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17:14
 UFHS HBR 213x290.ai 1 01/12/2016 14:34

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 Contents: May 2017

90

On the
Cover
54 Extending a Family
Project Advice Home for 40,000
This month: amazing conversion projects, smart home Amazing Spaces:
90
solutions, the ultimate renovators guide, and more A Masterful
Modern Extension

15 News
The latest self-build and renovation
news plus, a new task force set to
100 On Site
Real people, real projects
to a Period Home

124 Add Kerb Appeal:

103
Exterior Makeover
boost self-build, the launch of a cost Diary of a Self-build Design Guide
estimating service, a flood- This month, David Snell completes
resilient prototype home, and more last-minute snagging work and 139 Reviewed:
finally moves into his new home Low-Cost Smart

21 Will Self-Build Help Beat Home Technology

the Housing Crisis?
Michael Holmes explains all
107 Diary of an Extension
The Building Regulations drawings
are drafted for Ian Rocks extension
148 The Secret to Buying
a Renovation Bargain

22 Meet the
Self-build Bloggers
We talk to the tech-savvy self-build- 111 Diary of a Remodel
Jason Orme finalises the plans for his
157 Assess Self-build
Plots Like a Pro

163 Get It Built:

ers whove been there and done it upcoming remodel of a 1960s home Everything You
Need to Know

98 Planning Approved
One designer explains how he
gained planning permission for a
115 Design Ideas
for Circulation Space
The ultimate architectural
From Completion
Certificates to
Calculating Build
Costs and Restoring
home in a sensitive village setting moodboard for your building project Old Flooring

homebuilding.co.uk

Contents May17v2.indd 7 17/03/2017 09:23

 28

64
124 Design Masterclass:
Exterior Makeovers
Architect Neil Turner shares
Portfolio
Whatever your plans, take inspiration from
these stunning case studies from around the UK
his wisdom on transforming exteriors

130 The Latest Patio Pavers

A pick of the best products
28 Into the Woods
A sustainable timber-clad home in
the New Forest National Park

135 Spotlight On
External Wall Insulation
Our expert explores the latest render-
42 Green Shoots
A new cottage in County Durham
with incredibly low running costs
ing techniques and materials

145 Heat your Home for Less

How best to heat a stone barn while
54 Family Values
A 1930s home transformed by a
modern extension for just 40k
bringing down running costs

148 The Secret to Buying the

Right Renovation Project
64 Private Retreat
A stunning self-build in Liverpool

Surveyor Ian Rock on spotting poten-

tial and avoiding costly mistakes 78 Amazing Conversions
A look at the UKs most
inspiring conversion projects

157 How to Assess Self-build

Plots Like a Pro
What to consider when buying a site 90 Architects View
A striking contemporary
extension to a Victorian home

202 Smart Privacy

Glazing Explained
One architect shares 96 Before and After
A 1960s home transformed into
his favourite design idea a characterful country house

GET IT 165 Completing Your Self-build

There are items often overlooked when
176 Calculating Your Self-build Costs
See how much your new home could

BUILT 171
getting the sign off on your build building
control officer Paul Hymers explains all

On-Site Essentials:
179
cost using our build cost table

The Great Brick Challenge

Build cost expert Steve Whitby explains

14
Welfare and Security On Site why calculating brick quantities may not
pages of all David Snell runs through what you be as straightforward as it seems
you need to need to know to ensure success on site
180 How to Restore Parquet Flooring
make a start on 174 Extensions: A Step-by-Step Guide
your dream home A complete schedule for your extension 183 Your Building Dilemmas Solved

8 homebuilding.co.uk

Contents May17v2.indd 8 17/03/2017 09:23

Pages_4-87.indd 9 17/03/2017 10:27
Pages_4-87.indd 10 17/03/2017 10:30
 Editors Letter

T
he arrival of spring is often marked by a flurry of activity in the hous-
ing market for some, its the season for prepping an existing home
ready for sale, and for others, its time to turn a keen eye towards estate
agents windows and to the likes of Rightmove and Plotfinder.net.
You may be on the hunt for a renovation project or a building plot
yourself. If so, youve come to the right place. Representing the renova-
tion camp, surveyor Ian Rock delivers his masterful guide to assessing
a renovation if you want to avoid buying a bottomless moneypit,
turn to page 148. Meanwhile, our guide to assessing a building plot
can be found on page 157.
This issue were also celebrating dream This issue were
transformations. Lets face it, were not all
blessed with charming period homes, brim- celebrating dream
ming with original features. Reversing the
fortunes of uninspiring post-war and tired
transformations
late 20th-century properties is something of a different art. With this in mind,
architect Neil Turner who has transformed his own 1960s
property into an award-winning contemporary home,
while still retaining the spirit of the original build Claire Lloyd
DONT delivers his design guide to exterior makeovers. On has been a member of the
FORGET the practical side, Mark Brinkley explores the world Homebuilding & Renovating
TO CHECK OUT of external wall insulation systems, and HB&Rs team for almost a decade.
OUR LATEST Editorial Director, Jason Orme, diarises his own Shes currently in the midst of
remodel project. renovating an old stone cottage
SUBSCRIPTION with her partner Ed, a builder,
OFFER ON Finally, building control officer Paul Hymers aided by their two dogs, Bruce
PAGE 89 provides insight into those elements of the build that (shown) and George (who
often go overlooked when completing a new home. H wouldnt stand still for the photo).

EDITORIAL ADVERTISING AND EXHIBITIONS SALES TEAMS MAGAZINE AND WEB PRODUCTION
Editor Claire Lloyd Print and Digital Sales Director Jackie Sanders Head of Production Bill Griffiths
Associate Editor Natasha Brinsmead 01527 834426 jackie.sanders@centaurmedia.com Digital Manager Tom Burbridge
Features Editor Daisy Jeffery Key Account Manager Helen Fox Digital Production Executive Nicholas Robertson
Chief Sub Editor Alison Wall 01527 834491 helen.fox@centaurmedia.com Print and Digital Production Executive Alice Sullivan
Senior Web Editor Lindsey Davis Key Account Manager Lucinda Clarke Email Production Manager David Lloyd
Video Editor Matthew Gibbs 01527 834404 lucinda.clarke@centaurmedia.com Production Assistant Aimee Bradley-Davies
Head of Art Billy Peel Key Account Manager Debra Greer
Senior Art Editor Emily Smith 01527 834424 debra.greer@centaurmedia.com HOMEBUILDING.CO.UK
Designer Karen Lawson Account Manager Samantha Broome Digital Sales Account Manager Elena Gill
01527 834427 samantha.broome@centaurmedia.com 01527 834494 elena.gill@centaurmedia.com
SUBSCRIPTIONS AND MARKETING Business Development Manager Keri OConner Print and Digital Sales Manager Kelly James
Head of Marketing Melanie Kay 01527 834452 01527 834472 keri.oconner@centaurmedia.com 01527 834471 kelly.james@centaurmedia.com
Group Marketing Manager Eve Mulvaney 01527 834445 Classified Account Manager Kay Dhillon Trade Sales Executive Ketan Rajpra
Direct Marketing Manager Anjuman Tariq 01527 834493 01527 834496 kay.dhillon@centaurmedia.com 01527 834481 ketan.rajpra@centaurmedia.com
Marketing Manager Helen Troth 01527 834483 Exhibitions Sales Director Hellen Roche Head of Digital and Customer Service Gill Dawson
Marketing Executive Vicki Lees 01527 834409 01527 834418 hellen.roche@centaurmedia.com Email Delivery Manager Alison Nash
Marketing Executive Alicia Maragh 01527 834402 Exhibitions Account Manager Josh Mortimer Web Operations Manager Laura Sturgess
Marketing Executive Ricardo Douglas 01527 834481 01527 834497 josh.mortimer@centaurmedia.com Social Media Editor Sarah Handley
Subscriptions Manager Alex Worthington 01527 834435
Customer Services Jayne Everton 01527 834484 PUBLISHING AND EXHIBITIONS MANAGEMENT
Managing Director Steve Newbold
Commercial and Events Director Nick Noble
Head of Content and Product Development Michael Holmes
Editorial Director Jason Orme

Although every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of material published in Homebuilding & Renovating, the publisher can accept no responsibility for the veracity of claims made by contributors, manufacturers or advertisers. No guarantee can be made of the safe return of unsolicited text or photographs. Copyright for all materials published in Homebuilding &
Renovating remains with the publisher. Designed using Apple computers. Printed by William Gibbons & Sons. Distributed by MarketForce. Homebuilding & Renovating 2016 is published monthly. ISSN 1471-5791. Competitions: By providing your details you are consenting to receive information, news and offers from Homebuilding & Renovating and its parent company,
Centaur Media. If you would prefer not to receive this information, please state No contact on your entry. Occasionally, we may pass on your details to other carefully selected companies. If you would prefer not to receive this information, please state No other companies on your entry.

Member of the Audit Bureau of Circulation Jan Dec 2016: 25,390

homebuilding.co.uk 11

Editor's letter May17.indd 11 16/03/2017 16:44

Meet the
EXPERTS

Bob Branscombe Chris Reeves Jason Orme Sally Tagg

Bob is a chartered surveyor with
30 years experience running
residential and commercial
projects. He has particular
expertise in cost estimation
and project scheduling.
Former builder Chris Reeves
is now a construction solicitor
and chartered building
consultant. He also acts
as a specialist mediator in
construction disputes.
The former Editor of
Homebuilding & Renovating
magazine, Jason is an
experienced self-builder
and is currently renovating
a 1960s home.
Planning consultant Sally Tagg
is MD of Foxley Tagg Ltd. She
specialises in self-build issues
and advises the Department
for Communities and Local
Government on policy.

David Snell Tim Pullen Ian Rock Mark Brinkley

The author of Building Your
Own Home, David is a serial
self-builder and has been
building homes for 50 years.
Hes currently building
his fourteenth home.
Tim is Homebuilding &
Renovatings expert in
sustainable building and
energy efficiency. He runs
the green home consultancy
Weather Works.
Chartered surveyor Ian
Rock MRICS is the author of
eight popular Haynes House
Manuals, and is a director
of Rightsurvey.co.uk.
Mark is the author of the ever-
popular Housebuilders Bible
and an experienced builder. Hes
just started another self-build.

* VISIT HOMEBUILDINGSHOW.CO.UK TO DISCOVER WHICH EXPERTS ARE AVAILABLE AT EACH SHOW.

Michael Holmes Paul Hymers Neil Turner Steve Whitby

Michael is HB&Rs Head
of Content and Product
Development. He also chairs
NaCSBA (National Custom
and Self Build Association).
Paul Hymers is a building control
officer and has written eight
books on home improvements
and developing, including the
best-selling Home Extensions.
Neil Turner is director at
Howarth Litchfield Partnership
and specialises in residential
design. Read his design tips on
external makeovers on page 124.
Steve is MD of Estimators
Ltd, the UKs leading building
estimating service. Turn to
page 179 to find out what goes
into estimating brickwork.

Homebuilding Meet the Experts in Person

&RENOVATING
SHOW
Want a free 15-minute consultation with one of our experts? They will be taking
appointments in The Advice Centre at the Scottish Homebuilding & Renovating Show
at the SEC, Glasgow, from 20-21 May 2017.* homebuildingshow.co.uk

12 homebuilding.co.uk

Contribs May17.indd 12 14/03/2017 17:29

Pages_4-87.indd 13 17/03/2017 10:33
Pages_4-87.indd 14 17/03/2017 10:33

Expert Task Force
Set up to Boost
Custom and Self-build
Experts will support new large custom and
self-build housing projects across England
A
new Right to Build
Expert Task Force has
been set up to help
local authorities and
other organisations de-
liver custom and self-
build housing projects.
The team, from the
National Custom and
Self Build Association (NaCSBA),
aims to help at least 80 organisa-
tions create many more affordable
homes over the next three years.
Richard Bacon MP, chair of the
All Party Parliamentary Group on
Self Build, Custom and Communi-
ty Housebuilding and Placemak-
ing, who together with NaCSBA
has championed the introduction
of the Right to Build, said: Al-
though we have these important
new powers in England, custom
ISTOCK
and self-build housing will only
TWO NEW SELF-BUILD MORTGAGE PRODUCTS ON THE MARKET
N
ottingham Building
Society (The Notting-
ham) has joined forces
with self-build specialist
BuildStore to offer two new mort-
gage products for self-builders in
England and Wales who are looking
to construct a new-build home or
convert a barn into a home.
With the two new products,
self-builders will be able to borrow
up to 65 per cent loan to value (LTV)
on the purchase of land, and up to
75 per cent LTV of the final value
of the property.
News1-3.indd 15
NEWS
become mainstream if local au-
thorities and other organisations
truly harness these powers.
This is where the new Right to
Build Expert Task Force comes in,
with its experts on hand to help.
This may be councils needing help
setting up, or better marketing of
their demand registers, or advice
in creating planning strategies. BUILDING HIGH?
We know that English local
C
authorities have a duty to grant an you expect to see a
planning permissions for 18,000 drone on your self-build
serviced plots by 31 October 2019, site this year? According
adds NaCSBA chair Michael to the most recent UK
Holmes. And this is only the tip Drone Usage Report, the answer
of the iceberg. There is also huge is quite possibly. Drones are
untapped potential in Scotland, increasingly helping construction
Wales and Northern Ireland. trades carry out tasks. Whats more,
The Right to Build Expert Task construction trades are using drones
Force will be officially launched more often than any other sector in
during the annual National Cus- the UK, as this chart shows:
tom and Self-build week in May.
11.5%
Percentage using drones
9.9%
9.1%
The two products are available
exclusively via BuildStore: a 4.39 8.8%
per cent two-year discounted prod-
uct and a 5.19 per cent two-year
fixed rate product.
The move signals a growing com-
Information and communications
mitment of lenders to the self-build
housing sector, says Raymond Con-
Construction and plumbing
Creative and photographic
nor, chief executive of BuildStore.
It will enable more self-builders to
access the tailored funding solutions
required for a successful project.
Manufacturing
Virgin Money has also announced
that it will start lending on custom
build projects in the summer.
Sector
homebuilding.co.uk 15
16/03/2017 09:49
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Pages_4-87.indd 16
advert_Burk_glide_150317_HB_R.indd 1 17/03/2017 10:34
15/3/17 13:44:28

IMAGES FROM TOP: JEREMY PHILIPS; ANDREW BEASLEY C/O ARCAID,; ALISTAIR NICHOLLS
A GOOD MEMORY FOR FAADES?
N
ext time you find
yourself idly wonder-
ing whether a house
reminds you of a per-
son dont worry: you are just
*DATA FROM HOMES AND COMMUNITIES AGENCY LAND DEVELOPMENT AND DISPOSAL PLAN DECEMBER 2016
doing what your brain does nat-
urally, according to a novel study
from the University of Toronto and
Ohio State University. A group of
22 students (half studying architec-
ture, the others studying psycholo-
gy/neurology) were shown images
of architectural styles, works from
famous architects, landscapes and
people while their brain activity was
measured in an fMRI scanner.
Surprisingly, the students pro-
cessed the images of the buildings
using parts of their brain usually
associated with facial recognition,
as well as areas associated with spa-
tial and physical awareness. The
scientists say that this is the first
time that the association with archi-
tecture and facial recognition has
been studied.
News1-3.indd 17
NEWS
SELF-BUILDERS INVITED TO FREE SHOWCASE DAY
S
elf-builders are invit- architects. The event, organised by
ed to a free Self Build Beattie Passive and Innovation New
Showcase on 28 April Anglia, will also host an exhibi-
at Hethel Engineering tion and offer one-to-one advice
Centre, Norfolk. Speakers include sessions. For more information or
Richard Bacon MP, local plan- to book an advice session, email
ners, build system suppliers and enquiries@beattiepassive.com.
Flood-Resilient Prototype
Home Launched
Resilient House shows that flood measures are
not as challenging or difficult as people think
B
uilding science centre Other practical issues have also
BRE has developed a been tackled, such as where to place
flood-resistant prototype electric sockets and home applianc-
home, the Resilient es and how to seal off areas where
House, to show the most water could enter the property. It
effective ways to help is not yet normal practice for prop-
prevent flood water erties in areas at high flood risk to
entering a building. In be made more resilient following a
the event of a flood, the flood, says BRE Centre for Resil-
measures help households return ience director Stephen Garvin.
to a dry home in days rather than The aim of this project is to show
months following a flood. The contractors and householders in a
solutions include: tangible way that resilient repair
n Flood-resistant doors and windows isnt as challenging or difficult as
n Water-resilient walls and insula- they may think it is.
tion (injected cavity wall insulation, The demonstration home is at
thermal board, PUR spray foam) BREs Innovation Park at Garston,
n A resilient kitchen with moveable Hertfordshire. Any HB&R readers
kitchen units, kitchen units made wishing to visit the home can call
with resin-bonded board, and fitted BRE on 0333 321 8811 to arrange
with all-ceramic worktops a suitable time and date.
n Floor and wall membranes to BRE has also announced the
channel water towards floor drains launch of a new certification scheme
n An automatic sump pump that for independent property flood
stops water rising through the floor resilience surveyors. The certified
and disperses water if it does get in surveyors will provide property
n One-way valves fitted to the toi- owners with information about
lets and sinks to prevent flooding the measures needed to make their
via sewers. homes more resilient to flooding.
8,500 new homes expected to be built
on Government brownfield sites
for sale between Dec 2016 - June 2018*
homebuilding.co.uk 17
17/03/2017 14:09
 the fine st h and c raf te d oak f r ame d buil d ing s
Design : Planning : Self Build & Turnkey packages : Project Management : Fixed Price : Bespoke : Plots

www.borderoak.com
01568 708752

Pages_4-87.indd 18 17/03/2017 10:34

 NEWS

WI-FI REACHES HOME COMFORT TOP SPOT

W
i-Fi is the number
one home com-
fort that we Brits New Cost Service
couldnt live with-
out, according to a survey from
home heating oil supplier Super
Launches for Self-builders
SaverOil.com. Almost half (45%) Going over budget on your project could be a

of the 1,011 UK homeowners sur-
veyed said that Wi-Fi would be the
most valued luxury they could not
do without, followed by a microwave
(39%), home heating (35%) and
duvet (32%).
A
thing of the past, with this new estimating tool
long with finding a plot, biggest problem affecting people
going over budget is one building their own homes, says
of the biggest challenges Jason Orme, HB&Rs Editorial
facing Britains 12,000- Director. How do you really ensure
plus self-builders. To that your designs can realistically

42%
help, Homebuilding and be built for your budget? Do you
of people have one or Renovating has joined really know what the right price

more radiators blocked forces with industry

by furniture, preventing heat
flowing into the room*
specialists Estimators
Limited to provide a new cost esti-
mation service.
The service gives a full cost break-
down based on individual plans and
Estimators Limiteds extensive data
from building sites across the coun-
try, along with current labour rates,
materials prices and completion
times for each element. Self-build-
ers will be able to see how much
each item costs in terms of both
labour and materials and where the
money is really going. There will
also be comparisons for different
build routes and self-builders own
level of input.
Users of the service will also get
access to dynamic project man-
agement software that helps them
to plan their build schedule. The
software alerts users when key
items need to be ordered, based on
detailed knowledge of lead times.
Going over budget is the single
is for your project so you dont get
ripped off by builders?
Dont believe what your designer
tells you you need to get your
plans professionally priced. Yet for
most of us, using a quantity sur-
veyor is an expensive pursuit. By
using our new service, when you
start getting those prices back from
builders, youll know what the right
price is and that means no more
going over budget.
The new service was launched on
23 March at the National Home-
building & Renovating Show in
Birmingham.
How to Access the Service
Visit the site homebuilding.co.uk/
estimating-service, upload your
plans and within seven days youll
get a fully itemised list of all the
costs associated with your project.
The service is 180 per use or
free for Premium subscribers
based on one use a year. H

KITCHENS FROM RECYCLED PLASTIC BOTTLES

* RESEARCH FROM ENERGY SAVINGS TRUST (ENERGYSAVINGTRUST.ORG)

I
KEA has launched a
range of sustainable THERMOSTAT BLUES
kitchen fronts made

from wood and recycled
PET (polyethylene therephalate),
a material that often finds its way
into landfill or the ocean. PET bot-
tles are used to create the recycled
plastic foil that coats the reclaimed
wood kitchen fronts to create the
KUNGSBACKA sustainable kitch-
en. The kitchen fronts are currently
available in matte-look anthracite.
I
s this a new source of friction in UK house-
holds? Many men are turning down their
heating thermostat when they leave the
house or using their heating Apps to switch
off the heat when they are out, even if their families are
still at home. The survey, from heating maintenance
company Warm.co.uk, asked: Do you turn the heat-
ing off when you leave the house, even if the family is
still there? Sixty seven per cent of men said they did,
compared with just 23 per cent of women.

homebuilding.co.uk 19

News1-3.indd 19 16/03/2017 09:50

 NEW
CATALOGUE OUT NOW

PICK UP YOUR

FREE
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IN STORE TODA
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Pages_4-87.indd 20 17/03/2017 10:34


Think Local to Beat
the Housing Crisis
Michael Holmes examines why
the UK housing market is broken
and what can be done about it
T
he fundamental cause of the housing crisis in the
UK is simple: there are too many people chasing too
few homes, both to buy and rent. The reason behind
this is twofold: regional policy has failed to prevent
employment and wealth from clustering around great-
er London and the South East of England creating a
huge imbalance, and we have built far too few new
homes for generations. The solution, in theory at least,
is equally simple. We need to improve transport and
infrastructure, to redistribute wealth and create employment
where housing is currently most affordable which it is, across
much of the UK and build more homes where people want and
need to live. The latter can only be achieved by granting planning
permission for more sites in more locations and thats where
the problem lies. Almost everyone seems to recognise the need
to build more homes for future generations, but also holds the
contradictory view that they should be built anywhere else other
than where they live.
This is an unsustainable position. It is creating a generation
that has no choice but to rent, creating a divided society that is
deeply corrosive. It is also slowly killing communities, especially
in the green belt and countryside, turning small villages in highly
sought-after areas into dormitory or retirement settlements,
where no one under 50 can afford to live. Ironically, the same
people who campaign to prevent new homes are often those who
decry the loss of the post office, local shop, school and community
facilities. Only when we accept that no settlement is too small
or too special to sustain at least some sort of expansion even if
that means one new home every 20 years will things change.
If this approach were put in place through policy, and com-
munities challenged to decide at local level how and where they
want the new housing that is needed, it would help to diffuse the
currently insurmountable local opposition to almost all house
building and lead to a constructive dialogue about what should
be built, where and for whom. More small sites, where people
actually want to live, will always find buyers and can be delivered.
Small sites will open up the market to small and medium-sized
housebuilders and those who want to build their own home.
Small and medium-sized housebuilders used to build more than
half of all new homes but now deliver a fraction of this, largely
because they cannot access the land market. In most developed
economies, an average of 30% of new homes are commissioned
by their owners, but currently in the UK this figure is just 8%.
BrokenMarket2.indd 21
OPINION
The recently introduced Right
to Build legislation in England
is intended to open up the land
market to those who want to build
their own home. It requires local
authorities to assess demand
through registers (righttobuild-
portal.org.uk) and places a duty
on them to grant planning per-
mission for enough serviced plots
to meet recorded demand. This
means local authorities must facil-
itate the creation of sites for new
homes that are shovel ready, with
road access, electricity, water, gas
and high speed broadband all in
place or ready nearby. They can
do this by working with landowners and developers through
planning policy, by utilising public sector land, or by buying
land and engaging in placemaking capturing a share of the
planning gain and generating much-needed revenue in the pro-
cess. Significantly, these sites need not just be single plots and
small sites; they can form part of a larger strategic housing site.
The serviced plots market can accelerate the build out of large
sites that would otherwise take years to deliver by introducing
a different audience to the new homes market.
Speculative volume housebuilders build at a long-term aver-
age rate of around 2.6 sales per month per site outside London.
Currently, the only way to build out these sites faster is to sub-
divide them and bring in another volume housebuilder, who
can sell another 2.6 homes a month, providing their product is
sufficiently different. Research by the Home Builders Federation
(HBF) finds that 33% of the public would consider buying a new
home from their members. The National Custom and Self Build
Association (NaCSBA) believes that some of the other 67% of
the public would also consider buying a new home if there was
more choice, ranging from simple upgrades to a blank canvas to
create something unique, and everything in between.
The UK Government is committed to solving the housing crisis
and acknowledges the need to build more homes, and is support-
ive of the custom and self-build market, which it has pledged to
grow to 20,000 homes a year by 2020. It has ambitions to take
this much further to 50,000-60,000 homes a year by 2030, or
20% of new homes more in line with Europe, US, Canada,
Japan and Australia.
Housing is one of the very few consumer markets in the UK
where there is limited choice and too little competition. Trans-
forming the market for building land, so there is access for
new challengers alongside the volume housebuilders, for SME
housebuilders, custom home developers, self-builders, affordable
housing providers (including community-led housing) and the
institutional private rental sector, will allow the UK housing sector
to function more like a normal healthy market, in which supply
can rise to meet demand, and consumer choice and competition
can drive quality, innovation, and above all else, affordability. H
MICHAEL HOLMES
Michael is Homebuilding & Renovatings Head of Content
and Product Development. He also chairs NaCSBA
(National Custom Build and Self Build Association)
homebuilding.co.uk 21
16/03/2017 12:56
 Meet the Self-Build Bloggers
Building your own home is surely one of the best ways to
learn new skills and expand your horizons. These
self-builders have gone a step further and chosen to
document their stories for the rest of us to learn from

T
here are many reasons to start a blog to
document your building project. For some,
blogging becomes a great way of keeping the
rest of the world updated on their builds
progress and getting some invaluable comments in
return. For others, its a record for their children to read
when they grow up. While for most, diarising events
on site via a blog has proved invaluable further down
the build. And occasionally, looking back over old blog
posts has served as inspiration proof of just how far
the build has come in moments when motivation may
be ebbing. Over the following pages, we meet some of
the self-builders and renovators documenting their
builds on the world wide web and offer tips on how
to start your own blog. If blogging is a step too far for
you (it certainly adds yet another thing to your long
to do list), reading other self-builders blogs can be an
invaluable means of gleaning knowledge from those
going down a similar route.
SOMEONE ELSE OUT THERE IS FACING THAT ISSUE
Ben Adam-Smith finally found the land he needed for
his self-build at the end of 2016, two and a half years
after starting his search a half-acre garden plot with
full planning permission. Ben, a keen environmentalist,
started blogging in 2012 as a way of learning about
self-building and green issues, and carried on once
hed found his plot. The blog (houseplanninghelp.com/
blog) also ties in with his day job Ben, a former radio
presenter, now runs a video company specialising in
green self-builds. Blogging is a very good way of get-
ting your head around a subject, he points out (he is
aiming for Passivhaus certification on his project). And
while everyones self-build is very different, there are
specific issues and challenge points in any self-build.
Someone else out there is facing that issue or knows
the pain. Blogging is all about sharing knowledge and
getting that information out there.

MY BUILD BLOG INSPIRED OTHER SELF-BUILDERS

Julian Roberts freely admits that putting up a shelf is a
bit of a stretch for him but he still managed to find
the land for a kit home in Essex and blog about it at
the same time. Finding land too expensive in his area,
he and his wife stumbled across a row of unused 1960s
local authority garages just 20m from his home. While
there was no planning permission in place, a few calls to
the local authority reassured him of their support so
he bought the plot at auction for 174,000. He then
purchased a timber frame kit home from Dan Wood
for 130,000, after visiting Germany to see the model
on what he describes as a trading estate for kit homes.
The experience found its way onto energysavingtrust.
org.uk/blog, which in turn encouraged two friends to
hunt out similar brownfield sites in the capital. Ten
readers of Julians blog also visited his new house to
see for themselves (four decided to go down this route).
Its reassuring for them they want to meet you and
see that if this idiot can do it, anyone can!

22 homebuilding.co.uk

Building BlogsV3.indd 22 16/03/2017 11:22


ITS GOOD THERAPY FOR ME, ESPECIALLY ON A BAD DAY
Probably the main reason for set-
ting up my blog was showing peo-
ple what was going on there are
so many hidden elements, such as
problems with ordering parts, that
are part of the process as much as
the physical stuff like putting up the
walls, says Oliver Cannell, who built
his externally rendered brick and
block house with a few non-standard
features, such as a green roof. The
blog was also good therapy for me,
especially when Id had a bad day. I
could get everything out there and
lots of people commented, either
coming up with suggestions for how
to do something differently, or say-
ing, Yes, I had that problem, and I
wished Id known about it sooner.
Also, I can look back at photos to
see how something has been made
or constructed. For example, we put
Building BlogsV3.indd 23
in an extra lintel for the log burner
flue, after the house was built. I con-
sulted my old photos to see where
and how the structural steels were
joined to the wall and worked out
the best course of action.
A web designer by day, Oliver
used Expression Engine software
for his blog (selfbuildblog.org), as
he wanted the design flexibility that
ready-made solutions such as Word-
Press could not offer. His blog also
uses video to record on-site tasks
such as laying underfloor heating
pipes, pouring the slab foundation
concrete and cutting bricks down to
size for the boundary wall.
Some things are so much easier
to show as a video you can use an
ordinary camera, and its not hard
to upload it on YouTube for your
blog, he says.
NEWS
HOW TO START YOUR OWN BUILDING BLOG
n Be realistic, and consistent. Can you blog once a
week, or is once a month, or every two months, more
realistic? If you want to build up an audience, they
will expect to see new material at regular intervals.
n Make it easy for people to share your blog by
linking social media widgets to each post.
n Encourage comments and feedback: blogs are
all about sharing your ideas and experiences, and,
hopefully, learning from others.
n Some people may criticise your choices or opin-
ions, so be prepared and dont take it to heart.
n Keep each blog focused on one or two points and
dont write more than one or two screens of text.
n Include lots of photos with captions.
n Keep the costs down by using a free (blogger.com),
or low-cost blogging tool (such as WordPress).
n Stay legally safe: Dont publish anything that
could be seen as defamatory, even if you later delete
the post. If you are getting products for free in
return for blogging about them, or being paid to
review a product, you need to be explicit about it.
homebuilding.co.uk 23
16/03/2017 11:22
 Homebuilding
&RENOVATING
SHOW
GLASGOW 20-21 MAY 2017

The future of home construction

Hanse Haus is a premium German supplier of turnkey, pre-manufactured ultra-high efficiency
homes. Founded as a carpentry business in 1929, it now erects some 400 timber frame homes
annually Europewide and has been active in the UK since 2006.

To talk to us about your individual requirements,

contact us using the details below.

Hanse Haus
Email info@hanse-haus.co.uk
Telephone 0800 302 9220
www.hanse-haus.co.uk

Pages_4-87.indd 24 17/03/2017 10:34

2016-02_Homebuilding-Renovating-Mag_Design2_A4_4C.indd 1 09.02.16 14:40

IT BECAME CLEAR THAT WE NEEDED A FACEBOOK PAGE AND BLOG
For Anna and Elfed Lewis, who are
building a Passivhaus in Wales, set-
ting up the blog of their progress was
definitely not top of their to do list.
I remember us making the decision
to do a self-build and seeing this
very sad look on Elfeds face when
it became clear we needed a Face-
book page and a blog, says Anna.
So why start one? Wed lived in
Canada for 10 years and our friends
out there were very interested in
what we were doing, so we wanted
to keep in touch with them, as well
as raise awareness about Passivhaus
generally, she says.
A TRUE REPRESENTATION OF WHAT OUR SELF-BUILD IS LIKE
Scribbling down her thoughts at
1.30am (selfbuildingdiary.co.uk)
was sometimes the only way that
Sheridan Scott could find time for
the latest post on her self-build. But
Sheridan, who is building her family
home with husband Christopher
and their two children, was keen
to have a record for her children
to look at once all the hard work is
over. Its a true representation of
what our self-build is like and hope-
fully they will understand why we
were so stressed and busy at times
when they read it later, she laughs.
Building BlogsV3.indd 25
Once theyd started (tygoddefol.
wordpress.com), the couple became
fans of blogging with WordPress
(a popular blogging tool). Annas
favourite post is one from August
2015 that corrects media errors
about a report from Coventry Uni-
versity into overheating in a Pas-
sivhaus for that, she went back to
the original academic paper to ferret
out the truth. Elfeds favourite blogs
are from March 2014, written after
hed been on a two-week course on
Passivhaus design principles. I was
excited about what Id learned, and
wanted to tell everyone about it.
Now that they are at the plaster-
ing stage, the end is in sight for the
build itself a challenging project
that was made trickier by a sloping
site, planning restrictions related to
building in a Conservation Area and
a shortage of available skilled labour
in their part of the south west. Sher-
idan already has her next writing
project in mind: a blog on how she
will personalise the interiors of her
new home when shes faced with
a blank canvas. Even with a new
house, little things will need to be
changed. No house is ever done.
NEWS
I COULD LOOK AT OLD BLOGS AND SEE PROGRESS
I definitely wanted to document the house for myself
and thought that setting up a blog would be a good
way to keep a record, says first-time self-builder Joe
Shimbart, who chose a construction route, via Carpenter
Oak, of oak and hempcrete for his self-build.
When I was looking at other self-build blogs, I
couldnt really see any that went right from the start,
in detail, and showed progression over the course of a
project with the person doing the project management
and some of the hands-on work, as I hoped to do. Joe
then contacted Homebuilding & Renovating about
hosting his blog.
Although Joe admits he had very limited knowledge
of what he was taking on with his self-build, he says his
blog (homebuilding.co.uk/author/joeshimbart) helped
him reflect on what he was doing, and why. When I
got bogged down, and felt I was going nowhere, I could
look at the old blogs from six to eight months ago, when
the house was just a shell and see the progress it was
really quite motivating, he says. H
BLOG FOR HOMEBUILDING AND RENOVATING
If youd like to become a guest blogger on Home-
building and Renovatings website (homebuilding.
co.uk), wed love to hear from you. Email us at
homebuilding@centaurmedia.com with brief
details of your self-build or renovation project.
homebuilding.co.uk 25
15/03/2017 14:17
 NEED TO
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Pages_4-87.indd 26 AW.indd 1
#106 Advert Design_V2 17/03/2017
27/02/2017 10:34
16:14
 PORTFOLIO
Whatever good things we build end up building us
Jim Rohn, American entrepreneur

64
28

42

90
54
96
homebuilding.co.uk 27

Portfolio May17.indd 27 17/03/2017 09:39

 A New Home
Ian and Jess commissioned a
new home, designed by PAD
Studio and prefabricated off
site, to replace their dated park
home. The new home still had
to meet the requirements of a
mobile dwelling (see page 41 for
our expert guide to planning in
this area). As such, it could, quite
literally, be picked up and moved
to another site if required.

28 homebuilding.co.uk

38-53_Portfolio1_Fletcher v2.indd 28 16/03/2017 17:26

 PORTFOLIO
Contemporary New Build

INTO THE WOODS

Inspired by their surroundings, Jess and Ian Fletcher
have commissioned an energy-efficient
mobile dwelling with plenty of natural touches
Words: Caroline Ednie Photography: Nigel Rigden

homebuilding.co.uk 29

38-53_Portfolio1_Fletcher v2.indd 29 16/03/2017 17:26

 Project
Notes
Homeowners SUPPLIERS
Jess and Ian Fletcher
Project Architect PAD Studio:
Contemporary new build padstudio.co.uk; 01590 670780
Location New Forest Contractor Eco Modular Living:
Build time ecomodularliving.co.uk
Six months Lighting designer Joe Burke:
Size 136m2 joeburkelightingdesign DESIGNERS VIEW
Plot cost Already owned Roof structure and roof
Build cost 368,000 insulation Kingspan: Ricky Evans of PAD Studio:
Value Unknown kingspaninsulation.co.uk Theres a beautiful journey and
Malmo porcelain cupboards approach to the house along a
Kitchen Collection: gravel path looking towards the
kitchencollection.co.uk garden valley where their exist-
SELECTED COSTS
Limestone work surfaces ing mobile home was located.
Moleanos: moleanos.com We maintained that position.
Architectural fees 33,000
Mors 7448 woodburning stove We then worked to continue this
Windows 33,000
Mors: morsoe.com journey through the house with
Deck across 19,000
Sanitaryware large framed views of the valley
platform/
Duravit: duravit.co.uk throughout the building. For us,
boardwalk/
PV panels (4kW 16 panel it was important to open up the
brise soleil
system) ReneSola Virtus II building as much as possible.
Bathrooms 18,000
panels: uk.renesola.com We had to make sure that
Bespoke wardrobes 18,000
Dimplex Air-Eau air-source heat whatever we designed and built
and shelving
pump Dimplex: dimplex.co.uk complied with the Caravan Act
Kitchen 16,000
Underfloor heating JG Speedfit: 1968, which restricts both the
Air-source heat 14,000
johnguest.com/speedfit construction and size of the
pump, hot water and
MVHR Xpelair Xcell 150QVW dwelling. The maximum size
underfloor heating
unit Xpelair: xpelair.co.uk that you can possibly build is
with MVHR
HF310 triple-glazed composite 6.8mx20m. As far as Im aware,
Lighting system and 13,000
aluminium/timber windows we were the first to design to this
fixtures
Supplied and installed by maximum size spec.
Oak flooring/ceiling 8,000
Decoration 6,000 Ecohaus Internorm:
Solar 4kW system 6,000 ecohausinternorm.com
Rainwater 4,000 Floors Havwoods Blanco Oak
harvesting HV3662: havwoods.co.uk
Recessed ceiling lights
PhotonStar LED:
photonstarlighting.co.uk Dining
Axis digital shower En suite
Aqualisa: aqualisa.co.uk Living
Bedroom Bedroom
/Office
Kitchen En suite

30 homebuilding.co.uk

38-53_Portfolio1_Fletcher v2.indd 30 16/03/2017 17:26

 PORTFOLIO
Contemporary New Build

Capturing the Views

Lots of glazing was a key part
of the design brief the couple
wanted to make the most of
the stunning woodland views.
They specified Internorm Studio
HF310 triple-glazed composite
aluminium/timber windows and
doors. We went for the highest
spec possible. The windows
alone are the best windows you
can get triple glazed with fully
insulated frames, explains Jess.
Weve got mosquito screens
on the big windows so we can
throw the windows open in
the summer and get a lovely
through draught without insects
or birds flying in. The screens are
wonderful. They were worth the
effort and money.

homebuilding.co.uk 31

38-53_Portfolio1_Fletcher v2.indd 31 17/03/2017 12:48

 32 homebuilding.co.uk

38-53_Portfolio1_Fletcher v2.indd 32 13/03/2017 11:03

 PORTFOLIO
Contemporary New Build

A Contemporary Faade
The mobile dwelling is clad
in timber, reflecting the idyllic
woodland plot in which it sits.
Sweet chestnut, laid horizontally
(half-lap with 150mm gaps), has
been used to clad the majority
of the build. Dark-stained sweet
chestnut (which was stained us-
ing Natural Oil Woodstain from
Osmo in colour 712 Ebony), has
been laid vertically too, adding
interest to the faade and fram-
ing the floor-to-ceiling glazing.
The freestanding canopy (creat-
ed using a powder-coated steel
frame with stained timber fins)
was designed to provide shading
to the glazing, controlling heat
gain from the large openings. The
canopy also provides detailing
and relief, animating the eleva-
tion. It acts as a signifier to the
main entrance, too.

homebuilding.co.uk 33

38-53_Portfolio1_Fletcher v2.indd 33 16/03/2017 17:41

 The Kitchen Diner
Most of the interior including
the kitchen and built-in joinery
was chosen and prefabricated
before the building was deliv-
ered to site. White lacquered
units from Kitchen Collection
and Moleanos limestone work-
tops were chosen for the kitchen.

34 homebuilding.co.uk

38-53_Portfolio1_Fletcher v2.indd 34 13/03/2017 11:04


A New Efficient Home
Jess and Ians new home ben-
efits from underfloor heating;
engineered wood flooring,
Havwoods Blanco Oak HV3662,
has been laid over the top.
Theres a nice atmosphere in
the house were always warm,
says Jess. We leave the under-
floor heating at the same
temperature all the time.
38-53_Portfolio1_Fletcher v2.indd 35
J
ess and Ian Fletcher faced a conundrum
when it came to deciding what would
constitute their long-term home. Larg-
er houses in their native Hampshire area were
selling for around the 1million mark way
beyond their budget. However, their existing
home a small, poorly insulated, thin-walled
park home, heated by LPG gas bottles was
no longer fit for purpose. They also knew they
wouldnt get planning permission to build a
new house on the site, which sits in a Conser-
vation Area in the New Forest. The solution,
realised in conjunction with PAD Studio, is a
masterstroke of bijou bespoke design.
The couple originally moved to the area 25
years ago, after searching for properties near-
by, then spotting the five-acre site for sale. Jess
and Ian couldnt believe how beautiful it was
and felt that buying the site itself was a better
long-term investment than bricks and mortar.
They first lived on site in a 30,000 off the
shelf Tingdene mobile home. Since there are
only two of us, it suited our needs perfectly,
says Jess.
We looked at bigger houses in the area, but
we kept coming back to our site, which is sur-
rounded by silver birch trees, bluebell woods
and streams, she adds. There has been a car-
avan on the site since 1963 so we were hopeful
that we might be able to seek planning per-
mission for a new mobile home.
Having confirmed that they would be able
to replace their existing park home, the couple
initially approached various caravan and park
home manufacturers. However, none of the
models on the market really fitted the couples
needs in terms of space, or their desire for a
sustainable, energy-efficient house.
The layout of our previous home was okay,
but not perfect, says Jess. The windows were
small and the front door was on the opposite
side from the driveway, so it was never opened
in 20 years. We thought if we were going to
build new, we might as well get it right.
Jess and Ian were fans of other buildings
that local architectural practice PAD Studio,
who are based in Lymington, had designed in
the area, so they approached the practice to
create a park home that would take full advan-
tage of the lovely surroundings.
Although PAD Studio hadnt been commis-
sioned to do anything like this before, they
were very much up for the challenge. Initially
PORTFOLIO
Contemporary New Build
we carried out extensive research into the UK
mobile home design and manufacturing in-
dustry. We visited lots of companies and mo-
bile homes around the country, and looked at
what other architects had done before. Its still
quite new and niche, explains Ricky Evans.
Jess and Ian gave PAD Studio free rein to
design a bespoke house that would ultimately
take its cues from the vibrant woodland set-
ting. The main thing that we wanted was to
take the views into account, says Jess. With
this in mind, full-height triple-glazed win-
dows were to be positioned where the natural
beauty of the plot could be fully appreciated.
A Prefabricated Build
Once the design was finalised, the new mobile
dwelling was prefabricated and fully fitted-out
internally off site by Eco Modular Living.
When the final structure arrived on site, after
four to five months of construction, it was de-
livered on flatbed trucks and craned on to the
existing concrete and limestone plinth. The
steel frame meant that the house could be top
lifted by a crane, and still keep its shape. Once
in place the two parts of the building were
lined up, bolted together and then everything
was finished off from there, with all the joints
taped to ensure full airtightness.
While the new house is not a certified Pas-
sivhaus, the architects admit that they fol-
lowed the methodology of the Passivhaus
standard. The property now boasts a 3.8kW
photovoltaic array to generate electricity and
an air-source heat pump that provides hot wa-
ter for the underfloor heating system. A sew-
age treatment plant manages waste, and rain-
water is harvested from the roof, which also
features structural eyelets, should Ian and
Jess ever want to (literally) pick up and leave.
The finish took longer than anticipated due
to the fact that theres a lot of detail in the in-
teriors, adds Jess. Theres bespoke joinery in
the oak cupboards, built-in wardrobes and a
TV shelving wall, for example. But it means
that now there is a place for everything it all
flows beautifully.
It may be built to a restricted size, but we
dont feel its a compromise; it suits our needs
perfectly. We could literally pick up and move
whenever we want, but we have no intention
of doing so. Were hidden in our woodland
glade, which is a great feeling.
homebuilding.co.uk 35
17/03/2017 14:34
 Above and Below:
The Living Area
The interiors are pared back,
with a few key natural materials,
such as timber, used throughout
the large picture windows and
woodland views are the central
focus. The light interior palette
also creates the illusion of extra
space. The dcor is clean and
simple; natural whitewashed
oak, white lacquered kitchen
units with limestone worktops
and chimney wall, and white
walls provide a neutral backdrop
that reflects the changing colours
of the surrounding forest. The
bespoke TV surround/shelving
unit was designed by PAD Studio
and made by Enterprise Joinery
& Cabinetmakers.

Opposite: Master Bedroom

The master bedroom reading
spot, which overlooks the
stunning woodland plot through
floor-to-ceiling glazing, is the cou-
ples favourite place in their new
home (its easy to see why!).

36 homebuilding.co.uk

38-53_Portfolio1_Fletcher v2.indd 36 13/03/2017 11:04

 PORTFOLIO
Contemporary New Build

homebuilding.co.uk 37

38-53_Portfolio1_Fletcher v2.indd 37 13/03/2017 11:04

 ecoHaus
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Pages_4-87.indd 38
advert_internormHF120_150317_HB_R.indd 1 17/03/2017 10:34
15/3/17 13:45:31
 PORTFOLIO
Contemporary New Build

The Bedrooms
The master bedroom enjoys
enviable views through floor-
height glazing. There is a second
bedroom, too. Its perfect when
the family come to stay, as its also
en suite and opens out onto the
deck at the back, says Ian. But
we didnt want to tie this room up
as a second bedroom as theres
just the two of us. So we made it
a dual-purpose room and we use
it every day as a study. Its about
16ft by 10ft, so its a nice big room.

homebuilding.co.uk 39

38-53_Portfolio1_Fletcher v2.indd 39 15/03/2017 12:47

 Underfloor Heating Homebuilding
& Flowing Screed &RENOVATING
SHOW
On-time GLASGOW 20-21 MAY 2017

Right-first-time
We specialise in a wide range of projects including:

Self Builds Barn Conversions

New Builds Extensions
Renovation Projects Basement Conversions

Visit: www.selfbuildfloors.co.uk
Email: info@selfbuildfloors.co.uk
Phone: 0114 231 5937

Pages_4-87.indd 40 17/03/2017 10:34

 PORTFOLIO
Contemporary New Build

W
hether you are thinking of living in a mobile ing if it is used in conjunction with the existing dwelling or for
home on site while your new dwelling is being storage. But it would not be lawful to occupy the caravan as a
built or considering a mobile home as a route to a separate dwelling (i.e. a separate planning unit) or to locate it
permanent replacement home, things are, as usual, covered by on agricultural land, unless you have planning permission.
planning legislation. In other words, to establish a new planning unit, a planning
While the scale, design and construction of such dwellings application would be needed. Often a caravan may be granted
inevitably differs from site to site, in planning terms, each permission on a temporary three-year period in relation to a ru-
dwelling is still classified uniformly as a single planning unit. ral workers dwelling and then permission could be granted for
Therefore, a caravan used legally for a dwelling would be one a permanent dwelling for their use. However, such applications
unit in the same way as a 10-bed mansion! are very specific, with a series of very stringent tests to be met.
Where such a planning unit (There are advantages con-
is legally established, in the cerning costs, build times and
majority of cases you should
be able to replace the current
The Knowledge flexibility in terms of plan-
ning constraints with regard
unit with a new one, subject MOBILE DWELLING to developing a caravan on a
to the size, design and scale of
the proposal. PLANNING RULES site as an alternative to a tra-
ditional dwelling.)
If the current dwelling unit There are numerous exam-
is a caravan there are often ples of case law regarding how
greater restrictions with re- caravans are used, the legality
gard to replacing it. Some of use and or definitions of
local planning policies will structure. Case law unfortu-
allow a caravan to be re- nately muddies the waters
placed by a small-scale brick and creates a number of grey
and block dwelling. Howev- areas that people are able to
er, more often than not such exploit; some are successful,
a replacement would need to others are not. As such, its
stay within the bounds of the important, as always, to stay
definition of caravan as found within the bounds of plan-
within the Caravan Act 1968 ning law to avoid having
(as amended). enforcement officers investi-
This Act sets out that a Planning expert Sally Tagg explains the complex gating and potentially taking
caravan cannot exceed a rules surrounding mobile dwellings action!
footprint of 6.8mx20m with Finally, of most interest
the maximum height being to self-builders is the advice
3.05m. In addition, there are restrictions with regard to the that, in the majority of cases, a caravan can be temporarily lo-
portability of the structure so that it should be physically capa- cated on a site and lived in if used in connection with develop-
ble of being moved by road from one place to another. It should ment taking place on the land, such as building a new home.
also be composed of no more than two sections and it should be The position of councils does vary; however, in general, it is
designed to be assembled on site (i.e. bolted together). considered that where the person using the caravan is involved
There are a wide range of products that fit into this definition, in the construction or management of the replacement dwell-
such as static mobile homes, log cabins or even bespoke prefab- ing, on a full-time basis, there is usually not an issue. Its worth
ricated structures (the Fletchers home being case in point). In noting that, for self-builds where you plan to live on site during
essence, if the caravan is a lawful dwelling then replacing it with the build, it is best to include a caravan as part of the planning
a new structure within the Act should be allowable. application for the property. H

Ensure you Remain within Planning Law Sally is the managing director of
Issues generally arise when a planning unit is deemed not to Foxley Tagg Planning Ltd and
be in line with the legal definition. A caravan, as defined by the Homebuilding & Renovatings
Act, can be located within the curtilage of an existing dwell- planning expert
ISTOCK

homebuilding.co.uk 41

38-53_Portfolio1_Fletcher v2.indd 41 15/03/2017 12:47

 GREEN
SHOOTS
At first glance, this is a quintessential
Dales cottage in fact, this self-build
has been constructed using cutting-
edge building science and materials
Words: Alison Wall Photography: Jeremy Philips

Greendale Cottage
This new build mirrors the tradi-
tional form and materials typical
of a period cottage in this rural
part of County Durham. The
house has been built using ultra-
low energy efficient building
techniques, insulation materials
and equipment, and is the first in
the county to achieve a Band A
SAP rating, with a score of 97/100.

42 homebuilding.co.uk

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 PORTFOLIO
Traditional Self-build

homebuilding.co.uk 43

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 44 homebuilding.co.uk

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 PORTFOLIO
Traditional Self-build

Challenges Addressed
clockwise from top left: Installing a
radon barrier (required because
this is a former lead mining area);
Posi-joints are installed to help
distribute services in the floor
voids during first fix; The front
south-facing faade before local
stone cladding is added; To save
costs and overcome the chal-
lenge of working on a small site,
the joiner built a moveable slide
to pour concrete onto the slab.

Project Notes
Homeowners SUPPLIERS
Study/ Phil and Joy Newbold
Bedroom Architectural designer/project
Project Traditional self-build
manager/main contractor/
Location County Durham
quantity surveyor
Build time Jan 2012 Feb 2013
New Bold Design:
Construction system Double
new-bold-design.co.uk
stud bespoke timber frame with
Airtightness testing Apex
stone outer skin and slate roof
Acoustics: apexacoustics.co.uk
Size 116m2
Bedroom Airtightness products, windows
Bedroom House cost 70,000
and doors, passive ventilation
Build cost 180,000
Green Building Store:
Value 250,000
greenbuildingstore.co.uk
Build system supplier
PROJECT TIMELINE
Swift Timber Homes:
Plot purchased Jan 2012 swifttimberhomes.com
First planning application Wall and roof insulation
Jun 2004 (expired) PYC Construction: 01938 500797
First Floor Second planning application Additional wall and roof
submitted Jun 2011 insulation QUINN-therm:
Start on site Mar 2012 quinn-therm.com
Foundations complete Jun 2012 Floor insulation
Watertight shell Nov 2012 Springvale: springvale.com
First fix Dec 2012 Internal doors
Kitchen
Second fix Jan 2013 NY Timber: nytimber.co.uk
Date occupied Feb 2013 Cladding Dunhouse Quarry:
dunhouse.co.uk
Utility SELECTED COSTS Boiler/heat pump/CHP/stove/
solar/woodburning boiler stove
Stone 17,700
Stovesonline: stovesonline.co.uk
Triple-glazed 7,800
Living Towel rails and sanitaryware
Room Dining windows
Best Bathrooms:
Room MVHR equipment, 6,300
bestbathrooms.com
ductwork and fittings
Furniture Ikea: ikea.com
Woodburning 4,000
Roof slates NE Reclamation
boiler stove
Supplies: reclaimed.uk.net
Internal joinery 2,700
Finance Ecology Building Society:
Kitchen units 2,200
ecology.co.uk
Reclaimed 2,100
Limestone flooring
roof slates
Perfect Home and Garden:
Ground Floor Limestone flooring 2,000
perfecthomeandgarden.co.uk

homebuilding.co.uk 45

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 homebuilding.co.uk

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 PORTFOLIO
Traditional Self-build

Traditional Kitchen
Laminate oak-effect worktops,
painted cabinetry, traditional
fittings, limestone flooring and a
false alcove for the range cooker
all suggest a period stone cottage.
The deep window sills, created
from the 550mm-thick super-
insulated walls, also add to the
look, which was achieved on a
tight budget. Phil placed the LED
lighting over the worktops rather
than the centre of the room (the
more common option), ensuring
that light is directly above the
food prep area.

homebuilding.co.uk 47

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 Modern Cottage Living
The open plan kitchen/hall/
dining area gives an illusion of
space in what is quite a modest
floor area (top left). The living
room (above) features a tradition-
al stone fireplace, oak flooring
and a Passivhaus-compatible
room-sealed woodburning stove.
The triple-glazed faux-sliding
windows were imported from
Lithuania. Meanwhile, the
first floor boasts two generous
bedrooms (top right) and a guest
bedroom-cum-home office.

48 homebuilding.co.uk

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W
hen Phil Newbold, an architec-
tural designer, and his wife Joy
decided to self-build, there was
only one way to go: the ultra energy-efficient
building approach known as Passivhaus. Phil
had just trained as a certified Passivhaus con-
sultant and was keen to put what hed learned
into practice. Passivhaus involves construct-
ing with super-high levels of insulation and
airtightness, and low levels of thermal bridg-
ing (see page 53 for more on the topic).
So when a former walled garden became
available in Upper Weardale, County Durham,
the opportunity for Phil and Joy to move on
from their energy-leaking Victorian home was
too good to miss. Finding a piece of affordable
land was very challenging, even up north, but
when we found ourselves with an opportunity
we took the plunge, but it was a bumpy ride!
says Phil. The result is the low-energy local au-
thority building control (LABC) award-win-
ning Greendale Cottage that falls just short
of certified Passivhaus standards, thanks to
tough planning restrictions.
Perhaps the biggest hurdle facing the couple
initially was the plots location: in a Conser-
vation Area and an Area of Outstanding Nat-
ural Beauty, to boot. The conservation officer
had no interest in Phils Passivhaus vision but
was adamant that the three-bed house had to
follow the local Dales cottage vernacular, and
so it does an L-shaped format, with ran-
dom stone cladding, reclaimed slate tiles on
the roof and faux-sliding sash windows. That
L shape cost them dear in energy efficiency
terms: Passivhaus works best with a square or
rectangular footprint and the cottages irregu-
lar shape, along with its small size (its easier
to build a larger house to Passivhaus stand-
ards), were the main reasons the house just
missed its Passivhaus target.
Nevertheless, it is the first house in County
Durham to achieve a Band A SAP rating, with
a score of 97/100 and fuel bills are around
100 a year, after taking into account income
from two renewable incentive schemes.
Another challenge was finding tradespeo-
ple who understood how to build using Pas-
sivhaus materials and principles. Phil spent
hours guiding and supervising them on how
best to work within the super-insulated and
airtight envelope. Even then, the airtightness
membrane was punctured several times dur-
54-63_Portfolio_Newboldv3.indd 49
PORTFOLIO
Traditional Self-build
ing first fix plumbing and Phil had to repair
every tear. It helps to engage a builder in the
early days of your project and explain that this
is the sort of house you want, he says. Its
a team effort everyone needs to get their
heads around what is needed to build a Pas-
sivhaus or a low-energy house.
Despite the rigorous quality standards re-
quired of a low-energy home, there are plenty
of tasks the self-builder can do with little or
no training, says Phil. He installed the wood-
burning stove flue and all the airtightness
components, as well as the German MVHR
(mechanical ventilation heat recovery) system
that gently heats and circulates fresh warm air
day and night through this essentially sealed
box. Anyone with basic knowledge of putting
things together could install a MVHR system
its like putting a giant Scaletrix together,
although you need an expert to design, com-
mission and balance the system, he says. Re-
tired nurse manager Joy, meanwhile, worked
her way round the cottage taping airtightness
joints and lagging pipes.
Joy was keen to have a woodburning stove,
so Phil specified a Passivhaus-compatible
room-sealed model, also from Germany, with
a back boiler for heating hot water. Most of its
10kW output is used to heat the homes hot
water, bathroom towel rails and a heat leak ra-
diator in the linen cupboard; a mere 1.5kW is
used to heat the living room. None of the other
rooms have radiators or underfloor heating.
During one winter, when the house was
left empty for seven days with just the fridge/
freezer running, indoor temperatures dropped
to 14oC. That wasnt bad considering the out-
side temperatures were -5C, says Phil. In the
summer months, hot water is provided by the
solar thermal panels, supplemented by an im-
mersion heater on duller days using output
from the solar PV panels.
Despite atrocious weather during the build
(heavy rain, gales, snow), the project was com-
pleted in just 18 months, for a build budget of
180,000. Like a lot of true self-builders we
feel a bit like pioneers. We did what almost no
one else has done and it is not easy, he con-
cludes. We have proved that you can build
a real low-energy home/office in a Conserva-
tion Area and an Area of Outstanding Natural
Beauty, which fits in with the local architecture
and addresses fuel poverty issues head on.
homebuilding.co.uk 49
17/03/2017 14:11
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Pages_4-87.indd 50 17/03/2017 10:34


Summerhouse On Site
Phil rebuilt the existing outbuild-
ings on site, one as a potting shed
and one as a summerhouse for
Joy; the mixture of original and
rebuilt stone walls is clearly visi-
ble. A small woodburning stove
means that the summerhouse
can be used in winter.
Homeowners View:
Building a Low-Energy Home
Phil Newbold, an architectural designer spe-
cialising in low-energy buildings, and his wife
Joy designed and self-built their 116m2 home
in County Durham to near-Passivhaus stand-
ards falling just short thanks to draconian
planning regulations.
Planning was not the only challenge on the
project. Ive designed building projects up to
5.5m and thought: Surely it cant be that dif-
ficult to build my own house, he says. If you
are just doing the design and project manage-
ment, it can be relatively straightforward, but
I was also the buyer, quantity surveyor, site
manager and clerk of works. At the same time,
I installed the MVHR [mechanical ventilation
with heat recovery] system, woodburning
boiler stove flue and all the airtightness com-
ponents. That almost led to madness and ex-
haustion. Poor weather, a couple of unreliable
tradespeople and a tight build budget also
added to Phils stress levels.
On the plus side, he could apply his Pas-
sivhaus training and draw on a network of
Passivhaus enthusiasts, including contacts at
the Green Building Store and the Association
for Environment Conscious Building (aecb.
net), and inspiration from the case studies in
Homebuilding & Renovating all useful
experience that he now draws on when advis-
54-63_Portfolio_Newboldv3.indd 51
PORTFOLIO
Traditional Self-build
ing clients (from the comfort of his new
home office) who want to go down a similar
ultra-low energy route.
If you are going to build an energy-efficient
home, it helps to plan the details quite careful-
ly, he suggests. For instance, most of our win-
dows are on the south-facing side, so we get the
benefits of solar gain in the winter. We also have
a minimum number of penetrations through
the building fabric rather than multiple soil
pipes [all potential routes for heat loss] we
have just one for all the bathrooms, the WC and
the utility room. The attention to detail has
paid off, with the U value of the building fabric
standing at 0.1 and the windows at 0.9; air-
tightness is 0.59@50Pa and the PAUL MVHR
system has an efficiency of 94 per cent. This re-
sults in a heating demand of 16kWh/m2/year;
the threshold for Passivhaus certification is
15kWh/m2/year.
Now we have settled in, it is better than we
could have hoped, Phil says. It is warm and
cosy with great indoor air quality my asthma
is so much better now and we have very low
energy bills. Eco home living does require
some lifestyle adjustments, though. For in-
stance, with solar PV panels on the roof, we
put the dishwasher on during the day, so that
we can make full use of the free solar energy.
homebuilding.co.uk 51
17/03/2017 09:28
 ecoHaus
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Pages_4-87.indd 52
advert_internormHS330_150317_HB_R.indd 2 17/03/2017
15/3/17 10:35
13:47:40
 PORTFOLIO
Traditional Self-build

P
assivhaus (or passive house, as it is also known) is a are 10 times better than standard Building Regulations, and
building discipline that originated from Germany in cavity walls are typically 300mm fully filled, compared with
the 1990s and remains the gold standard for ultra-low the 100mm required by Building Regs. (Building Regulations
energy and thermally comfortable homes. standards for energy conservation [Part L] are absolutely piti-
This fabric first approach involves creating an unbroken ful, says Phil.) Fuel savings will offset some or all of that premi-
layer of super insulation, maintaining very high levels of air- um, depending on how long you live in your Passivhaus self-build
tightness and constructing a building virtually free of thermal and on how fuel prices increase in future. The Passivhaus In-
bridging. (Imagine a good conductor of heat, such as a steel stitute estimates that a household living in a 70m2 Passivhaus
beam, timber frame or a concrete balcony carrying heat from could spend as little as 25 on space heating each year.
deep inside the home to the exterior and you have the nasty And while you can choose what construction method to use,
problem of thermal bridging including structural insulated
a phenomenon that can panels (SIPs), timber frame
be responsible for up to one
third of a buildings heat loss.)
The K nowledge and a masonry cavity wall,
you cant simply cherry pick
Remarkably, a Passivhaus PASSIVH AUS from the Passivhaus method-
can be heated almost entirely ology: it demands a planned
from body heat, domestic ap- and integrated approach from
pliances such as cookers and architects, builders, subcon-
lights, and a good mechani- tractors and clients alike. To
cal ventilation heat recovery build a house to accredited
(MVHR) system. However, Passivhaus standards, Phil
a small amount of addition- recommends finding an ar-
al heat is needed in winter chitect or designer who is
to maintain a comfortable qualified and accredited, and
temperature, and an energy working with a builder with
source is also needed for the experience or interest in this
hot water. approach not an easy task,
Despite the need for rigor- as so few have experience of
ous quality standards, Pas- building this way. However,
sivhaus construction is easier the Passivhaus Institute has
to undertake than you might developed a certified trades-
think. On a recent training Alison Wall explains more about person course, so it will also
course on Passivhaus at the creating an ultra energy-efficient home be possible to get a certified
Green Building Store, the contractor on the job.
builders were saying: Its Only houses that have been
quite simple, isnt it? says Phil Newbold. Weve had school- certified by the Passivhaus Institute can be officially declared
children on a visit to our house to learn about low-energy Passivhaus, a process that costs around 5,000. With Pas-
homes, and they really got it its the adults that sometimes sivhaus certification you have a cast iron guarantee that it will
need convincing. perform to certain standards, says Phil. The early experimental
Phil estimates that the first few homes built to Passivhaus Passivhaus in Germany, built back in 1991, is still performing to
standards in the UK were around 15 to 20% more expensive specification, with only a regular change of filters needed for its
than a house built to Building Regulations standard. You can MVHR system. Passivhaus technology is becoming increasing-
now expect to add 10% on to your build budget, mainly to pay ly well known in the UK, and in parts of Germany, all houses
for high-end Passivhaus-certified goods and equipment from have to be built to Passivhaus standards, and the same is start-
Germany and Scandinavia that are not yet widely available in ing to happen in some areas of Ireland. Its also creeping into
the UK. Youll also need to invest in high-quality triple-glazed the UK Exeter Council has said that all its new buildings
windows (one of the biggest additional outlays on a Passivhaus must be built to Passivhaus standards, notes Phil. One day, all
build) and a really good MVHR system (Greendale Cottages houses will have to be built like this. H
MVHR is shown above during construction). The premium is Phil is happy to answer readers queries on low-energy
not surprising when you consider that the airtightness levels self-building; contact him at philip@new-bold-design.co.uk

homebuilding.co.uk 53

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 FAMILY VALUES
Samantha Worrall and Philip Osborne have transformed their 1930s
home, with the addition of a contemporary extension, into a bright
and happy family home all on a tight budget of just 40,000
Words: Natasha Brinsmead Photography: Clive Doyle

A Semi Transformed
The contemporary design of
the newly extended spaces
are in deliberate contrast to the
traditional elements of the 1930s
house. White render, dark grey
PVCu windows and doors and
charcoal bricks at the base of the
structure, along with the flat roof,
all ensure a crisp, modern look.

54 homebuilding.co.uk

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 PORTFOLIO
Extension and Remodel

homebuilding.co.uk 55

Worral v2.indd 55 17/03/2017 09:29

 The Kitchen
Philip works for his familys kitchen business,
Osborne of Ilkeston, so while architect Samantha
designed the space, Philip made and installed it.
We designed the breakfast bar and extendable
dining table to flow seamlessly across the horizon-
tal and vertical planes of design details such as the
engineered wooden flooring, says Samantha. The
ceramic plank flooring ties in nicely with the dark
grey shadow gap detail between the worktops and
units, as well as the dark grey details externally.

56 homebuilding.co.uk

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 PORTFOLIO
Extension and Remodel

Open Plan Spaces

An open plan layout was important to Philip and
Samantha. The kitchen, dining room and informal seat-
ing area all flow into one another; internal bifolds allow
the living room to be closed off as and when required
(overleaf). Natural light comes pouring into the house
thanks to rooflights in the kitchen and dining room.

Custom-Made Details
The dining table, designed
and built by Samantha
and Philip, seats six guests,
although it can extend to
seat up to 10 providing a
sociable space in the heart
of the home.

homebuilding.co.uk 57

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 58 homebuilding.co.uk

Worral v2.indd 58 17/03/2017 09:30


Summerhouse on Site
Phil has rebuilt one of the exist-
ing outbuildings on site as a sum-
merhouse for Joy; the existing
stone walls are still clearly visible.
A small woodburning stove
means that the summerhouse
can be used in winter (top), but
the real warmth and thermal
comfort can be found in the
main house (above and left). The
MVHR system means that the air
quality throughout is excellent
and there are no unpleasant hot
or cold spots.
Ground Floor Spaces
The unloved internal spaces
have been bought up to date for
modern family life the welcom-
ing living room (far left) can be
closed off from the open spaces
when needed. Elsewhere on the
ground floor, a small side exten-
sion at the front of the property
has transformed the formerly
cramped and dark entrance hall
into a bright, useful space (left),
lit by a tall, narrow window.
Worral v2.indd 59
I
ts a classic problem for owners of 1930s
semi-detached homes how do you gain
more space and a family-friendly layout
within the space restraints that come with this
style of house? Thankfully architect Samantha
Worrall and her partner, Philip Osborne, had
plenty of ideas on how to make the most of the
limited space they had to work with.
This was the first house we bought, says
Samantha. After years of renting properties
nearby we were itching to make our mark on
our new home. We lived in it for a year before
embarking on the design proposals and a cou-
ple of years later we started on site.
On the ground floor, the front door opened
directly into the staircase and a tight entrance
hall. There was also a previously extended
kitchen and a living room, while on the first
floor there were two double bedrooms, a box
room and a family bathroom. Overall, the
house was unloved and described by Saman-
tha as lacking in any soul or character.
Samantha had a clear idea of what they
wanted from the property and was particular-
ly keen that there was space for a good-sized
dining table for entertaining, as well as a
downstairs WC. It was also important to draw
in as much natural light as possible. I strongly
believe this is an essential part of any property
enhancement and helps to create a more joy-
ful, happy environment, says Samantha. Our
aim was to inject some life into the tired prop-
erty while paying attention to design details
that maximised the limited available space.
Samantha and Philip planned to create a
contemporary extension. Like most archi-
tects I wanted a stylish and practical kitchen
and was lucky that Philip works for his fam-
ily kitchen business, Osborne of Ilkeston,
explains Samantha. I was able to be create
and design the kitchen, while he made and in-
stalled it. We were the perfect duo!
Samantha and Philip lived in the property
while the building work was carried out, part-
ly due to their limited budget, but also as a
way of overseeing the work on a daily basis.
It did get very messy, admits Samantha. Its aging a build would get to me. I wish Id had
amazing just how much dust can be created. It
got a little stressful when our old kitchen was
ripped out, but we just used a camping stove
and ate out a little more than usual.
As an architect, Samantha took on the de-
sign and project management herself. I was
PORTFOLIO
Extension and Remodel
conscious that I didnt want to be one of those
clients who changed their mind during the
build process so I was perhaps over cautious
with designing almost every single detail up-
front, but Im glad I did in the end.
The ground floor is now almost complete-
ly open plan, with the option to close off the
living room with internal bifold doors. One
of my favourite things is that I can see all of
the living spaces from the kitchen it is truly
open plan and really sociable, says Samantha.
On the first floor, the layout has remained
the same, although to gain more space in the
second bedroom, the boiler was removed and
a new combi boiler fitted into a space behind
the new ground floor WC. The second bed-
room also benefits from views over the sedum
roof that the couple have installed along the
flat roof to the rear of the property. As well as
creating a more attractive view from this bed-
room, we also wanted to provide a sustainable
feature which we thought was fitting given the
context of the allotments at the end of our gar-
den, explains Samantha.
In order to further maximise the spaces,
bulky radiators have been replaced with mod-
ern slimline flat models, while Samantha and
Philip also installed their own version of
heated skirting boards in the dining room, as
well as retrofitting some electric heating into
the kitchen plinths for an extra burst of heat
when necessary.
The new ground floor layout and extension
is now flooded with natural light thanks to
the two aluminium rooflights in the kitchen
and dining areas internal spaces now flow
seamlessly and have a better connection with
the outside space than before.
Apart from Samantha unexpectedly falling
pregnant part way through the build, and only
completing the house internally the month
before she was due to give birth, the project
ran smoothly although Samantha says at
time, it was a lot to take on.
Sometimes, the stress and pressures of
working full-time, being pregnant, and man-
the funds to go to an experienced contractor
to take more on, she says. But that wasnt an
option financially at the time, and ultimately
as I designed our house extension I was best
placed to manage the process, which, although
tough, Im proud to have achieved.
homebuilding.co.uk 59
17/03/2017 09:30
 Ground Floor Cloakroom
In the cloakroom, wall-hung
sanitaryware provides a contem-
porary style, while the high-level
window brings in light without
compromising on privacy.

Project Notes
Homeowners Samantha Worrall
and Philip Osborne
Project Extension and
remodel of 1930s semi
Kitchen External
Location Nottingham Store
Build time May Nov 2014
Extension size 15m2
House cost Already owned
Build cost 40,000
(+ 6,000 for landscaping, etc)
Family Seating Dining Room
Space

SUPPLIERS
Architect OSB Architects:
osb-architects.co.uk
Kitchen Osborne of Ilkeston:
0115 9307601;
osbornesofilkeston.co.uk
Render Weber: netweber.co.uk Living Room

Rooflights
The Skylight Company:
theskylightcompany.co.uk
Windows MDT Windows:
mdtwindows.co.uk;
Anglian: anglianhome.co.uk
LVT flooring (hallway and WC)
Amtico: amtico.com
Engineered floor Ground Floor
Kahrs: kahrs.com
Bathroom Duravit: duravit.com
Kitchen flooring Solus
Ceramics: solusceramics.com

60 homebuilding.co.uk

Worral v2.indd 60 17/03/2017 09:30

 PORTFOLIO
Extension and Remodel

Architects/Homeowners View:
Samantha Worrall, OSB Architects
I spent considerable time designing our extension as I wanted to make sure Id
managed to squeeze every possible inch of potential out of the available space, and
I wanted to produce a very comprehensive set of drawings to go out to tender on.
Due to our tight budget we decided Id take on more of an on-site management
role, to ensure the figures would stack up. We sourced various items ourselves,
such as the rooflights, got a specialist roofing contractor in, and did most of the
interior fit out and dcor work ourselves too (obviously including the kitchen).
I admit that our budget was stretched to its limits. I scrutinised over our cost
plan, which I completed in great detail, as we didnt realistically have a contin-
gency sum.
Im proud of what we have managed to achieve within our budget, and think
our project shows that small-scale extensions can have a dramatic impact on a
typical family home, transforming a tired property into a happy, uplifting space
through a little hard work and dedication.
Our house always puts a smile on my face, from the wonderful daylight and
beautiful kitchen to the sociable open plan space created. The property has now
been transformed into our happy home. H

Master Bedroom
Described by Samantha as un-
loved, the house was in need
of some interior design up-
dates. Upstairs, the bedrooms
have been given a makeover,
and the second bedroom now
also benefits from views over
the new green roof.

homebuilding.co.uk 61

Worral v2.indd 61 17/03/2017 09:30

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Pages_4-87.indd 62 17/03/2017 10:35

 ADVERTORIAL
Solarlux

A New Addition
A family home has been
transformed by the Wintergarden
glass-roof extension.

Let Light Flood Into Your Home

If youre looking to open up your home to the outdoors, Solarlux can
help create the perfect living space for you and your family to enjoy

H
aving bifold doors installed is a sure way light. Every day we are happy that we decided to
to transform your living space, making take this step, says Wendy Smith. We could
it bright and airy all year round. never have imagined what an impact having
Whether youd like a seamless addi- the Wintergarden would have on the ambience
tion to your contemporary house, or to of our living space.
inject a modern contrast to your period Solarluxs products are made in Germany and
property, Solarluxs design and engi- have stood for innovation, quality, and superior
neering can transform the way you use design for more than 30 years.
your home. If youd like to find out more about how you
The Smith family (pictured above and right) can brighten your home, visit solarlux.co.uk or
wanted to give their home wow factor, so they call 01707 339970. H
opted for the Solarlux Wintergarden glass-roof
extension system, which contrasts beautifully
with the beams in their listed home, creating a
harmonious mix of old and new.
Here, exterior walls were extended and the Indoor/Outdoor Living
building was finished with a glazed Winter- SL 80 bifold doors open
garden roof. The system was also completely up the house to the outside and
give the Smith children easy
insulated. access to the garden.
Thanks to the SL 80 bifold doors, the entire
rear of the house can be opened up to the garden
and the recessed bottom rails of this system
also ensure a smooth transition to the outside.
The design gave the family around an extra
24m2 of living space, and the effect is clearly felt.
The familys new favourite place is at the large
dining table where they spend a lot of time
together, as the whole space is flooded with

homebuilding.co.uk 63

Advertorial_Solarlux.indd 63 15/03/2017 14:49

 PRIVATE
RETREAT
Richard Skelton has created a stunning
new home with clear references
to 1960s architecture yet designed with
modern living in mind

Words: Natasha Brinsmead

Photography: Sam Brown
and Andy Haslam c/o of Snook Architects

64 homebuilding.co.uk

Skelton.indd 64 17/03/2017 11:42

 PORTFOLIO
Contemporary Self-build

homebuilding.co.uk 65

Skelton.indd 65 16/03/2017 12:57

 Combining Materials
The living room has a socia-
ble, warm feel thanks to the
use of dark-stained timber
cladding and the stone-clad
double-sided fireplace.

Project Notes
Homeowner Richard Skelton Windows
Project Contemporary self-build Ideal Combi: idealcombi.com
Location Liverpool Lighting and furniture Utility:
Build time Jun 2012 Nov 2013 utilitydesign.co.uk; 0151 708 4192
Extension size 320m2 Flooring
Plot cost 459,000 Havwoods: havwoods.co.uk
(in March 2010) Tiles
Build cost 480,000 Everton Glass: eg-online.co.uk
Value 1.25million Kitchen
Poggenpohl: poggenpohl.com
SUPPLIERS Bathrooms
Architect Zest bathrooms: 01244 345414
Snook Architects: 0151 707 0100; Ironmongery Love Handles:
snookarchitects.com lovehandles.uk.com
Bricks Ibstock: ibstock.com Joiney Liverpool Joinery:
Heating Rehau: rehau.com liverpooljoinerycompany.com;
Woodburner Preferred Joinery:
KalFire: kalfire.com preferredjoinery.co.uk

Ground Floor First Floor

Dressing
Master
Snug Double Bedroom
garage

Kitchen
Bedroom Bedroom

Dining Space

Sitting Bedroom Bedroom

Study
Area

66 homebuilding.co.uk

Skelton.indd 66 16/03/2017 12:57

 PORTFOLIO
Contemporary Self-build

Zoned Spaces
The floor-to-ceiling fireplace,
complete with log storage, acts
as a room divide between the
kitchen/dining area and the
living room, although both
spaces benefit from huge glazed
openings that wrap around the
corner of the house (below) and
draw in plenty of natural light.

homebuilding.co.uk 67

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 68 homebuilding.co.uk

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 PORTFOLIO
Contemporary Self-build

Neutral Backdrop
The open plan ground floor spac-
es feature walls and a ceiling clad
in shuttered concrete. The con-
crete is paired with Italian ceram-
ic floors and stone cladding to
provide a very neutral backdrop
for the selection of contemporary
furniture bought by Richard,
who runs a furniture company
specialising in this style.

homebuilding.co.uk 69

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 R
ichard Skeltons new home would
look just at home in 1960s Palm
Springs as it does nestling surrepti-
tiously into its prestigious Liverpool location
within a private park.
We had our eye on this plot for about five
years, explains Richard. We liked the location
and the large south-facing garden, but, like many
others, were put off by the high price.
An old 1960s bungalow stood on the plot,
which sits within the park that was first devel-
oped in the 1840s and is now home to a mixture
of houses from Victorian villas to highly con-
temporary new builds.
After the plot failed to sell after some time
on the market, Richard, swayed by the enviable
setting and large, sunny garden, made an offer
and secured the plot.
With experience of building and renovat-
ing properties already under his belt, Richard
was acquainted with architect Neil Dawson of
Snook Architects, who he had worked with on
the conversion of a Georgian property from an
office into a house. I spoke to a few architects,
explains Richard. But none had the same shared
vision as Neil.
Richard sold his Georgian property and moved
into the bungalow on the site, living there for
three years while designs were discussed and
planning permission organised, which involved
seeking consent from the other residents of the
private park. There has been a real variety of
developments here over the years, explains
Richard. So gaining planning permission was
actually a breeze.
Richard, who runs a furniture company spe-
cialising in contemporary modern furniture, had
previously lived in the private park some years
before in a 1960s house and has long been a fan
of Mid-century design, so his brief to include
influences of this style in his new home comes
as no surprise.
It was also important to us that the house
had an open plan layout with plenty of natural
light, says Richard. Also, as we do plan to sell
in the future, it made sense that the house would
be suitable for a family home too.
Richard had a very firm idea of the cladding
material for the new house brick, not render,
as seen on so many contemporary builds. A flat
roof was something of a must too, as was exten-
sive glazing and a design that took into account
the orientation of the garden.
70 homebuilding.co.uk
Skelton.indd 70
The unusual, blue long-format bricks are from
Ibstock and provide something of a refreshing
change from the timber cladding and render that
characterises so many new builds these days.
Despite the very modern design of the house,
the combination of these blue bricks, the sapele
mahogany vertical cladding and the very simple,
unfussy form of the house itself means that the
building has very much merged into its setting
and the surrounding landscape.
The faade of the house has a very private
look, described by Richard as defensive a
quality he likes about the overall look of the
building. The aluminium windows on the first
floor are fitted with opaque glass. The larger
window openings on the first floor feature clever
louvered shutters made from metal on the inside
and timber internally. From the inside, a barely
noticable door can be opened for fresh air and
natural ventilation, yet from the outside their
appearance remains the same.
At the rear of the house, a combination of large
picture windows, sliding doors and a stunning
6m-high window equate to more glazing than
solid wall, lending a light touch to the building
and bringing in light by the bucketful to the
interiors. In addition, there are six large glazing
panes that make up much of the flat roof directly
above the landing on the first floor. The glass
roof isnt technically self-cleaning, says Rich-
ard. But the way in which it is slightly sloped
for drainage means dirt is easily washed away
every time it rains.
Internally, the fuss-free, minimalist approach
continues. In the ground floor kitchen/dining
space the walls and ceiling are clad in shuttered
concrete panels which provide a totally neutral
backdrop for the inevitably subtle 1960s-in-
spired furniture. I actually wasnt keen on the
idea of concrete, says Richard. I came round to
it though. I love it on the walls where it is really
practical, but I am still not totally convinced
about the ceiling.
The kitchen is sleek and unfussy and yet the
space does not look stark thanks to touches
such as the open fireplace and furniture choices.
On the first floor are five bedrooms, the master
bedroom having a terrace, dressing room and Open Kitchen
en suite and separated by a bridge. Richard was keen that the kitch-
We are so pleased with the house, says Rich- en should not look too much like
a kitchen; he wanted it to become
ard. In summer we can just throw open all the
part of the open plan spaces. Its
sliding doors and enjoy the garden that drew devoid of clutter, with a seamless
us to the plot, yet the house feels private too. hob and handless units.
16/03/2017 12:58
 PORTFOLIO
Contemporary
Traditional Self-build

homebuilding.co.uk

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 72 homebuilding.co.uk

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 PORTFOLIO
Contemporary Self-build

1960s Influences
The faade of the house has a very distinctive
look, defined by its long blue bricks, softened
with sapele mahogany cladding and a variety of
window sizes and shapes. The 6m-high window
at the rear of the house (left) gives spectacular
garden views from the glass staircase. Large
expanses of glazing continue in the bedrooms
(below) here a small door to the right of the
window opens to reveal louvres that provide
fresh air. The ground floor snug area meanwhile
provides a less public relaxing space (below
left), with Mid-century furniture and shuttered
concrete creating a cosy atmosphere.

homebuilding.co.uk 73

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 74 homebuilding.co.uk

Skelton.indd 74 13/03/2017 14:47


Luxury Master Bedroom
In the master bedroom (left),
a yellow room divider keeps
the sleeping area separate
from the dressing room and
en suite (above and below)
while the roof terrace (below
left) can be enjoyed and
accessed from this room too.
Skelton.indd 75
PORTFOLIO
Contemporary Self-build
Architects View:
Neil Dawson,
Snook Architects
This house is an uncom-
promising modernist vil-
la. From the outset, Rich-
ard and I both agreed
that in line with many of
the other historic proper-
ties in the park it should
be of masonry construc-
tion and anchored into
the ground. Where the
structure becomes slight-
ly more subversive is that while anchored, it also
cantilevers up and over and plays on the improb-
ability of a masonry structure being able to defeat
gravity and seemingly float on air. As part of this
construction process, we were very keen to wrap
the masonry round an in-situ concrete frame (not
typical of domestic construction techniques but
something very common in a commercial set-
ting). Despite initial scepticism, once the (very
brave) decision was taken to run with the con-
crete (and maybe to shut me up), Richard fully
embraced the idea.
The ultimate result is a fine piece of architec-
ture that, although relatively modest in scale, un-
folds to deliver numerous surprises and delights.
It is a true representation of what can happen
when a client is as bold and brave as Richard and
has an informed faith about what they want and
what their architect tries to deliver for them. H
homebuilding.co.uk 75
17/03/2017 14:12

Showcase Your
Personal Style
with Cedral
The architect on this stand-out home chose
Cedral Click as a low-maintenance and
contemporary alternative to more
traditional weatherboarding materials
A
re you looking to create a property
that truly reflects your personality?
Cedral fibre cement cladding from
Marley Eternit enables self-builders
and renovators to create a home com-
pletely unique to themselves.
Reflecting the visual appeal of tim-
ber and available in a wide range of
factory-applied colours and finishes,
the durable Cedral Lap and Cedral Click ranges
offer a truly unique touch to any self-build or
renovation project.
While allowing a homeowners personal style
to shine, the materials durability and low-main-
tenance properties mean they are ideal for a
property that is designed to last. Requiring just
two installers*, the lightweight boards are easy
to install and can be applied alongside a range
of other materials including brick and timber,
offering self-builders the opportunity to improve
the thermal efficiency of their home by installing
insulation between the boards.
Cedral Lap and Cedral Click are an attractive
alternative to more traditional weatherboard
*DEPENDING ON THE SIZE OF THE PROJECT
materials, with their resistance to rot and exter-
nal elements including wind, rain and sunlight
making them a popular choice for both self-build
and renovation projects.
Cedral Click is the UKs first and only flush
fitting, fibre cement, tongue and groove weath-
erboard product. It creates a contemporary flat
finish to the exterior of a property, showcasing
76 homebuilding.co.uk
Advertorial_Marley.indd 76
ADVERTORIAL
Marley Eternit
a modern, linear aesthetic. The flush fitting Low-Maintenance Solution
boards can be installed in a range of interesting David Bull Architects specified
and individual formations, creating a visually Cedral Click for the cladding of
exciting exterior. Offering a more traditional this five bedroom house in
appeal, Cedral Lap is installed in a clapboard Worcester, for an aesthetically
pleasing exterior that will need
effect with the fibre cement boards overlapping
only minimal maintenance.
to reflect a more classic exterior style. The weatherboard played a key
role in the propertys aesthetic as
In Practice the owner wanted to ensure the
Marley Eternit has recently helped construct a exterior had a unified
appearance, says David Bull.
home in Worcester through the use of its Cedral
weatherboard range. Cedral Click was specified
to produce an exterior design that was not only
aesthetically pleasing, but required minimum
maintenance.
Over 120m2 of Cedral Click was used in grey
and fitted in a horizontal style to create a stylish
design on the first floor of the property, with the
ground floor maintaining a traditional brick
exterior. Cedral Click is an external fibre cement
weatherboard cladding material that offers the
flexibility to implement a unique design with a
life expectancy of at least 50 years.
David Bull, principal at Worcestershire-based
David Bull Architects, said: The weatherboard
played a key role in the propertys aesthetic as
the owner wanted to ensure the exterior had a
unified appearance. To help achieve this, other
materials such as the rafter ends were colour
matched to the grey of Cedral Click. The result
is a smart and elegant finish.
For more information, visit cedral.co.uk. H
15/03/2017 14:26
Pages_4-87.indd 77 17/03/2017 10:35
 78 homebuilding.co.uk

AMAZINGConversionsv2.indd 78 13/03/2017 09:15

 PORTFOLIO
Amazing Conversions

AMAZING
CONVERSIONS
From a windmill to power station and public toilet, Daisy Jeffery takes a look
at some of the UKs most unusual conversion projects that pack wow factor

A WINDMILL CONVERTED

W
hen Steve and Natalie Roberts bought their house
in the Suffolk countryside, not only did it come
with land but it also included an old windmill to
boot. Originally built in 1891, the windmill was
in a poor state of repair, with the structure sitting derelict and
elements beginning to fall down.
From the outset, the couple had plans to convert the windmill
into a holiday let. Seven years later, they embarked on the project
with a view to revisioning the windmill for modern living. We
always wanted to keep the windmill appearance from the outside,
says Steve, but as there was nothing left to restore internally, we
chose to create something more contemporary inside.
Over the course of the two-year conversion, the windmill was
made energy efficient with the application of an external wall
insulation system. A Permarock render system was used, with
200mm insulation batts glued and bolted to the outside, with
a mesh over the top and several undercoats applied, before 16
men tackled the job of applying the top coat of render. A new
zinc roof tops the structure. Beneath this, a spherical pod was
built using a structural ply material from Finland. Elsewhere, a
new side extension houses an entrance porch and WC.
Despite the circular nature of the building posing challenges
installing standard kitchen units, for instance, would have been
problematic the couple have managed to transform the derelict
windmill into a comfortable two-bed holiday let (thewindmill
NATALIE ROBERTS

suffolk.com) over four floors, with the top living space benefitting
from a balcony where guests can enjoy an alfresco lunch or a hot
drink overlooking the Suffolk countryside.

homebuilding.co.uk 79

AMAZINGConversionsv2.indd 79 15/03/2017 12:55

 AMBULANCE STATION TO FAMILY RETREAT

T
his stunning transformation of a former 1950s St
John Ambulance station in Rye, East Sussex, has been
carried out by award-winning interior architect Marta
Nowicka of Marta Nowicka & Co (martanowicka.
com), who took on the conversion and redesign of the station.
The result is a characterful four bedroom home, complete with
creative workspace for Marta.
Located within a private walled courtyard of a Grade II-listed
Georgian house, the station previously housed two ambulances.
It was subject to a change of use in 2013, with a brief to create a
space that would nod to the buildings industrial past.
The decision was taken to keep the original, lofty ground
floor area as a living and working space. A central wall which
previously divided the offices from the former ambulance garage
was removed to create a large open plan living space with a
double-sided woodburning stove at its heart creating a key focal
point, as well as zoning the ground floor into cooking, eating,
working and living spaces.
Meanwhile, the upstairs bedroom accommodation has a cosy
feel and is accessed via a large hallway.
Brimming with character, the use of raw materials adds texture
and industrial style to the project. Exposed brickwork and wide
engineered oak flooring, which runs throughout the ground
and first floors, clad the walls in the double-height stairwell and
bedrooms. The original ambulance doors have also been restored
and feature in the living space.
During the conversion, Marta also rebuilt the 1970s side exten-
sion. Drawing from the local vernacular, the exterior has been
clad in local Lydd handmade clay peg tiles to match the existing
roof peg tiles and red brick.
The result of Martas efforts is a beautiful, stylish home which
VOJTEK KETZ

is not only respectful of the buildings heritage, but also works as

a fine example of how to successfully convert industrial buildings.

80 homebuilding.co.uk

AMAZINGConversionsv2.indd 80 15/03/2017 12:55

 PORTFOLIO
Amazing Conversions

homebuilding.co.uk 81

AMAZINGConversionsv2.indd 81 13/03/2017 09:16

 Homebuilding
&RENOVATING
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Pages_4-87.indd 82 17/03/2017 10:35

 PORTFOLIO
Amazing Conversions

FROM PUBLIC LOO TO HOLIDAY HOME

W
hen Charlotte Thomson and Joey Auger bought a
derelict public toilet in Cornwall, they had their
work cut out transforming the 200-year-old
building into a romantic cliff-top retreat in the
historic port of Charlestown. Situated at the curve of the bay, the
ramshackle building was built in 1771 and served as a fishermans
net store for more than 100 years before being converted into a
public loo in the early 20th century.
Careful planning was needed to transform the tiny structure,
which measured just 8.8mx5.1m, into useable living space. To
make the most of the small floorplan, the couple decided to raise
the roof and build a second floor, to include two bedrooms one
bedroom with an en suite with a roll-top bath next to a window
looking out to sea.
Using a pneumatic drill, the couple removed more than 30
tonnes of reinforced concrete from the old cubicle walls. Another
important step during the conversion process was to insulate the
property and make the building energy efficient. Charlotte and of driftwood, for instance, that washed up in a storm, was used
Joey decided to use Celotex GA4000 to insulate the building, to create the handrail on the stairs. The ground floor bathroom
which was installed in the floor, walls and roof. even includes a set of the original Ladies and Gentlemen signs
Underfloor heating also helps to keep the home warm during over the door, an addition that adds a quirky touch.
CHARLOTTE THOMSON

the winter months. Once the project was complete, Charlotte and Joey considered
Elsewhere, character has been injected: ancient oak beams have selling it; however the couple have since decided to keep the
been reused to create window lintels, while items collected from property and let it out as a holiday home more details can be
the local beach bring a sense of the outdoors inside a large piece found at loversretreats.com.

homebuilding.co.uk 83

AMAZINGConversionsv2.indd 83 15/03/2017 12:56

 Lakeland Timber Frame offer
a flexible, personal service
for professionals and
individuals for self-build projects.
We combine high quality craftsmanship
and attention to detail with the latest
developments in technology to provide
timber framed homes and buildings for
the 21st century.

Contact us to find out how we can offer

you practical, value for money timber
frame construction solutions to suit your
you
project and your budget.

Tel: 01524 782596

www.lakelandtimberframe.co.uk
email: info@lakelandtimberframe.co.uk

From balustrades, columns and porticos to

pier caps, window surrounds and custom designs
our high specification cast stone designs provide
affordable elegance to any project.
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haddonstone.com
01604 770711

Pages_4-87.indd 84 17/03/2017 10:35


A BIBLE FACTORY RESTORED
A
fter buying this property once a former Victorian
Bible factory back in 2004, Deborah Collins and
Kieran OKeefe waited 10 years before they decided
to renovate it, after growing attached to this par-
ticular part of east London. The property had remained largely
unchanged since they had moved in, but despite its dated dcor,
the characterful property contained a number of desirable qual-
ities that the couple were keen to retain.
SIMON MAXWELL/LIVING4MEDIA
Deborah and Kieran had a vision of the home that they wanted,
and called on Michelle Chaplin Interiors (michellechaplininteriors.
com) for help, who also project managed the refurbishment.
Reworking the layout was first on the list of changes there
was potential to create a contemporary open plan living space
on the first floor by removing a wall that divided the kitchen and
AMAZINGConversionsv2.indd 85
PORTFOLIO
Amazing Conversions
living room. This change paved the way for an exciting revelation.
As the builders ripped out all the fixtures and fittings on the first
floor, they also removed areas of oddly shaped boxed plaster-
board, only to find several sections of the factorys original steel
girders hidden behind, running both vertically and horizontally
throughout the property.
Keen to use every inch of space, designer Michelle also trans-
formed the unused mezzanine into a home office. To do this, the
access had to be improved, so the narrow wooden ladder was
replaced with a wider staircase, custom-made from galvanised
steel. The mezzanines original safety railings, as well as those
along the principal staircase, were also replaced by balustrades
of frameless toughened glass to give the illusion of more space.
Other essential updates include a complete overhaul of the
heating system, a minimalist kitchen and new bathrooms
elsewhere, cosmetic updates have brought the old building into
the 21st century to create a sleek, stylish home.
homebuilding.co.uk 85
16/03/2017 11:23

A VICTORIAN POWER STATION PENTHOUSE
D
anielle Kingdon and Russell Dawkins took on the
challenge of carving out a penthouse apartment for
themselves and their two daughters from this old
building, situated at the top of a west London Grade
II-listed former power station built in 1901.
The Victorian power station had been converted into flats
in the 1980s, with this particular apartment spread over two
floors, creating a fantastic lateral space comprising an entrance
that opened on to the lower floor, reserved for bedrooms and
bathrooms, while the stairs led up to a separate kitchen, dining
and living room, and opened on to the roof terrace. There were
two balconies overlooking two of the downstairs rooms, and a
mezzanine level. A lattice of architectural steel beams branched
out from the centre of the vaulted ceiling too, but some of these
JAMES FRENCH
had been boxed off or were hidden by dividing walls.
With a view to modernising the penthouse and making the
accommodation accessible for Russell, whos in a wheelchair
86 homebuilding.co.uk
AMAZINGConversionsv2.indd 86
following a cycling accident, all of the walls on the first floor were
removed to create one open plan space. Some of the downstairs
walls were tweaked to make bedrooms and bathrooms larger.
The biggest challenge with this project, however, was working
out where to put the lift, as the couple needed to find a space
with enough height for the lift shaft. The solution was installing
a small, discreet lift into the kitchen units to disguise it.
When it came to the layout for the rest of the flat, Danielle
liked the idea of the mezzanine within the main living area, but
didnt like the bulky pillars and spiral staircase. So this space
has been replaced with a glass-framed home office accessed by
floating glass stairs. Elsewhere, French doors on to the roof terrace
have been replaced with a wide set of floor-to-ceiling doors, and
the internal balconies overlooking the rooms below have been
closed off and turned into cupboards to offer privacy. Finally,
striking steel beams run through the centre of the apartment,
as a defining feature.
After living in period properties and taking on this breathtaking
scheme with contemporary flair, the couple agree this building
is far more suited to their taste. H
15/03/2017 12:56
Pages_4-87.indd 87 17/03/2017 10:35
 Homebuilding
&RENOVATING
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Pages_88-138.indd 88 17/03/2017 10:38

Pages_88-138.indd 89 17/03/2017 10:38
 Architects
VIEW
A Masterclass in Old Meets New
Architect Andy Ramus explains how his practice AR Design Studio
worked with their clients to radically transform a period home
IMAGES:MARTIN GARDNER
Andy Ramus is director
of AR Design Studio
(ardesignstudio.co.uk;
01962 864545).
90 homebuilding.co.uk
122-126_ArchitectsQ&A.indd 90
Branching Out
While the existing villa is
generous in size, the family
wanted something modern, with
an open plan kitchen/dining/
living space, swimming pool and
home cinema. The contrasting
faade is clad in white render
under a black zinc roof.
Can you tell us more about the
background of the building
Andy: The original house was built in 1850 as
one of the original Winchester villas that were
built for wealthy families on one of the citys
finest roads at a similar time. They were all built
in brick in a classic Victorian style with a Win-
chester twist through the use of flint, which is a
popular local material. Over the years the house
belonged to a local authority and was used as a
half-way house, with the interiors subdivided to
provide accommodation for the 11 people living
there it was in a bad state when we saw it and
it took three months to clear everything out.
When were you approached by the client?
We were on board from the very beginning and
were looking at houses with the clients before
they even bought this one its part of the
advisory service we provide to give clients likely
costs of works and potential difficulties to help
them choose the right home for them. They were
looking to upsize and this property presented
the opportunity to renovate and extend.
They were interested in restoring the house to
its original state, including restoring the peri-
od-style coving, floorboards and fireplaces. The
studwalls were ripped out to leave the first floor
with four good-sized bedrooms and we added
13/03/2017 16:27


homebuilding.co.uk 91

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Pages_88-138.indd 92 17/03/2017 10:40

two more in the generous roof space. The clients
then wanted to do the absolute opposite in the
extension and create something really modern
with an open plan kitchen/dining/living space,
swimming pool and home cinema.
Wanting to add a bit of gravitas to the rear
of the house, a palette of white render under a
black zinc roof was specified for the extension,
and the entire southern facade of the new addi-
tion has been glazed and then shaded by an
overhanging canopy supported by a colonnade
that expresses the form of the new extension
and evokes a feeling of grandeur.
122-126_ArchitectsQ&A.indd 93
PROJECT ADVICE
Architects View
Old Meets New
There is a happy marriage of
traditional and contemporary
features within the finished
home, with spaces such as the
formal living room that sits
within the existing building
boasting characterful cornicing
and grand fireplaces. The new
open plan kitchen/dining/
living area to the rear, however,
oozes minimalist style.
How was the proposal received by planners?
Once planning permission had been submit-
ted, the planners only came back with a few
objections and stated they didnt think a metal
roof was appropriate for the area. I sent them a
picture of the metal roof on the citys cathedral
which was a mere 300m away and the applica-
tion was approved shortly after.
Were there any issues on site?
After our builder went bust something that
has happened several times in the past few years
and with a need to get the project finished, I
homebuilding.co.uk 93
13/03/2017 16:27
Pages_88-138.indd 94 17/03/2017 10:40

Room to Entertain
High on the wishlist for the client,
and part of the reason behind the
large extension, was a swimming
pool complex, as well as a home
cinema making the house
a popular location for hosting
parties with family and friends.
122-126_ArchitectsQ&A.indd 95
decided to start a building company with my
friend (a civil engineer by trade, whod had a
lot of work done on his house by a good team of
builders but who had no manager). The compa-
ny now has four teams and works alongside the
practice hand-in-hand. Its worked really well
as a one-stop shop for clients as it solves a lot of
problems that can occur within the construction
industry its definitely the way forward for us.
The project ended up taking 18 months, in two
phases, with the refurbishment of the existing
PROJECT ADVICE
Architects View
property carried out while we waited for plan-
ning permission for the extension.
How does the home work for the family?
With four young children, the house now pro-
vides room for the whole family to have their
own private space, but there is also this fantastic
communal area where they can all be together.
The house is great for parties too, and at 545m2
can easily accommodate 120 people the house
is fantastic in terms of socialising. H
homebuilding.co.uk 95
15/03/2017 12:57
 Before
& AFTER
A 60s House Transformed
Into a Country Home
Sue Luckin explains how she and her husband
Roger transformed their dilapidated 1960s house
in East Sussex into a characterful family home
L
Photography: David Merewether
ooking for a renovation project in the
countryside, Sue and Roger Luckin
moved from their Victorian townhouse
in Eastbourne, East Sussex, to tackle
this architect-designed 1960s home.
The house had been built for an artist
but looked very neglected; however the
garden was magical, Sue remembers.
We knew that there was the potential
to create something unique here.
Instead of demolishing the dilapidated house,
the Luckins were inspired by its floor-to-ceiling
windows and the connection to the garden. The
previous owner had also built garages and an
96 homebuilding.co.uk
Before&After May17 v2.indd 96
artists studio, all with flat roofs, which provided
a huge footprint that the couple could work with.
This gave us the idea of opening up the entire
interior of the old house, and building not only
around the existing structure, but also over it, to
create a much larger property, says Sue.
As a former architectural draughtsperson,
Sue drew up the new plans with the help of a
structural engineer. Due to the sensitive location
of the site and the predominantly traditional
style of the neighbouring houses, Sue opted for
a contemporary interior, with a more traditional
exterior. The planners loved what we proposed,
she says. I think they liked the fact we were
15/03/2017 12:57

going to use reclaimed and natural materials
for the exterior, and that it would look like a
traditional country house.
With permission granted, the builders broke
ground, demolishing walls within the 1960s
structure to create a large, open plan area that
would become the kitchen and dining space. The
roof was removed to accommodate a new steel
and oak frame that was built around and over
the old house. A glass and oak frame extension
to the rear also houses a new living room that
overlooks the garden and beyond.
Externally, the white-rendered box-like faade
has been transformed with extensions built in
Before&After May17 v2.indd 97
a mix of brick and block and oak frame, clad
in larch weatherboarding, painted black, on
the second storey. A red brick chimney breaks
up the faade and adds to the traditional style.
While the exterior looks like a typical Eng-
lish country house, the interior design is con-
temporary, with white walls and furnishings.
A structural support in the open plan kitchen/
living/dining space, disguised as a sculptural
log store, acts as a focal point, along with the
timber ceilings in the living room.
The old house gave us a starting point, says
Sue. We feel very privileged to live here and have
taken a real journey in creating this house. H
PORTFOLIO
Before & After
A Characterful Remodel
A radical change from its former
days as a white-rendered, boxy
house, the Luckins have given
the home a traditional remodel,
brimming with character,
thanks to a mix of render and
weatherboard cladding and
a red brick chimney. A series
of brick and block and oak
frame extensions built around
the existing structure help to
increase the internal spaces, too.
homebuilding.co.uk 97
16/03/2017 12:59
 Planning
A PPROV ED!

Daring to be Different
in Design Terms Can Pay
Off with the Planners
Designer Pete Tonks explains how a risky move paid
off to achieve planning permission for his own project

Pete Tonks How did you come across the project?
Pete Tonks is an After spending years advising clients on gaining
architectural designer and planning permission, designs and financing, I
MD of PJT Design Ltd dived head first into this project after finding a
(pjtdesign.co.uk). plot. I then found myself as the client as well as
the designer it was a really useful experience.
We found this plot on Rightmove.
It was being sold as a derelict bungalow on a
floodplain, and I think this put off a lot of buy-
ers. After doing some digging around the local
councils website, we discovered the bungalow
had planning permission for a first floor exten-
sion, which we didnt like and immediately my
wife and I considered it as a demolition project.
Importantly, it was in the village we had always
wanted to live in, just a mile away from our
previous home.
Were there any restrictions to adhere
to when designing the home?
There was no set brief in place; the design really
became an instinctive collection of all of the
ideas wed gathered over the years that we liked.
The idea was always to create a fun place to live,
with big open spaces for the kids to grow up
in a real family home.

98 homebuilding.co.uk

PlanningApproved 2.indd 98 16/03/2017 15:21


There are three houses at the back of the plot
and we knew from the outset that ridge height
was going to be a concern we couldnt build
anything higher than the neighbouring build-
ings. With the site being on a floodplain we had
to build the ground up by 350-400mm which,
again, meant the scale had to be considered.
These two factors really gave us a blueprint of
the height of the building. We knew we wanted
a considerable footprint and so designed the
house to be broken down into components made
up of barn-style buildings with linked sections.
How did you approach the planning process?
I am usually an advocate of enlisting pre-appli-
cation advice at the planning stage, but I chose
not to involve the planners on this project. It
was a slightly confrontational move but, on this
occasion, it felt right.
From my point of view, there was already
planning permission on the property, the prin-
ciple of the house already existed, and it ticked
all of the boxes of the National Planning Policy
Framework [which sets out the Governments
planning policy for England], so I didnt feel the
need to open a dialogue with the planners where
PlanningApproved 2.indd 99
personal opinion could then be introduced and
potentially change the scheme. We went on the
charm offensive with the neighbours from day
one, and wrote to them to explain that we want-
ed to create a family home and that we werent
developers. This went a long way. We even took
the trouble to deliver them a bound copy of the
proposal. This was also sent to the parish clerk,
who thought it was a befitting gateway building
to the village and was the best application he had
seen in 10 years. We still had a nervous Christ-
mas waiting to hear whether the application had
been approved, but it went straight through.
What advice would you pass on to others?
My advice to anyone would be to aim for what
you want to do dont feel you need to fit in
with the neighbouring houses. Village archi-
tecture is, after all, a progression of individual
houses and not mainstream mass housing, so
dare to be different and stand out. Do, however,
be sensible and take advice when it is offered.
Invest in a good application if you want to be
taken seriously, and do your research. If there
are surveys and reports that need to be done,
get them done. It will all pay off in the end. H
PROJECT ADVICE
Planning Approved
Planned Elevations
Weve chosen a palette of
natural materials, all typical of
the Cambridgeshire area, with
stone, brick and timber cladding
and a slate roof, explains
designer Pete. There are a lot of
agricultural buildings nearby,
and Ive always loved tin and
metal buildings, so we are going
to be using Cor-ten steel as a
cladding material too, with the
idea of reclaiming as many
materials as possible. I really
want to craft the house and not
just build it its an art project.
homebuilding.co.uk 99
16/03/2017 09:50
 ON SITE
Everyone
Thinks They
Can Manage
a Bit of Dust...
Wayne and Claire Markham are in the
middle of carrying out a loft extension
and remodel of their rundown bungalow

A
fter Wayne and Claire Markham were
made an offer they couldnt refuse on
their five-bed home in Lincolnshire,
the couple, along with their two
children, moved into this three-bed
bungalow in the same village only
to discover the planning permission
in place for a (much-needed) loft
conversion had lapsed.
To increase the size of the bungalow to be
comparable with our previous house we chose
to reapply for planning permission for a loft
extension, lifting the roof and including dormer
windows to increase the head height within
the rooms allowing for three bedrooms, one
with en suite, and a family bathroom on the top
level. The existing three bedrooms downstairs is up. The soffits and fascias are also being fitted
will be used as a guest bedroom, an office and currently, and the staircase is due to go in shortly.
a playroom for the children, explains Wayne. Keen to modernise the bungalows red-
At ground level, the plan is to knock through brick faade, the couple have chosen a more
a wall to create a large kitchen diner, spanning contemporary material palette. For the exterior,
the width of the rear. We plan to install a run of weve chosen to clad the dormers in K-Rend and
bifold doors opening to the garden. We chose Claire was keen to continue this for the whole
to leave the rest of the ground floor largely house. It now looks great underneath the new
untouched, so it is still habitable for us to live slate-effect concrete tiles, says Wayne.
in while the work is being finished upstairs, Although the build is running smoothly,
which we are hoping will be completed by the Wayne warns others not to underestimate the
Spring, he continues. chaos of living on site. Everyone thinks they
Fortunately, the couple found gaining can manage a bit of dust, but its more than
planning permission simple, and the project that and at times it can get very frustrating
has been helped by the fact that Wayne is a coming home to mess and needing to clean all
plasterer by trade. Ive been very hands on the time. Having children while living on site,
with the project so far and have built all of the you also have to keep them from sliding on the
upstairs studwalls and will be carrying out the floor and staying away from the builders while
MATTHEW GIBBS

plastering and decorating, he says. theyre busy working. My advice would also be
At the moment, the house is weathertight, to not let it stress you out too much this wont
the new roof is on and tiled, and the studwork make any problems go away. H

100 homebuilding.co.uk

On Site May 17.indd 100 15/03/2017 13:21


Receive a Free
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love to hear from you! As a
thank you, were offering
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magazine. To have your
project featured here, email
homebuilding@
centaurmedia.com.
On Site May 17.indd 101
WEB
Top Tweets:
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homebuilding.co.uk 101
15/03/2017 13:21
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Pages_88-138.indd 102 17/03/2017 10:40

 Diary of a
SELF-BUILD

All Good Things

Come to an End
We follow serial self-builder David Snell as he embarks on his
fourteenth project sharing his tips along the way. In the last of the
series, his new home is completed and the removal van arrives

I
ts been a busy and, at times, frustrating,
month. Our builder Bruce and his wife
Kathy who are building a house next door
on the adjacent plot gave notice on their
rented house, which meant that he had to
concentrate on getting his own house habit-
able, while at the same time making things
happen in our house. (The removal van had
already been booked to arrive with all of our
worldly possessions.)
Four weeks ago the house was still a partially
decorated shell a long way from being a home.
Then, all of a sudden, things began to change.
In our en suite, decorator Andy painted the
wainscoting in a blue colour mixed at Jewsons.
The room instantly came to life. My wife Linda
wasnt pleased with it at first its a bit bright
and a lot louder than anticipated but I loved it.
I think shes coming around to it, especially when
I tell her that well get some paintings from an
artist in Dungeness that shes admired. Besides,
we can always paint it again one day. The shower
cubicle also proved to be a bit of a jigsaw that
seemed to take Bruce and his son Ollie half a
day, and a few well-chosen words, to fit. into City Plumbing in Chepstow and paid the The Flooring is Laid
Elsewhere, I was pleased to see that the last bill. There are always glitches when these quite With David and wife Lindas new
section of balustrading was fitted to the staircase. complicated bits of equipment go in and it home nearly complete, the team
When wed ordered the staircase from Stairbox, turned out that Matt, while able to fit the boil- get to work laying the oak
the online software wouldnt allow us to put er, wasnt qualified to fire it up and commission flooring in the living space but
not before laying a self-levelling
balustrading at the lower end and I didnt like it. That task fell to Angus, Bruces friend, who
compound down a few days
the fact that there was no protection on the last came along to fit the last 100mm section of the beforehand.
three steps. However, Stairbox provided us with gas piping and fire up the boiler once AvantiGas
the extra material and it made sense to leave it had filled up the LPG tank.
until this late stage so that it wouldnt get dam- After close to a year of sitting beneath the
aged with all of the traffic in and out of the door. concrete oversite, the central heating loops were
called into action with much gurgling and splut-
The Boiler is Fired Up tering as the air within them was driven out by
The main rush was to get the boiler in and the the hot water. The system has been running
central heating up and running. Matt, Bruces for a full week now and I still have to bleed the
brother-in-law, came to price up the boiler and radiators on the top floor several times a day.
all of its associated gubbins and then I nipped When it first fired up, the boiler was very noisy

homebuilding.co.uk 103

Diary of a Selfbuild May17.indd 103 15/03/2017 13:49

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WOF full page ads HB&R March 2016 artwork.indd 2 04/01/2017 15:06

but as the last of the air was driven from the
pipes, its getting quite quiet, and its wonderfully
efficient. The house is as warm as toast and, with
all of its super insulation, seems to hold the heat
to such an extent that the boiler doesnt have to
fire very often.
A house is not a home until you can go to the
toilet; we needed to get the drainage runs in and
connected to the sewage treatment plant first.
Bruce undertook this task at the weekend, ably
assisted by Kathy. It was all fairly straightfor-
ward, although the hole for the tank was quite
deep. The digger picked up the heavy tank and
it was manoeuvred into position and lowered
gently to the bottom before being half filled
with water to stabilise it while the excavation
was backfilled. Its all connected now, although
it doesnt have power and wont have until we
build the rear retaining wall of the garages.
Hurtling Towards Completion
Ollie finished off the electrics and Dave, another
relative, came along to test everything and sign
it all off. We had a few problems. The light-
ing circuit kept tripping out and they simply
couldnt find the fault. Ollie spent two whole
days searching for it and he and Bruce finally
tracked it down to a faulty downlight in the
kitchen. Happily we had a spare, and there was
a loud cheer from everybody when the lights
finally went on and stayed on.
Andy and Ollie worked together to lay the
oak flooring in the lounge. We chose engineered
oak and it is really quite easy to fit. We did have
to put a self-levelling compound on the floor a
couple of days beforehand; a legacy of the time,
early in the build, when the concrete polisher
wouldnt work and we had to tamp the oversite.
(You may recall that wed decided not to have
Diary of a Selfbuild May17.indd 105
PROJECT ADVICE
Diary of a Self-build
a screed and weve laid the underfloor heating Finishing Touches
pipes directly in the oversite concrete.) Every- After getting a quote for a boiler,
where else on the ground floor was pretty level Bruces friend Angus came
and that meant that the carpet fitters were able along to fire up the boiler once
to come in to lay the whole of the first floor and AvantiGas had filled up the LPG
tanks. Elsewhere, decorator
our downstairs bedroom and dressing room.
Andy has painted the
wainscoting in the bathroom
The Big Move blue a feature that Davids
The following day the furniture and all of our wife Linda is now getting
belongings arrived from storage. It took us just accustomed to.
half a day to get it all off and in, assisted by our
son, James. We left it all there that night ready
to unpack the next day. Weve moved many
times 30 moves in 45 years of marriage no
less but its still a wonderful experience. It
feels like Christmas as you unwrap all of those
things that youve forgotten you had. This time
I couldnt help feeling that theres probably a lot
that we dont really need. After all, who needs
six sets of crockery?
So were in, but we havent slept at the house
yet. This time around, we have the luxury of
being able to unpack at our leisure and then go
back to our apartment every evening to sleep in
a space that is a lot more comfortable now that
were able to de-clutter it and take everything
across to the house.
Over the next few weeks and months well
gradually get straighter inside and out, and
concentrate on completing the garden and the
external works. But for now, Im able to sit here
in our top lounge writing this while admiring the
view that sold the plot to us in the first place. H
Catch Up
Missed any of this series from David Snell?
Catch up on his project from start to finish
online at homebuilding.co.uk/types/blog
homebuilding.co.uk 105
15/03/2017 13:49
Pages_88-138.indd 106 17/03/2017 10:40
 Diary of a Home
EXTENSION

Creating Plans for

Buildings Regulations
Chartered surveyor Ian Rock bravely gets to grips with the
task of creating his own Building Regulations-compliant
drawings a task that takes him five days of study exile

L
ast month, my wife Ewa and I found
ourselves in a bit of a quandary while
preparing plans for our new extension.
I was keen to try my hand at preparing
the detailed drawings for our Building
Regulations application, but with pro-
fessional CAD packages costing well
into four figures, the sums simply didnt
add up. Once you factor in the cost of
your own time, too, it makes a lot more sense
to appoint a professional to do the job for you.
But picking the easier option isnt always the
right approach for all projects. In this instance, I
was determined to learn a new skill and prepare
my own drawings.
After more research, my hopes were raised
when I came across a possible solution Arcons
3D Architect Designer software looked like it
might fit the bill, with a range of packages priced
from 150 to 550. So I thought Id give them a
call to find out more. Gratifyingly, I got straight
through to Tim Bates at Elecosoft (the company
behind the software) and asked if they had any-
thing suitable for 2D Building Regs drawings.
I took the plunge and opted for Arcon Evo, a
well-reviewed mid-range CAD package specifi-
cally geared to building design and floorplans.
I liked the fact that they had some decent PDF
guides available, sensible UK-produced videos,
and if required, access by email or phone to a real
person who knew what they were talking about.
After five days of self-imposed study exile I
emerged pale and blinking into the daylight,
proudly clutching a set of professional-looking
drawings. My efforts were greatly assisted by
the facility to import existing scale drawings
and trace over them using guidelines, thereby
ensuring continuity with the planning drawings.
Creating Detailed Drawings Ready for the Final Plans
With the aid of a standard A3 colour inkjet Ians home in Buckinghamshire
printer, to my great satisfaction, it was now is set to be extended, with
possible to print out multiple copies whenever planning permission granted
required. Although the same result could have and the detailed plans for
been accomplished in a fraction of the time by Building Regulations purposes
now in progress. (This month, Ian
drawing plans by hand, the real bonus comes tries his hand at producing his
if you need to make any amendments, produce own Building Regs drawings.)
working drawings for the builders, or produce
more detailed drawings of specific areas, such
as foundations or floor joists, using an earlier
copy as a template.
In my experience, a lot of professional plans
also try to cram every piece of data on to a single
enormous A1- or A2-sized sheet of paper, making
them virtually unreadable on site. So I opted to
submit the following additional information on
separate documents:
l Thermal insulation compliance
This lists the U values you aim to achieve for
each thermal element of the building the
walls, roofs, windows, doors and floors. The
performance obviously depends on the choice
of construction materials and how easily heat
passes through them (the lambda-value or

homebuilding.co.uk 107

DiaryExtension May17.indd 107 15/03/2017 16:17

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Pages_88-138.indd 108 17/03/2017 10:40


K-value) as well as the type and thickness
of the insulation. Fortunately, there are plen-
ty of online calculators available, such as the
one on Kingspan Insulations website (uvalue-
calculator.co.uk/calculator), to help you work this
out and insulation manufacturers can also assist.
l Span tables
The span and spacing of floor joists, roof rafters
and flat roof joists will normally be calculated by
your structural engineer, although there are span
tables online that you can view for reference (try
rightsurvey.co.uk/joist-span-tables-for-floor-
construction). Alternatively, if you provide the
manufacturers of I-joists and beam and block
floors with your drawings, they should be able to
provide the necessary calculations free of charge.
l Window-to-floor ratio
The combined area of all new glazing in an
extension (e.g. windows, doors and rooflights)
should total no more than 25% of the internal
floor area (after deducting any existing openings
covered over by the extension from the total
area of new glazing). The proposed total area
of new glazing on our extension, at 35m2, far
exceeds the 28m2 allowed to us under the 25%
rule (based on 112m2 gross internal floor area).
Happily, factoring in the total area of existing
windows and doors engulfed by the extension
buys us an additional 7m2 just enough to
comply! Where your design exceeds this, you
will need to provide some form of justification,
usually achievable by beefing up thermal effi-
ciency elsewhere in an extension.
Time-Saving Measures
In essence, the job of the drawings is to tell
building control in diagram and text form how
each specific part of the building is going to
comply with the Buildings Regulations. But
no matter how much of a CAD genius you are,
theres no point reinventing the wheel, trying
to illustrate complex design details that already
exist in diagrammatic form. Fortunately, Arcon
programmes have the ability to import ready-
made detailing.
There is an excellent website for this pur-
pose, BuildingRegs4Plans.co.uk, where, for a
small fee, you can download a wide selection of
diagrams such as suspended floors construc-
tion, eaves detailing and rafter insulation and
incorporate them in your plans. This saves you
having to scour through the Approved Docu-
ments (the Department for Communities and
DiaryExtension May17.indd 109
PROJECT ADVICE
Diary of an Extension
Local Governments hefty guidance on ways to
meet Buildings Regs) to try and locate relevant
diagrams. You also get access to a lot of very
useful Building Regs compliance text which can
be copied and pasted to populate your drawings
(and edited if required).
In the end, our completed application com-
prised a set of 16 A3-sized drawings (mostly
1:100 scale). In addition to those showing the
main elevations, floorplans, sections and site
layout, it was a simple job to print off additional
sheets with details of drainage, ventilation and
floor structures thanks largely to the availabil-
ity of ready-made diagrams and pre-formulated
chunks of text.
Submitting Plans to Building Control
In my local authority, the fee payable for a Full
Plans application depends on the projected
floor size. The largest band and highest fee is
for extensions of between 60m2 and 100m2.
Our extension exceeds this, and if thered been
a higher band Id have selected it. As it was, we
ended up with a total bill of 880, comprising
an initial 320 charge payable up front, with the
balance paid as an inspection charge around the
time of the first site visit. The alternative Build-
ing Notice route is now 20% more expensive,
presumably in a bid to put people off using the
short cut method.
There was just one key document left out-
standing, probably the most important of all
the structural engineers calculations. To
start the ball rolling, theres nothing to stop
you submitting your application and drawings in
advance, and emailing the detailed calculations
over shortly after. Theres normally a certain
amount of initial shilly-shallying backwards and
forwards while the application is being checked,
so getting it submitted a little earlier should
buy you some time by kicking off the five-week
assessment process.
However, before our drawings could be
completed there were a couple of structural issues
I first needed to get some advice on. My next
task was to find a tame structural engineer H
Next Month
Ian endeavours to find a local structural
engineer to resolve his structural issues
homebuilding.co.uk 109
16/03/2017 14:49
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Pages_88-138.indd 110 17/03/2017 10:40
 Diary of a
REMODEL

Tag Team Design

We follow HB&R Editorial Director Jason Orme as he
embarks on the renovation and major remodel of his
1960s home sharing his knowledge along the way

I
ts hardly surprising that one of the mantras I
have followed with major building projects of
this sort is dont rush in. The planning, design
detailing and budgeting process has been such
that we have, in effect, spent the best part of
three years before breaking ground. In many
ways, the time weve spent agreeing schemes
with designers, only to find that builders con-
sider them to be undeliverable for our budget,
has been time well spent. We have spent more
than we would have liked on design fees, too I
stopped counting at 10,000 but we have taken
the view that this will be our family home for the
next decade or two, and so a bit of investment now
to get it right is worth it in the long run.
We used three designers for our scheme. Initially
we used Pete Tonks, who regular readers of this
magazine will be familiar with. He is a hugely
talented and creative designer. We talk the same
language in design terms we like the same archi-
tects and Ive not been in one of Petes homes
without a sharp feeling of envy. We talked budgets
at that early stage and while many of the concep-
tual elements that he came up with have ended up
in our plans today, we struggled to find a builder
locally who could realise it for the money we had.
We then used local RIBA architect Aaron
Chetwynd to bring these concepts to life and add
some additional design flavour. Again, howev-
er, we found ourselves struggling to marry the
concept of the scheme with the budget (which
wed put at around 130,000). Talking to one of
the builders who had advised us along the way,
we found that what we really needed was some
practical, cold-truth design advice and so turned
to an experienced local architectural designer,
Jon Grew. Jon had a great reputation among the
builders we met for the quality of his drawings
and eye for construction detail and, best of all,
his ability to value engineer a building scheme to
get maximum benefit with minimum outlay. He
challenged us on why we were wedded to certain
design ideas and helped us to concentrate on the
critical things. These were, and remain, a bigger
kitchen space, a better layout, a more impressive
exterior, energy improvements, the rebuild of our
sons dormer bedroom, and a more impressive
master bedroom arrangement. Working with Jon,
we managed to capture the essence of Petes origi-
nal concepts and rationalise them into a buildable
reality that would mix architectural space and
flair with a practical improvement in the way the
house works for us as a family. And because Jon is
such a master of the costs, we ended up finding a Tailoring the Design
couple of builders who could work to our budget. Jasons 1960s home has been
Could we have approached it more effectively? patiently waiting for renovations
Of course. We could have been more focused with for the last three years. After
designers at an earlier stage and not have been gaining advice from three
designers, the design and plans
so carried away with details that we werent even
for the project have been
sure could be built. The house was already 270m2, finalised and now tread that
which is a perfectly respectable size. The extended happy line between providing
space will add another 40m2 or so to this, but the the space the family need and
real improvement will be both in terms of flow being achievable within Jason
and wife Sarahs build budget.
and arrangement of rooms, and the makeover
element of the project. The quicker we could have
realised this, the better it took us a long time to
get there, but heres hoping it will be worth it. H
Next month
Achieving planning permission

homebuilding.co.uk 111

Diary of a Renovation May17.indd 111 17/03/2017 14:12

 Site Insurance
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Pages_88-138.indd 112 17/03/2017 10:40

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 Stairs and More
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Pages_88-138.indd 114 17/03/2017 10:40

 PROJECT ADVICE
Circulation Space

1 Capture the View

Circulation space is often considered secondary
to the living spaces, but if your home is orientated
towards a killer view, you should ideally exploit
opportunities to capture the view in every space.
In this project, designed by WT Architecture, the
occupants are greeted to that view each and every
time they ascend the staircase. Whats more, the
wide picture window makes this relatively narrow
landing feel more expansive.

CIRCULATION
IDEAS FOR

SPACE
Moving around the home should take
you on a journey through different,
unique spaces. Daisy Jeffery offers 12
top tips to test out in your own home
ANDREW LEE

homebuilding.co.uk 115

Circulation_spacev2.indd 115 16/03/2017 11:49

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&RENOVATING
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GLASGOW 20-21 MAY 2017

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Pages_88-138.indd 116 17/03/2017 10:40

 PROJECT ADVICE
Designs Ideas for Circulation Space

2 Dont be Afraid to
Add Drama
If you have a large hallway,
or your first floor is reached
through a separate room (i.e.
living room or kitchen), opting
for a grand staircase can make
a statement. In this project, a
Bisca staircase forms a rib-
bon-like structure that not only
creates a dynamic way of mov-
ing between levels, but thanks
to its cantilever, allows the area
beneath to be used for seating.
The double-height bookcases
add to the sense of theatre.

3 Add Internal
Windows
Where connecting spaces
meet, consider installing
internal windows to help
bring different rooms
together and offer a sneak
peek between spaces
great for playing peekaboo
with the kids. This new
build in the Hebrides
designed by Denizen Works
is case in point, with
internal window openings
and reveals connecting the
different levels and spaces
within the home.
FAR RIGHT: DAVID BARBOUR

4 Build in Flexibility
Whether youre utilising a generous
landing or perhaps knocking through to an
adjacent box room, building in flexibility is a
great idea. In this case, the dressing area can
feel part of the large landing, or be concealed
behind sliding doors from Spaceslide. When
shut, the mirrored doors bounce light around
the hall and lend an illusion of space.

homebuilding.co.uk 117

Circulation_spacev2.indd 117 15/03/2017 13:25

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Pages_88-138.indd 118 17/03/2017 10:40

 PROJECT ADVICE
Designs Ideas for Circulation
KitchenSpace
Units

5 Think Outside the Box

When we think of circulation
space, first thoughts tend to turn to
hallways, corridors, landings and so
on. However, consider combining
the functionality of circulation space
(for housing a staircase or entrance,
for instance) with an existing room
(the living space, for example). This
Bisca staircase and bridge landing dis-
sect the living space without this
dynamic feature, the lofty space may
have been left lacking.

6 Introduce a Glazed Link

7 Be Generous with Space
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: BISCA; JEREMY PHILLIPS X 2

No matter the size of your home, Theres a temptation to restrict

moving between spaces can prove all the
more interesting with the inclusion of
a glazed link. This feature has become
a real trend in barn conversions, where
multiple farm buildings have been
joined through a glazed link to become
one large family home adding a great
contemporary contrast to the rough-
ness of the building materials. Here, the
glazed link forms a dramatic entrance.
circulation space think pokey cor-
ridors and dark landings in favour
of maximising room sizes. However,
generous circulation space can really
enhance the experience of the home.
Here, the hall in this former barn has
been stripped back to reveal exposed
timber joists, with the old inglenook
a focal point.

homebuilding.co.uk 119

Circulation_spacev2.indd 119 15/03/2017 13:25

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Pages_88-138.indd 120 17/03/2017 10:40


8 Create a
Multifunctional Space
No space for a separate study? No prob-
lem. Create your own study area at the top
of your staircase by introducing a bench
on the landing. This design solution is
perfect for saving on space, and if you
happen to have a picture window at eye
level then you can work with a view, too.
9 Carve out a
Place to Read
Landings need not be bland
corridors with rooms lead-
ing off. Whether you have a
large landing, or you choose
to sacrifice a bedroom to free
up space, creating a library or
reading corner can give this
overlooked space a purpose.
This home is case in point
whitewashed flooring and
glass balustrades brighten the
area, while colourful books
add colour.
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP RIGHT: SIMON MAXWELL; JACK HOBHOUSE C/O EDGLEY ARCHITECTS; DAVID MEREWETHER
Circulation_spacev2.indd 121
PROJECT ADVICE
Designs Ideas for Circulation Space
10 Connect with
the Garden
While considering how you
will move through the areas
of your home, think also about
how these spaces will connect
to the outdoors. This project by
Edgley Design uses a glass and
timber link to move between
the wings of the house, with
the glazing not only opening
out to a courtyard perfect for
breaking out onto in summer
months or for ventilation but
also allows the homeowners
to catch glimpses of different
rooms throughout the house
and garden.
homebuilding.co.uk 121
14/03/2017 12:16
Pages_88-138.indd 122 17/03/2017 10:40
 PROJECT ADVICE
Designs Ideas for Circulation Space
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: DAVID MEREWETHER; SIMON MAXWELL

11 Design in a Through-View
If youre able to design in a hall which spans
from the front door to the rear of the property, theres
an opportunity to capture the views of the garden from
the moment you step through the front door. One way
to captalise on the views is to introduce full-height
glazing not only will you achieve a through-view to
the garden but if the hallway is open plan to other areas
of the home, youll benefit from borrowed light, too.

12 Add Glass Flooring

Introducing glazing is a sure-fire way to
bring natural light into the home, and can be
included in all manner of applications. Where
possible, specifying structural glass flooring
can encourage borrowed light into areas of the
home that would otherwise be dimly lit (think
the centre of the home). This example from
designer Pete Tonks and Oakwrights is case in
point the partially glazed landing brings light
into the heart of the house. Its also a great way to
add wow factor when moving between rooms. H

homebuilding.co.uk 123

Circulation_spacev2.indd 123 14/03/2017 12:16

 An American-Style Makeover
Formerly clad in brick and old render, this
Hampshire home was given a New England-style
makeover, thanks to a remodel by designer Paul
Gallie from WSW Consultancy. To achieve a crisp
finish, the existing property has been rendered in
JUB render, and clad in neutral-coloured fibre-
cement boards from Marley Eternit to evoke an
American style. Elsewhere, the exterior has been
updated with new sliding sash windows, a new oak
frame porch and a new extension over the double
garage. Transitioning from inside to out has also
been made easier, thanks to the new orangery BEFORE
and new patio doors.
SIMON MAXWELL

124 homebuilding.co.uk

ExteriorMakeoversv2.indd 124 16/03/2017 12:59

 PROJECT ADVICE
External Makeovers

External
Makeovers With much of the UKs housing stock ripe for
refurbishment, architect Neil Turner explains how an
external overhaul can breathe new life into your home

homebuilding.co.uk 125

ExteriorMakeoversv2.indd 125 13/03/2017 09:40


M
uch of the housing stock in the UK, particularly
post-war, was designed on estates in the 1950s to
1970s to create reasonably well-built houses for the
masses. However, this housing is now 50 to 70 years
old, meaning these previously modern homes are
now in need of refurbishment and overhaul.
Fortunately, many of these homes make great
houses to enlarge, convert, extend and now, increas-
ingly, to give an external makeover with some
transformations almost unrecognisable from the existing building.
So how do you go about giving a house an exterior makeover?
Many peoples first thoughts are to make obvious and perhaps
easy changes, including upgrading the bargeboards, upgrading
single-glazed timber frame windows to PVCu units, and adding
a lick of paint. Surely we can do better than that?
You can completely alter the architectural look of your home
with new external materials that will disguise (or enhance) the
original house. However, before you embark on recladding your
house, if youre keen to get maximum benefit for your buck then
there are a number of key questions you should ask:
l What views do you want to enhance?
Changing the skin of the building allows you to alter window
sizes and, crucially, the positions. If there are any views from
the site that you want to maximise on, then this could be your
chance. Also, if your house is clad in brick and you intend to add
a new skin, then any damage to the bricks during the work can
all be hidden behind the new materials.
l What internal alterations should you consider?
If you are going to change the outside of the building, then think
about the inside as well, as the internal spaces will no doubt be
impacted if you opt for an extension. Look at the rooms and how
126 homebuilding.co.uk
ExteriorMakeoversv2.indd 126
A Modernist Transformation
After the homeowners spent a great deal of time investigating
larch cladding for the makeover of their project nestled within the
Scottish Borders, they landed on Russwoods Scotlarch cladding
a rusty ash brown colour that will weather naturally over time
to a silvery grey helping the house blend into the local landscape.
Fixed in a simple board-on-board layout, this also proved to be a
cost-effective cladding solution.
they work together. Do the rooms need opening up? As such, you
might identify a new feature that is needed on the elevations
the internal spaces should dictate the design of the elevations,
not the other way around.
l Can you change the shape of the house?
The physical shape of the building can be altered as well as the
materials. If you are going to the expense of altering the faade,
now is the time to add an extension so that everything will
match or you could indeed remove an ugly existing extension.
Also think about the shape of the roofs. In addition, could a new
entrance porch add to the building form?
l How important is it to bring in extra light?
Many standard houses suffer from a lack of natural light, so an
external makeover can provide an opportunity for you to intro-
duce lightwells into the core of the building. Not only is creating
lighter spaces possible, but the ability to ventilate a property with
a light chimney will add comfort in the summer months, too.
Choosing the Right Material
The choice of materials is vast and if you can, seek the advice of
a designer who will guide you in the right choice for your prop-
erty. An area may have a certain character or material so before
you choose, check with the planners. Many homeowners want
to achieve a certain aesthetic, be it a New England style with
overlapping timber boarding, or a clean modern villa in render.
The main cladding choices tend to be timber, render, metals,
shingles, tiles and brick slips. Each requires fixing to the original
surface, and the risk is that poor installation can not only fail
but devalue the property.
When choosing materials, you also need to address the level
of maintenance. Larch and cedar, for instance, dont require a
15/03/2017 13:35
 PROJECT ADVICE
External Makeovers

From Chalet to New England Retreat

This remodel and extension project, designed by
architectural designer Tony Holt (tonyholt-design.
co.uk) has transformed a 1930s Spanish-style chalet
bungalow into a New England-inspired family home.
With the surrounding area consisting of larger
detached dwellings, this 209m property was one of
aesthetically less appealing houses on the street and
planning permission was granted to give the
property the radical makeover, even though it is
BEFORE positioned within a Conservation Area. Externally,
the house has been predominantly finished in
Marley Eternits weatherboard cladding with some
bespoke joinery around the roof overhangs and
careful attention to the window style to complete
the New England style. The use of stone to the lower
ground floor also leads the eye up towards the main
entrance. The existing roof tiles have been replaced
with natural slate to provide a colour contrast
against the light grey weatherboarding.
Elsewhere, a new side extension provides an
attached garage, with a new master bedroom suite
above and also includes a covered terrace under a
pitched gable a key focal point for the rear faade.
The result takes the final footprint over 278m while
reconfiguring the existing interior to generate better
quality spaces in a new arrangement to suit the
clients lifestyle.

homebuilding.co.uk 127

ExteriorMakeoversv2.indd 127 15/03/2017 13:35

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Fleming_Homes_Ad_124x193mm.indd 1 06/03/2017 14:09

Pages_88-138.indd 128 17/03/2017 10:46


A 1960s Revamped
Architect Neil Turner and wife Anita have
completely overhauled this ugly duckling
property. With a view to combining the 60s
feel of the house with a contemporary
makeover, the couple ripped off the roof, to
help integrate the blockier side extension. A
large zinc-covered roof overhang has been
used to provide shelter on the south
elevation from the sun and the original
pillars clad in iroko. Elsewhere, with
extensive works to the property, it seemed
fit to update the insulation. As well as BEFORE
insulating the cavity wall properly, 135mm
of EPS (expanded polystyrene) was
introduced as part of an external rendered
wall insulation system from Sto.
JEREMY PHILLIPS
varnish or stain and can be left to naturally weather to a silvery
grey. If you apply oil to maintain the original colour then you are
going to have to repeat this every three years. Cheaper softwoods
can be used for external cladding but they will require some
treatment and staining if they are to last.
Note that adding new materials will add weight to the walls
too, so you must make sure the building can cope with the final
finish you choose. Consult a structural engineer or your designer
to make sure.
When you add a new material to the exterior, its just like
putting a jumper on you can end up sweating. A building acts
in a similar way. Your designer must therefore assess that the
condensation point doesnt occur in the construction build up.
External materials are often designed with a free air/ventilation
gap to prevent this. Do your research carefully.
The Rules and Regulations
Planning stipulates that permission is not required if mate-
rials are similar to the original, so if you are replacing brick
with brick or re-doing render then you should be fine. Howev-
er, I would suggest when combined with changes to windows
and larger openings that most will require permission and it
is best to consult your local planning department for advice.
If you live in a listed building, you will need listed building
consent for any significant works whether internal or external.
If you live in a Conservation Area or any such designated areas,
you will need to apply for planning before changing the exterior.
There is also building control to satisfy. For instance, if you intend
to re-render or replace timber cladding to external walls, Build-
ing Regulations may apply depending on the extent of the work.
ExteriorMakeoversv2.indd 129
DESIGN MASTERCLASS
External Makeovers
Where 25 per cent or more of an external wall is re-rendered,
re-clad, re-plastered, or re-lined internally or in cases where
25 per cent or more of the external leaf of a wall is rebuilt the
regulations would normally apply and the thermal insulation
would typically have to be improved.
In fact, one of the greatest benefits of re-cladding a house is to
improve the thermal performance. Add insulation all around the
house and then apply your chosen finish (see page 135 for more).
In fact, to not do this is to waste a huge opportunity. This will
allow an old house to be brought up to or even trump modern
standards of thermal performance.
Costs and Savings
The cost can vary significantly with the choice of materials,
the fixing method, the thickness of insulation and the original
building that you are fixing to. If youre tight on costs, then
keeping the combination of materials down will help; its more
economic to buy one material than two or three. The junctions
between materials will also increase costs as the labour time and
complexity increase.
Savings can be made on certain materials, but do be careful.
Through-coloured renders are more expensive, but get rid of the
need to paint. A sand cement render is cheaper to apply but will
require painting every three years.
We are seeing more people wanting to radically alter their
houses with a makeover. If done well, then it can really
enhance a property. If done badly then it can spoil the look
and worse still, cause issues for the building. I would encour-
age you to spend some of your budget on an architect who can
advise you on the options and draw up some of your ideas. H
homebuilding.co.uk 129
15/03/2017 13:35
 The latest...

Patio Paving

1
3

4 5 6

7 8 9

130 homebuilding.co.uk

Latest Patio Paving May17.indd 130 17/03/2017 14:14

 10
1. The Levato Mono Porcelain paver system from
The Deck Tile Co. is available in over 40 finishes.
Price on application (POA). (thedecktileco.co.uk)
2. Deco-Paks Milano wood-effect porcelain pav-
ing in the Marrone colourway is slip and algae
resistant. The tiles are available in two sizes and
start from 17 per tile. (deco-pak.co.uk)
3. The ethically sourced Fairstone Granite
Eclipse paving from Marshalls is available in
a wide range of sizes and four colour options.
The tiles are POA. (marshalls.co.uk)
4. B&Qs Antique Cotswold Ashbourne mixed
size paving pack costs 111. (diy.com)
Latest Patio Paving May17.indd 131
5. Brett Landscapings Quorndon riven flag
paving in Buff comes in four sizes. Its available
to buy from Paving Superstore and costs from
26/m2. (pavingsuperstore.co.uk)
6. Bradstones StoneMaster paving slabs are (stoneandceramicwarehouse.co.uk)
available in six colours and come pre-coated
with Bradstone Surface Protection, to provide
resistance against stains such as oil, grease and
moss. They cost from 45/m2. (bradstone.com)
7. The Boardwalk wood-effect porcelain tiles
shown in Nut from Stone and Ceramic Ware-
house come in two size options and start from
144/m2. (stoneandceramicwarehouse.co.uk)
8. The Ayrton paving slabs from Mandarin Stone
(shown in Mocha, also available in Almond,
Grey and Charcoal) are 20mm thick, measure
60x60cm and cost from 83.40.
9. The Bronte paving from Brett Landscaping
is available in five colours and comes in single
size packs, patio packs and circle kits. Prices
start from 25.63/m2. (pavingsuperstore.co.uk)
10. Mandarin Stones Nero Riven Slate outdoor
flagstone slabs are 30mm thick and available in
four sizes. Prices start from 46.80/m2.
(mandarinstone.com) H
homebuilding.co.uk 131
15/03/2017 13:37
 The wood burning
stove perfected
Clearview stoves are considered by
many to be the finest available.
Remarkably efficient and clean
burning with a wonderful view of
dancing flames, our stoves will save
you money and enrich your life.

STOCKISTS THROUGHOUT THE UK

Manufactured at More Works
Bishops Castle, Shropshire SY9 5HH
Brochure Line: 01588 650 123
www.clearviewstoves.com

1819 LIN Homebuilding&Renovating 124x193mm_AW.qxp_Layout 1 02/02/2017 14:17 Page 1

lindab | we simplify construction

Good Thinking
solutions for todays
homebuilders
Explore the Indomo,
Airy and Tecduct residential
ventilation ranges and
Rainline steel rainwater
system on our website:
www.lindab.co.uk

Email: sales@lindab.com
Homebuilding
&RENOVATING
SHOW
GLASGOW 20-21 MAY 2017

Lindab sustainable residential systems

Pages_88-138.indd 132 17/03/2017 10:41


Landscape
Your Project
with Marshalls
Why you should consider the garden and
driveway when designing your new home
T
he garden and driveway are often are-
as that are neglected when planning
your project. Both are a reflection
of the inside of the property and
even more so as we look to strive
for an inside/outside lifestyle. Too
many times we find that neither the
garden or driveway form part of the
initial budget, with what is ultimately
chosen dictated by what is left over at the end.
Quality Workmanship
Our experience shows that 80% of the landscap-
ing costs come from the labour, with only 20%
being the product cost, therefore spending more
on the best product will not massively impact
the overall project costs.
Marshalls recommend the use of a profession-
al landscape installer, and provide a register of
accredited installers nationwide who are vetted
twice a year by Marshalls to ensure their quality
of work. They are also able to offer a 10-year
guarantee on the product, and five years on
labour to give you ultimate peace of mind.
Best Product Selection
Your choice of product should be determined by
the style and colour palette you want to achieve,
and the features and benefits of material choice
being identified next. Natural stone has always
been especially desirable. Marshalls sandstones
are quartzitic, providing strength and durability,
and comply with the Marshalls Stone Standard,
meaning they also have a low absorbency rate
and are frost resistant.
An increasingly popular choice over recent
years is porcelain paving for outdoor use. Mar-
shalls offer their Symphony range a vitrified
Advertorial_Marshalls.indd 133
ADVERTORIAL
Marshalls
paving material. It has low absorbency rates, An Improved Garden Design
and is resistant to salts and chemicals, making it Thanks to their extensive range of
low maintenance as it attracts no moss or algae products, Marshalls can offer the
growth perfect for north-facing gardens. The perfect solution to help you
Symphony range is available in a range of sizes design your garden and driveway.
What is more, Marshalls can also
and a large colour palette, making it easy to
recommend professional
match with various house types. landscape installers through their
register of accredited installers.
Dont Forget the Driveway
When it comes to the driveway it is still imper-
ative to pick a product that complements the
house type to boost its kerb appeal. Marshalls
offer a huge range of driveway products, but par-
ticular interest must be given to their Drivesys
range of products. Drivesys offers five different
face profiles, that are hard to source as nat-
ural stone alternatives, from the traditional
Original Cobble to ultra-contemporary Flamed
Stone. Due to the patented nature of the product
you can achieve a natural stone look which is
installed on a technically sound sub-base, mak-
ing installation much easier than the natural
stone equivalent.
Marshalls really does make it easy to find the
right product for your property, as well the right
installer. To find out more visit marshalls.co.uk/
homeowners. H
homebuilding.co.uk 133
17/03/2017 09:34
 Baumit - external wall insulation and
faade render systems you can rely on
Wellbeing and a healthy indoor climate; these are the qualities that make a house a home.
External wall insulation offers by far the simplest and most cost efficient solution for
improved insulation performance, creating a comfortable and ambient interior temperature.

EWI and render systems available for new build or renovation

Installed by a fully trained and approved network of installers
The widest range of faade colours for endless design options
Available nationwide for residential works

Contact us for more information and to discuss your project.

Baumit Ltd | 01622 710 763 | sales@baumit.co.uk | www.baumit.com Ideas with a future.

Pages_88-138.indd 134 17/03/2017 10:45


Spotlight on...
Mark Brinkley
Mark Brinkley is the author of
The Homebuilders Bible and an
experienced builder; hes just
started another self-build project.
Through-Coloured Render
External wall insulation (EWI) by
Weber has been specified for this
contemporary-style new build
in a designated Conservation
Area in Somerset, designed
by Taunton-based Jackson
Architects. The external walls
are constructed as a single skin
formed with 215mm thermal
blocks that are protected by
Webertherm XP EWI using
50mm of high performance
phenolic insulation. Webertherm
M1, a one-coat, polymer modified,
mineral render (here used in
white), is factory batched and
designed for spray application
TONY TIMMINGTON
to reduce on-site labour time
and access costs. A decorative
scraped texture finish has been
applied to the white render.
WallInsulation.indd 135
PROJECT ADVICE
External Wall Insulation Systems
External Wall
Insulation Systems
A wave of new techniques and materials has led to
a resurgence of interest in rendering for self-builders
and renovators, says Mark Brinkley
W
hen a wall needs protecting and top coat renders. EWI systems eventually
from the elements, there are found their way into the UK market and have
various options available. You now been used extensively on refurbishments in
can build another wall outside the social housing sector. For a while, the Green
it, you can clad it with a materi- Deal boosted their uptake in the private sector
al like timber or tile, or you can but this scheme has now been shelved. Nev-
plaster it with some material ertheless, the EWI sector continues to thrive.
which will set hard and repel Search the internet for external wall insula-
the weather. This latter prac- tion and you will be led to a number of well-es-
tice has many names and there are several dif- tablished businesses, many of German origin,
ferent ways of doing it, but it is usually referred that each have their own take on how best
to as rendering. It has been part of the British to insulate solid walls. Names to look out for
housing scene for centuries and is still widely include Sto, Marmorit, Weber, Baumit, Dryvit,
practiced in some regions, especially in those Wetherby, Permarock and K Rend.
areas more exposed to the Atlantic gales. In fact, Generally, these businesses dont sell directly
its the dominant wall finish in Scotland (where to consumers or even builders but work through
its known as harling or roughcast) and Ireland. exclusive licensed contractors who are mostly
At its very simplest, rendering started life independent plastering firms. EWI is a rel-
with the daubing of clay onto chestnut sticks atively complex procedure: not only does it
or wattles. An alternative to this was the use involve a build up of several layers, but there
of lime plasters, developed by the Romans to are often many incidental details that have to
cover over stone walls.
In the 19th century, Portland cement became
widely available. When mixed with sharp sand,
it made a particularly hard and durable sur-
face. When small stones were added to it, it
transformed itself into pebbledash which
further increased the durability of the
cement renders.
The more recent move towards
insulating homes, especially upgrad-
ing existing ones, has brought new
techniques to the world of render-
ing. In the UK, much of the insula-
tion upgrading has been done via the
cavity wall, but cavity construction is
uncommon in other countries and the
preference there has been to add insu-
lation to the outside of the existing walls
and then render over the insulation.
This has led to the development of proprie-
tary external wall insulation (EWI) systems that
consist of a build up of insulation layers, meshes
homebuilding.co.uk 135
13/03/2017 12:19
 Homebuilding
&RENOVATING
SHOW
GLASGOW 20-21 MAY 2017

Pages_88-138.indd 136 17/03/2017 10:40

 PROJECT ADVICE
External Wall Insulation Systems

BEFORE

be addressed such as reconfiguring roof over-

hangs, window reveals, boiler flue and pipe
realignments. Consequently, the suppliers feel
uneasy about selling their system components
directly to the public or even the general building
trade, though you can, if you so wish, source the
components yourself.
EWI has also found a niche in the world of
new homebuilding. Here, its not so much the
addition of insulation that sells it, but the prom-
ise of a modern, clean-looking finish. Thanks
mostly to the success of EWI, rendering itself
has begun to go high-tech and we are seeing a
wave of new techniques and materials offering
exciting through-colours, which dont require
subsequent painting.
While these new renders are invariably more
expensive than the traditional cement renders,
they can often be applied in one coat, thus greatly
reducing labour costs. They can also be applied
directly to blockwork or some other substrate
and this has proved popular with those seeking
a clean, contemporary finish.

Render Glossary
Cement render: The standard or traditional
render used on external walls. Normally mixed
on site and conventionally applied in two or
three coats. The base coats (or scratch coats)
are scored when still wet to give a key for the
next layer. The top coat is applied more thinly
and given a shiny finish, ready for painting. Its
cheap on materials, expensive on labour and it
has a tendency to crack if the underlying struc-
ture moves. Cement renders require frequent
repainting if they are to continue to look good.
Polymer renders: Usually sold in pre-mixed
bags, polymer renders are based on either white
cement or lime but with the addition of polymers
and other plastic-based products, designed to
make the render less prone to cracking. These
polymer renders are available in a variety of
colours and often through-coloured which
does away with the need for painting.
Acrylic renders: Usually applied as a thin finish
coat to seal and enhance the appearance or the
underlying coat, adding both colour and texture.
Fibres are added to prevent cracking and give
a durable, lasting finish. Silicone is also used,
ALISTAIR NICHOLLS
is called for. However, lime tends to be a little
harder to apply than regular Portland cement
and is subsequently mostly used for conservation
work. Note that both Baumit and K Rend supply
polymer-enhanced lime renders.
Monocouche renders: A term used to describe
any render that can be applied in one coat. Tra-
ditionally, a rendered finish has required two
or three coats in order to gain strength and to
deliver a smooth (or textured) surface finish.
Monocouche is French for single bed and this
encapsulates the essence of what is being offered
by a single-coat system much reduced labour
costs and application time.
Most external wall insulation systems employ
some form of base coat, often with mesh rein-
forcement, so despite their name, monocouche
renders are still often applied as top coats, albeit
just 2mm thick. H
Contacts
Baumit: baumit.com
Dryvit: dryvit.co.uk
K Rend: k-rend.co.uk
Marmorit: marmorit.co.uk
A Contemporary Finish
Andrew and Barbara Tweed,
the homeowners behind this
remodel and extension project,
chose an insulating render
system. The couple were
keen on using Stos insulating
render system after seeing it at
a Homebuilding & Renovating
Show. We liked the product as
they clad the walls in 100mm of
polystyrene and put a thin coat
of acrylic render over the top
so the whole house retains its
heat, explains Andrew. It helped
us to more than meet Building
Regulation standards, and
consequently allowed us to have
big windows and lots of glass.

promising even longer life and the capacity to

Permarock: permarock.com
be self-cleaning. Sto: sto.co.uk
Lime renders: Lime can be used in place of Weber: netweber.co.uk
cement render where flexibility and breathability Wetherby Building Systems: wbs-ltd.co.uk

homebuilding.co.uk 137

WallInsulation.indd 137 17/03/2017 14:15

Pages_88-138.indd 138 17/03/2017 10:48

ISTOCK
Voice-Controlled Devices
When it comes to smart home tech, 2017 is the year of voice-
controlled devices (get ready to say hello to Alexa). Jonathon
Savill reviews Amazon Echo and the latest smart-home tech
H
ome automation can enable you to
control your heat, lighting, sound sys-
tem, thermostat, smoke alarm and
Jonathon Savill burglar alarms all from your Wi-Fi
router. Theres even the ability to con-
Consumer journalist Jonathon
Savill follows the high-tech world
trol these smart devices remotely, so
of home automation. you can turn the heating on before you
get home, for instance. All this can be
controlled by a central device or by
your smart phone. (In the event of an internet
failure, lights and thermostat are still able to
operate, although in a fully automated home
you will lose television and music. At least you
will still be able to read.) Here, we review some
of the latest cost-effective smart home solutions
available and analyse the benefits for your home.
Amazon Echo and Dot
There is a new impetus in home automation and
it comes from a surprising supplier. Amazon, tra-
ditionally seen as an online retailer of books and
records, has become a major force in artificial
intelligence introducing the voice-controlled
Dot and Echo to our homes in late 2016, and
stealing a jump on companies like Apple and
Google. Amazon has sold over five million of
these devices, with its Dot, at 50, outselling its
Echo, at 150. (One of the key differences is that
Echo has a quality built-in audio speaker and
Dot doesnt.) Effectively these devices provide an
affordable central core. They dont do anything
a smart phone wont, but theyre mains powered
and more convenient for everyday use.
Both Amazon units are triggered by the key-
word Alexa they are constantly listening for
Smart_Home8Marchv2.indd 139
PROJECT ADVICE
Smart Home Technology
this wake-up word. Both Dot and Echo func-
tion at two different levels. At base level, they
operate as a very clever alarm clock; you can set
an alarm using your voice. Alexa can also tell
you the weather, dollar rate, what day a certain
date will fall on, convert pounds to kilograms
and a host of other things. You can get it to play
music, using a program such as Spotify, or carry
a shopping list and reminders. This makes the
internet a lot more accessible you can find
information without picking up your phone or
a computer. If you have an Android phone it
will post to-do lists and appointments straight
to your phone, although it works slightly less
effectively with iPhones.
At the next level it gets more interesting
because it acts as a hub for the other devices in
your home automation system. These include
Hue, Sonos, Nest and Belkin, among others.
They now interface conveniently and you can
group activities together.
Setting up the system is not foolproof and it
may take several goes to make it work. There
is also a tendency for it to stop working when
you add a new gadget. With Sonos speakers,
for instance, you have to plug them into your
router to initialise them. Hue lighting needs
a small extra router box that plugs into your
home router. You then need to add each new
light into the Hue system and then separately
into the Alexa system. Rather annoyingly, you
often need to type in the serial number of each
lightbulb and its not printed on the box. It is
also tiny and you find yourself trying to read it
in the dark.
homebuilding.co.uk 139
13/03/2017 16:34
Pages_140-184.indd 140 17/03/2017 10:49

However, once set up, on a cold morning you
can be woken up by Dot, which could have pre-
viously heated your house via Nest, switched on
all the lights downstairs and Radio 4 could be
playing softly as you descend the staircase. Plus,
it can then switch the coffee percolator on via a
Belkin WeMo plug. Whats more, if you hear a
suspicious noise downstairs, you can turn on the
lights and play loud music to scare any potential
intruder away. And thanks to the Nest camera,
you could have a video record of the event!
Alexa has two extra dimensions. One is a
group of skills, like an App, that can help find
your phone or control your television. The other
aspect is If This Then That or ITTT. You can
make a very simple three or four command line
programme to, for example, lock all your doors.
Amazon units are by no means foolproof and
dont have memory. So your device may not
recognise the command to turn off a light it
switched on seconds before. And you need to
learn from each other. Say Alexa, leave a pause
and then state the command clearly. You could
buy three Dots for the same price as an Echo and
place them around the house. Its a good idea to
put them near door openings so they can be used
in multiple rooms. (Plea to Amazon please
make a wall-mounted device for this purpose.)
In addition to Amazons Dot and Echo, we
tested three further devices: Nest, Sonos and
Hue. Lets be clear: there are competitors, such
as Hive, but we have opted for the perceived
market leaders.
Hue Lighting
Hue lighting works well but takes a little getting
used to. The system arrives as a base kit with a
hub and three bulbs why three is a mystery.
You can then replace your other normal light
bulbs for 14.99 each. The bulbs are driven
by a small white box that is connected to your
router. They can be controlled individually or
in moods. The good news here is that in the
absence of an internet signal, they still work via
a standard switch. There is a certain smugness
in owning a Hue lighting system because not
only can you turn on every light in your house
via Alexa, the bulbs are only nine watts, so offer
energy savings to boot.
EXTERIOR SOLUTIONS
Nest
The Nest Thermostat is brilliant at 250. You
can program it to switch your heating on and
Smart_Home8Marchv2.indd 141
PROJECT ADVICE
Smart Home Technology
it can even learn when youre not home and
lower the temperature. Of course you can set
the temperature via Alexa or your iPhone, but
the real brilliance of the Nest range is the smoke
alarm. These retail for under 90 and com-
municate with the thermostat. At night they
illuminate when you pass them, and if you have
ever fanned a smoke alarm with a tea towel after
making a piece of toast, youre in for a pleasant
surprise. They warn you before they trigger the
loud alarm. But most importantly they turn off
the boiler if they detect carbon monoxide, so
they even help you sleep better.
Even in the minute detail their design bril-
liance shines through. In a standard smoke
alarm, four screws attach it to the ceiling. In Personal Weather Station
the Nest there is just one. Netatmos Personal Weather
Station and its accessories now
Sonos integrates with Amazon Alexa to
Sonos makes speakers that stream music so it enable voice-controlled climate
monitoring. The Personal
plays over your internet. Basically you can play
Weather Station is designed to
something in the living room and sing along in measure air quality, temperature,
the kitchen or bedroom at the same time using humidity, carbon dioxide and
slave speakers. The sound quality is awesome. noise levels inside and outside
Sonos 3 costs around 300 and Sonos 1 about the home.
110 each. Sonos 3 has a mini jack input and this
is crucial to make it all work together; currently,
if you want to use voice activation via Alexa, it
needs to be plugged into your Echo or Dot.
Initially the software was frustrating: you were
forced to drag all of your music into its menu
and play it from there. At the end of 2016, Sonos
released a software patch that now enables you
to play straight from music services such as Spo-
tify. Another future release will allow Sonos to
be controlled directly from Alexa by streaming.
Oddly, just as Sonos is due to step into the
light, there are rumours about how well the
company is doing. They may find themselves
in competition with the speakers included in
the Amazon Echo.
If you are a complete beginner and want to
see these devices, then a visit to John Lewis in
Londons Oxford Street is helpful; you can see
the gadgets working together. The future of
automation is uncertain except for a few point- Useful Contacts
ers. It is extremely likely that Apple will release Amazon Dot, Amazon Echo
a competitor and there is also a Google device amazon.co.uk
on the way. Apple has a strong record in taking Hue meethue.com/en-gb
current devices and selling more of them, such Nest nest.com
as it did with the iPhone. What Alexa has done, Netatmo netatmo.com
though, is to become the current defacto stand- Sonos sonos.com
ard in the nascent home automation arena. H
homebuilding.co.uk 141
16/03/2017 13:00
 Homebuilding
&RENOVATING
SHOW
GLASGOW 20-21 MAY 2017
Over 21 years experience in
bringing together self builders,
architects, designers, companies
and other interested individuals
to develop, share and promote
best practice in environmentally
sustainable building
Environment Conscious Building
Pages_140-184.indd 142
Why join the AECB?
Access the tools and knowledge
to design and certify your low
energy building project through
our unique combination of research
materials, technical data, training
programmes, discussion forums and
networking opportunities.
We have now completed our new build,
having very much valued the help received
from the AECB in establishing the energy
standards that weve incorporated into our
new home
Roger, Wales
I have found being a member of the AECB
very helpful with the two refurbishment
projects I have done over the last 12 years;
in particular taking part in local group visits
to other projects and the conferences
Deb, Worcestershire
For full details: goo.gl/OzIHFB
the Association for
AECB
PO Box 32, Llandysul, SA44 5ZA
t: 0845 4569773 w: www.aecb.net
17/03/2017 12:49
 ADVERTORIAL
CEDIA

Make the Smart Choice for

Your Home Technology:
Use a CEDIA Professional
The smart home is here. Integrating smart home technology is fast
becoming the norm for households up and down the country

S
mart home technology is designed to
simplify and enhance our daily lives.
It offers the capability for families to
control every aspect of their homes
entertainment, lighting, security and
heating, operated from a single touch-
screen, tablet or mobile phone.
All this and much more can be
achieved without an assortment of
unsightly plastic boxes, ugly wires or trip-hazard
cables in sight, thanks to modern-day integrated
and concealed home technology systems.
How CEDIA Can Help
CEDIA is the leading authority in the home
technology industry, representing professional
designers, installers and manufacturers of smart
home systems. All CEDIA professionals are
trained in the latest technologies, design, pro-
ject management and installation techniques.
Working with a CEDIA member is the best
insurance homeowners have that the final sys-
tem will meet your expectations, without any
unexpected setbacks. They will also be able to
look after your system: servicing, maintaining
and upgrading the technology as required long
after your installation is completed.
Build a Relationship with a Professional
To ensure the best service from design to instal-
lation, its important to build a relationship with
a home technology professional from the get-go.
CEDIA understands that technology in the home
is a significant investment and will be able to
advise on what is best for you and your budget.
What Can Your CEDIA Professional Offer?
l Professional assistance in the design of a
personalised system for the individual client
l A certified and trained staff of technicians,
designers and support personnel to deliver a
product of the highest quality
l The most current technology to provide a
broad selection for your requirements and wishes
Smart Homes Made Simple
l A professional level of credentials and insur-
ance to assure and provide comfort With the assistance and
guidance of a CEDIA home
l Complete support from the on-going service
technology professional, you
l Information on the latest technology and how can design a system to suit your
to use it, as it becomes available lifestyle and budget and control
l A simple but custom solution you will be your entertainment, lighting,
proud to have as part of your home and lifestyle. security and heating at the
touch of a screen.
CEDIA Finder Service
CEDIA offers a Finder Service which allows
homeowners to locate their nearest home tech-
nology professional. Users can search member
companies by postcode, services, and certifica-
tion, providing enough information to decide
who you should contact. If you are interested in
finding out more on what technology is best for
you, please contact a CEDIA professional who
will be able to provide you with expert advice.
To find your local CEDIA member, visit
cedia.org/find-a-cedia-professional. H

homebuilding.co.uk 143

Advertorial_CEDIA.indd 143 16/03/2017 13:01

 LoPro ..
.
LOOR H
W
E
I
A
T
TI
H
NG
UNDERF
NOVATIO NS
FOR RE YOU WONT HAVE TO DIG UP YOUR FLOOR!

Theres no need for extensive building works with Nu-Heats

award-winning LoPro range of underfloor heating systems.
Simply laid directly on top of your existing floor, with an incredibly
small height build-up and heating up as quickly as radiators, you
can enjoy the luxury of underfloor heating whatever your project.

Call us to find out how LoPro can work for your project
01404 540650 or visit www.nu-heat.co.uk/lopro

Pages_140-184.indd 144 17/03/2017 10:49

 HEAT YOUR HOME
for less

The stone
walls are
400mm thick
The roof is a
traditional A-frame
with purlins and
rafters
ISTOCK: PHOTOGRAPH SHOWS BARN FOR ILLUSTRATIVE PURPOSES ONLY

The plot is
off the mains
gas grid

The timber is
all in excellent
condition

How to Heat a Stone Barn
This month, Tim Pullen looks at how to reduce energy running

Tim Pullen
Tim is an expert in sustainable
building and energy efficiency.
He runs the green home
consultancy Weather Works,
advising clients on renewables
and energy efficiency.
T
costs on a 200-year-old stone barn in good structural condition
he clients have purchased a stone
barn, a former cattle shed, in good
structural condition but in a poor
state of hygiene there was about
500mm of dried cow manure on the
floor. The single-storey building is
200 years old, with a floor area of
160m2. It has 400mm-thick stone
walls and a concrete floor. The roof
is a traditional A-frame with purlins and rafters,
with a slate covering. There is no membrane
under the roof slates but the timber is all in
excellent condition.
The clients want a four-bed, three bathroom
home with a kitchen/family room, lounge, din-
ing room, snug and study. There is planning
consent for a conversion and the addition of a
two-storey, 50m2 extension to one end of the
barn. The existing design meets Building Reg-
ulations standard (and therefore provides the
U values shown on page 146). This would give a
peak space heating load of 16.5kW and an annual
space heating consumption of 22,166kWh per year.
The plot is off the mains gas grid and the
clients anticipate that an oil-fired boiler would
be used, with mains electricity. There would
be five people living in the house with a typi-
cal work/school occupation pattern. Running
costs, before any energy efficiency interventions,
are likely to be 2,043 a year: space heating
1,019 (22,166Wh@4.6p/kWh); hot water 184
(4,000kWh@4.6p/kWh) and electricity 840
(6,000kwh@14p/kwh).
Improving the Thermal Performance
The clients recognise that, in terms of thermal
efficiency, a barn conversion will always be tricky.
They are looking on this as their forever home;
they love the look, feel and character of the
building and want that retained, but also want
it to be as energy efficient as possible. There
is some flexibility in the budget but the clients
would rather see extra investment in the fabric of
the house than spend on technology. The clients
are willing to invest in their forever home, but
need to see real benefit from that investment.
Problem Areas
The local authority building control officer
insisted that every element of Building Regu-
lations be complied with, or, more accurately,
his interpretation of those regulations. This
impacts most on the walls, as there was a need
to install a damp-proof course and ensure they
achieve the required U value. The walls have
suffered from many years of attention from
cattle. Some invasive investigation revealed that
the internal stone had absorbed urine and/or
manure. The builder was of the firm opinion
that the only solution was to apply bitumen
tanking, with sand and cement render over. This
idea was tentatively supported by the architect

homebuilding.co.uk 145

HeatYourHome.indd 145 16/03/2017 09:52

 Conclusion
There was an issue around the U
value for the walls and meeting
Part L [energy efficiency] of the
Building Regulations. Clearly the
walls did not meet the required
elemental U value. The clients
argued that improved U values in
other elements provided a
strategy that improves overall
fabric energy efficiency by
almost 30% an argument that
was eventually accepted.
The LABC-approved system
used by Eco Lime achieves a
well-insulated, breathable floor,
with similar U values to those
achievable with more
conventional methods (in fact,
limecrete flooring can be used in
Passivhaus projects). This went a
long way towards helping
convince the building control
officer that the overall design was
compliant. The thermal
efficiency strategy reduced the
peak heat load from 16.5kW to
10.7kW. Although not a massive
improvement, the strategy
provided a warm, comfortable
home and retained the barn-like
feel of the house. The clients felt
that this was the right long-term
solution and represented good
value for money.
Element Proposed Existing
Walls 0.30W/m 2 0.48W/m2
Floor 0.18W/m2 0.62W/m2
Roof 0.12W/m2 0.16W/m2
Windows 1.20W/m2 1.40W/m2
Doors 1.20W/m2 1.40W/m2
Airtightness <7m3/hr <10m3/hr
146 homebuilding.co.uk
HeatYourHome.indd 146
but he agreed that this, and injecting a damp-
proof course, went directly against a sympathetic
conversion. It also meant building an internal
stud wall to carry insulation. The clients did not
want to lose floor space and felt a plaster finish
would remove the barn-like feel of the property.
The floor was another problem as a concrete
slab was likely to put pressure on the base of
the walls, preventing moisture and the urine/
manure staining from draining out. Tom Per-
kins of Eco Lime suggested that a limecrete
floor slab would provide the answer. Limecrete
is breathable, he says. It works with the build
and allows any ground moisture rising through
the floor to be evaporated away and puts no
pressure at all on the walls.
Solutions Suggested
Walls Achieving the necessary U values in the
walls is not going to be easy. The alternative
to tanking the walls is to take the long view.
It will be six to eight months into the project
before the clients need to apply a finish to the
walls. This gives plenty of time for the walls to
be steam cleaned regularly and frequently. Tom
Perkins suggests using Pavadentro wood fibre
insulation with lime plaster for the walls. With
a bag-rub finish and leaving some of the larger
stones in the wall exposed, it would retain the
homes barn-like feel, achieve a U value of 0.48
(not Building Regs standard, but down from
2.05W/m2) and maintain the walls breathabil-
ity. No extra budget is needed, as this option is
broadly in line with alternatives.
Roof insulation The clients want the roof tim-
bers to be left exposed but existing slates had to
be removed to allow the installation of a mem-
brane, providing the opportunity to rebuild with
appropriate insulation. In this case, 150mm rigid
foam insulation was installed over the roof tim-
bers with a further 50mm between the rafters.
With a plasterboard and skim finish, this gave
a U value of 0.12W/m2 and left all the timbers
exposed. Allow 5/m2 for extra insulation.
Ground floor The existing concrete floor was
excavated and removed. The soil below the con-
crete, and surrounding the barn, was clay, which
tends to retain moisture. In this case we had
to ensure that there was no upward pressure
from ground water on the walls. Any rainwater
penetration to the walls had to be allowed to
drain away, taking any residual staining with
it. Tom Perkins solution was to install a 100mm
limecrete screed on 250mm compacted Geocell
foam glass substrate. This was the simplest of
constructions, providing a breathable floor and
a U value of 0.18W/m2, significantly better than
Building Regulations requirements. This is
the ideal situation for limecrete floors it is
Eco Limes bread and butter, says Tom Perkins.
Old buildings like this can only benefit from
limecrete floors. Allow an additional budget
of around 20/m2 for the extra cost of the rec-
ommended build-up.
Windows and doors Double-glazed windows
in hardwood frames are to be installed through-
out, with a U value of 1.2W/m2. There will be
one set of bifold doors installed to the front,
south-facing elevation, but theyre not large
enough to cause an overheating problem. Doors
will achieve the same U value. No extra budget
is needed for this work.
Airtightness and ventilation Achieving high
levels of airtightness was not practically pos-
sible. Some attention was given to the major
areas roof to wall joint, floor to wall joint,
windows and doors and a target airtightness
of 7m3/hr agreed on. At that level, heat recovery
ventilation was not needed and simple extract
fans to bathrooms and kitchen were sufficient.
Much of the airtightness work is the result of
attention to detail rather than direct cost. We
allowed 2,000 for direct works.
Heating system Implementing the suggested
insulation and airtightness regime reduces the
peak heat load from 16kW to 11.7kW, with energy
demand of 15,800kWh for space heating and
4,000kWh for domestic hot water. An oil-fired
boiler will cost around 5,000 to 6,000 to
install, including the oil storage tank, delivery
pipe and so on. Running costs for heating and
hot water, at todays prices, would be around
1,000 per year. Although this is a relatively
low capital cost option, the clients believed it
was not viable long term, and chose a ground-
source heat pump with a solar thermal array
for spring/summer duties. The installed cost
of the system was around 15,500 an extra
cost over an oil-fired boiler of 10,000 with
running costs of around 600 per year. These
technologies qualify for the highest rates of the
Renewable Heat Incentive and will produce
an annual income of 2,900 per year the
deciding factor for the client.
Electricity The plan was to install 100% LED
lighting; no extra budget was needed here. H
16/03/2017 15:58
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Pages_140-184.indd 147 17/03/2017 10:49

 ISTOCK

148 homebuilding.co.uk

Renovation_checklist.indd 148 16/03/2017 15:59


Spotting Potential: How to Choose
the Right Renovation Project
Ian Rock explains what to look for when assessing a renovation opportunity,
and how to spot warning signs well before commissioning a survey
Ian Rock
Chartered surveyor Ian Rock
MRICS is the author of eight pop-
ular Haynes House Manuals, and
is a director of Rightsurvey.co.uk.
Renovation_checklist.indd 149
T
he success of any renovation project
depends on one thing above all
acquiring the right property in the
first place. This may sound obvious
but achieving it can be deceptively
difficult, requiring the combined
skills of surveyors, estate agents and
building contractors all rolled into
one. The task becomes even more
Herculean in a booming sellers market where
inexperienced buyers inspired by TV property
shows can be tempted to pay over the odds for
places in need of doing up, seriously underesti-
mating the cost of the required works. However,
if you know what youre doing its entirely pos-
sible to track down properties at a good price
that are ripe for renovation. So what exactly
constitutes the right sort of property?
The L Word
It may be a clich, but the first box you need to
tick when renovating for profit is location. Of
course, some locational drawbacks are blindingly
obvious the chip shop next door, sizzling
noises from high-voltage EMF lines overhead or
windows rattling as high-speed trains zip past.
Other issues may be less apparent, such as areas
prone to flooding or sky-high crime rates, but
these are fairly easy to research online.
Location is key because when the time comes
to sell your freshly renovated property it will
need to be priced at a discount to reflect any
neighbourhood negatives. Every area has its
ceiling price and its a common mistake for
novice developers to lavish huge fortunes on a
renovation in the belief they are adding serious
value only to discover that theres a limit to how
much buyers are prepared to pay in a particular
postcode area even for the most sumptuously
appointed of palaces. Of course you might be
lucky and find a buyer prepared to pay over
the odds, but theres a good chance that cau-
tious mortgage valuers will later down value it,
PROJECT ADVICE
Choosing the Right Renovation Project
prompting a major re-think. Its usually a better
bet to plump for a run-down property with
bags of potential in a higher value area, unless
you can find somewhere in an elusive up and
coming area where rapidly rising local house
price tides promise to lift all the boats. But its
also extraordinarily easy to persuade yourself
that your part of town is on the up when to any
objective observer it still appears blighted by
urban squalor.
Having identified a renovation opportunity
in a suitable location you then need to pop your
surveyors hard hat on and take a long cool look
at the pile of bricks and mortar youre hoping to
buy. Profitability depends on devoting as little
of your budget as possible to repairing hidden
parts of the building, such as the structure and
drainage system. Instead, by lavishing money
on stylish dcor, feature lighting, and desirable
kitchens and bathrooms, profitability can be
boosted with visible benefits that really add
value for buyers.
To assess a buildings true condition before you
buy means spotting the warning signs of any
big-ticket items, such as failing roofs or illegal
structural alterations. Before putting in an offer
and spending hundreds of pounds on a survey
its a good idea to stroll around the building to
note any clues that might indicate trouble ahead.
(Following the checklist in next months issue
should help alert you to any serious issues.)
But its not all doom and gloom: if youre
lucky, older houses may still harbour delight-
fully quirky features that can add real value
once renovated, such as cast iron fireplaces hid-
den behind old panelling, timber floors ripe for
stripping and polishing, or perhaps wonderful
period windows and shutters. Finally, having
drawn up a shortlist of works you need to take
advice on building costs to set a realistic budget
and timescale, aiming where possible to market
the completed project during the peak selling
seasons of spring or autumn.
homebuilding.co.uk 149
17/03/2017 09:35
Pages_140-184.indd 150 17/03/2017 10:49

ISTOCK
DEAL BREAKERS
Some tasks/remedial works are potential deal
breakers and make a project potentially unvia-
ble. On the other hand, some defects look worse
than they are. For example, its not unusual
for stepped cracking above window and door
openings to be mistaken for signs of subsidence
when in fact theyre often the result of poor-
ly implemented window replacement works
and are relatively straightforward to rectify.
Any obvious cracking tends to frighten away
potential buyers, thereby opening the door to
negotiating a healthy price discount.
Most buyers are strongly influenced by first
impressions and will be deterred by the sight
of depressing wallpaper, ghastly old bathroom
suites and unhygienic-looking kitchens. But
these sorts of things neednt cost a fortune to put
right. Most renovators plan to replace bathroom
and kitchen fittings anyway, in which case you
may as well go the whole hog and buy a truly
abominable horror pit complete with original
dark chocolate-coloured bathroom suite and
limescale-encrusted gold taps, rather than
somewhere thats just becoming a little tired.
Whether a refurbishment project is viable or
not ultimately comes down to price. Even major
Renovation_checklist.indd 151
PROJECT ADVICE
Choosing the Right Renovation Project
defects which threaten to soak up large chunks Project Stoppers
of your budget, such as the need for complete clockwise from top: Some
re-roofing, extensive window replacement or mortgage companies will refuse
major structural repairs, can be acceptable if to lend on a thatched property;
the purchase price realistically reflects the cost Old bathroom suites may look
unsightly but dont necessarily
of the required works. cost a fortune to put right; Buyers
However, trying to quantify potentially serious may need to be wary of major
issues like Japanese knotweed, asbestos, radon, cracks in the walls like this one.
damp, rot and beetle infestation can require very
careful assessment. Often these sorts of issues
sound worse than they really are, but an expe-
rienced surveyor will need to advise when you
need to worry and when you dont. Making the
right call here can land you a genuine bargain.
RISKS YOU CANT SEE
The scope for deal breaking isnt limited to
physical defects. In one recent case, a friend who
is an avid viewer of Homes Under The Hammer
decided to buy a house at auction to renovate
and let out. Following a successful bid, she was
horrified when legal searches subsequently
revealed the house was located directly above
redundant mine workings. The conveyancer
duly advised withdrawing from the sale, which
meant forfeiting the 10% deposit shed paid in
the auction room.
homebuilding.co.uk 151
17/03/2017 09:35
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Pages_140-184.indd 152 17/03/2017 10:49


Buying at auction is riskier than the conven-
tional private treaty process where theres ample
time to conduct due diligence. Even so, there are
many potentially crippling legal risks that can
jump up and bite you, such as flats where free-
holders demand extortionate ransom sums to
extend the lease, and listed buildings where the
new owner becomes liable for potentially huge
costs of rectifying any past illegal alterations.
More commonly, you may find that Building
Regulations consent wasnt obtained for major
projects such as extensions, loft conversions and
the removal of load-bearing walls and chimney
breasts, which means the works are illegal as
well as potentially dangerous. Although you
can apply retrospectively to building control
for a regularisation certificate, the cost of any
necessary structural remedial work cant be
easily quantified in advance. Similarly, where
planning consent hasnt been obtained, its not
unknown for illegally built structures to have to
be demolished or rebuilt at the owners expense.
When Lending is More Difficult
If a refurbishment project is defined as a busi-
ness then banks will tend to regard you as a
developer and offer more expensive commercial
loans. To obtain mortgage funding it greatly
helps if youre buying the property as your main
home. Alternatively, a Buy To Let mortgage
can be an option but to make the sums add up
lenders need to take into account the achieva-
ble rent, and somewhere in need of renovation
is only likely to be suitable for letting once its
done up. A good mortgage broker should be able
to advise on which lenders will accept a when
done rental figure.
Even properties that need a lot of updating are
usually acceptable for lending, although much
depends on the attitude of the mortgage valuer
as some are more prone to stipulating essential
repairs than others. This means your mortgage
offer may be conditional upon first carrying
out repair works, which can be frustrating if
you need the money up front to pay for them!
Larger mortgage lenders are fairly relaxed about
imposing such conditions, and some just make
you sign an undertaking where you promise to
get the works done at some point in the future.
However, all banks have defined lending pol-
icies that renovators can sometimes fall foul of.
Its very important to ensure that the property
youre buying has a functioning kitchen, bath-
room and heating system no matter how decrepit
otherwise itll be defined as uninhabitable n Modern Methods of Construction such as SIPs,
and therefore unmortgageable. Also, most lend-
ers dont like it if a property has more than one
ISTOCK
kitchen, for example in an annex or outbuilding.
Renovation_checklist.indd 153
PROJECT ADVICE
Choosing the Right Renovation Project
THE BLACKLIST
Mortgage lenders are notoriously conservative in
their lending criteria and there are certain types
of property that many of them wont touch with a
telescopic bargepole. Even if you were
to succeed in getting round the rules
to secure a loan, the chances are that,
when the time comes to sell the refur-
bished house, your buyer will strug-
gle to raise a mortgage. Different banks
have different red lines, but as a general
rule the following types of property are
best avoided:
n Properties of non-conventional
construction. Large numbers of post-
war local authority houses (mostly
semis) built from 1945 to the 1960s
were of pre-reinforced concrete (PRC)
Post-War Council Housing
construction; many others were of steel frame con-
struction. Many are now designated as defective Some post-war local authority
housing may be defective and
under the Housing Act 1985. While some types can need to be upgraded before
be repaired to make them acceptable for lending, mortgage lenders will consider
in practice this can be hard to achieve because making a mortgage offer.
both pairs of semis normally need to
be upgraded to a certifiable standard
(for example, PRC Homes Ltd Repair
Scheme or Non-Traditional Homes
Appraisal Scheme).
n Properties with walls of in situ
poured concrete construction, such
as Laing Easiform and Wimpey No-
fines are acceptable to most lenders,
but not all.
n Any property where the main roof
is predominantly flat.
n Modern timber frame inner leaf Flats with Short Leases
panel wall construction is normally acceptable
It may be difficult to get a mortgage
unless built prior to 1970 or the outer leaf isnt of
on studio flats or those with a lease
solid masonry, or the cavities have been insulated term of less than 70 years.
retrospectively.
n Buildings with partial single width
brickwork (approx 115mm thick) such as
some Victorian terrace rear additions.
n Period timber frame and thatched
buildings are acceptable to some lend-
ers but not all.
n Flats in blocks over five storeys high,
studio flats, open deck access, some
office conversions, and flats over shops
especially fast food takeaways, pubs or
dry cleaners. Also flats with remain-
ing lease terms of 70 years or less are
increasingly being declined.
Underpinning
n Buildings with a history of underpinning.
Mortgage lenders may hesitate
to lend on buildings with a
ICF and steel frame are acceptable to most lenders history of underpinning.
but not all, although this is unlikely to be an issue
for refurbishment purposes.
homebuilding.co.uk 153
17/03/2017 09:36

Spending Wisely POTENTIAL COSTS
When considering your Surveyors tend to be very wary of freshly ren-
renovation project, its ovated properties. A quick makeover usually
worth considering whether involves anything visible getting tarted up, with
any improvement will add
ISTOCK
most of the budget devoted to extensive re-dec-
value for buyers.
oration, basic replacement kitchen units and
bathroom suites, and acres of laminate flooring.
Look a little closer, however, and you might find
new electrical switches and sockets concealing
prehistoric wiring, ancient boilers boxed in out
of sight, and misted double glazing. Thats before
you spot the blocked gutters, temporary taped
roof flashings, short-life flat roofing felt, springy
floors and worrying damp patches.
Fortunately most people embarking on a ren-
ovation project are aware that as well as shelling
out for re-decoration and new fittings its nor-
mally necessary to budget for a decent heating
and hot water system and electrical rewiring.
For a typical three-bed semi youre likely to
have to fork out around 7,000 (inc VAT) for
A QUICK GUIDE TO SURVEYS
There are two main types of residential property
survey: homebuyer reports and building surveys.
Both are carried out by qualified members of RICS
(Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors).
Building surveys used to be known as full struc-
tural surveys, a term no longer officially used
because it implied that the less expensive home-
buyer report somehow wasnt structural, when in
fact its a fundamental part of both inspections to
report on structural issues. Homebuyer reports are
the most popular type of survey and are suitable
for the vast majority of homes built since the late
Victorian period. Prices vary according to the value,
location, age and size of property, but for an average
three-bed semi you might expect to pay between
about 400 and 550. Building surveys cost more
but report in more detail and are better suited for
older properties and renovation projects.
Home condition reports are a junior survey
pitched at a budget price, but are relatively brief and
Next month... unsuitable for properties in need of refurbishment.
Part Two: The Ultimate
Renovation Checklist However, where a property is clearly suffering from
154 homebuilding.co.uk
Renovation_checklist.indd 154
a new boiler, central heating and hot water sys-
tem, plus another 5,000 or so (inc VAT) for
complete rewiring. For an average new kitchen
you could add anything from about 4,000 to
12,000, and for new bathroom fittings between
3,000 and 7,000 including labour. To over-
haul or replace the windows you could add at
least another 10,000 to 15,000. Then theres
the cost of general maintenance such as clearing
gutters, plus external decorations and landscap-
ing. You also need something for installing or
refurbishing features with buyer appeal such
as fireplaces (not forgetting to line flues), plus of
course a decent contingency sum of 10 to 20%.
Some homes can be transformed by opening
up internal walls but this can be a significant
expense, and not everyone is a fan of open plan
living. The big question with any improvement
is will it add value for buyers? Its important not
to get carried away with some improvements like
retrofitted underfloor heating, which, although
very nice, are unlikely to recoup their cost when
you come to sell. This is something estate agents
are usually pretty clued in about.
And as we have seen, the more of your
budget you have to devote to repairing hidden
budget-swallowing parts of the building such
complete re-roofing or major structural works,
the less you will have to spend on benefits that
add a sense of homely character, or perhaps a
touch of bling, depending on the tastes of your
target buyers. Hence the importance of selecting
the right property in the first place.
pronounced cracking or structural movement, it
can be a better option to directly commission a
structural engineers report in the first instance.
Whichever report you instruct, as a client you
are entitled to raise any matters in advance that
youd like the surveyor to pay special attention to,
for example, to comment on suitability for a loft
conversion or extension. Once youve read the
report its also a good idea to phone the surveyor to
discuss the implications and raise any questions. A
word of warning, however: surveyors working for
large corporate mortgage valuation firms appoint-
ed by the banks often operate under strict time
pressure targets and tend to be less experienced
at carrying out more complex surveys. In many
cases they are also encouraged to load reports
with standard survey text phrases.
For a renovation project its better to start by
comparing online quotes from locally based RICS
surveyors who have broad experience and can
afford to devote more time to your survey (see
rightsurvey.co.uk). They may also be able to help
out with advice as your project gets going. H
17/03/2017 09:36
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14 THINGS
TO CONSIDER
WHEN LOOKING AT
APLOT
Buying a plot is a huge investment and it goes without saying that the viability
of the site will have a huge impact on your finished home. Here, we list the
key factors to consider when assessing a building plot for your self-build
1
IS THE PRICE RIGHT?
A key question that self-builders ask when plot hunting is:
Is the price right? Plots get their value as a result of the
value of the house that could be built on the land. To work out
whether the sums stack up, there is a simple equation:
The plot cost (A) + total build cost (B) + 20/30% margin
(A + B x 20/30%) = the end value (C)
Start with the answer to the equation, the end value an es-
tate agent can aid here. Your next step is to work out the prob-
able build cost (turn to page 176). Then put in the plot cost and
the margin. If the figures do not stack up, then either the land
cost or your building costs are too high, or a bit of both. Either
way you need to juggle the figures to get to a fixed answer.
Its never a good idea to go into a project in negative equity.
But if youre not planning to sell in the near future, you could
take the view that the margin could be trimmed.
2
WHATS THE IMMEDIATE VICINITY LIKE?
Before you visit a plot, check out the site using Google
Maps and Street View and get a feel for the area both
in terms of its scenery, views, and importantly, the local archi-
tecture, which may well impact on the style of house youll end
up building. Preparing in this way enables you to ask key ques-
tions on site during the visit rather than afterwards. Is there a
likelihood that the plot is sloping? Are there big trees on the
site? Also, is this really an area that you want to live in? After
all, location is one thing you cant change.
Youll also want to spend time before your visit checking av-
157-159_Plots.indd 157
PROJECT ADVICE
Assessing Plots
erage house prices, recent houses on the market on the same
street, and key facilities like schools and local shops. Check the
local authoritys website, too, for recently approved planning
applications you dont want a large petrol station or noisy
bar being built on your doorstep.
3
ARE THE BOUNDARIES CLEARLY DEFINED?
Are the boundaries of the site clearly defined and do they
match the site plan that should form part of the agents
details? You need to be clear exactly what land you are buying.
Ideally the boundaries would be defined by hedges, walls or
fences. Who owns these fences and walls? How mature are the
hedges and will they provide privacy?
4
WHAT ARE THE GROUND CONDITIONS?
Ground conditions vary according to the geological
make-up of the area (some areas have more clay than
others, some are built on rock, and so on) and the individual
site for instance, if the plot has been carved from a former
garden, the top level might well be made-up ground such as top
soil that cant be used to build a house off.
You can try and get an idea of the ground conditions by phys-
ically inspecting it on site. You could also put a call into the
local building inspector usually they are happy to offer infor-
mal advice over the phone on the understanding that it is not
binding. For areas, particularly up north, where there is/was
mining activity, it would serve you well to check this will not
impact the plot either.
homebuilding.co.uk 157
16/03/2017 13:02
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Pages_140-184.indd 158 17/03/2017 10:50


5
IS THERE SUITABLE ACCESS?
You need to get an idea of where the driveway will go
and where cars will be parked. Does the site have direct,
unobstructed access to the road and does it affect your idea of
where the new house should be positioned?
6
ARE THERE TREES ON SITE?
The presence of trees on or around the plot may make
the site attractive. However, the location of trees on site
may also impact on the space thats available for building a
home, especially if the trees are protected by Tree Preservation
Orders (TPOs), prohibiting them from being lopped or felled.
However, the biggest impact trees may have on your build is
on the type of foundation you may have to employ. The presence
of trees with clay means extra precautions have to be taken, not
only to counter the effects of the trees if they remain but, also,
to counter the impact of any removal of the trees. This may
result in heave, where the ground rises as moisture that would
have been removed by the roots is retained in the subsoil.
7
WHAT ARE THE NEIGHBOURING HOMES LIKE?
Use the time during your plot visit to have a look at whats
next door. Get an idea of who your potential neighbours
are going to be and what type and size of house they have. Will
there be an issue of overlooking into your back garden? Like-
wise, will your new house affect their privacy?
8
CONSIDER THE ORIENTATION
Ideally a rear garden should face south, in order to enjoy
sun throughout the day. Orientation may also be a key
factor in the house design (particularly if you hope to harness
passive solar gain, or capture certain views from the main liv-
ing spaces, for instance). The orientation might be something
you can change at the planning stage although its often diffi-
cult to change it completely from the approved plans.
9
IS IT IMPACTED BY TRAFFIC NOISE?
How close is the plot to the road and, if its close, is the
road going to prove a problem? Traffic noise neednt im-
pact the interior thanks to modern building techniques such
as triple glazing, but it can have an impact on how serene (or
otherwise) the garden is. If youre visiting the plot at the week-
ends or after work, try and visit again during rush hour. Traffic
noise can also impact on how you lay out the internal floorplan
placing the master bedroom near the loudest part of the plot
is not the best idea.
10 ARE SERVICES AVAILABLE?
You will need to provide water, electricity, telephone
and perhaps mains gas (if available) to your new house, and
connect to the sewer system. Many rural sites will be too far
away from the mains gas to make connection a realistic possi-
bility. Oil or LPG may be alternatives, but you could also con-
sider renewables, such as a heat pump or biomass boiler.
You should always check the estimated cost of connecting to
these key services before purchasing even going as far as get-
ting potential quotes before buying the site. Expect to pay in
the region of 5,000-10,000 in order to gain connection to
the key services but the cost will depend on how far away you
157-159_Plots.indd 159
PROJECT ADVICE
Assessing Plots
are from the mains. (One of the key wins when buying an exist-
ing house to demolish or a serviced plot which will become
more prevalent as the Right to Build legislation beds in across
England is that services are already in place.)
11
IS THE EXISTING PLANNING
PERMISSION ABOUT TO EXPIRE?
The site youre looking at should have planning ap-
proval to build a house of an approximate size that would
appeal to you. Firstly, check that the planning permission is
in date and there is enough time left in order for you to com-
mence work without having to reapply dont assume that
youll simply be able to renew the planning approval, as local
policies change all the time.
Secondly, have a good look at the approved plans. Its impor-
tant to understand that you can reapply for permission to build
a different house one based on a design that you have come
up with your architect or designer without jeopardising the
existing approval. However, you will need to investigate the
planning situation more closely, particularly if the approved
plans are radically different to what you intend to build for
instance, if theres approval for a single-storey design and you
want a two-storey house. You could perhaps ask the agents why
there is only permission for a bungalow. In some cases, vendors
applying for permission on a plot to add to its value before sell-
ing it off will apply for the least controversial scheme possible.
There might be nothing to stop you successfully applying for a
two-storey house. However, if the neighbouring properties are
single storey, you might face more of a battle.
12
IS THE PLOT LARGE ENOUGH
FOR YOUR REQUIREMENTS?
You should spend time during the visit getting an
idea of where the house will go and what size garden and drive-
way this will give you. If the position of the house is not pegged
out you could make some rudimentary markers by walking out
the dimensions or by bringing along a measure.
13
DOES THE SITE SLOPE?
Slopes put many buyers off potential building plots,
but while they can add a few thousand to the cost,
they are not usually sufficient to make a housebuilding project
completely unviable. In many cases they can actually provide
the impetus for a more interesting one-off design, perhaps tak-
ing advantage of views, or the provision of a semi-basement.
14
ARE THERE ANY LEGAL IMPEDIMENTS?
When you first view a plot you may not know
everything thats in the title. Keep an eye open for
possible ransom strips, where the land doesnt quite meet the
highway (not counting the grass verge or footpath). The strip,
which may be only centimetres wide, might be in the owner-
ship of somebody else who will, almost certainly, want money
to allow you to cross it.
Watch out for covenants and easements, too. Some may be
in your favour and others may be restrictive. In many cases,
restrictive covenants may have fallen by the wayside over time,
but they may still exist and need to be dealt with. The simplest
way is often by means of a single premium indemnity policy. H
homebuilding.co.uk 159
15/03/2017 12:24
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Pages_140-184.indd 160 17/03/2017 10:51

Pages_140-184.indd 161 17/03/2017 10:51
Pages_140-184.indd 162 17/03/2017 10:51
 GET IT BUILT
Your 14-page in-depth, practical guide to getting your self-build, renovation or
extension project built plus project schedules and the build cost calculator

165
Completing

171
Your Self-build

On-Site Welfare

183
Ask the Expert:

180
Your Building
Questions
Answered
How to Restore
Old Parquet
Flooring

homebuilding.co.uk 163

GetItBuilt/COMPLETIONV3.indd 163 16/03/2017 13:03

 Homebuilding
&RENOVATING
SHOW
GLASGOW 20-21 MAY 2017

Pages_140-184.indd 164 17/03/2017 10:51

 COMPLETING
YOUR SELF-BUILD
Your self-build is nearly over in the rush to move in, dont forget your Building
Regulations completion certificate, says building control officer Paul Hymers
Paul Hymers
Paul Hymers has been a building
control officer in Kent since
1984 and has written eight
books on home improvements
and developing, including the
best-selling Home Extensions
The Complete Handbook,
now in its fourth edition.
GetItBuilt/COMPLETIONV3.indd 165
W
hatever your project, completing
also means notifying your building
control body for a final inspection
and completion certificate. The Building Reg-
ulations completion certificate (shown right)
is an essential legal document, without which
selling or remortgaging the property in the fu-
ture can be a non-starter. On a new build, it may
also be a trigger for your VAT return (which you
must get to HMRC within three months of your
certificate being issued). Dont leave it to your
contractor to arrange for the final inspection
some will be happy to be paid up and gone,
leaving you to carry out any remedial or final
jobs necessary to obtain the certificate.
Completing is often a process and partic-
ularly so with new homes. Thankfully, the
Regulations dont extend into decorating but
completing does cover some last-minute jobs,
like connecting rainwater downpipes, fitting
external lights, paving front entrances and
waste bin spaces (we cover some of these key
requirements overleaf). Even inside, there may
be items that are easily overlooked. Some of Associated Paperwork
the more commonly omitted items include: For new homes, some amount of paperwork
n Thermostatic mixer valves (TMVs) fitted un- is needed to conclude the process of complet-
der baths or on the bath taps limiting the hot ing. Final as-built SAP (Standard Assessment
water to 48C Procedure) calculations comparing both the
n Background trickle vents to windows Dwelling Energy Rating (DER) against the Tar-
n Child-safety restraint catches or guarding on get Energy Rating (TER) and likewise, the Fab-
windows below 800mm on upper floor levels ric Energy Efficiency of the new dwelling, will
n Extractor fans that are ducted to external need to be submitted.
air in kitchens (and not re-circulating through Design SAP calculations would have been
a carbon filter), bathrooms and utility rooms. done at the outset, but things may change
(Although this may not apply to new builds when the build gets underway. Perhaps dif-
where a whole-house mechanical ventilation ferent materials were used, changing the U
system is fitted) values of certain elements. For example, the
n Egress hinges on windows that allow them boiler model originally specified may have
to be opened fully changed every new boiler model has an in-
n Fire door intumescent strips (and fire- dividual rating (from A+++ to G) under the En-
rated pair and a half hinges) in three or ergy related Products (ErP) directive. (Yes, the
more storey homes calculations do go into this level of detail.)
n Interlinked smoke or heat alarms Almost always, the actual air permeability
n Carbon monoxide detectors where solid-fu- rating physically tested on site towards the
el appliances are installed. end of the build will be different to the one
homebuilding.co.uk 165
15/03/2017 13:52
Pages_140-184.indd 166 17/03/2017 10:51
 assumed at the design stage. Unless the air
permeability rate was taken to be 15 in the SAP
design, a site test is required on completion
and a certificate will be issued by your autho-
rised airtesting consultant verifying the result.
The job of the air pressure test is to reveal air
leakage from places that shouldnt leak, such
as window frame surrounds or service entry
points on many new homes you may see the Right: The Staircase
labourers armed with expanding foam cans
A building inspector checks
and silicone-tube guns, working their way the staircase at first fix stage.
around before things are finally boarded over The staircase has been given
and decorated. temporary protection before
Permeability rates of between five and eight the wall and ceiling finishings.
are normal but such is the enthusiasm for im-
Below: Water Cyclinders
proving airtightness that very low figures of
around two are sometimes recorded, and that Unvented hot water cylinders
must be checked, tested and
in itself causes further complexities. As car- commissioned before use,
bon-based lifeforms,
Richard Smith the residents will need to with a commissioning label
breathe (as indeed the
Richard Smith is technical building does) and cre- completed by the installer.
atingdirector
a really at airtight structure, if not designed
LABC Warranty
in from and thehasoutset,
over 20can years of having to retro-in-
mean
stall aindustry
whole-houseexperience. He
ventilation system that will
trained at North Warwickshire
change the air periodically.
Borough Council and his
Anbackground
Energy Performance
is in building Certificate (EPC)
concludes control.theHisSAPteamcalculations,
are required for
everyresponsible
new home. for investigating
The certificate awards a rat-
all claimsA
ing between andand providing
G, and most new houses
remediation solutions to
todaydefective
achievebuildings
a B rating.
and
Gas Safetraining
providing registration for new gas boilers
to surveyors
and Part P registration for notifiable electrical
(labcwarranty.co.uk)
works will also need to be evidenced. Hard
copy certificates of the former are issued by
Gas Safe separately to the owner, but as with all
Competent Persons Scheme works, the licenc-
ing bodies notify the local authority automati-
cally at the same time some, it has to be said,
are quicker at doing this than others.
Its worth bearing in mind that even though
you may have used a FENSA or registered in-
staller for your windows, the window installa-
tion will always be a part of any extension or
new build and form part of your building con- least 2m, the following are all needed for you to
trol bodys inspections. There is procedural safely ascend and descend floors:
benefit of using FENSA or CERTASS-registered n Maximum 220mm steps (risers)
window installers for replacement windows n Minimum 220mm treads (goings)
and doors, where they can avoid the need for n A pitch limited to 42
you to submit a Building Regulations applica- n A ratio where twice the rise plus once the go-
tion. For new building work, these items are ing should fall between 550mm and 700mm
inherently part of your application and a sep- n Equally spaced treads: the brain does not ap-
arate certification isnt required. preciate changes in the rhythm of movement
when transcending stairs.
Building Stairs to Regs Standards If youre having a staircase purpose-made
Inside, one of the feature elements of a self- by a joiner, then it is worth having their fabri-
built home that often sets it aside from devel- cation drawings approved by your building
oper builds is the staircase. The design geom- control surveyor before it is made. CAD de-
etry of a staircase is governed by ergonomics signed, they can be easily emailed for prefabri-
and basic safety. Beneath a headroom of at cation approval.

homebuilding.co.uk 167

GetItBuilt/COMPLETIONV3.indd 167 15/03/2017 13:52

Pages_140-184.indd 168 17/03/2017 10:51
 Handrails have to be fitted at 900mm high to
protect exposed edges with balusters (other-
wise known as spindles) no more than 100mm
apart, but there are still some design options for
these. If vertical spindles dont work with your
contemporary design, solid guarding might
work, or for the impression of an open stairway,
glass screens as guarding. Contemporary bal-
ustrading with glass clamped to newel posts
and beneath a handrail is usually toughened
to break safely and stamp marked according-
ly. The rail-type glazing systems that leave the
glass frameless and the top edge without a
handrail are normally laminated glass, since
they must act both as containment as well as
breaking safely. Containment is a necessity
in the absence of a handrail or any other sup-
porting feature when the glass itself serves to
protect the edge of a drop should somebody
fall against it.
In single rooms with limited space, where
conventional stairs cant be fitted, alternating
paddle-tread stairs can be used but they re-
quire handrails on both sides, like a ships stair,
and a careful practised approach. As with using
second-hand staircases, like reclaimed metal
spiral staircases, it is a good idea to seek prior
approval for their use, as they may fall outside
the current requirements for stair safety.
Bin Storage is Covered by the Regs Too
A small area of at least 1.2mx1.2m should be
allocated for storage for two separate waste
bins (recycling and waste), and so long as they
are no further than 30m away and not close
to windows or vents to the house, only a hard-
surfaced space needs to be present. If you can
build a store to conceal them, its to everyones
advantage; guidance on bin store design can be
found in the NHBC Foundation Report NF60.
The Importance of Level Access
While bin stores are often welcomed by all par-
ties, perhaps the least popular requirements
for self-builders are those relating to access
and specifically the level access pathways
and ramps to the entrance that are part of the
access standards. These requirements begin
with the approach to the entrance from the
car parking space (rather than the front door).
There are now three optional standards of ac-
cess, from category 1 visitable standard (the
basic level first adopted in 2000) to category 3
dwellings for wheelchair users. The one appli-
cable to your new home will have been deter-
mined with the planning permission.
A level site with hard paving from the drive-
way to the front door is ideal for complying
GetItBuilt/COMPLETIONV3.indd 169
with the basic standard of category 1 homes. USEFUL CONTACTS
Ordinarily, a drainage channel or a shelter-
ing canopy will protect the doors accessible AI (approved building
threshold in the absence of a raised sill. But on inspectors):
a sloping site that might not be possible and ap- approvedinspectorsltd.co.uk
proach steps or a ramp might be necessary, for Airflow (extractor fans)
which there are limits on risers and goings and airflow.com
slope gradients. Arrow Electrical
If the front door simply cant be made into (outdoor lighting)
an accessible entrance, a side door can fulfil arrowelectricals.co.uk
the role but the challenge here is the same Brett Landscaping (paving)
to blend in the driveway gradients with hard brettpaving.co.uk
surfacing suitable for wheelchairs up to the Honeywell (carbon monox-
entrance. If a separate ramp has to be incorpo- ide, smoke and heat alarms)
rated it should be: homesafety.honeywell.com
n At least 900mm wide jhai (approved building
n Graded 1:15 up to 10m long or if steeper at inspectors): jhai.co.uk
1:12 gradient Local Authority Building
n No more than 5m long Control (LABC): labc.co.uk
n A level landing space top and bottom at
least 1,200mm long.
If steps are needed, they again should be
900mm wide and with risers formed be-
tween 75 and 150mm high with treads at least
280mm and landings at top and bottom that
can be 900mm square or deeper. Rising three
or more steps means having a handrail to one
side for support located between 850mm and
1m above the pitch line.
Bottom: Fitting
The site levels determine much, but this is a New Kitchen
where architectural designers and landscap-
All the Buildings Regulations
ers can come into their own, designing in ac- requirements have been met
cess that is either subtle or complements the here, including the fitting of an
home and garden alike. H extractor fan in this new kitchen.
homebuilding.co.uk 169
15/03/2017 13:52
Pages_140-184.indd 170 17/03/2017 10:51
 WELFARE AND
SECURITY ON SITE
Dealing with on-site welfare and security isnt complicated, but both need
planning to ensure smooth running during your build, says David Snell
David Snell
The author of Building Your Own
Home, David is a serial self-
builder and has been building
homes for 50 years. Hes
currently building his
fourteenth home.
ISTOCK
GetItBuilt/welfare v2.indd 171
I
f youre using a builder to do everything,
then its a fair bet that they will make them-
selves responsible for welfare and storage
facilities as well as security. But having said
that, it always behoves the prudent self-builder
to check that thats the case.
If youre using a smaller local builder for the
weathertight shell or employing direct labour
yourself, then its going to be incumbent upon
you to provide these essential facilities.
What Welfare Facilities Do
You Typically Need On Site?
Of course, the first essential is always going to
be a toilet. Alternatively, the labour may need
to absent themselves for long periods, espe-
cially if the nearest facilities they can find are
in the local pub. Specialist companies can
provide toilet accommodation and under-
take cleaning and emptying on a weekly basis.
Theyre pretty basic but certainly adequate
and the cost shouldnt be more that 100 a
month. Resist the temptation to off hire the toi-
let as soon as those in the new house are ser-
viceable. Keep them until all of the labour is off
site, if youre not to regret having muddy floors
and cloakrooms.
A site hut may also seem a good idea but
hiring one will cost between 80 and 160 per
month. And thats dead money. Expensive site
huts are more the province of major sites and
not that of individual self-builds. On top of this,
youll more than likely discover that many of
the tradespeople prefer to have their rest break
in their own vehicles.
If youre going to need a garden shed one
day, then it can be a good idea to buy one at an
earlier stage and use it as the site hut, so long as
you make strict rules about its use and treat-
ment. Try to place it in its eventual position,
rather than risk having it deteriorate if you
keep moving it.
Always make sure that there is a basic first
aid kit on site and it makes sense to buy a few
hard hats and safety goggles and to put these
in the shed, even if theyre never used.
Many people think that it would be an em-
inently sensible idea to build the garage first
and then use it for all of the storage and site
hut facilities. The reality is that it virtually nev-
er happens the reasons are simple. Trades
come onto and leave site in a natural progres-
sion and, if youre just building the garage,
theyll price this small job as a one-off rather
than as an ancillary to the main contract. And
of course, youll be interrupting the flow and
need for plant which will have to come on
and then leave site only to have to come back
again, when the main house begins. All of this
will add delivery and transport costs. In the
end, this idea gets lost in the desire to get on
with the main event.
Perhaps, a happy scenario in this instance
is where theres already a garage or similar on
site which may be the case if youre knocking
down and replacing an existing house.
homebuilding.co.uk 171
17/03/2017 14:15
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Pages_140-184.indd 172 17/03/2017 10:51


CONTACTS
Andy Loos andyloos.co.uk
BuildStore buildstore.co.uk
Containers Direct
shippingcontainersuk.com
Euroloo euroloo.com
Heras UK (security fencing)
heras.co.uk
Jacksons Security Fencing
jacksons-security.co.uk
LABC Warranty (insurance)
labcwarranty.co.uk
Self Build Zone (insurance)
selfbuildzone.com
Site Equip site-equip.co.uk
ISTOCK
GetItBuilt/welfare v2.indd 173
Storage Options for this may already be with your builders, who
If you do opt to buy the garden shed before will use it from site to site but, otherwise, allow
time and use it for welfare or storage, then the around 100 for labour and materials.
probability is that it wont be very secure. It
may be useful for storing low-value items and Temporary Electricity Supply
even cement dust but itll never be safe to store Its never a good idea to try to run cables from
tools or high-value goods. a neighbour, other than for a very short period.
HOT WATER SAFETY
Containers are a superb option for storage as A portable generator can be hired for around
they are very secure. They can beHot hiredwater
for rea- safety is a Itserious
34 a week. s entirelyissue:
possible for the house
sonable sums, which equate roughly nearly
to 10600
per people
to reachexperience
roofed-in stage a severe
before mains electrici-
week for every 3m in length. But,scald once injury
again, intythe UK each
becomes year. Three
anywhere near essential. At some
this is dead money and it may make quarters
senseof tothestage
victims are
youre under
going the age
to have to pay to bring elec-
consider buying your own. of five and in 2007,
tricity21onpeople died
to your site andinthis
theis going to cost in
The cost of buying them can UK after contact
be between the with
regionhot tap water.
of 1,500. In
The Electricity Board will
650 and 1,000, although its better lighttoofgothese
for accident
supply the figures, it was
cable and you clear
take this to the meter
the more expensive ones as the cheaper that something
ones box.needed
If the to be done
house is farand
enoughan advanced then
might be fairly old; they tend toamendment leak when toone thecanBuilding
utilise Regulations
the eventual meter box, built
the cups that hold into the walling.
the male protru- Otherwise you can
sionsRichard
when Smiththeyre set up a meter box
stacked rust
Richard Smith is out. on a stout pole. A
Whentechnicalyoure
directorfin-
at meter box will cost
LABC Warranty
ished with them, and around 40 and
has over
theyll 20 yearssell
probably of youll have to pay
industry experience.
on He fortrained
as muchat North
or your eventual sup-
closeWarwickshire
to what you plier 66, or there-
paidBorough
for them. Alter-
Council abouts, for a meter.
and his background
natively, they make The electrician will
great is insheds/play/
building then have to run a
control. His team
outhouses. They wire from the meter
are responsible
can be clad in timber
for investigating to a consumer unit,
and lined inside.
all claims andHoles can be cutwas
providing made in 2010.
for windows possibly in another box on the same pole.
remediation
and doors solutions
and a roof to pitchedSection
can be over them,G3 of the Building Regulations
possibly defective
usingbuildings
up thoseand approved
tiles left over Site Security
document
from the G covers sanitation, hot
providing training to surveyors
main house. water safety andIf water
youreefficiency.
going to beFor water
living on site, then your
safety specifically, the amendment
presence, together with meant
PIR lighting, is your
Temporary Parking/Hardstanding that all new-build homes
best across
security. England and
Otherwise its another reason
Most individual sites wont needWales are required
to formalise to the
to get have devices fitted
neighbours to and to make
on board
temporary parking or hardstanding and will sure that theyve got your telephone number
rely on a layer of hardcore or Type 1. In very to contact you if they see anything at all suspi-
soft ground, you may need to augment this cious. Self-build sites dont tend to suffer deter-
with geotextile matting. A 100mx4.5m roll of mined attacks by thieves. If they do, its almost
this will cost around 250 plus 25 for delivery. always the high-value items that they look for.
So unpack any of these when theyre deliv-
Temporary Water Supply ered to render them unsaleable and get them
Those with friendly neighbours (perhaps fixed as soon as possible. Deterring the casual
those without a water meter) may find it con- entrance is essential, not just to put potential
venient to arrange to run a hose from their thieves off but to prevent children or animals
outside tap to the water butts near the mixing getting on site and into danger.
station. Water is the first utility that you want; Security Heras fencing can be hired for 2
you cant build a house without water. per week per 3.5m panel, including the footers
A typical cost for the supply of water, includ- and clips. Alternatively, fencing can often be
ing building supply, will be 450. Youll then bought for around 20 per panel and then re-
have to lay in the pipe, from the stopcock at sold at a later date at a similar price.
the main, through your land, to a standpipe.
This standpipe with its non return and anti-sy- Insurance
phonic valves must be within a lockable box Dont forget self-build site insurance covering
and suitably insulated. Much of the hardware all risks, employers and public liability. H
homebuilding.co.uk 173
14/03/2017 16:08
 BUILD
COST
CALCULATOR

CALCULATING
YOUR BUILD COSTS
A simple cost-estimating guide for people building their own home

O
ne of the most important aspects when planning your
self-build or home renovation/extension project is
working out how much it is going to cost. This figure will
depend on the size and shape of the house, the level of your
own involvement, where in the country you intend to build,
and the materials youre going to use. If you can make even
rough decisions about these factors, then you can begin to work
out how much it is going to cost.
As a very general rule of thumb, expect a building plot to cost
between a third and a half of the end value of the finished house.
The costs of building a house will then depend on the variables
listed above. All building work is usually quoted on a cost/m2
basis. For example, a typical new four bedroom self-built home
is around 200m2 (with 100m2 on two storeys) and usually varies
between 900-1,500/m2 (although self-builders achieve costs
between 300-3,000/m2).
Renovation costs are more difficult to establish as they in-
volve many variables, but allow at the very least 1,000-1,300/
m2 for work. This, added to the cost of the plot/house and with
a 10-30 per cent contingency, should result in less than the final
end value of the house.
The table below, based on information from the Building
Cost Information Service (part of RICS, the Royal Institution of
Chartered Surveyors), is updated monthly to help you work
out a more accurate estimate (note, however, that these figures
are for build costs only and do not account for VAT, which is not
charged for self-build projects). There is a free interactive online
version at homebuilding.co.uk/calculator.

BUILD ROUTE A BUILD ROUTE B BUILD ROUTE C BUILD ROUTE D

(DIY + Subbies) (Subbies) (Builder/Subbies) (Main Contractor)

SINGLE STOREY Standard Good Excellent Standard Good Excellent Standard Good Excellent Standard Good Excellent

>90m2 Greater London 1249 1445 1738 1323 1530 1841 1396 1616 1943 1470 1701 2045
South-East 1096 1268 1525 1160 1343 1615 1224 1417 1704 1289 1492 1794
NW, SW, East & Scotland 996 1154 1387 1055 1222 1469 1114 1290 1550 1172 1358 1632
Mids, Yorks, NE & Wales 953 1103 1326 1009 1168 1404 1065 1233 1482 1121 1298 1560
91-160m2 Greater London 1144 1388 1804 1211 1470 1910 1279 1552 2016 1346 1633 2122
South-East 1004 1217 1582 1063 1289 1675 1122 1360 1768 1181 1432 1861
NW, SW, East & Scotland 913 1108 1441 967 1173 1525 1021 1238 1610 1074 1304 1695
Mids, Yorks, NE & Wales 873 1060 1377 925 1122 1458 976 1184 1539 1028 1247 1620
161m2+ Greater London 1019 1336 1676 1079 1415 1775 1138 1493 1873 1198 1572 1972
South-East 893 1171 1470 946 1240 1557 998 1309 1643 1051 1378 1730
NW, SW, East & Scotland 813 1066 1339 860 1128 1418 908 1191 1496 956 1254 1575
Mids, Yorks, NE & Wales 777 1020 1279 822 1080 1354 868 1140 1490 914 1200 1505

TWO STOREY
90-130m2 Greater London 1202 1391 1709 1273 1473 1809 1344 1555 1910 1414 1636 2010
South-East 1055 1220 1499 1117 1291 1587 1179 1363 1675 1241 1435 1763
NW, SW, East & Scotland 959 1110 1365 1016 1176 1445 1072 1241 1525 1128 1306 1606
Mids, Yorks, NE & Wales 917 1062 1304 971 1125 1381 1025 1187 1457 1079 1250 1534
131-220m2 Greater London 1012 1226 1555 1072 1298 1646 1132 1370 1738 1191 1442 1829
South-East 888 1076 1364 941 1139 1444 993 1202 1524 1045 1266 1604
NW, SW, East & Scotland 808 979 1241 855 1037 1314 903 1094 1387 950 1152 1460
Mids, Yorks, NE & Wales 773 936 1186 818 991 1256 864 1046 1326 909 1101 1395
221m2+ Greater London 934 1196 1501 989 1266 1590 1044 1337 1678 1099 1407 1766
South-East 820 1048 1318 868 1110 1395 917 1172 1473 965 1233 1550
NW, SW, East & Scotland 746 954 1199 790 1010 1269 833 1066 1340 877 1123 1410
Mids, Yorks, NE & Wales 713 912 1146 755 966 1214 797 1019 1281 839 1073 1349

174 homebuilding.co.uk

Extension Planner and Build Cost Calculator May17.indd 174 15/03/2017 14:04
 HOW IT WORKS THREE NEW STONE-

1
Identify your build route from the four options
CLAD HOMES PRICED
Your level of involvement in the project will influence Build cost 2,203/m
the build costs. For simplicity, the four most common Size 385m2
build routes have been identified below: Location Gloucestershire
l Build Route A: DIY + Subbies Build time One year, one month
Richard and Catriona Tyson left
Building on a largely DIY basis, substituting around 30% of
their self-build to the professionals
labour costs with DIY, and employing help with the rest of by hiring an architect to design
the building work. Materials purchased directly. the contemporary project,
l Build Route B: Subbies complete with dramatic curved
Building using tradespeople hired directly you will be Cotswold stone faade, while an
oak frame package company
project managing, but there is minimal DIY involvement.
supplied the oak frame structure
Most or all materials purchased directly. that was erected on site in just
l Build Route C: Builders/subbies five days. The end result came in
Building using a main contractor or package supplier to on time and on budget, thanks
complete the structure to a weathertight stage, with the re- to the teams careful planning.
maining work undertaken by subcontractors and most ma-
Build cost 2,083/m
terials purchased by self-builder direct from suppliers. Size 240m2
l Build Route D: Main contractor Location Devon
Building using a main contractor. Building in this way Build time One year, five months
requires the least involvement from the self-builder. Melissa Brooks and James
Warner chose to appoint a main

2
contractor to undertake their
Identify your expected level of specification new home through a JCT Minor
The standard of specification that you choose will Works Contract. Their architect,
have an enormous influence on your build cost. For Annie Martin, took on the role of
estimating purposes, three general categories of quality contract administrator, working
closely with James and Melissa
have been identified:
and their contractors. Fortunately,
l Standard: This represents a basic build quality equivalent many of the materials chosen
to that offered by most speculative developers. A house may were non-specialist and could be
include standard softwood joinery, studwork partitions, a completed by the main contractor,
contract kitchen, basic sanitaryware and radiator central which was beneficial to both
build time and the budget.
heating.
l Good: This is equivalent to that offered by quality devel- Build cost 937/m
opers. Features may include high-end off-the-shelf softwood Size 144m2
joinery, blockwork partition walls, contract quality kitchen Location Wiltshire
and sanitaryware and underfloor heating (UFH) downstairs. Build time Two years, two months
Chris Hurst built his dream home
l Excellent: A very high standard. This house may include
in the countryside for around half
hardwood joinery, blockwork partition walls, a bespoke the price of the average detached
kitchen and quality sanitaryware, and UFH, for instance. home in the area by learning the
basics of a few trades, and taking

3
IMAGES: SIMON MAXWELL; NIGEL RIGDEN; BRETT CHARLES

Multiply the figure by your house size on the role of project manager.
The design of the house took his
We use gross internal floor area as a measure
DIY approach into consideration:
(its the most common in the industry). Its the Chris had already renovated a
area of a building measured to the internal face of home before and had learned to
each perimeter wall for each floor level. It includes lay bricks and tile a roof. He also
areas occupied by internal walls and partitions. attended a plastering course at
college, thus limiting the need for
tradespeople. This helped him
save 60,000 on labour costs.

See more great homes at:

homebuilding.co.uk/completed-projects

homebuilding.co.uk 175

Extension Planner and Build Cost Calculator May17.indd 175 15/03/2017 14:04
 STEP-
BY-
STEP

EXTENSION
PROJECT PLANNER
What does a typical extension project look like? What are the critical paths and
construction schedule? Heres our week-by-week guide and checklist

BEFORE WORK STARTS approve the foundations will depend on your builder, included in the project
Find trades, obtain quotes Reinforcement laid within but work now starts on the
and inform them of your foundations, if required superstructure WEEK 8
schedule Pipework, drainage Cavity wall insulation fitted ROOF COVERINGS
Check lead-in times for or services laid within Wall ties inserted to fix the Roofing membrane is laid
materials to avoid delays foundations new walls to the existing over the newly built rafters
Advise building control of Concrete footing poured Lintels for windows and Roof battens cut and fitted
commencement and levelled doors fitted over membrane
Arrange/amend insurance Building control visits to Door and window frames Tiles/slates laid
If living on site, put approve should be inserted as the Ridge/hip tiles laid and
measures in place to keep the walls go up bedded
building work separate from WEEKS 3-4 Valley tiles laid, along with
your living spaces SUPERSTRUCTURE WEEK 6 finishing details, flashings, etc.
Arrange toilet facilities for Bricklayers to build up to INTERNAL WALLS Fascias, soffits and verges
trades if necessary damp-proof course BUILT primed/stained/painted
Drains installed and Internal walls are Floor screed laid
WEEK 1 trenches dug for associated constructed
PREPARATION WORKS pipework Order materials such WEEK 9
Ensure clear access to site Insert concrete lintels as windows, roof tiles, etc., WINDOWS AND DOORS
Have bricks, blocks and into brickwork if a drain run which can sometimes have External rendering if
associated materials requires it long lead times of up to five required
delivered to site and stacked Sand is then laid before weeks Windows and doors fitted
in place damp-proof membrane is put Check that the carpenter is into linings and frames that
Hire mixer and digger this down all set for the following week were (hopefully) put in place
is only necessary if you are Insulation fitted and all materials are ready when walls were being built
project managing, otherwise Concrete slab poured Guttering and downpipes
your builders or contractors Arrange for building WEEK 7 fitted
will organise this on your control inspection ROOF STRUCTURE First fix carpentry,
behalf The carpenter will plumbing and electrics
Ensure the site is safe, WEEK 5 start building the roof Studwork walls built,
particularly if you have EXTERNAL WALLS BUILT structure or in some cases door linings fitted and
small children Check that the required prefabricated roof trusses pipes boxed in
materials are on site for may be used
WEEK 2 the superstructure to If you are having rooflights, WEEK 10
GROUNDWORKS commence, including lintels, the carpenter is usually in BREAKING THROUGH
Builders arrive on site door and window frames and charge of fitting these at Now is a good time to
Groundworkers dig wall ties this stage ensure you get sealed off
foundations Whether the brickwork Dormers will be from the building work as
Building control visit to or blockwork is built first constructed, if they are being things will get messy

176 homebuilding.co.uk

Extension Planner and Build Cost Calculator May17.indd 176 13/03/2017 16:31
 Steels are put into place,
along with padstones sizes
should have already been
approved by building control
Joins made good

WEEK 11
PLASTERING
Walls are boarded, with
insulation placed between
battens on existing un-
insulated external walls
Plastering followed by a
period of drying out (around
a week before decorating
can begin)

WEEK 12
SECOND FIX EXTENSION CHECKLIST builders merchants
Second fix electrics carried Make sure your project runs smoothly l Check lead-in times for materials
out (sockets made live, with our handy dont forget checklist and order where necessary
switches put in place, lights l Obtain planning permission, if l Notify building control that
fitted, etc.) required, prior to works commencing you are commencing works
Second fix plumbing (taps, l Submit application to your local l Make space available to store
MAIN IMAGE: SIMON MAXWELL; LEFT: PAUL ARTHUR; RIGHT: SIMON MAXWELL

connections, etc.) building control materials safely on site

Flooring laid (sometimes l Arrange access for delivery lorries l Make sure water will be available
people choose to lay flooring and consider where skips can be placed for cement mixer (and later
after the kitchen is fitted) l Get quotes from trades plastering) where it will cause
Kitchen units installed (if l If living on site, arrange schedules to minimal mess inside
this is a kitchen extension) minimise impact on day-to-day living l Arrange scaffolding if required
l Agree timescales and schedules with l Make second fix decisions (such
WEEK 13 trades to avoid delays on site as the position of lights and sockets)
SNAGGING l Arrange or amend insurances as as early as possible
Leaks, electrical problems, necessary (you may need a new policy) l Build in time for plaster to dry out
heating system issues, l Inform neighbours of work before decorating commences
sticking doors and windows commencing l Make sure plasterers and other trades
report them all to the l Organise the hire of plant, toilets etc. know if you are carrying out aspects of
relevant trades as soon as l Set up accounts with your local their jobs on a DIY basis
possible after finishing H

homebuilding.co.uk 177

Extension Planner and Build Cost Calculator May17.indd 177 13/03/2017 16:31
 Need help with
your wooden floor?
For new wood floor installations or renovations to
period floors, speak to your local Bona Certified
Contractor!
At Bona we are passionate about wood floors. Our range of oils
and lacquers have been used worldwide for nearly a century
to protect, finish and colour beautiful wood surfaces.
To help you prolong the life of your floor, weve trained a
network of wood floor specialists in the use of our dust-free
sanding system and high performance coatings.
They will also advise you about correct ongoing
maintenance.
Call us on 01908 525 150 or use the Stockists &
Contractors tab on the Homeowners page at
bona.com to find your local wood floor specialist.
(Please tell your Bona contractor you found them through
Homebuilding & Renovating)

Bona Limited
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info.uk@bona.com
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1083-Bona Certified Craftsman Half Page Ad for Homebuilding & Renovating v1.indd 1 17/03/2017 07:56

Pages_140-184.indd 178 17/03/2017 10:51

 THE GREAT BRICK
CHALLENGE
Next time you look at a brick, spare a thought for those calculating the
quantities needed for your self-build, says building estimator Steve Whitby
Steve Whitby
is managing director of
Estimators Ltd (estimators-
online.com), the UKs leading
building estimating service.
GetItBuilt_steve.indd 179
T
here is far more to measuring up for the
humble brick wall than meets the eye,
and they are a challenge for architects
and engineers alike. However, understanding
the basics of standard brick dimensions gives
self-builders a useful insight into how standard
measurements for other elements of their self-
build are arrived at.
The British Standard metric facing brick
is 215mm long by 65mm high. The size used
by professionals is 225x75mm, after allow-
ing for 10mm horizontal and vertical mortar
joints. The brick face area used is 0.225x0.075
= 0.016875m2. The number of bricks per m2 = 1
divided by 0.016875 = 59.26. Many in the trade
simply round this up to 60/m2. Estimators
would use the exact figure of 59.26, then add
a waste percentage, usually 5%, once the total
required is known.
To avoid unsightly brick cuts in finished
walls (see right), it is good practice for archi-
tects and designers to determine wall lengths
and heights to fit the brick bond. A wall length
of 3,000mm doesnt work, so to avoid cuts the
designer should alter the dimension to either
2,925mm (13 bricks at 225mm) or 3,037.5mm
(13.5 bricks at 225mm). The same applies to Brick Bonds
wall heights. The most common ceiling height
To avoid unattractive brick cuts in finished
in modern housing is 2,400mm (exactly 32 walls, it is good practice to determine wall
brick courses at 75mm). For higher ceilings, lengths and heights to fit the brick bond. Wall
increase the height in increments of 75mm for lengths may need to be adjusted accordingly.
each additional course. If you wanted 10-foot
ceilings, the modern equivalent is 3,000mm Once all this has been factored in by the
(40 courses at 75mm). architect or designer, spare a thought for the
timber-frame engineer. They calculate the
Window and Door Sizes structural stability of the design and create
Once the walls are determined in brick bond, exact panel drawings for manufacture. These
a similar process has to be applied to all the drawings must also factor in the brick bond-
window and door openings. The sizes of stan- ing (if brick is used as a cladding). Some brick
dard windows and door frames all fit exactly to manufacturers produce technical information
the standard brick bond. The standard height sheets. (Ibstock Brick, for example, provides
of a door opening is 2,100mm (28 courses at very good brickwork dimension tables.)
75mm). The standard width of an entrance The next time you look at the humble brick,
door frame is 910mm (four bricks wide plus spare a thought for the construction profes-
one 10mm vertical joint or perpend). sionals that made it work. H
homebuilding.co.uk 179
17/03/2017 14:16
 RESTORING OLD
PARQUET FLOORS
An original parquet floor can be a thing of beauty, yet in the case of period renovation
projects they often require some serious attention first, says Natasha Brinsmead
In Need of Some TLC
Damp and years of neglect
have left this Edwardian
parquet floor in serious need
of renovation and repair.
180 homebuilding.co.uk
Parquet.indd 180
O
riginal parquet floors are one of those
period features that get renovators pret-
ty excited and, once restored to their
former glory, something that can draw gasps of
envy from guests. Unfortunately, though, they
usually come with their fair share of problems.
Here, we look at how to deal with less-than-per-
fect parquet.
Parquet floors, as with many types of old tim-
ber flooring, tend to be blighted with three key
problems: damp; damaged blocks; loose and un-
even blocks; and being laid at a different height to
floors elsewhere in the property.
In years gone by it was common practice to lay
parquet (as well as quarry tiles and flagstones)
directly on to bare earth, ash or sand, with not a
scrap of insulation in sight. At the time, other than
the floor being uncomfortably cold underfoot by
todays standards, this caused no issues. Howev-
er, we have come to expect a higher level of com-
fort than our predecessors and this means that
we need solutions to the common problems that
old parquet presents us with.
PROBLEM 1: SOLVING DAMP
Parquet floors often suffer from damp. This man-
ifests as visible dark patches that appear after a
heavy rainfall or take you by surprise when re-
moving an old rug or threadbare carpet.
The causes and severity of damp vary. Com-
monly the damp is caused by a non-breathable
material being laid over the parquet, which in the
past would have relied upon its own breathabil-
ity to absorb and evaporate moisture from its
surface area. Introducing unsuitable insulation
materials between the subfloor and parquet will
also cause issues basically, anything that mess-
es with the floors ability to breathe.
In other cases, the parquet may have been laid
onto a concrete subfloor. Given the solid nature
of concrete, moisture from the ground below
had nowhere to go except up through the con-
crete. Prior to the mid 1960s, installers would use
bitumen as both a moisture barrier between the
concrete and the parquet, as well as a way of fix-
ing the parquet in place.
However, bitumen perishes over time and
timber moves, so cracks and splits appear in the
bitumen and moisture is allowed up and into the
parquet. This is not so much of a problem if you
are happy to live with the odd damp patch, but
if you cover it with carpet, an engineered timber
floor or similar, at some stage, this damp is going
to rear its ugly head.
Less commonly, the problem might be down
to rising damp, a faulty drainage system or mod-
ern wall insulation.
Solution: The easiest, cheapest and most au-
thentic solution is to leave the underlying surface
well alone and accept that old floors will become
harmlessly damp from time to time, as well as
feel chilly to stand on.
Basically, to be successful in the long term, the
solution you choose needs to be one that allows
the floor structure to continue to breathe. One
modern solution is to take up the parquet, before
digging out the floor to a level that will allow for
a damp-proof membrane, concrete slab, insu-
lation and finally the new floor covering or old
parquet to be re-laid. The problem here is that the
cement-based concrete and damp-proof mem-
brane means any moisture from beneath your
home will now be forced up through the walls.
A better solution is to use a limecrete floor,
which will absorb and emit moisture as well as
being compatible with underfloor heating. (Read
more at: homebuilding.co.uk/what-is-limecrete.)
The floor is first dug out before it is levelled and
compacted. Small foamed glass beads may be
used as the base to limecrete it provides both
the insulation and the moisture barrier, although
a breathable moisture barrier can also be used.
This results in a breathable floor that can be fin-
ished with your old parquet.
Finally, other solutions you might want to in-
vestigate further include constructing a new sus-
pended floor or redesigning the floor/wall junc-
tion in a way that moisture is allowed to dissipate,
for example, with a vented skirting detail.
Ultimately, consider how much you want to
spend and how much disruption you are pre-
pared to live with.
17/03/2017 11:44
 What Lies Beneath
It was common practice to lay
parquet flooring onto nothing
more than bare earth, ash or sand.

PROBLEM 2: BAD DAMAGE

The chances are that an old parquet floor will
have seen a good amount of action over the
years, some of which will have resulted in seri-
ous damage. Some blocks might also be missing.
Solution: Begin your search for replacement
blocks within your home. Perhaps you might
source blocks from another room in which you
plan on laying a completely different flooring
type. It also pays to look in built-in cupboards and
pantries where the flooring is not as vital and a bit
of parquet looting would go unnoticed.
If that fails, check out reclaimed sources or ap-
proach a timber merchant or joiner to make up
some new matching blocks for you.

PROBLEM 3: UNEVEN SURFACES

It is not uncommon to find that the floor onto
which your parquet has been laid is rather un-
even perhaps this happened when removing
an old bitumen layer from the underside of your
parquet blocks and subfloor.
Solution: If you are digging out and basically
starting again with the installation of your par-
quet floor then this problem will be easily dealt
with. If, on the other hand, you were hoping to
leave the subfloor well alone, you might have to
arm yourself with a whacker plate or similar in
order to smooth over the underlying floor, or use
a sander if the subfloor is concrete. Thin sheets
of hardwood can also be used to create a more
even base.
ANGUS BREMNER; HELEN LUCAS ARCHITECTS

FINISHING OFF
The Beauty of Parquet
Once your parquet floor is damp-free, level and
repaired, you might find it needs sanding and fin- CONTACTS Whether restored or new,
as in this example from
ishing. This is a job you can do yourself (a special- Russwood: russwood.co.uk Russwood, parquet makes for
ist will charge around 20-35/m2 on average), The Natural Wood Floor Co.: a beautiful flooring choice.
using a hired sanding machine and some elbow naturalwoodfloor.co.uk
grease. Be sure that the varnish, oil or sealant to The Reclaimed Floor Co.:
finish the floor with is breathable so as not to reclaimedflooringco.com
undo all your hard restoration work. H

homebuilding.co.uk 181

Parquet.indd 181 17/03/2017 11:44

 Photography: Angus Bremner

17th Century Grande Parquet, laid in a Herringbone pattern.

Russwood Ltd, Station Sawmill, Newtonmore, Scotland, PH20 1AR
T: 01540 673 648 E: mail@russwood.co.uk
www.russwood.co.uk

Pages_140-184.indd 182 17/03/2017 14:55


ASK THE
EXPERTS
Looking for impartial, expert advice on your project? Our team of experts are
here to answer your need-to-know questions. This month, our experts tackle
rainwater goods in Conservation Areas and timber windows on the coast
Ian Rock
Ian is a chartered surveyor,
author, and director of Right
Survey (Rightsurvey.co.uk.)
Q: I own a three-storey building in a Conservation Area
and I am going to replace the fascia, guttering and cast
iron downpipes. What are the best plastic or low-main-
tenance products that are likely to get approved by lo-
cal planning officers?
A: IAN ROCK In Conservation Areas, local authorities must take
into account the need to preserve or enhance the area. Any
proposals that alter the character of the building, or the area as a
whole, are unlikely to be permitted.
Restrictions apply to the principal elevation, although visually
prominent side elevations on corner plots fronting a highway
will be affected, so its best to avoid plastic windows, doors
and fascias here. Matching the originals as closely as possible
is advisable. However, minimising maintenance on a multi-
storey building is an important practical factor, so modern low-
maintenance materials should be acceptable as long as they
look appropriate.
Fascia boards in pre-coloured cement fibre have the benefit
of simulating the appearance of timber while being low
*PLEASE NOTE THAT WE MAY NOT BE ABLE TO ANSWER ALL QUESTIONS
maintenance, although most roofline products in this material
only offer a paint warranty of up to 10 years.
A more authentic material is Accoya, a form of treated
timber that is fast gaining a reputation for its stability and long-
term durability, claimed to be superior to red cedar and many
hardwoods. Other alternatives such as aluminium are probably
better suited to new construction rather than refurbishment.
When it comes to replacing your rainwater fittings, the
simplest option would be cast-iron effect PVCu gutters and
downpipes which simulate the originals. A better but more
expensive alternative would be cast aluminium. This offers the
advantages of authenticity, lightness and corrosion resistance,
as well as significantly greater durability.
ATE May17.indd 183
Do you have
a question?
Email homebuilding@
centaurmedia.com* or pop along
to one of the Homebuilding &
Renovating Shows for a free
15-minute consultation. (Visit
homebuildingshow.co.uk
for more information.)
Tony Pell
Tony is chair of Wood
Window Alliance
(woodwindowalliance.com)
Q: We are building a cottage-style home in Cornwall and
want to make the building look as authentic as possible.
However, we are worried about the use of timber
windows given the coastal location. Are we at risk of the
wood being damaged by the salt in the air? We would
like to avoid using wood alternatives if possible.
A: TONY PELL There is no need to feel nervous about installing
timber windows in your coastal property, but youre right to
worry about the salt in the air. Small particles such as sand are
abrasive, and the ageing process for all materials is only further
sped up by the sea air, so being able to restore and refresh
windows is vital for both the durability and look of the window.
Regular maintenance inspections are important and I would
recommend conducting them more frequently given the
exposed location of your property at least once a quarter. Be
prepared to re-coat the windows every six or seven years, rather
than the eight to 10 year intervals expected in normal conditions.
Choose fully factory-finished windows as they will have an
accurate coating finish, with the end-grain and joints properly
sealed in a controlled environment. Make sure, too, that your
windows have been tested to meet BS 6375 standards of air-
and watertightness, and that they are third-party certified to
prove it (look for BSI Kitemark, TRADA Q-Mark or Wood Window
Alliance certified). Standard engineered and preservative-
treated softwood will be fine, but if your budget can stretch to
it, consider using a modified timber, such as Accoya, for greater
stability and durability.
Not only is timber a durable material that lasts twice as long
as PVCu, but its use in your property will also go some way to
preserving the heritage of the British coastline, ensuring that
your home looks as authentic as possible and complements its
beautiful natural surroundings. H
homebuilding.co.uk 183
16/03/2017 13:06
 Pineland_Proof.pdf 1 29/07/2016 12:22

CM

MY

CY

CMY

Primed, or primed and painted units can now be provided

enquiries@pineland.co.uk

Pages_140-184.indd 184 17/03/2017 10:52

Pages_185-201.indd 185 17/03/2017 10:54
Pages_185-201.indd 186 17/03/2017 10:54
Pages_185-201.indd 187 17/03/2017 10:57
 THE SOURCEBOOK
The ultimate directory to help you locate suppliers for all your self-build and renovation needs.

HBR_woodside_ad.pdf 1 03/10/2014 14:44

Staircases of Distinction from

Woodside Joinery

High Quality Staircase Components

C
Solid Oak Stair Treads and Risers
Handrails and Accessories M

Any Timber or Design Y

Established 30 years
CM
Delivery across the UK
MY

CY

CMY

For free advice, information and further

details please contact us on:
T: 01633 875232 E: sales@woodsidejoinery.com
www.woodsidejoinery.com
Tel: 01268 284000 www.ukstairparts.co.uk Nationwide Service

To advertise on this page please call Kay Dhillon on 01527 834496 or email kay.dhillon@centaurmedia.com

HBR_May17_class_pages.indd 188 17/03/2017 11:05

 High Quality Complete Rigid Kitchens
The Best of British Manufacturing

Terence Ball
SALOP LEISURE

KITCHENS PRO SERVICES KIT HOMES CONSTRUCTION

OAK BEAMS
Delivered direct to site throughout the UK

Kitchens
THE NAME YOU CAN TRUST Ancient Oak Beams, Bricks,
Are you looking for a static caravan for your own land? Roof Tiles, Floorboards, etc.
Building project Temporary Accommodation Immense Stock
VENTILATION
Over 300 doors & 50 carcase colours.
Of ce Space Farm Worker Accommodation LAUNDRY CHUTES
01483 200477
Quality guaranteed over 50 years experience EXTRACT FANS Blum Drawers and Softclose Hinges
A Name You Can Trust
Large selection available to view www.antiquebuildings.com
Call or text Chris 07809245913 Paul 07803290687 Antique Buildings Ltd, Dunsfold, Surrey www.air8uk.co.uk
k k
Keenly priced & impressive brochures

True smart
homes for
everyone

Proudly Made in Britain

See how we can make High quality complete rigid kitchens
your home smart now! The best of British manufacturing
Heating Lighting Security AV
Fully installed or supply only
www.somersetsmarthomes.com
info@somersetsmarthomes.com
Over 300 door styles & finishes
01935 350 850 Nationwide delivery with
local service
Impressive Brochures
VAT REFUNDS
www.terenceballkitchens.co.uk
Specialising in VAT REFUNDS for new builds
and conversions. Professional and helpful service

sales@terenceballkitchens.co.uk
offered by self-builder and converter. Final fee
payable once funds received from HMRC.

0800 999 7155

J.M. Daniel Business Services Ltd
Contact Jayne Daniel FCCA on:
0161 763 5304 jayne@vatrepayments.co.uk
www.vatrepayments.co.uk

Homebuilding
&RENOVATING Forget steel beams and cranes
SHOW
GLASGOW 20-21 MAY 2017
TeleBeam is the new way of converting
lofts in modern properties with roof
trusses. It is the first pre-fabricated
lightweight and adaptable system
which deals with a wide range of
roof spans and pitches. TeleBeams
have LABC Registered Systems
Approval giving you peace of mind.

www.telebeam.co.uk
01380 739000

To advertise on this page please call Kay Dhillon on 01527 834496 or email kay.dhillon@centaurmedia.com

HBR_May17_class_pages.indd 189 17/03/2017 11:06

 Croxfords_0213.pdf 1 09/08/2013 12:01

DOORS & WINDOWS INTERIORS PRO SERVICES Fibre optics for your
HARDWOOD WORKTOPS
& END GRAIN CHOPPING BLOCKS
new-build or Made to measure
refurbishment made
C

easy.
M

Y
Star ceilings
CM marked Windows & Doors are our speciality
MY CROXFORDS Timber Fold & Slide Tilt & Slide
Lift & Slide Patio Doors Casement
Joinery Manufacturers & Woodturners Sliding Sash Tilt & Turn Windows
CY

CMY
Our patio doors and windows are made to measure and feature:
Easy Maintenance Dual Draught Seals High Tech Specification
K High Security Expert Craftmanship Ideal Fire Escape
www.bordercraft.co.uk
T. 01484 850892 E. info@croxfords.co.uk Metham Joinery Works,
Email: sales@bordercraft.co.uk
www.starscape.co.uk
New Street, Metham,
www.croxfords.co.uk Holmfirth, HD9 5NT TEL: 01981 550 251

Friendly and Professional

Project Management Assistance for Self Builders
At PlotPlan we understand that self-builders sometimes may need a little
extra help and advice or simply dont have the time to project manage
every stage of their project. Thats where we fit in!
If youre building a packaged house we can help you with the following and
a great deal more:
Site access. Foundations.
Surveys. Landscaping. CALL NOW FOR
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Architect. Warranty inspections.
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Ray Pope 01483 536 837

ray@plotplan.co.uk

CLARITY Specialists in Scratched Glass Repair and Etched Graffiti Removal

PlotPlan_Classified Ad_90x62_FINAL.indd 1 03/02/2017 13:24:05

GLASS 0800 772 0194

REPAIRS www.clarityglassrepairs.co.uk
To advertise on this page please call Kay Dhillon on 01527 834496 or email kay.dhillon@centaurmedia.com

HBR_May17_class_pages.indd 190 17/03/2017 11:06

 INTERIORS KIT HOMES KITCHENS EXTERIOR
DECK THE
KITCHEN COMPANY
WHITE

Wooden Kitchens Handmade For You.

Underfloor Heating
Wet Rooms
Sound-proofing and no squeaks
Full Technical Support
01388 728833 info@CDI-ICM.co.uk www.CDI-ICM.co.uk
 

Bespoke Hardwood Glazed Products

Joinery Limited

Our products are designed and constructed at our workshop

near Woburn Abbey by our team of workers who are
experienced tradesmen with a love for their craft.
Hardwood
Conservatories
Orangeries
Windows & Doors
Multifold Doors
Lantern Lights
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Other Joinery Work

Installation Service, Quote and Buy Online at Trade Prices

10 Year Guarantee, Contact us to book a design visit
All windows carry CE marking
Contact Us www.thewhitekitchencompany.com
Phone: 01525 288843 | Website: www.everittandjones.co.uk
Address: Wakes End Farm, Wakes End, Nr Eversholt, Bucks, MK17 9FB 01604 821003

To advertise on this page please call Kay Dhillon on 01527 834496 or email kay.dhillon@centaurmedia.com

HBR_May17_class_pages.indd 191 17/03/2017 11:06

 KIT HOMES FLOORS SMART HOMES TOOLS
01509 23400001509
- www.floorsofstone.com
234000 - www.floorsofstone.com
enquiries@floorsofstone.com

Design and installation of property

automation and control systems

Control you home from anywhere

01628 290640 | info@questend.co.uk
www.questend.co.uk

Smart Security | Cinema at Home | Multi Room Audio

Multi Room Video | Automated Shading | Control Systems
Lighting Control | Smart Heating | Energy Monitoring
Robotic Lawnmowers

To advertise on this page please call Kay Dhillon on 01527 834496 or email kay.dhillon@centaurmedia.com

HBR_May17_class_pages.indd 192 17/03/2017 11:06

 HEATING PRO SERVICES FLOORS INTERIORS
Homebuilding
&RENOVATING
SHOW
GLASGOW 20-21 MAY 2017

ST
LE O
OR

OAK
NE

OrlestoneOak
Solid oak ooring manufactured at our Kent sawmill

Central Vacuum Cleaners

Comprehensive choice of
vacuum units ranging from
compact units to twin motor
commercial models. Wide
choice of accessories and hose
lengths. Simple and easy to in- Solid oak ooring in 3 grades
stall. Free planning and techni- Floor matching service
Multi-width and extra-length
cal support. Next day delivery.
Engineered hardwood ooring
Tel: 01491 836 666

NEW!
www.cvcdirect.co.uk
01233 732179
www.orlestoneoak.co.uk
Phone for our
52 page brochure

OAK SAWMILL OAK BUILDINGS OAK JOINERY OAK FLOORING

To advertise on this page please call Kay Dhillon on 01527 834496 or email kay.dhillon@centaurmedia.com

HBR_May17_class_pages.indd 193 17/03/2017 11:06

 PRO SERVICES INTERIORS CARAVANS
HBR_May17_class_pages.indd 194
Heat Recovery Ventilation
Established company offering
wide range of HRV units and
ducting immediately available
from stock. Choice of several dif-
ferent heat recovery ventilation
units including high efficiency
Passivhaus certified units from
Brink Climate Systems. Stockists
of the easy to install HB+ radial
ducting system.
Tel: 01491 836 666
www.cvcdirect.co.uk
EnviroVent Launches Ventilation System Control App
EnviroVent, one of the UKs
leading ventilation manufac-
turers, is marking 30 years of
innovation with the launch
of one of the first ventilation
apps for iOS and Android
which will offer greater con-
trol and flexibility for a homes
ventilation by connecting to
the next generation of MVHR
(Mechanical Ventilation with
Heat Recovery) systems.
www.envirovent.com/myapp
Structural Warranties
RATED CARRIER NEW BUILD PART BUILD
RETROSPECTIVE SELF BUILD PROPERTIES
EXTENSIONS AND CONVERSIONS
Telephone: 01827 213407 or 0787 360 5516
Email: steve@ahci.co.uk
Compliant with the Government Help to Buy Scheme
To advertise on this page please call Kay Dhillon on 01527 834496 or email kay.dhillon@centaurmedia.com
SHAWS CIRCULAR INSET SINK
The Shaws Inset sinks are designed to
appeal to more contemporary styles,
yet keeping to the heritage of hand-
crafted fireclay. This sink can be used
as an everyday sink in a small compact
kitchen but is also ideal as a practical
sink in a separate preparation area a
trend which has become increasingly
popular with the use of kitchen island
units. This sink is manufactured in
England in white and biscuit finishes
and works well with granite, slate or
wood work surfaces.
www.shawsofdarwen.com
Lustrolite - the easy way to create beautiful kitchen
splashbacks and shower walls
A brand new brochure from Abacus
Manufacturing Group explains eve-
rything you need to know about Lus-
trolite, the leading name in acrylic
high gloss wall panelling. Lustrolite
is an advantaged multi-layer acrylic
sheet that looks just like glass,
weighing less than a quarter of a
traditional glass sheet while boasting
20 times the impact strength. Lus-
trolite applications include shower
walls, bathrooms and kitchens.
www.lustrolite.co.uk
TO
ADVERTISE HERE PLEASE
CALL KAY ON 01527 834496
17/03/2017 12:53
Pages_185-201.indd 195 17/03/2017 12:10
 For fast, accurate
cross, bevel & mitre
SLIDING COMPOUND
MITRE
SAW
NEW
516 PAGE
cutting in most BEST
hard & soft woods SELLER
1800W motor CATALOGUE
NOW GET YOUR
Laser guide

66SUPERSTORES
FROM ONLY
59EX.VAT
.98

71INC.VAT
.98 NATIONWIDE FREE COPY!
IN-STORE
CMS10S2 PHONE
BLADE MAX CUT 0115 956 5555
MODEL
DIA/BORE DEPTH/
(mm) CROSS EXC.VAT INC.VAT WHERE QUALITY ONLINE
CMS210 NEW 210/30 60/120 59.98 71.98
CMS10S2 254/30 78/340 139.98 167.98 COSTS LESS www.machinemart.co.uk

HEAVY TURBO AIR COMPRESSORS BELT SANDERS SDS

DUTY Ideal for surface removal, +
PETROL sanding and finishing CON18Li
POWER FROM ONLY
FROM ONLY
WASHERS .98
89EXC.VAT ABRASIVE SANDING

36EXC.VAT
.99
CORDLESS CON1500RDV
BELTS IN STOCK

44INC.VAT
.39 DRILL/ ROTARY
FROM ONLY
107INC.VAT
.98 FROM ONLY
DRIVERS 39EXC.VAT
.98
HAMMER

219EXC.VAT
.00
Superb range

262INC.VAT
.80 ideal for DIY,
47INC.VAT
.98 DRILLS Powerful
PRICE CUT
HEADER
PLS195 hobby & semi NOW FROM heavy duty
-professional use
CAN DRAW
OWN WATER
Honda & Diesel
engine models in stock * V Twin Pump

39EXC.VAT
.98 professional
drill ideal for
PRESSURE ENGINE EXC. INC.
8/250
BS1

47 .98
INC.VAT trade use INC 13MM KEYED DRILL
MODEL MOTOR CFM TANK EXC.VAT INC.VAT WASFOOTER
52.79 inc.VAT
CHUCK, 2X CHISELS, 3X SDS+
MODEL BAR/PSI HP VAT VAT 8/250 2HP 7.5 24ltr 89.98 107.98 *Was 52.79 inc.VAT DRILL BITS & CARRY CASE
Tiger1800 110/1595 2.6 219.00 262.80 7/250 2 HP 7 24ltr 94.99 113.99 MODEL VOLTS BATTS EXC. VAT INC.VAT
Tiger2600 170/2465 4 289.00 346.80 11/250 2.5HP 9.5 24ltr 109.98 131.98 CCD180 18V 1 39.98 47.98 MODEL POWER CAP
Tiger3000 200/2900 6.5 349.00 418.80 MODEL MOTOR M/MIN EXC.VAT INC.VAT (W) (MM) EXC.VAT INC.VAT
8/510 2HP 7.5 50ltr 119.98 143.98 Clarke BS1 900W 380 36.99 44.39 CCD240 24V 1 47.99 57.59
PLS195 186/2698 6.5 439.00 526.80 11/510 2.5HP 9.5 50ltr 139.98 167.98 CON18Ni 18V 2 x Ni-Cd 69.98 83.98 CON400RHD* 400 10-30 39.98 47.98
PLS265 260/3770 13 669.00 802.80 Clarke CBS2 1200W 480 79.98 95.98 CRD620 620 13-30 56.99 68.39
16/510* 3 HP 14.5 50ltr 209.00 250.80 Makita 9911 650W 75-270 94.99 113.99 CON18Li 18V 2 x Li-Ion 89.98 107.98
16/1010* 3 HP 14.5 100ltr 259.98 311.98 CON1200RD NEW 1200 13-40 65.99 79.19
CON720RHD 720 13-40 84.99 101.99
MULTI FUNCTION TOPTOWER
PLANERS & ANGLE GRINDERS WORK 150KG
CON1500RDV 1500 13-40 89.98 107.98
TOOL WITH ACCESSORY KIT THICKNESSERS SAFE
Great for sawing, cutting, sanding, polishing, FROM ONLY CAG800B TOWER WORKING
chiselling & much more 250W motor
Dual purpose, for both finishing
24EX.VAT
.99
LOAD
JIGSAWS
& sizing of timber
Variable speed
29INC.VAT
.99
MAX PLATFORM
FROM ONLY
15EXC.VAT
.99
BEST HEIGHT 2.6M

39EXC.VAT .98
SELLER
19INC.VAT
.19

47INC.VAT
.98
INC. DISC

209EXC.VAT.00

CMFT250 & HANDLE

250INC.VAT
.80
CON750
BEST
MODEL EXC.VAT INC.VAT SELLER
CPT800 3'11" x 3'11"
Steel Work tower 209.00 250.80 *DIY #Professional
MODEL DISC (MM) MOTOR EXC.VAT INC.VAT
FROM ONLY CAG800B 115 800W 24.99 29.99 4 adjustable legs 54.99 65.99 MODEL POWER DEPTH
QUALITY CAST
184EXC.VAT
.99 CON1050B
CON115
115
115
1050W 29.98
1010W 36.99
35.98
44.39
4 Castor Wheels 59.98 71.98 (W) OF CUT EXC. INC
(WOOD/STEEL) VAT VAT
IRON STOVES
221INC.VAT
.99
CAG2350C 230 2350W 52.99 63.59 CEMENT MIXERS Clarke CJS380* 420W 55/6mm 15.99 19.19
OVER 22 QUALITY
99EXC.VAT
.98
MODEL PLANINGMAX THICK. EXC. INC. CON2600 230 2600W 79.98 95.98 Clarke CON750# 750W 80/10mm 28.99 34.79
STYLES ON DISPLAY

119.98
INC.VAT WIDTH CAPACITY VAT
CPT600 NEW 6"
VAT
120mm 184.99 221.99 FROM ONLY
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HEADER
NOW FROM PROFESSIONAL
BEST
8kW
POT CPT800 8" 120mm 209.98 251.98

49EX.VAT
.98
169EXC.VAT .00 ROUTER SELLER
NEW BELLY 6.9kW
CPT1000 10" 120mm 289.00 346.80
59INC.VAT
.98
202 .80 & KIT
WET & DRY WAS FOOTER
INC.VAT
Plunge depth
215.98 inc.VAT CR2
GENERATORS VACUUM * SS =
Stainless up to 60mm
PG3800 CLEANERS Variable
FROM ONLY Steel BEST speed

99EX.VAT
.98 Compact, high
performance wet & dry CCM125C
SELLER Inc. 15pc

119INC.VAT
.98
vacuum cleaners for bit set
use around the home, RUBBER TYRES
Honda engine
LARGE & XL models workshop, garage etc. # 110V in stock

124EXC.VAT
.99

MODELS IN STOCK available

149INC.VAT
.99

BARREL II 6kW CHECK FRAME TYPE NEW MODEL MOTOR CAPACITY EXC. INC. CIRCULAR SAWS
DRY/WET VAT VAT MODEL MIX CAP DRIVE EXC. VAT INC.VAT FROM ONLY

219EXC.VAT
.00 WHEN ORDERING RANGE
CVAC20P 1250W 16/12ltr 49.98 59.98 CCM50 30L 230V 179.98 215.98 Great range of DIY
41EXC.VAT
.99

262INC.VAT
.80
BEST
SELLER
* was 358.80 inc.VAT # was 682.80 inc.VAT CVAC20SS* 1400W 16/12ltr 59.98 71.98 CCM110
CCM125C
90L 230V 169.00 202.80
90L 230V 199.98 239.98
and professional
saws Ideal

50INC.VAT
.39
MODEL KVA HP EXC.VAT INC.VAT CVAC20PR2 1400W 16/12ltr 64.99 77.99
FLUES,
CVAC25SS* 1400W 19/17ltr 67.99 81.59 Belle for bevel
COWLS & G720 0.7 - 99.98 119.98
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199EXC.VAT
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Belle Mini 150# 90L 240V 329.00 394.80
cutting
(0-45)
IN STOCK
238INC.VAT
.80 PG2500 NEW
PG3800 NEW
2.2 6.5 179.98 215.98
3 7 239.98 287.98 SUBMERSIBLE Belle Mini 150 90L 2.5HP 589.00 706.80
HONDA CON185
PG3800DV* NEW 3 7 289.00 346.80 WATER PUMPS was 215.98 inc. VAT was 382.80 inc. VAT
PG6500DVES# NEW 5.5 13 499.00 598.80 Auto ON/OFF
BUCKINGHAM PSV1A was 406.80 inc. VAT was 718.80 inc. VAT
float switch
TABLE SAWS ELECTRIC TILE *Includes
CUTTERS
FROM ONLY
49EXC.VAT
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LEG STAND KITS FOR 180mm continuous rim
CTS10D
CTS10D AND CTS11 ONLY
27.59 INC VAT
diamond blade Table tilts
ETC8

59INC.VAT
.98
ABRASIVE MODEL MOTOR MAX CUT
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INC. BOOSTER SAW CCS185B 1200W 65/44 41.99 50.39
INCLUDES FROM ONLY
PUMPS IN
STOCK NOW

139EXC.VAT
.98 CON185* 1600W
CCS2 1300W
60/40 62.99 75.59
60/45 59.98 71.98
LEFT

36EXC.VAT
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167INC.VAT
.98

& RIGHT
FROM ONLY
HEADER

44INC.VAT
.39 *Pumps solids up to
HSEC650A
Fast accurate RECIPROCATING SAW
TABLE 30mm diameter #Pumps solids cutting of ferrous
EXTENSION

72EXC.VAT
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BEST up to 35mm diameter Sewage cutter pump metals Cuts
59EXC.VAT
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SELLER
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87 .59
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71INC.VAT
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MODEL MOTOR BLADE EXC.VAT INC.VAT DEPTH DEPTH VAT VAT HIPPO 2 (230V) 85 6.0m 54.99 65.99 Tough steel guard
CTS800B 600W 200mm 72.99 87.59 AT 90 AT 45 PVP11A# 258 11.0m 79.98 95.98 INCLUDES & base Adjusts 850W motor BEST
CTS11 1500W 254mm 149.98 179.98 METAL 0-45 for 24mm stroke length SELLER
ETC8 35mm 22mm 36.99 44.39 PSP125 125 10.2m 87.99 105.59
CTS10D 1500W 254mm 169.98 203.98 ETC400# 25mm 17mm 159.98 191.98 HSEC650A 290 9.5m 199.98 239.98 CUTTING DISC CCO14B angled cutting Includes 3 wood & 3 metal blades
V
VISIT YOUR LOCAL SUPERSTORE OPEN MON-FRI 8.30-6.00,
SAT 8.30-5.30, SUN 10.00-4.00
5 EASY WAYS TO BUY...
BARNSLEY Pontefract Rd, Barnsley, S71 1EZ 01226 732297 EDINBURGH 163-171 Piersfield Terrace 0131 659 5919 MANSFIELD 169 Chesterfield Rd. South 01623 622160 SUPERSTORES
BHAM GREAT BARR 4 Birmingham Rd.
BHAM HAY MILLS 1152 Coventry Rd, Hay Mills
0121 358 7977
0121 7713433
EXETER 16 Trusham Rd. EX2 8QG
GATESHEAD 50 Lobley Hill Rd. NE8 4YJ
01392 256 744
0191 493 2520
MIDDLESBROUGH Mandale Triangle, Thornaby
NORWICH 282a Heigham St. NR2 4LZ
01642 677881
01603 766402
NATIONWIDE
BLACKPOOL NEW STORE OPENS MAY 2017! GLASGOW 280 Gt Western Rd. G4 9EJ 0141 332 9231 NOTTINGHAM 211 Lower Parliament St. 0115 956 1811
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01472 354435
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POOLE 137-139 Bournemouth Rd. Parkstone
01752 254050
01202 717913
www.machinemart.co.uk
BRISTOL 1-3 Church Rd, Lawrence Hill. BS5 9JJ 0117 935 1060 ILFORD 746-748 Eastern Ave. IG2 7HU 0208 518 4286 PORTSMOUTH 277-283 Copnor Rd. Copnor 023 9265 4777
BURTON UPON TRENT 12a Lichfield St. DE14 3QZ 01283 564 708
CAMBRIDGE 181-183 Histon Road, Cambridge. CB4 3HL 01223 322675
IPSWICH Unit 1 Ipswich Trade Centre, Commercial Road 01473 221253
LEEDS 227-229 Kirkstall Rd. LS4 2AS 0113 231 0400
PRESTON 53 Blackpool Rd. PR2 6BU
SHEFFIELD 453 London Rd. Heeley. S2 4HJ
01772 703263
0114 258 0831
MAIL ORDER
CARDIFF 44-46 City Rd. CF24 3DN 029 2046 5424 LEICESTER 69 Melton Rd. LE4 6PN 0116 261 0688 SIDCUP 13 Blackfen Parade, Blackfen Rd 0208 3042069 0115 956 5555
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CHELTENHAM 84 Fairview Road. GL52 2EH 01242 514 402 LIVERPOOL 80-88 London Rd. L3 5NF 0151 709 4484 SOUTHEND 1139-1141 London Rd. Leigh on Sea 01702 483 742
CHESTER 43-45 St. James Street. CH1 3EY 01244 311258 LONDON CATFORD 289/291 Southend Lane SE6 3RS 0208 695 5684 STOKE-ON-TRENT 382-396 Waterloo Rd. Hanley 01782 287321 CLICK & COLLECT
COLCHESTER 4 North Station Rd. CO1 1RE 01206 762831 LONDON 6 Kendal Parade, Edmonton N18 020 8803 0861 SUNDERLAND 13-15 Ryhope Rd. Grangetown 0191 510 8773 OVER 10,000 LOCATIONS
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CROYDON 423-427 Brighton Rd, Sth Croydon 020 8763 0640 LONDON 100 The Highway, Docklands 020 7488 2129 SWINDON 21 Victoria Rd. SN1 3AW 01793 491717
DARLINGTON 214 Northgate. DL1 1RB 01325 380 841 LUTON Unit 1, 326 Dunstable Rd, Luton LU4 8JS 01582 728 063 TWICKENHAM 83-85 Heath Rd.TW1 4AW 020 8892 9117
DEAL (KENT) 182-186 High St. CT14 6BQ 01304 373 434 MAIDSTONE 57 Upper Stone St. ME15 6HE 01622 769 572 WARRINGTON Unit 3, Hawleys Trade Pk. 01925 630 937 NEW CALL & COLLECT
DERBY Derwent St. DE1 2ED 01332 290 931 MANCHESTER ALTRINCHAM 71 Manchester Rd. Altrincham 0161 9412 666 WIGAN 2 Harrison Street, WN5 9AU 01942 323 785
DONCASTER Wheatley Hall Road 01302 245 999 MANCHESTER CENTRAL 209 Bury New Road M8 8DU 0161 241 1851 WOLVERHAMPTON Parkfield Rd. Bilston 01902 494186 AT STORES TODAY
DUNDEE 24-26 Trades Lane. DD1 3ET 01382 225 140 MANCHESTER OPENSHAW Unit 5, Tower Mill, Ashton Old Rd 0161 223 8376 WORCESTER 48a Upper Tything. WR1 1JZ 01905 723451
26229 Calls to the catalogue request number above (0844 880 1265) cost 7p per minute plus your telephone companys network access charge
For security reasons, calls may be monitored. All prices correct at time of going to press. We reserve the right to change products and prices at any time. All offers subject to availability, E&OE.

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 making building simple

Manufactures of structural insulated panels

Garden Buildings Extensions
Houses Flats Schools Hotels
01933 353501 www.sips.uk.com

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Pages_185-201.indd 199 17/03/2017 10:57
rain ad 2 period ideas:Layout 1 29/04/2016 09:44 Page 1

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 Want exclusive insider knowledge and
outstanding benefits? Join the club.

Simply visit homebuilding.co.uk/premium or call us

on 01527 834484 to activate your membership today.

Pages_185-201.indd 201 17/03/2017 12:55

 SIMON MAXWELL
Smart Privacy Glazing
Architect Matt White shares one of his favourite design ideas
Matt White
Matt White is the founder
of MATT Architecture
(mattarchitecture.com).
202 homebuilding.co.uk
MyBigIdea May17.indd 202
My BIG Idea
T
he stair landing provides a terrific
opportunity to create delight and
interest in any home. While its func-
tion is mostly practical, its also a
key component of the social side of
a dwelling.
In my old house, the position of the
stairs half landing (above) created
the defining feature of the elevation
a large oriel window that cantilevers over the
front door. Externally this creates a porch over
the entrance while from the inside it supports a
double-height window which gets natural light
deep into the building plan offering great
views from the upper landing down the full
length of the street. There is a problem with this,
of course, which is that the view out is matched
by the view in not great for anyone as the
family stumbled half-naked and half-awake
between the bedrooms and the bathroom each
morning in full view of the street. We tackled the
issue by applying an electronically switchable
smart film to the window on the half landing. It
can be flipped between transparent and opaque
at the touch of a button.
The film is split horizontally, which meant
that we could have the bottom of the window
opaque, maintaining privacy, while the upper
part is transparent, providing views to the sky.
In many ways this is a very traditional device,
much like a restaurant stall-riser or Edwardian
vanity screen, though with a very 21st-century
digital twist which made our half landing one
of the childrens favourite places as they would
so often play now you see me, now you dont
with the world outside. H
17/03/2017 14:16
HBR_0417_covers.indd 203 17/03/2017 10:08
 MEET US AT
Glasgow
Homebuilding &
Renovating Show
20th-21st May

LET THE SUN SHINE IN

Get even more daylight with VELFAC and
VELUX composite windows and roof windows

To get a quote contact us:

01536 614009 or visit VELFAC.co.uk / 01592 778225 or visit VELUX.co.uk

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15:04:27