A bit of landscaping and extending of your garden can go a long way....

Break Down Barriers...

Removing walls and creating an open living space is a great way to absorb your extension into your existing property. It’s easy to define rooms or living spaces by using furniture to divide areas. This practise is becoming increasingly popular and can improve resale value further down the line, too.

There are of course a number of things to consider when opting to extend your property that aren’t covered by the types of things mentioned here. It’s wise to get experts and professionals on board as often and as early in the process as possible...developers, designers, architects and solicitors can all advise on the best course of action. It should however be an enjoyable process, and one that will increase value and provide happiness and comfort for your family.

This blog post was provided by Kent-based planning lawyers, Kingsley Smith Solicitors - offering a wide range of planning and development advice.

How to Measure and Fit Blinds in Your Home

Infographic created by Made to Measure Blinds UK

Identify Your Interior Style

When you’re embarking on any home improvement project there are lots of things to consider. Whether you like to take a hands on approach to decorating, or you prefer to stand back and watch the professionals as they realise your vision, everyone has their own individual tastes when it comes to creating the ideal home.

We all have a creative streak, but sometimes you have to dig a little deeper before you can put your finger on exactly the look you want to create. By taking some time to consider a few simple things, you could soon build a clearer picture of the direction you’d like to take your interior style.

Consider Your Passions

Your home should be an extension and a reflection of yourself. This is somewhere for you to relax alone, spend quality time with your family and entertain guests, so the design needs to fit you like a glove in order for you to feel truly relaxed in a variety of situations. Think about how you like to make use of your space and how this can be incorporated into your décor. Make a record of any ideas that you have, either in lists or by creating a mood board of any colours, fabrics or furniture items that you might already have in mind.

Explore the Trends

So we’ve established that your home should be personal, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t take inspiration from others. The creative process is all about looking around you to find the things that you like, whether it’s an item in a store window, a photo from a glossy magazine or a clever little gadget being shown off by a friend. Take note of the things that catch your eye and analyse what exactly it was that drew you to them. Do you really love that cushion, or is it just that it’s the perfect colour, which could actually work really well on your walls? It’s great to be able to keep up with the latest trends, but take care to include enough classic features in the design scheme so that your home doesn’t feel dated too quickly.

Determine Your Budget

It’s important to know what your financial limitations are before you start getting carried away with your grand plans, although working to a budget doesn’t mean that you can’t create the look that you want. If money is tight, take some time to consider which focal features will have the biggest impact on the room and concentrate your budget on making those count. There are lots of ways to cut back on expenditure in certain areas, such as buying old furniture and up-cycling it to create a shabby chic look.

When it comes to home design it’s worth taking some time to get it right. So get to know your style and then start to experiment with a few different ideas until something starts to come together. One thing is for certain, you’ll know it when you see it.

This post was written by Nicky Hand, who loves to experiment with new styles at home. If you’re looking for a way to transform any room, then take a look at the solid wood flooring from Posh Flooring.

5 Reasons To Waterproof Your Basement

Basement waterproofing is a required process for properties which have some of its structure at ground level or below. Basements suffer from water damage because a build- up of water from the ground surrounds the basement, causing the water table to rise, leading to hydrostatic water pressure. This build- up of water exerts itself into the floors and walls of the basement, causing the water to penetrate through cracks and joints causing structural weakness. A basement which does not receive treatment will develop structural problems as well as damp related issues.

Basement waterproofing has several benefits and in order to inspire you, here are the top 5 reasons why you should water proof your basement:

Improve the value of your home

Properties with habitable basements could potentially increase their value by 25% or more. Many homeowners are under the misconception that basement waterproofing is an expensive, time-consuming hassle with no real benefits. However with the right products, once completed it can increase the property’s value so much that it outweighs the cost of the waterproofing process.

Potential buyers can quite easily be put off buying a property if the basement is not waterproof. Homeowners who fail to repair their basements usually find their properties on the market for a lot longer than homes with a habitable basement.

Buyers will also be attracted to a habitable basement as many home owners use the extra space for storage, gyms or games rooms.

Health and well-being

Prolonged exposure to visible mould, water damage or dampness can increase the risk of a number of diseases including asthma, respiratory infections, allergic rhinitis, bronchitis and eczema. As well as skin allergies and respiratory infections, there is also sufficient evidence associated with hypersensitivity pneumonitis and damp buildings. Hypersensitivity pneumonitis is a rare inflammatory lung disease with symptoms of cough, difficulty breathing, and fever.



Research has revealed that babies, children and elderly people are more prone to skin and respiratory conditions due to damp and mould.

Waterproofing protects against mould and fungal rot infestations

Basements that are not waterproof will begin to produce nasty mould and fungal rot infestations. Basement waterproofing will ensure that these infestations are treated as well as preventing future outbreaks. Mould and rot growths are the initial warning signs of damp. If left untreated, the problem will only get worse. These infestations will need to be treated using advanced damp proofing products to ensure that the infestations are destroyed.

Mould thrives off moist surfaces, therefore if you waterproof your basement you are effectively removing their food source, causing the mould to die because the surface will become dry.

Electrical Fault Concerns

If significant amounts of moisture and water seep inside your basements walls, this may pose a dangerous threat to your health. Moisture is a perfect conductor of electrical currents. If electrical outlets or plugs become moist, this could pose a serious threat of electric shock. If you notice an electrical outlet which is slightly moist, turn off the electricity immediately and seek professional help from a qualified electrician. A small amount of water can begin to corrode a wire and make it incredibly dangerous to touch, so you must act immediately with caution.

Further Damage

Damp basements which are left untreated will cause major structural problems, costing a lot of money to repair. For example, if water ingress is not treated, dry rot will continue to thrive causing major structural problems which could cost costing a lot of money to remediate.

What’s involved in the basement waterproofing process?

Basement waterproofing can be achieved in two ways, either by blocking the passage of water into the building with external waterproofing or cementitious waterproofing.

An external structural waterproofing system is designed to help waterproof new build cellers to earth retaining walls. An external waterproofing system firstly waterproofs the substrate by applying a liquid waterproofing material with a brush or trowel. Next, the system removes hydrostatic water pressure from the building with a specially designed Cavity drain membrane.

With the rise of local water tables, more basements and earth retaining walls are being subjected to hydrostatic water pressure leading to water ingress into the building. An external waterproofing system will alleviate this problem and further risks of damage will be reduced.

For more information on external structural waterproofing click here: http://www.permagard.co.uk/external-waterproofing.html

Cementitous waterproofing is a relatively easy process because the materials are usually readily available from a supplier. For cementitious waterproofing to work effectively, it is important that you prepare the surface before treatment takes place. All previous coatings of plaster, renders, paint etc must be removed back to the original masonry substrate.

The essential thing to remember when applying wall tanking products to concrete is that there must be a key for the product to bond to. A bonding slurry coat may be used on water proofing concrete which then provides a key for the wall tanking product to adhere to.

Applying wall tanking products is relatively easy and can be applied simply with a priming spray to the affected area. A minimum of two coats are recommended, but this will depend on the product you use. Wait at least 24 hours between coatings before apply another coating.

For more information on cementitious waterproofing click here: http://www.permagard.co.uk/cement-tanking.html

The most established and trusted manufacturers of basement waterproofing membranes are Newton Membranes and Delta membranes. Their products are designed specifically to control the passage of water using several systems including cavity drain membranes, drainage channels and sump and pump systems.

Newton Membranes and Delta Membranes are available in different sizes and materials depending on the waterproofing problem. You can find Newton Membranes and Delta Membranes from Permagard.co.uk, manufacturer and supplier of specialist products for the restoration, building, building renovation & maintenance markets.

Grilling BBQ debate divides Britain

Homebase have released this infographic as a fun debate to celebrate BBQ week!

Infographic source: http://www.homebase.co.uk/grilling-bbq-debate-divides-britain

How to Fit Out Your Conservatory with Blinds

A conservatory is one of the greatest pleasures when the nice weather arrives. It is the ideal way to expand your entertaining space within the home, or even create a comfortable home office or play room. Whatever your design for your conservatory, one of the key parts of making it a great place to spend time is fitting it with appropriate window blinds.

Depending on the design of your conservatory, window treatments can be rather tricky to source and install. If your conservatory has a glass roof, your first priority is to be able to provide both privacy and temperature moderation. Without adequate window coverings, not only will it create an additional expense to heat or cool but flooring and furnishings can also be damaged by UV. The sun can fade and cause irreparable damage unless it is appropriately filters.

How Pleated Blinds Work

There are a number of window covering styles that will work in a conservatory, but one of the most efficient options is the pleated blind. Sometimes referred to as a cellular shade or honeycomb style, the pleated blind is constructed with air pockets that are engineered to filter temperature and light. In other words, when a pleated blind is installed it literally captures the heat and UV rays and filters it within the air pockets. The result is a minimal amount of light and heat permeation.

Pleated blinds work in the converse way as well. If your conservatory is winterised, quality pleated blinds can help prevent heat from escaping the room as well. This helps to keep your space comfortable and you save on heating or cooling costs. They are lightweight and easy to install inside the recess window well and most manufacturers provide a good selection of solid colours as well as semi-transparent designer options to create a fashionable look.

You can change the entire feeling of your conservatory and give it an affordable facelift simply by changing your window covering. With a few touches you can make it a beautiful space to enjoy and entertain in for the summer.

Fontanot Exterior Staircases are Both Stylish and Practical

Are you looking for a staircase that blends harmoniously with the exterior of your home, indoors, or in the garden? You should consider a spiral staircase that satisfies your need for practicality and provides a stylish accent at the same time, making it the best choice for your home.

Fontanot has a selection of spiral exterior stairs designed to fit your needs and make your home beautiful. Techne Linear is the spiral staircase for outdoor use. The balusters are 20 mm and round, and the handrail is made of diamond tough PVC with an aluminum core. And best of all – Techne Linear spiral staircases come in colours! Created from technopolymer with colour mixed right in, the staircases can be matched to your exteriors or provide an accent point with a pop of bright colour.

Fontanot spiral staircases are perfect for either indoor or outdoor use. The colour will not wear off with use or fade in the sunlight, so you will be able to enjoy your new staircase for years to come. Wherever you decide to place your new spiral staircase, you will get years of use from this tough, UV resistant material, making it a practical, aesthetically appealing choice for new stairs.

Guest Post written by http://uk.fontanotshop.com/

Garages from LM Concrete Garages

Whether you are selling your home, seeking a way to protect your vehicles and belongings, or simply require extra storage space, you can solve all of your needs with concrete garages. A concrete garage is a great investment for any property owner. These maintenance-free buildings provide homeowners and business owners lasting value for years.

Storage Space

No matter how many cupboards and shelving units are in a home or office, there never seems to be enough storage space. Concrete garages provide ample room to store and secure goods. These weatherproof, durable buildings keep belongings safe from water damage that occurs in many basements, and provide homeowners with an easy way to find what they need quickly. Storing items is simple with prefabricated garages that enclose your space, offering you plenty of room for shelves, totes and other storage bins for your seasonal items, lawn supplies, vehicle gear and anything else you need to store.

Security

Vehicle damage is an unfortunate reality that comes with being a driver. Concrete or prefabricated garages can protect your vehicles from theft, vandalism and weather damage. Cars can be locked up securely at night to provide homeowners with a welcome peace of mind. It also keeps you warm and dry while entering and exiting your vehicle during wet or cool weather. Prefabricated garages also allow owners to lock up and secure other goods, from lawnmowers to gardening supplies. Keep birdseed locked up to deter pests that might dig into it otherwise, and lock up any lawn treatment items to protect children from harm.

Home Value

Prefabricated garages are an excellent way to increase the value of one’s home or office. They add an aesthetically-pleasing appeal, creating a stately, well-rounded appearance that is attractive to many buyers. Concrete garages also supply small homes with the needed storage space and parking area that encourages buyers to take another look. Encourage homebuyers by installing a concrete garage and displaying it partly filled with various items that demonstrate its wide range of usefulness. When doing so, leave plenty of open space to indicate its roominess and how much area they have to fill with their own goods.

Work Space

Carpenters, mechanics and hobbyists in general can get much use out of concrete garages. This protected space allows you to work in comfort and warmth, and it keeps you dry when you’re under the hood or at your workbench. Why work outside in the rain or snow when you can easily create your own cozy workshop to store all of your tools and work in comfort? Every handyman needs a secure workspace to keep tools secure and clean, and especially to ensure that he or she has an area to work in rain or shine. Increase your hobby time or build your business with the addition of prefabricated garages.

When considering any type of home improvement, the addition of prefabricated garages is one of the best investments a person can make. The long-lasting value and appeal of this addition is well worth the cost, and provides the buyer with decades of use and fulfillment. Both beautification and function are ensured with this wise home addition.

For a range of concrete garages, prefabricated garages, workshops and offices visit LM Concrete Garages who are specialists in this area! http://www.lmconcretegarages.co.uk.