BRITAIN’S NO.

1 FOR SELF-BUILDERS AND HOME EXTENDERS

Build your
dream home
● Guide to single-storey self-builds
WAYS TO
LANDSCAPE
ON A BUDGET

● Choose the right windows and doors

● Essential tips on going out to tender
HOME OF
THE YEAR
Enter our
2024 awards

PLANNING
SECRETS
Fast and
Dealing with town
and parish councils
fabulous
Build methods
for a quick
ECO ADVICE extension
From solar panels
to heat pumps

STEP OUTSIDE
INSPIRING HOMES DESIGNED TO MERGE INDOORS AND OUT
ED ITOR’S LETTE R

Editor Beth Murton has been a

homes journalist and editor for
over 20 years and has renovated
two homes. She is currently
planning her next project

A
s much as I love looking at the incredible
projects we feature in every issue of the
magazine, it’s the individual stories of
the homeowners that really grip me. Whether it’s
the extended planning battles that people finally
win so they can transform a run-down plot into a
stunning family home, or the determination that
self-builders often have to muster up to overcome
unexpected hurdles along the way, I’m always in
awe of the drive and enthusiasm people often show
when it comes to creating their perfect home.
It’s also one of the main reasons why I love
our annual Homebuilding & Renovating Awards
so much. Every year we’re blown away, not just
by the quality of the incredible self-builds and
renovations, but also the personal stories that go value-adding loft conversion in London on page 62
hand in hand with them. If you’ve got a recently that features a clever multifunctional layout and
completed project (and hopefully a fantastic story budget-friendly materials.
to go with it) then make sure you enter our 2024 If the end of your project still feels some way
awards, which we’re launching this issue. Turn off, there’s plenty of inspiration and tips to keep
to page 20 to find out how to enter and you could you on track inside this issue. From the fastest
be in with a chance of winning the top £1,000 methods for building an extension (page 104) and
cash prize and also see your home featured in the tips on choosing the best windows (page 130) to SCAN TO
magazine. If you need further convincing, some of how to put your project out to tender (page 166)
RECEIVE OUR
NEWSLETTER
the winners from our 2023 awards are featured in and budget-friendly ways to landscape your plot
this issue, including a stunning barn conversion (page 84), there’s all the expert advice you’ll need
with showstopping interiors on page 50 and a to get your project over the finish line.

C O NTRIBUT ORS

SARAH HARLEY ROBIN WHITLOCK SARAH WILSON BOB BRANSCOMBE

Our assistant editor has A freelance journalist, An experienced gardens A chartered surveyor and self-
project managed her own Robin specialises in writing journalist, Sarah has also build expert, Bob has more
self-build, which was featured about climate change and studied introductory garden than 30 years of experience
on TV’s Grand Designs. renewable energy. and landscape design. in the industry.

homebuilding.co.uk 9
11 - 12 May 2024 SEC Glasgow

Unleash your
imagination & create
your dream home!
For three decades, the Homebuilding
& Renovating Show has been the
trusted companion of homebuilders,
renovators and home improvers,
empowering people all over the UK
to create their dream homes.
The show is a source of inspiration,
knowledge and expert advice, and
can provide you with the tools you
need to embark on a successful
project – however big or small.
See 100s of exhibitors and
1000s of products
Attend inspiring seminars
Get one-to-one advice
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E D IT OR IAL
EDITORIAL
Editor in Chief Claire Lloyd
Editor Beth Murton HERE FOR
EVERY STEP
Deputy Editor Teresa Conway
Associate Editor Natasha Brinsmead
Assistant Editor Jo Messenger
Deputy Editor (website) Amy Willis
News Editor Joseph Mullane

OF YOUR BUILD
Contributions by Seán O’Connell & Alex Burrows

ART
Art Editor Karen Lawson
Group Art Director Alison Walter
Contributions by Bryn Davies

MARKETING
Global Marketing Director Melanie Kay
Associate Marketing Director Eve Mulvaney Whether you’re taking on an extension, self-build or
Head of Retention Anjuman Tariq
Marketing Manager Alicia Kennedy renovation, we’re here as your expert companion to help
ADVERTISING AND EXHIBITIONS SALES TEAMS
Commercial Director Liz Jazayeri you turn your dream home into a reality. Turn to page 92
Strategic Partnership Director Jackie Sanders
0330 390 6530 jackie.sanders@futurenet.com to subscribe to Homebuilding & Renovating.
Ad Director Kelly James
0330 390 6543 kelly.james@futurenet.com

MAGAZINE AND WEB PRODUCTION

Group Head of Production Mark Constance
Senior Production Manager Matt Eglinton
Senior Advertising Production Manager Joanne Crosby
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Digital Production Executive Nicholas Robertson
Email Delivery Manager Alison Nash
Web Operations Manager Laura Sturgess

PUBLISHING AND EXHIBITIONS MANAGEMENT

Senior Vice President Consumer Kevin Addley
Managing Director Lifestyle Jason Orme
Commercial Finance Director Dan Jotcham
Commercial and Events Director Nick Noble
Director of Content and Product Development Michael Holmes
Content Director (print) Laura Crombie

INTERNATIONAL LICENSING
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Homebuilding & Renovating is available for licensing.
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 24 TAKING CONTROL
So impressive is this extension and remodel
project, it has made this house a sought-after film
shoot and party hire location

C O NT EN T S
15 INSIGHT 98 HOW MUCH DOES A 117 BUYER’S GUIDE:
News, products, workshops, DRIVEWAY COST? FRONT DOORS
events and ideas for self-builders, Don’t leave your home access Which design, cost and material
extenders and renovators route as an afterthought. Here’s is the best choice for your home’s
the ultimate spending guide most defining feature?
20 THE HOMEBUILDING
& RENOVATING ON THE COVER ON THE COVER
AWARDS 2024 104 THE FASTEST WAY TO 126 OUTDOOR KITCHENS
We list all this year’s awards BUILD AN EXTENSION Summer’s coming and here’s
categories and explain how you Our guide to the most efficient some inspo for outdoor living
can enter your own project ways of executing that extension
you’ve always wanted 129 6 OF THE BEST
84 HOW TO LANDSCAPE OUTDOOR TILES
ON A BUDGET ON THE COVER Get the Mediterranean look with
Top tips for a stylish high-end 113 DEALING WITH these picturesque patterns
garden design with minimal cost TOWN AND
PARISH COUNCILS ON THE COVER
95 WHEN SHOULD YOU They’re not all there to create 130 CHOOSING WINDOWS
TAKE ON DIY TO SAVE? obstacles, so here’s how to TO SUIT YOUR HOME
Jobs that could be worth tackling co-operate and get on the best Find out how to merge inside and
and those best left to the pros side of local government officials out with these stunning examples

12 homebuilding.co.uk
36 NATURAL EVOLUTION
This beautiful new build, with a kitchen island that
dreams are made of, was inspired by a characterful farm
50 TEAM EFFORT
With its award-winning interior, this Class Q
conversion combines three interconnected timber agricultural
building which the barn-style home organically grew to reflect barns into one imaginatively designed home

62 URBAN OASIS
This loft conversion and home renovation cleverly
created new space and features by utilising the all-round
72 SINGLE-STOREY SELF-BUILDS
This striking timber frame home is just one of our
inspirational gallery of amazing bungalows — from characterful
versatility of natural plywood designs to cool and contemporary spaces

140 HOW TO BUILD: bathing area an exquisitely

FIRST FIXING serene space of calm and luxury SPECIAL
In our continuing series, it’s time
ON THE COVER
OFFER
for the all-important carpentry, SUBSCRIBE AND
insulation and airtightness 163 SOLAR THERMAL vs SAVE 21%
SOLAR PV PANELS See page 92

145 ASK THE EXPERTS Is one better than the other or are
Our panels of leading industry they the same thing? We closely
experts tackle all your pressing compare both energy solutions
self-build and renovation queries
ON THE COVER
ON THE COVER 166 FINDING TRADES AND
151 COMBINING SOLAR GOING OUT TO TENDER
PANELS AND HEAT In our ongoing series for self-build
PUMPS: A GOOD IDEA? beginners, here’s how to find and
The pitfalls and advantages of hire your ideal tradespeople
joined-up energy sustainability
178 AMAZING HOMES
154 BEAUTIFUL BATHROOM A striking futuristic postmodern
TILING IDEAS new build in Sussex on the site
How to make your private of an old quarry

homebuilding.co.uk 13
 INSIGHT A round-up of the latest self-build and home renovation news,
products and events. By Jennifer Grimble

‘Cowboy customers’
threaten future of
homebuilding

F
indings from two separate studies suggest the future of said their business is now on the cusp of collapse as a result.
the construction industry could be in dire straits. So-called A separate survey by BestHeating saw similar results, with
‘cowboy customers’ are said to be costing sole traders in 85% of British tradespeople saying they are pessimistic about
the self-build and renovation sector thousands of pounds every the future of their trade, thanks to a decline in demand and the
year, according to new research. cost-of-living crisis losing them business. In fact, more than a
IMAGE: URBAN FRONT

The survey, by Fix Radio, discovered that 28% of British quarter stated they were thinking of taking a second job and one
tradespeople have lost over £1,000 due to their clients not in 10 are considering leaving the industry altogether, following
paying for work they have carried out, while over one million a difficult year. More than two in five are also concerned about
homeowners have ‘unfairly criticised’ home improvement the rising cost of materials and believe their finances will take a
works, in order to receive a discount. Sadly, 27% of contractors major hit in the coming months.

homebuilding.co.uk 15
 N
ew research from Suffolk
Building Society has uncovered
that only one in five potential
self-builders (21%) are signed up to
their local self-build register, while 41%
of those considering self-building didn’t
even know about the Right to Build
registers. These findings are supported
by new analysis from the National
Custom and Self Build Association
(NaCSBA). According to its Custom
and Self Build Report 2023/24, there
is a 64% under-measuring of demand.
NaCSBA found that 83,430 Brits are

Self-build interested in self-building, while only

29,697 people are currently signed up

shortfall

IMAGE: VITA ARCHITECTURE

to a Right to Build register. Suffolk
Building Society surveyed 2,000 UK
adults and discovered that 31% are
considering a self-build, with those
in their 20s (60%) and 30s (56%),
expressing significantly more interest
than those in their 50s (16%) and 60s
(7%), dispelling age-related myths
surrounding self-build.

BUILD EVENTS
10 MAY
FINDING A SELF-BUILD
PLOT OF LAND
Potton Self-Build Show Centre, St
Neots, Cambridgeshire
Find a viable building plot with this
free in-person course, hosted by the
self-build experts at Potton. Gain
professional advice and tips to help you
on your plot-hunting journey.

BOOK OF 11-12 MAY

THE MONTH
GLASGOW HOMEBUILDING
SMALL SPACE, BIG LIVING & RENOVATING SHOW
In this simple guide, award-
SEC, Glasgow
winning interior stylist,
*ACCORDING TO NEW DATA FROM ESTATE AGENT, HAMPTONS

Sofie Hepworth, shows As the UK’s biggest event for self-

LUXURIOUS LIGHTING
you how you can create builders and renovators, our Glasgow
Inspired by formations found in nature,
the brand-new Tor Up/Down wall big impact in a small space, show will bring together over 1,000
light from J. Adams & Co highlights the without compromising on leading brands and industry experts
style or function. Providing
beauty of metal casting. Crafted using a over two days.
centuries-old process, each light starts 10 straightforward
as a mould, into which molten brass strategies to maximise
is poured, taking shape as it cools. compact spaces and
The cast pieces are then removed and create your dream home,
finished to exacting standards. With a Hepworth reveals how Homeowners in
distinctive angular shell and two LED to make your property England and Wales who
light sources, the Tor casts both upwards multifunctional, with areas
for dining, entertaining,
sold their property in 2023
and downwards illumination and is
working from home, banked an average profit
IP65 rated for indoor and outdoor use.
Available in antique brass or bronze, resting and exercising. of £102,000, despite
it costs £1,020. RRP £25 falling house prices.*

16 homebuilding.co.uk
 I N S I G H T

IMAGE: ORCHARD FARM

Sustainable self-build site homes will be self-built, with all challenging aspects handled
by the Orchard Farm team. Each plot has a Plot Passport that

T
he creation of Kent’s first sustainable self-build outlines what can be built, with planning permission agreed
community is on track. Orchard Farm, a collaboration in just eight weeks. There are options for three-, four- and
between Urbanise and Steenvlinder, will be sited on five-bedroom homes and prices start at £192,950 for a 275m²
redundant farm land near Ashford, with the first phase of 18 plot, suitable for a 106m² detached house, with three or four
plots being released for sale in the coming months. The 122 bedrooms. Find out more at orchardfarmkent.co.uk

PRECISION EXTRACTION
The new BORA M Pure flexible
cooktop extractor system from BORE
allows users to create dishes with
cookware of all sizes, while instantly
drawing fumes and smells out of
the kitchen. The smart hob boasts
surface induction on one side and
zone induction on the other, and each
detects pots and pans of all sizes —
from large roasters to small espresso
makers. Prices start at £3,276.

Low-carbon were also up 20%, reaching a record

growth 36,799. The Heat Pump Federation

believes this growth was driven by the

I
n positive news, Britain recorded its government’s Boiler Upgrade Scheme
best-ever year for renewable energy (BUS). However, the installation of
and low-carbon heat installations in heat pumps remains a long way off
2023, according to the Microgeneration the government’s target of 600,000
Certification Scheme (MCS). Data installations per year by 2028. Overall,
STYLE IN A SEASHELL
shows that registered solar photovoltaic the amount of UK electricity generated
Omexco, producer of fine Belgium
wallcoverings, has launched a (PV) installations rose by nearly 30%, from fossil fuels fell 22% year-on-year
new collection that celebrates with 189,826 UK homes now boasting in 2023, to the lowest level since 1957,
the splendour of Capiz shells. The a solar array. Heat pump installations according to Carbon Brief.
Archipelago range blends these
pearlescent shells with shimmering
mica minerals, resulting in a
wallcovering with depth, texture
and just a little sparkle. Each Capiz
shell is carefully chosen and expertly
crafted to retain its natural beauty.
The collection is eco-friendly and
available in five different patterns
and numerous colourways. Prices
start at £82.20/m2.
 I N S I G H T

PROPORTION OF FUEL-
POOR HOUSEHOLDS
RANK FUEL TYPE WITHIN GROUP

1 Electricity 20.94%

2 Oil 19.36%

IMAGE: JTP
3 Other 12.48%
(including
wood and coal)

4 Gas 12.12%

ELECTRICITY FUELLING BIG ENERGY BILLS

As the energy crisis continues, experts have
revealed the fuel types causing households to
have the biggest bills. The study, conducted by
BOXT, analysed government fuel poverty data
and found that households with electrically
Go outdoors
W
fuelled central heating have the biggest bills.
In fact, almost 21% of homes that are primarily inter or summer, you can keep warm and cosy while out
fuelled by electricity are fuel-poor. Electricity in the garden with this stylish Corten steel woodburning
is the second-most common energy source stove from Charlton & Jenrick. Officially DEFRA exempt
for central heating in England, with 5.6% of
for woodburning in smoke-control areas, the Go Eco Panofire boasts
*ACCORDING TO A NEW STUDY BY SWIFT DIRECT BLINDS

households using this energy source. Oil is the

fuel type with the second-highest proportion of very clean burning and low emissions compared to other outdoor
fuel-poor households in England, with 19.36% burners, while its dual-aspect ceramic glass windows provide an
of users struggling to afford their energy bills. unrivalled view of the fire. RRP £1,669

of Brits aspire to have a kitchen

island, while almost 57% would
like underfloor heating*
THREE REAL W O O D FLO O R S

Havwoods’ new Colossal collection Soft white grains meet grey tones Brimming with 1950s style, the
features super-long and super-wide in this large format engineered oak Tarkett Noble Oak flooring range
boards in European Oak. Available flooring option. Highclere Feather Oak is both beautiful and sustainable.
in six layout styles, including chevron is available in smaller herringbone Treated with a special oil to highlight
and straight planks, prices start at planks, chevron and straight planks. the exquisite grain of the wood, it is
£382.95/m2, havwoods.com/uk £118/m2, woodpeckerflooring.co.uk £149/m2, thefloorroom.co.uk

homebuilding.co.uk 19
 Is your home the

In partnership with The Times and

The Sunday Times, we’re launching the
Homebuilding & Renovating Awards 2024
to find the best completed projects in the UK

ave you recently completed a self-build,

renovation, conversion or extension
project? Then we want to hear from you!
The Homebuilding & Renovating Awards
have been showcasing and celebrating
Britain’s best homes for more than 30 years.
This year we’re looking for homeowners
who have gone above and beyond to create
their dream homes tailored for their unique lifestyles. Houses of
every size, shape and budget are welcome in the categories (see
page 23). Previous winners include a newly built oak frame cottage
for £200k, a 1960s modernist property transformed into an energy-
efficient EnerPHit home, and a contemporary Passivhaus project.
Our annual awards aren’t just about putting amazing design
in the spotlight, however. They also highlight the hard work and
determination of the homeowners, builders, architects, contractors
and DIYers who make such individual and interesting homes
possible. Entering the awards is a fantastic way to celebrate your
build and thank the people involved in creating your new home.
One of the shortlisted projects will be chosen by a public vote
to win our prestigious Readers’ Choice Award, and one will be
IMAGE: JULIET MURPHY

selected by our panel of expert judges to win the overall accolade

of Home of the Year 2024 and a £1,000 prize. You’ll also have the
chance to have your home professionally photographed to appear
in the magazine. It takes just a few minutes to enter online — plus
it’s free! We can’t wait to see what you’ve been up to…

20 homebuilding.co.uk
Anaya and Duncan Bush won the
coveted Home of the Year in our
2023 awards. They demolished
an old bungalow to make way
for a new timber-frame home
built to Passivhaus standards

IMAGES: RICHARD KIELY, JEREMY PHILLIPS AND COLIN POOLE

homebuilding.co.uk 21
 THE
JU D G ING
PA NEL

LAURA JANE CLARKE DARREN BRAY

Is the founder of Lamp Is founder and director of
Architects, TV presenter Studio B.A.D Architects,
(Your Home Made lectures at Reading
Perfect and Ugly House School of Architecture
to Lovely House) and and is visiting critic
author of The Handbook at Brighton Interior
of Home Design. Architecture School.

SIAN ASTLEY MICHAEL HOLMES

Is an interior designer, Is Director of Content
project manager, serial at Homebuilding &
renovator and builder. Renovating and chair of
She has worked on the National Custom and
the TV programmes Self Build Association, an
DIY SOS and Your author and a presenter of
Home Made Perfect. various TV property shows.
IMAGES: JULIET MURPHY

CLAIRE LLOYD BETH MURTON

Has been Editor in Chief Is Editor of Homebuilding
of Homebuilding & & Renovating and has
Renovating since 2016 been a homes journalist
and has completed a for more than 20 years.
major renovation of a She has also renovated
HERE’S HOW TO ENTER extensions, where possible) period cottage. two houses.
YOUR PROJECT ● At least two ‘before’’ photographs,
Submitting a project into the awards where relevant
is easy to complete and free. Simply ● Five to 10 interior images (living
complete the entry form at www. room, kitchen, bedrooms etc)
homebuilding.co.uk/news/awards. ● At least one photograph of the
The closing date for entering the exterior of the house.
Awards is 17 June 2024. The project Shortlisted projects may be visited
must have been finished within the in person by our awards panel
last three years, or be at least very and will be featured both in the
CAROL LEWIS NATASHA BRINSMEAD
nearly complete, in order to qualify magazine and online, so you must Is the Property Editor Is Associate Editor
for the competition. Entries will be prepared for you and your home of The Times and The of Homebuilding &
need to have attached: to be photographed. Some winners Sunday Times. She won Renovating and has
Columnist of the Year renovated her own
● Floorplans (before and after will also gain coverage in The Times at the Property Press Edwardian home on
plans in the case of renovations and and The Sunday Times. awards in 2022. a DIY basis.

22 homebuilding.co.uk
 THE CATEGORIES

any surface with minimal preparation

work, so you achieve your desired look
quickly and easily.
Best Self-Build fields and will provide you with high-
Have you built your dream home from quality, thermally efficient windows and Best Custom Build Scheme
doors that will work perfectly. This category is open for homes
scratch? The judges are looking for well-
facilitated by architects, developers or
designed new homes of all styles, sizes
Best Green Home suppliers of all shapes and sizes.
and budget.
Have you built or retrofitted a home to Sponsored by Plotfinder
Sponsored by
the very highest sustainable standards? The UK’s
Self Build Zone
If so, this is the category for you. leading land
You invest time and money
Sponsored by and renovation
in your self-build so
Internorm finding service — from Homebuilding &
protect it from day one.
Internorm are Renovating. Offering more than 10,000
Site insurance covers you
the leading manufacturer of premium, plots and properties for sale across the
throughout construction while our
high-performance windows and doors UK, it’s the perfect way to find your
A-rated Structural Warranties help
across the UK, Europe and the rest of next project.
you sell. Get a full quote with Self
Build Zone now. the world. They provide innovative,
high-quality systems that are designed Best Contemporary Home
Does your home cater to every aspect
Best Extension to add a sense of style as well as
performance to any self-build, home of modern tastes and living? The judges
For projects that have extended an
renovation, extension or architectural are looking for homes that use clever
existing property to create a home that
build, and Passivhaus. design to suit a contemporary lifestyle.
works for your lifestyle perfectly.
Sponsored by VELFAC
Sponsored by ID Systems
Best Interior As one of
For over 20 years
We’re looking for any type of home Europe’s
IDSystems have set
project that showcases a flair for leading window
the standards for
finishing touches and attention to detail. manufacturers, VELFAC are aware of
innovative glazing
Sponsored by Charlton & Jenrick their responsibility towards people,
systems for self-builders and renovation
Established in the environment and society. Ever
projects. Their multi award-winning
1986 they have since the company was founded, in
product range includes theEDGE2.0
grown to offer 1965, consideration and concern
ultra-slim sliding doors and Vistaline, the
a number of industry-leading brands for the climate and the environment
exclusive slide & turn system, alongside
covering all aspects of the fireplace have influenced everything they
a complete glazing package of bespoke
industry, these are: Paragon, Katell, do, and shaped their products and
windows, doors and glass roofs.
Fireline, Purevision, Go Eco, Panache production processes
Best Conversion and Infinity Fires. Nothing is as
From barns and schools to churches welcoming as a ‘living flame’, whether Spirit of Self-build
you want a multifuel stove or a gas fire, Has your home delivered against all the
and other such non-domestic buildings.
Charlton & Jenrick will have a fire type odds, or has it significantly improved
We want to see structures that have
and design that is ideal for you, to take the lives of its occupants? We want to
been transformed into modern homes.
pride of place in your home. hear from you.
Sponsored by Sunflex

Best Value Home Home of the Future

A category for homes that represent This category celebrates homes that
SUNFLEX UK is a manufacturer of
exceptional value for money, or represent futureproofed, creative
bespoke aluminium doors systems,
projects that have been achieved on concepts by featuring the very latest
including award-winning bifold doors
a tight budget. technologies, smart automation and
and sliding doors. These products are
Sponsored by Kinewall cutting-edge design techniques.
supplied by recognised SUNFLEX UK
by Kinedo Sponsor by Loft Leg
distributors across the UK, ensuring
Give your bathroom a Loft Leg design and
that you receive the products and
luxurious new look with Kinewall Design make loft products for
installations that meet the highest
— a range of premium bathroom wall raising loft boards above
standards of quality.
panels available in over 70 designs. insulation, creating additional loft
storage and illuminating loft spaces.
Best Renovation Kinewall Design panels can attach to
We’re searching for previously dated,
forgotten and unloved homes that have

HOME
been saved through careful restoration,
imaginative remodels or ambitious
renovation schemes.
Sponsored by The Sash
Window Workshop
The Sash Window Workshop
OF THE YEAR
Chosen from one of the shortlisted
specialise in manufacturing, homes, the Home of the Year will
installing and repairing timber celebrate the most outstanding
windows and doors across project in the judges’ eyes. The
London and the South. Its winner will also receive £1,000.
employees are experts in their

homebuilding.co.uk 23
 R EAL PROJECT
EX T EN SI ON A ND R EM O D EL
Mike and Jane Cuva embraced the challenge
of both designing and project managing their
large-scale renovation, building around a small
property to create a sleek light-filled home
 t i me l i ne

Purchased original Planning application Planning granted for Demolished interior First fix electrics Staircase Kitchen installed,
house/land rejected modern, open-plan house of old cottage and plumbing fitted final plastering
MAR 2015 DEC 2015 APR 2016 FEB 2017 JUNE 2017 OCT 2017 DEC 2017

Planning application New planning Foundations dug Steel & timber structure Roof completed, windows and Second fix electrics and
submitted application submitted and concreted assembled, drainage completed underfloor heating installed plumbing, bathrooms fitted
OCT 2015 JAN 2016 DEC 2016 APR 2017 AUG 2017 NOV 2017

b ef ore

HOMEOWNERS Mike and Jane Cuva leek Mediterranean and West Coast architecture were
the inspiration for Mike and Jane Cuva’s contemporary flat-
HOUSE TYPE Detached two-storey
roofed home. Their new home is unrecognisable from the small
five-bedroom house
pitch-roofed building that previously inhabited the site, and
HOUSE SIZE 375m² which still stands at the core of the new house.
“In 2015, we bought a property that was marketed as a
LOCATION Woking, Surrey
cottage on two acres, but in reality it was more like a dark and
PROJECT Extensive remodel dingy double garage with a kitchenette and two small bedrooms
and extension upstairs,” says Mike. “It was the worst building in the area, but
on the best road. The big draw was the property’s woodland
BUILD ROUTE Self-managed
garden, which backs onto a golf course and is an incredibly
subcontractors and DIY
secluded and peaceful setting.”
BUILD TIME Four years Mike and Jane spent a large chunk of their budget on
simply buying the property, which was affordable to them
PLOT/HOUSE COST £937,000 in 2015
because only permitted development rights existed for the
BUILD COST £1.2 million small structure — one of the main factors that deterred other
prospective buyers and developers.
CURRENT VALUE £3 million+
“We took a calculated risk, and then spent the next year
fighting the council planners to overturn their restrictions,”
WORDS Debbie Jeffery
Jane explains. “Land is so expensive, but this was our best
PHOTOGRAPHY Richard Chivers
hope to accomplish what we really wanted to create — a unique
and modern home with high ceilings and large glass doors to
maximise the view of the garden and woodland.”

PLANNING CHALLENGES
Inspired by images they had collected from Pinterest and
Instagram, Mike and Jane decided to draw up plans themselves.
Mike is Italian and loves Mediterranean and LA West Coast
architecture, which influenced certain elements of the design,
such as the crisp white render and overhanging flat roof.
“As we’re in the greenbelt the council felt our contemporary
design wasn’t in keeping with the other houses in the road,” says
Mike. “They told us we could only amend the existing building

26 homebuilding.co.uk
“We relied on family and friends for advice, as well
as reading magazines and searching on websites”
 In the kitchen diner, the luxurious curved
island, Corian worktops, cabinets and
appliances were repurposed from the
home of a celebrity designer who was
refurbishing her Notting Hill property.

– keeping the four external walls, rather than knocking it down Christmas tree on a plasterboard wall as a surprise — they took
and starting again – which presented us with a real challenge.” one look at it and burst into tears!”
However, retain the original four walls they did, and these When it became impossible to stay on site, the family
walls now make up the entrance hallway and core of the needed to find alternative accommodation for several months
extended house, around which new ground floor rooms have and came up with a clever plan. “We offered our services as
been arranged. The Cuvas carefully designed the spaces in pet sitters, which meant we got to live in some incredible
their home to accommodate items of architectural salvage properties for free, but the downside was that we had to
they have collected over the years, employing an architect to continually move around for many weeks at a time,” says Mike.
produce professional drawings for planning purposes, and later
a barrister with extensive knowledge of the planning system to LEARNING PROCESS
help fight their case. “We decided to manage the project ourselves, which was a
nightmare,” admits Mike. “People were not always reliable,
ON THE MOVE builders left for other jobs, and we didn’t know the right
Mike and Jane lived in the original tiny building during the questions to ask. We learnt so much, but it was painful, and we
initial design-and-build phase with their son Nico and daughter relied heavily on friends and family for advice, as well as reading
Alana, together with Elmo and Coco, the family’s cat and dog. magazines and searching on websites.”
“All our family and friends thought we were crazy when they saw The steel and timber-framed extensions were constructed
we were living in what was essentially a very tiny damp shack,” on standard concrete strip foundations around the existing
says Jane. “We didn’t even have space to put up a Christmas tree. building, with external walls clad in a combination of ash
The children were much younger then so I decided to paint a boards and white render. The roof was finished with a rubber

28 homebuilding.co.uk
 R E A L P R O J E C T E X T E N S I O N A N D R E M O D E L

Polished concrete floors laid over

underfloor heating retain the heat
in the super-insulated house, with
a striking woodburner installed
in the living room.

membrane surface. “It took four years to complete all the

work to the house, as we were doing so much ourselves, and
there are still things we’re planning, such as a roof terrace
and sunken firepit,” says Jane.

IMPROVISED ELEMENTS
“We wanted elements of fun and often made things ourselves,
including storage for the wine room and the triple-height bunk
beds in our games room — used by adults and children alike.
Everyone has their own locker in the boot room, and we added
our favourite reclaimed salvage pieces — such as an old factory
window, which has now become our hall mirror,” says Mike.
“Luckily, the house is now helping to pay for itself because we
hire it out for film, TV and magazine shoots — our Instagram
is @deerswood_surrey. We’ve had everything from music
videos to Ferrari using different areas of the house, and we even
hosted Stormzy’s 30th birthday party. However, none of this
would have been possible if we hadn’t decided to take a risk and
buy the seemingly unpromising, run-down old building that
previously stood on the plot.”

homebuilding.co.uk 29
R E A L P R O J E C T E X T E N S I O N A N D R E M O D E L

CLEAR VIEWS
With its two
glazed corner
walls, the dining
room (above)
has unimpeded
views of the
garden and
beyond.

STYLED IN STEEL
The industrial-
style steel
staircase (left)
was crafted by a
local blacksmith,
who clad it in
wood and glass.

homebuilding.co.uk 31
 R E A L P R O J E C T E X T E N S I O N A N D R E M O D E L

best build
Panelled in white wood, the games
decision: room includes built-in triple-height
maximising bunk beds designed for use by
both adults and children.
the light
“From the start, one of our main
design priorities was to make sure
the house felt light and spacious,”
says Mike. Open-plan spaces, high
ceilings, and huge aluminium-framed
sliding glass doors and windows
were installed to ensure wraparound
views of the large garden and private
woodland beyond.
“Ceiling heights of almost 4m
give the perception that rooms are
huge, and solar glass means the
house doesn’t overheat in summer
or become too cold in winter,” Mike
continues. “The manufacturing
company that supplied our minimal
glass door and window systems
offered us an amazing deal in return
for featuring our house in their
brochures and publicity material.”

homebuilding.co.uk 33
 t h e p l ans SUPPLIERS
ARCHITECTS & PLANNING
CONSULTANTS Mike Hart Architect:
pemberley73@btinternet.com;
FIRST FLOOR
AAP Architecture Ltd: linkedin.com/
GARAGE company/aap-architecture

BUILDING AND GROUNDWORKS

EN SUITE STORE Matt Griffiths: mjgriffo80@gmail.com

DRIVEWAY Will Budd: www.williambudd.co.uk

BEDROOM GYM
STORE WINDOWS AND GLASS DOORS
Skyglaze: www.skyglaze.co.uk

ROOF Protec Roofing:

GARAGE www.protecroofingltd.co.uk

BEDROOM
ELECTRICAL WORK MAB Electrical:
digburrows@gmail.com
EN SUITE
PLASTERING & RENDERING
DC Plastering Services: 07850 474920

RENDER K-Rend: www.k-rend.co.uk

KITCHEN Rehome: www.rehome.co.uk/
LARDER
EN EN kitchens
STUDY SUITE SUITE
BEDROOM BATHROOMS Lusso Stone: www.lussostone.
com; CP Hart: www.cphart.co.uk
BEDROOM
WINE
ROOM PLUMBING & UNDERFLOOR HEATING
Mel Gumbs: magplumbingheating@gmail.com

KITCHEN DINER GAMES WOOD FLOORING Luxury Flooring:

ROOM www.luxuryflooringandfurnishings.co.uk;
ENTRANCE
HALL Guildford Flooring: www.guildfordflooring.co.uk

TILES Mandarin Stone: www.mandarinstone.com

ALUMINIUM GATES
WC
Crocodilla: www.crocodilla.co.uk

LIVING ROOM FIREPLACE Frosts Fireplaces:

www.frostsfireplaces.co.uk

GROUND FLOOR FURNISHINGS Barker and Stonehouse:

www.barkerandstonehouse.co.uk

COSTS TILES & TILER £40,000 GARAGE, WORKSHOP AND GYM

£65,000
ARCHITECTS & PLANNING WINE ROOM £10,000
CONSULTANTS £20,000 CURTAINS/BLINDS £10,000
ROOFING £80,000
GROUNDWORKS £50,000 BUILDING MATERIALS £45,000
INSULATION £35,000
STEELWORK £60,000 SECOND FIX CARPENTRY £30,000
LIGHTING AND ELECTRICAL £60,000
PLASTERING/RENDER £80,000 DECORATORS £25,000
POLISHED CONCRETE & WOOD
WINDOWS & GLASS SLIDING FLOORING £40,000 GAMES ROOM £40,000
DOORS £120,000
SCAFFOLDING £20,000 AUTOMATED GATES AND
CONCRETE £50,000 INTERCOM £35,000
TIMBER £60,000
KITCHEN £40,000 BRICKLAYERS £20,000
SANITARYWARE £30,000
UNDERFLOOR HEATING & POND £10,000
GARDEN LANDSCAPING AND
PLUMBING £85,000
DRIVEWAY £40,000 TOTAL £1.2m

34 homebuilding.co.uk
R EAL PROJECT
NEW BUI LD
Clive and Sue’s new barn-style
home grew out of their love for
characterful farm buildings
and rustic materials
 t i me l i ne

Purchased original site Planning approved Foundations Roof complete First fix House completed
NOV 1980 JUNE 2018 AUG 2020 MAY 2021 JULY 2021 DEC 2021

Plot transferred Demolition Brick and block walls started Windows and doors Second fix Landscaping
MAR 2018 MAR 2019 SEPT 2020 JUNE 2021 AUG 2021 FEB 2022

HOMEOWNERS Clive Barrett and orty years ago, I bought nine acres of land and some run-down
Sue Prytherch farm buildings, purely as somewhere to keep my daughter’s
horse,” says Clive Barrett. “Back then there was absolutely
LOCATION Cambridgeshire
no chance of building in the open countryside, but years later
PROJECT New build the planning rules changed, which allowed us to convert our
Victorian stable block and cowshed into a home.”
HOUSE TYPE Detached 1.5-storey,
For several years Clive and his wife, Sue, lived in their barn
four-bedroom house
conversion, which stands one mile outside the nearest village
SIZE 375m² house; 55m² garage boundary, and enjoyed the secluded Cambridgeshire setting.
Then once Clive had retired, the couple applied to replace an
BUILD ROUTE Builder,
old asbestos warehouse and corrugated storage unit on the land
subcontractors, DIY
with a new house designed exactly to their requirements.
BUILD TIME 16 months “The planners set restrictions on both the height and size of
the overall footprint, which they said should be smaller than
PLOT COST £450,000
the commercial buildings it replaced,” says Sue. “We chose to
BUILD COST £590,000 work with the same architectural technologist who’d designed
our conversion, and he came up with a U-shaped courtyard plan
VALUE £2 million+
for the new house. We copied elements of our previous barn
WORDS Debbie Jeffery conversion, too, tweaking and changing some spaces.”
PHOTOGRAPHY Richard Gadsby Predominantly single storey, with a mezzanine office area
overlooking the open-plan kitchen diner, the four-bedroom
property was designed to emulate a series of converted barns
and outbuildings, and clad in a variety of materials, including
rustic bricks, black stained weatherboarding, slates, peg tiles,
and pantiles. “We had quite a battle with the planners to gain
approval, but permission was eventually granted,” says Clive.

GETTING STARTED
A local builder was employed, who had tendered for the project
and lives just one mile away from the site. Clive was involved
in buying some of the materials and oversaw the build, while
the couple continued to live next door in their converted barn.
“Covid restrictions were in place during the first stages of the

38 homebuilding.co.uk
 R E A L P R O J E CT N E W B U I L D

The courtyard of the new single-storey house has

created a private outdoor space. New building
materials, chosen for their rustic appearance, give
the impression of a converted and extended barn
in the countryside.
 The central island, with its quartz
worktop, creates a stunning focal
point in the kitchen. The walk-in
pantry is an invaluable space for
extra storage and appliances.

demolition and build, but the small team working outdoors could
easily comply,” he recalls.
The site was cleared, and standard one-metre-deep concrete
strip foundations excavated in clay soil, ready for blockwork
external walls to be built. “For the brick cladding, we found the
closest match to our existing old stable block,” says Sue. “They’re
new but have the same rustic appearance as the originals.”

LOW-MAINTENANCE CHOICES
“We love the look of natural materials, but decided against oak
windows this time, partly because of the cost, and chose aluminium
alternatives, saving £60,000,” says Clive. “Low-maintenance finishes
were important, and we chose porcelain floor tiles, after finding the
natural limestone tiles in the barn conversion difficult to keep clean.”
Each of the four ground-floor bedrooms has a wetroom-style
shower room, chosen for ease of access and cleaning. “Our private
water supply has poor pressure, so we installed a system in the
plant room which stores and pressurises water around the entire
house,” says Clive. The couple also purchased two air source heat
pumps to power underfloor heating, with a biodigester for waste as
a more sustainable alternative to a standard septic tank.

IMPORTANT DETAILS
“It’s the details that really make the design work for us,” explains
Sue. “I’d always wanted a walk-in larder, and there’s also a separate
utility room, with a drinks station in the kitchen, which includes a
boiling-water tap for virtually instant cups of tea.” The couple also
incorporated a boot room and a designated dog shower, which helps
to keep the house clean after muddy country walks.
Library shelving was installed to house the couple’s large
collection of books and Clive built a window seat with storage space
below in Sue’s mezzanine office. As a former engineer, his attention
to detail was also put to good use making bedroom wall panelling
from strips of MDF.
“This house was easy and enjoyable to build,” says Clive. “Despite
Covid, our builders only went a month past the planned finish
date.” Once their new home was complete, the Barretts sold their
barn conversion with two acres of land, leaving them seven acres
on which to keep ducks, pygmy goats and alpacas, which wander
around the house. The elevated site enjoys country views for miles
around, and an existing natural pond draws birds and wildlife to
the peaceful setting. “Building a house on the land allowed us to
create a low-energy home for retirement, designed exactly for the
way we live,” says Sue. “It was the perfect solution.”

40 homebuilding.co.uk
R E A L P R O J E CT N E W B U I L D

homebuilding.co.uk 41
 R E A L P R O J E CT N E W B U I L D

“Choosing so many traditional

materials helps to give the impression
of converted farm buildings”

High vaulted ceilings in the open-plan

kitchen diner (left) were made possible by
building the majority of the house on one
level. Meanwhile a lower ceiling height
created a cosy feel in the family room.

homebuilding.co.uk 43
 R E A L P R O J E CT N E W B U I L D

PRACTICAL
TOUCH
Wood-effect
porcelain tiles
have been laid
over underfloor
heating in the
bedrooms for a
hard-wearing
finish with a
warm feel.

CLEAN FINISH
A monochrome
scheme in the
master bathroom
helps create a
timeless feel.

spotlight on: the roof

“One of the chief features of the house is the roof, which our designer chose
to clad with slates, peg tiles, and pantiles,” says Clive. “The roofer was a
little doubtful at first, but now agrees that the way the different materials
blend together looks absolutely fantastic.”
The Barretts struggled to find enough reclaimed roof tiles when they
converted their old barn, but for this build they sourced everything new
from one supplier. S-shaped pantiles are relatively lightweight, and suitable
for low-pitched roofs, while peg tiles feature two holes, from which they
are hung. “The biggest problem the roofers had was joining the different
materials on the porch,” says Clive. “The solution was to use lightweight
GRP dry valley troughs — a cheaper alternative to traditional lead gutters.”

homebuilding.co.uk 45
 R E A L P R O J E CT N E W B U I L D

SUPPLIERS
t he p l a ns
DESIGNER Russell Payne 01487 825266

BUILDER Moatside Properties:

EN WC www.moatsideproperties.co.uk
BEDROOM REAR
SUITE
LOBBY UTILITY/
BEDROOM BOOT BRICKS Travis Perkins:
ROOM
www.travisperkins.co.uk
LOBBY
ROOF TILES AJW Roofing & Cladding:
KITCHEN
www.ajwdistribution.com

VALLEY TROUGHS
GROUND FLOOR Filon: www.filon.co.uk

ALUMINIUM WINDOWS, BIFOLDS

4 Aluminium: www.4ali.co.uk
DINING
AREA OAK WINDOWS AND DOORS
G J Watts Joinery: www.gjwattsandson.com

OAK TRUSSES, PILLARS, PURLINS,

PORCH Fine Oak Buildings:
www.fineoakbuildings.co.uk
FAMILY ROOM
UNDERFLOOR HEATING, AIR
SOURCE HEAT PUMPS Mitsubishi UK:
www.mitsubishielectrical.co.uk

WATER STORAGE PRESSURISED

TANK Anglian Pumping Services:
www.anglianpumping.com
PLANT

ENTRANCE PORCELAIN FLOOR & WALL TILES

HALL
WC
Beswick Stone: www.beswickstone.co.uk

KITCHEN, BOILING-WATER TAP

Hush Kitchens: www.hushkitchens.com

SANITARYWARE QP Interiors:
DRESSING
EN SUITE
ROOM
BEDROOM SNUG
www.qpinteriors.co.uk
BEDROOM
EN OAK-FRAMED CARPORT
SUITE
Greenacre Oak: www.greenacreoak.co.uk

PORCELAIN PATIO & OUTDOOR

PAVING J Sharp Landscaping:
www.gmsharplandscapes.co.uk
THE DETAILS
The mezzanine office offers views
across surrounding fields and
overlooks the kitchen diner below
through a glass balustrade.

PROJECT COSTS
HEAT PUMPS, UNDERFLOOR
BUILDING WORK, MATERIALS
HEATING £30,000
£200,000
KITCHEN £55,000
BRICKS, BLOCKS £70,000
BATHROOMS £40,000
ROOFING £30,000
FLOORING £25,000
WINDOWS, BIFOLDS £40,000
OTHER £40,000
PLUMBING £30,000
TOTAL £590,000
ELECTRICS £30,000

homebuilding.co.uk 47
 AD V ERTORIA L

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homebuilding.co.uk 49
 R EAL PROJECT
C L A SS Q CO NVER S I O N

After a two-year wait to gain

planning, Teresa Townsend and
Keith Hayes worked together with
local trades to create a stunning
barn-style home that’s as impressive
inside as it is on the outside
Formerly three connected barns on a sheep farm, the new WINNER
house utilises these forms, with the main volume’s gable- BEST INTERIOR
end framing the entrance between two sections of granite S PON S O RED BY

walling. Accelerant was used to pre-age the external larch

cladding, which is fixed with precisely aligned nails.
 t i me l i ne

Originally Partly Timber frame Roofing Moved

purchased demolished installed installed into property
OCTOBER 2018 APRIL 2020 JUNE 2020 APRIL 2021 JULY 2022

Planning Foundations Windows First Landscaping

approval granted laid installed fix completed
FEBRUARY 2020 MAY 2020 MARCH 2021 MAY 2021 MAY 2023

HOMEOWNERS Teresa Townsend uying a plot of land unseen is not usually advised as the
and Keith Hayes best route to follow when building your own home, but that’s
exactly what Teresa Townsend and Keith Hayes chose to do. “A
LOCATION Devon
piece of land with some timber barns suddenly came onto the
PROJECT Class Q barn conversion market in a great location near our home in Devon while we
were on holiday,’ says Teresa. “Luckily, we trusted our builder
HOUSE TYPE Detached
friend Tim to attend the open day viewing. He bought the land
four-bedroom house
and barns on our behalf and then built our new home there.”
SIZE 492m2 Teresa and her husband Keith first moved to Devon 17
years ago, when they bought a rambling Georgian house in
BUILD ROUTE Architect and
the beautiful South Hams. “Our children are now grown up
building company
with children of their own, and we decided to look for a plot to
BUILD TIME 16 months build an energy-efficient house that would be large enough to
accommodate them all when they visit,” explains Teresa.
PLOT COST £600,000
“It took a long time to find the land, and the build itself started
BUILD COST £1.2 million just three weeks before the first Covid lockdown.”

VALUE £3.25 million+

DARING DESIGN
A series of three connected timber barns stood on the elevated
WORDS Debbie Jeffery
former sheep farm, which served as the starting point for
PHOTOGRAPHY Richard Downer/
the predominantly single-storey design. “Teresa and Keith
Panoptic/Tim Massey
wanted to create a bright, open new home, which would
remain true to the forms and materials of local agricultural
buildings externally,” explains Eilir Sheryn, managing director
of VESP Architects in Devon, who had been recommended by
a friend. “We were able to selectively reconfigure the existing
buildings on the same footprint, carving recesses into the barn
arrangement to add definition to each independent volume.”

“We reused as many materials as possible. All

viable timber was turned into fences and gates”

52 homebuilding.co.uk
 R E A L P R O J E C T C L A S S Q C O N V E R S I O N

The Class Q section of Permitted Development allows

for the conversion of agricultural buildings into houses
without the need to apply for planning, but Teresa
required full planning permission to amend the design
beyond the simple conversion, while consolidating the
barn into one house.

homebuilding.co.uk 53
 Designed as a barn conversion in the heart of the
countryside, the redundant agricultural buildings were granted
Class Q Permitted Development rights — introduced in 2014
as part of the government’s drive to ease pressure on housing
in rural areas. “Planning was still tough, and took two years to
secure, but our architects were fantastic at explaining to the
planning authority that we’d be sourcing local materials and
employing trades from within a five-mile radius,” says Teresa.
“Fortunately, everyone in our parish was supportive.”

LOCKDOWN BUILD
“We tried to reuse as many materials as possible, although the
corrugated sheet barn roofs weren’t salvageable, but every
piece of viable timber was turned into fences and gates on site,”
says Teresa. “Tim project managed and organised the whole
build, using his team of local subcontractors and trades, while
I helped with sourcing interior fittings and finishes. Living four
miles from the site was useful, and the project was surprisingly
calm — a miracle, I know.”
Bulk buying materials up front helped to avoid supply issues
and cost rises during Covid, with most of the initial structural
work completed by just two people on site to meet government
guidelines at the time. Blockwork and Devon granite ground
floor walls were constructed, with a larch clad timber-
framed first floor, and standing seam zinc roofing emulating
local agriculture buildings. Douglas fir beams are expressed
internally, and the entire structure is super-insulated, with
underfloor heating connected to air source heat pumps.

ZONING OUT
Designed to serve as a home for two people, but with enough
space for visiting family to stay, the interiors have been
consciously zoned to minimise heating bills. “The connecting
barns were all previously joined, and we’ve made these into
three distinct areas,” says Teresa.
Entering the house, you emerge into the double-height
kitchen and living space, where a glazed wall at the southern
end pours light into the room and provides views of the
courtyard garden and Devon hedgerow beyond. The exposed
Douglas fir frame continues externally, with the roof sailing
over to create a covered seating area.
“We tend to spend most of our time in the kitchen and
living area, next to which is the library snug and our bedroom.
This is our part of the house,” says Teresa. “At the other end
are bedrooms and bathrooms for guests, and the two sections
are linked by communal spaces where we can meet up, relax,
and have dinner.”
Introducing light and opening the interiors to distant
moorland views were important considerations, and
Teresa completed intense research, employing ideas from
Scandinavian architecture and interiors for the exquisite,
pared-back design.
“I read avidly and enjoy looking at pictures of homes from all
over the world, so to be winners ourselves in the Homebuilding
& Renovating Awards means so much,” she says. “It was such
a fun project, and we are still great friends with everyone
involved. In fact, we held a little party and gave out larch
awards to our builders, with food served on different building
materials, such as tiles, zinc and planks!”

54 homebuilding.co.uk
R E A L P R O J E C T C L A S S Q C O N V E R S I O N

The kitchen island and units are

faced in fluted oak panels, with
the brass kickplate at floor level
providing a highlight of colour
and a visual break between the
engineered oak floor and kitchen
doors. Teresa worked with the
electrician on the lighting design
throughout the house.

homebuilding.co.uk 55
56 homebuilding.co.uk
 R E A L P R O J E C T C L A S S Q C O N V E R S I O N

spotlight on: the interiors

“The whole project was very collaborative,” says Teresa, would then suggest their own ideas, so it’s been a real
former CEO at cosmetic companies around the globe. education,” continues Teresa, who designed the fluted oak
“I’ve always been surrounded by creative people and was kitchen with her architects.
influenced by our time spent living abroad. We were in A neutral palette of white walls and ceilings allows
Hong Kong for several years and also lived in New York, the timber structure, herringbone timber floor and
so the interiors were inspired by buildings from all beautifully crafted timber joinery in the main kitchen/
over the world.” living space to take centre stage. “A celebration of wood is
Not only did the couple already own some interesting the main theme internally, as we’re surrounded by trees
pieces of artwork, photography and furniture, but they and wanted to introduce different timber finishes without
were able to take time during lockdown to source unusual overwhelming the building,” Teresa explains. “Even the
items and shop judiciously for the best prices. “I would way the flooring has been laid was carefully thought out
show moodboards to our architects, VESP, and they to define the different spaces.”

homebuilding.co.uk 57
 LAYER OF PRIVACY STUDY AREA
Teresa and Keith’s bedroom suite The main bedroom wing is accessed
(above) overlooks open fields to the via this elegant library-style sitting
west through floor-to-ceiling glazed room (right), with its suspended
sliding doors, while external timber fireplace, wide-plank black
screens on rails are able to slide in engineered oak flooring and an
front of the glazing for extra privacy antique sliding library ladder from
and to reduce light pollution. New York, which was found online.

58 homebuilding.co.uk
R E A L P R O J E C T C L A S S Q C O N V E R S I O N

t he b u il d

TRENCH FOUNDATIONS Beam and block

formed the substructure slab with a
500mm void underneath.

FRAME A bespoke timber frame

structure was constructed to form the
walls and roof of the building.

MAIN ENTRANCE The main entrance was

faced with local Dartmoor granite
stone to first floor height.

GUEST WING/GYM The guest wing in

the midst of construction, with steel
ridge, timber rafters and first floor
landing area.

homebuilding.co.uk 59
 R E A L P R O J E C T C L A S S Q C O N V E R S I O N

t h e p l a ns SUPPLIERS
ARCHITECT VESP Architects Ltd:
www.vesp.uk

PROJECT MANAGER/MAIN
CONTRACTOR Tim Massey, Park
Productions/Higher Dorsley:
tim.massey@parkprod.org
PLANT/ CIVIL/STRUCTURAL ENGINEER
STORAGE
SNUG Laskar Structures:
www.laskarstructures.co.uk

STANDING SEAM ROOF Duramet

Roofing: www.thezincroofer.co.uk

ALUMINIUM-FRAMED WINDOWS,
GYM DOORS, ROOFLIGHTS Alumitech:
www.alumitech.co.uk

STEELS Torbay Steel Fabrications:

www.torbaysteelfabrications.co.uk
FIRST FLOOR
SCREED Southcoast Liquid Screeding:
GARAGE
www.sclscreeding.co.uk

KITCHEN The Surface Studio:

EN SUITE
WC BOOT/
UTILITY OFFICE
www.thesurface.studio
EN SUITE
BEDROOM JOINERY, STAIRCASE, WINE
BEDROOM ROOM, FURNITURE Build Point
Joinery: www.buildpoint.co.uk
KITCHEN DINING
PANTRY BEDROOM BEDROOM
HERRINGBONE ENGINEERED OAK
EN SUITES
SNUG FLOORING Ted Todd Flooring:
LIVING
www.tedtodd.co.uk

UNDERFLOOR HEATING Nu-Heat:

www.nu-heat.co.uk
GROUND FLOOR
AIR SOURCE HEAT PUMP Mike
THE DETAILS Gulley Biomass: www.mgbiomass.co.uk
Small models were
made of the curving ELECTRICS Dark Electrical Services
plastered timber Ltd: www.darkelectrical.co.uk
staircase, which was
designed by Teresa and SANITARYWARE Lusso Stone:
made by a local joiner. www.lussostone.com;
C.P. Hart: www.cphart.co.uk
WORKTOPS Mayflower Stone:
www.mayflowerstone.co.uk

BATHROOM TILES Totnes Tile:

www.totnestile.co.uk

LIGHTING CONTROL Lutron:

www.lutron.co.uk

SELECTED COSTS ALUMINIUM WINDOWS, FLOORING £45,000

GLASS DOORS £115,000
BUILDING SUPERSTRUCTURE PROFESSIONAL FEES (architect,
£480,000 PLUMBING, HEATING, M&E consultant, structural engineer,
ELECTRICS £79,000 quantity surveyor, planning consultant,
KITCHEN/PANTRY £35,000
soil, arboriculture and bat surveys,
BATHROOMS £25,000
ROOFING £54,000 building control): £105,000

homebuilding.co.uk 61
 R EAL PROJECT
C O N V E R S I O N A N D R E N O VAT I O N

Jonny Rowe and Sian Rees captured the light and

made use of every inch of space in their cleverly
designed loft conversion

62 homebuilding.co.uk
 WINNER
B E S T- VA L U E H O M E
 t i me l i ne

House purchased Planning submitted Building work commenced

2012 FEB 2020 JUNE 2020

Project concept began Planning approved Work completed

EARLY 2020 MAY 2020 NOV 2021

HOMEOWNERS ike many adventures, the start of Jonny Rowe’s loft

Jonny Rowe and Sian Rees conversion project began with a pint in the pub. Along with
his wife Sian Rees, he had been sketching out ideas to add two
LOCATION Leytonstone, east London
bedrooms in the loft of his east London home when he was
HOUSE TYPE Victorian terrace introduced to architect Daniel Rees (no relation to Sian).
“I’d already spoken to a couple of other architects I shared a
PROJECT Loft conversion and partial
studio with, but to be fair it wasn’t the sort of job that either of
house renovation
them specialised in,” he says. ‘It was third time lucky I guess, as
LOFT CONVERSION SIZE 30m² it turned out to be just the kind of project that Daniel excels at.”
Jonny and Sian bought the two-bedroom house in 2012, but
CONSTRUCTION METHOD
with two growing boys, they needed more space. While a loft
Timber frame
conversion was the obvious solution, there was an issue with
BUILD ROUTE Architect oversaw the pitch of the roof and the ceiling height based on the original
the works and acted as contract dimensions would have been just two metres, without taking
administrator into account the space needed for the structural framework.
As a solution, the ceilings on the floor below were lowered
BUILD TIME 18 months
by 20cm to provide space for the conversion — which also
BUILD COST Around £130,000 ensured the floors felt proportionally aligned. “It was a little
daunting at first, but our neighbours had done it the year before
HOUSE VALUE Around £900,000
and that gave us the confidence that it could be done without
jeopardising the rest of the house,” says Jonny.
WORDS Jo Messenger
PHOTOGRAPHY Chris Snook
FINALISING THE DESIGN
The couple’s brief was for a suite-style main bedroom with a
multifunctional second bedroom that would feel like part of the
overall space, but which would also serve as a guest bedroom
when required. Daniel’s design included doors that could shut off
the main bedroom when needed or open up the whole floor — to
feel like one interconnected area. “This is key for how we use
the space, but ultimately it’s two individual double bedrooms,”
Jonny explains. “Daniel nailed the concept first time and we
didn’t change a single thing from those original designs.” The
couple’s budget also had to stretch to new windows throughout

64 homebuilding.co.uk
 R E A L P R O J E C T C O N V E R S I O N A N D R E N O VAT I O N

“The staircase holds everything together

like one giant plywood sheet”
 A line of sight runs from the
shower room at the front of the
house all the way down to the
second bedroom at the rear

the house, a light renovation of the first floor bathroom and bathroom upstairs throughout, even with a boarded-up window
complete redecoration throughout. and no ceiling. It snowed a fair bit that year, too.”
The project ran fairly smoothly – the only issue was how to run
CONSIDERED LIGHT the waste pipe from the new front shower room to the rear of the
The glazing was designed to create a ‘line of light’ that runs house. Running it through the loft floor and boxing it in meant it
from a skylight in the pitched roof above the sink in the en suite would have been visible on the first-floor landing. “Daniel came
shower room at the front of the house to the second bedroom up with the brilliant idea of concealing it by widening the wall
at the rear where a near full-length picture window provides a between the landing and first-floor bedroom,” says Jonny.
garden view. Two fixed flat roof windows – one in the hallway
and one in the main bedroom – bathe the space in light from CHOOSING MATERIALS
above. The bedroom also includes a large ply-wrapped window This part of the project was a collaborative process between
seat to bring in even more light. Jonny, Sian and Daniel. Their mutual friends are exhibition
“The real magic,” says Jonny, “was how Daniel continued designers and shared a studio with Jonny at the time. This led
this line down at the back of the house, replacing the first-floor them to consider some less familiar and more cost-effective
bathroom window with a matching window of the same width materials such as Marmoleum, used on the floors and shower
as the one above, all perfectly aligned. This is a real feature room walls, as well as Regupol which creates an interesting
when you look back at the house from the garden.” texture and contrast to the black framework and doors. Both
materials also have excellent acoustic properties.
THE CONSTRUCTION PROCESS Plywood was used throughout the project and another cost-
The building work commenced in 2020 shortly after the country saving measure was to keep the existing staircase between the
went into lockdown with the project being managed by the ground floor and the first floor intact and clad it with plywood
architect and the family living on site throughout. “We only had rather than ripping it out and building an entirely new one.
the ground floor that was habitable at the time, with the ceilings “The staircase is an absolute work of art and the craftsmanship
removed on the first floor and with just a temporary tin roof is second to none,” says Jonny. “It holds everything together,
preventing us from being completely exposed to the elements,” linking the old house with the new space like one giant plywood
says Jonny. “As a family of four it was very tight. We had to use the sheet that cuts through from top to bottom.”

66 homebuilding.co.uk
 s p o t l i g h t o n : p ly wo o d
Plywood is a favourite timber species, from
with architects and fast-growing softwoods
is a cost-effective and like spruce, pine and fir
versatile material to hardwoods such as
widely used in furniture oak, beech and birch.
making. It’s durable, Flexible plywood can be
long-lasting and easy curved to form shapes.
to work with, making Different grades of
it ideal for a variety of plywood are dependent
interior applications. An on its suitability to
affordable alternative useage. Marine ply
to solid wood, it can be (made from hardwood
cut to almost any shape veneers) is one of
or size and has a wide the most expensive.
variety of potential uses Ensure you source
in the home. FSC-certified and low-
Plywood is made from VOC plywood for its
thin layers of wood – sustainability. “As it
usually in odd numbers comes in standard sheet
– that are glued together sizes, it can be easily
under high heat and cut and worked with on
pressure to form a solid site,” says Daniel Rees
sheet. The grain of each from Rees Architects.
veneer is orientated “Plus, it’s easy to finish
perpendicular to the — the boards only
next, giving the panel require light sanding,
strength and rigidity. then oiling, staining
It comes in a variety of or varnishing.”

Built-in wardrobes were positioned under the eaves with

hidden storage beyond the clothes rails. Angled brass
skirting adds to the overall aesthetic of crisp, clean lines.
“It’s a fantastic detail, we never would have thought of,”
says Jonny.
 t he p l an s
SUPPLIERS
ARCHITECT Rees Architects:
LOFT www.rees.archi

STAIRCASE & JOINERY

Honed Homes: www.honed.homes

EXTERNAL STEEL CLADDING

BEDROOM
Cladco Roofing: www.cladco.co.uk

WINDOWS Velfac: www.velfac.co.uk

BATHROOM ROOFLIGHT
Velux: www.velux.co.uk

MARMOLEUM Forbo: www.forbo.com

MISTING SYSTEM
Mistek: www.mistek.co.uk

EN-SUITE FIXTURES & FITTINGS

Lusso Stone: www.lussostone.com

LIGHTING Astro Lighting:

BEDROOM
www.astrolighting.com

COST BREAKDOWN
DESIGN, PLANNING AND
EN SUITE PROJECT MANAGEMENT FEES
£18,000

BUILDING WORK (INCLUDING

THE MISTING SYSTEM ON THE
GROUND FLOOR) £80,000
STORE
STAIRCASE AND UNDER-STAIR
CUPBOARDS £12,000

GLAZING £12,000

REDECORATION OF GROUND
FLOOR, FIRST FLOOR AND
FIRST-FLOOR BATHROOM £12,000

ADDING HEADROOM
The rear of the Victorian terrace (left)
had a traditiona two-storey rendered
outrigger. Once the roof was removed
(below), the ceilings were lowered to
create the space needed for the head
height required in the loft.

68 homebuilding.co.uk
 A D V ERTORIA L

See your new

windows in advance
With their impressive new showroom in Leeds and others around the UK, see
for yourself how much difference an Express bifold or glazing solution can
make to your self-build or extension project and inform your decision making

EXPRESS
SHOWROOM
Above far right:
George Clarke
at the Express
factory in Leeds.
Above left
and middle:
the Romford
showroom.
Right: the
Leeds flagship
showroom.

70 homebuilding.co.uk
B
y visiting Express in Leeds this month, TV presenter A NEW CHAPTER IN GLASGOW
and architect George Clarke underlined the importance In Glasgow, the company’s existing showroom became
of looking around a company showroom in the decision- inadequate for their expanding product range, which
making process for home improvement projects. During his prompted the construction of a purpose-built two-floor
subsequent visit to Express Bi-Folding Doors’ new showroom showroom of 8,000ft2 — a first for Scotland! Open six days a
in Glasgow, Clarke emphasised the value of physically seeing week, the Express showroom in East Kilbride offers customers
diverse products to make informed decisions quickly. a unique and enjoyable exploration experience.
Express Bi-Folding Doors is dedicated to transforming
spaces, with a company ethos centred on ensuring that NEW 27,000M2 FLAGSHIP SHOWROOM IN LEEDS!
customers grasp the true potential of their products. This The flagship showroom in Leeds – housed within the Express
commitment has led to the creation of four impressive 200,000sq ft manufacturing facility – is the largest in Europe.
showrooms, including two in London, a flagship showroom Open seven days a week, it features a full showhouse with
in Leeds and a new two-floor showroom in Glasgow. various extensions, showcasing Express products in different
room settings and building materials. Factory tours are
FANTASTIC LONDON SHOWROOMS available, providing visitors with inspiration and reassurance.
The Express London showrooms in Romford and Weybridge But even if visiting a location is beyond your reach, you can
– situated just inside the M25 – showcase the company’s full catch Express at exhibitions such as the Homebuilding &
portfolio of bespoke glazing products in true-to-life settings. Renovating shows in London, Birmingham and more.
This can provide visitors with a genuine look and feel for how
each style of product will fit within their home — especially in • To find your nearest Express showroom and see more
relation to a new self-build or extension project. information, visit: www.expressbifolds.co.uk

homebuilding.co.uk 71
 R EA L PR OJECTS

72 homebuilding.co.uk
 Turnkey project
The design of this home in East Renfrewshire was largely
driven by local planning guidelines — the owners knew it
would be more straightforward to get permission to build
if they limited the house to a single storey. The owners,
Daryl and Heather, loved the classic-style homes designed
by The Wee House Company. “The entire floorplan is so
well thought out,” says Heather. “The openness of the
living and dining space is amazing.”
The traditional aesthetic of the house complements
the rural location perfectly. “We worked closely with
Daryl and Heather to design a home that would work
with them as their first home, with a layout that would
work in the future, when the number of occupants
increases,” says Lynsey Young from The Wee House
Company. Maximising the footprint of the house was
essential, so some of the rooms can double up to serve
different purposes as Daryl and Heather’s requirements
evolve. Incorporating plenty of built-in storage was also
vital. The project was delivered as part of a full turnkey
package, for a fixed cost.

Whether you’re restricted by

planning rules or simply want
a futureproofed house on one
level, creating a single-storey
home offers a raft of unique
design opportunities, as these
WORDS: REBECCA FOSTER

properties demonstrate

homebuilding.co.uk 73
 Contemporary
creation
Edgley Design crafted the plans
for this striking single-storey
home, which replaces a cluster of
garages that previously occupied
the site. The house was designed
for artists Kati and Nigel to
incorporate one bedroom, a
spacious open-plan living area,
an artist’s studio and a garden.
The design evolved from Kati
and Nigel’s decision to retain
a lime, birch and plum tree
already growing on the site,
forming three distinct garden
zones that would each become
a focal point for the property.
The house is set back slightly
from the street to establish a
sense of privacy for Kati and
Nigel. A pitched roof sits in the
middle, introducing a sense
of drama to the design, as well
as adding scale to the internal
living spaces.
The striking, asymmetric

IMAGES: EMANUELIS STASAITIS

form of the house creates a
contemporary feel, which is
beautifully balanced by the use
of traditional brickwork that
mirrors the local Victorian
housing stock.

74 homebuilding.co.uk
 R E A L P R O J E C T S

Striking timber frame

Local planning policy dictated the height of this striking
bungalow in Kent. “The owners, Paul and Pat, were initially
averse to building a bungalow,” says John Wilkinson, senior
architectural designer at Scandia-Hus. However, it was
soon agreed that a single-storey home would maximise
the footprint of the house by doing away with the need for
superfluous stairs and hallways. “With the client’s input,
a beautiful bespoke bungalow with an unusual roof design
and high ceilings that kept within the local council’s strict
size of increase policy was proposed,” says John.
The resulting three-bedroom house is designed to blend
seamlessly with the leafy surroundings. The single-storey
design has kept the property’s height to a minimum, while
the asymmetric roof design adds wow factor. “The exterior
cedar cladding fits well with the environment, as well as
keeping the architectural concept contemporary,” says
John. “The bespoke glazing matches the grey colour of
the premium-quality Spanish slates on the roof, as well as
framing the woodland views.” Inside, the crowning jewel
of the design is the vaulted ceiling above the open-plan
kitchen-living-dining area. Construction cost was £455,600.
IMAGES: BAGSHAW & HARDY

homebuilding.co.uk 75
 R E A L P R O J E C T S

Tricky urban site

Satish Jassal Architects crafted the
design for this single-storey home on a
compact backland site in north London.
The house is situated behind a butcher’s
shop, reached via a 1m-wide covered
passageway between two shops, meaning
access was an important consideration
from the start. “Constructing the house
was like building through a straw,” says
Satish Jassal, director at the practice.
The narrow access governed many of the
design decisions, including the choice of
bricks, which could only be delivered via
a shopping trolley.
“A pair of offset volumes create a
courtyard entrance, and a further
courtyard to the rear, with a central
kitchen-living-dining space and two
diagonally opposite bedrooms,” says
Satish. Each of the wings features an
asymmetric pyramid-shaped roof,
which is topped with sedum to give
surrounding neighbours looking
down on the house a more pleasant
view. Rooflights have been installed
to filter natural light into the centre
of the floorplan.
IMAGES: RICHARD CHIVERS
 Characterful oak frame The external materials palette was chosen to complement
Masterminded by Oakwrights, this house in Herefordshire was the property’s countryside location — the house sits on a
designed for longevity, with the owners’ current and future grey brick plinth, with cedar shiplap weatherboarding above.
needs in mind. “It’s tempting to think we’ll always be able to The roof is topped with grey slate tiles. Inside, an open-plan
do what we once did,” says Caroline, who built the house with kitchen-living-dining area forms the heart of the living space,
her husband Derek, “but stairs can become a burden when our with a vaulted ceiling above, which is accentuated by king post
mobility slows. By nature, a single-storey home has built-in trusses. “We chose a contemporary style for easy living, and for
futureproofing because there are no stairs to worry about.” our large extended family,” says Caroline.
IMAGES: MARK BOLTON

homebuilding.co.uk 79
 R E A L P R O J E C T S

House with a view

This stunning home in Cornwall replaces a 1980s
bungalow that didn’t make the most of the site’s scenic
location. The sustainable property was designed by
Arco² and built by their in-house construction company,
ADD Sustainable Construction. One of the owner’s main
goals was to create a bespoke home that responded
sympathetically to the site, which is in an Area of
Outstanding Natural Beauty, without compromising on
energy efficiency. “The existing cut and fill, single site
level, provided the opportunity to conceal and blend the
new house into the landscape, both from the elevated
adjacent northern highway and from the southern aspect
across the river,” says Ian Armstrong, director at Arco².
The single-storey design, with level changes, worked
well with the existing site plateau, and fit in with the
owners’ desire for a lifetime home. “Internally, the
IMAGES: DREW SHEARWOOD

primary open-plan living space benefits from generous

ceiling heights maximising not only views of the river
Camel, but also the rolling hills and skyline,” says Ian.
The house was constructed using a highly efficient timber
frame, insulated with recycled newspaper. A wildflower
green roof further helps the house blend into its setting.

homebuilding.co.uk 81
 EX P ER T A D V ICE

12 ways to

If you want a high-end look for your garden design

our top tips will help you make the right choice

W
hen thinking about Mix materials instead of
landscaping your uniform patio pavers
garden, it’s a good Versatile gravel and other pebble chippings
idea to pinpoint are economical to buy, easy to spread and
any elements you widely available, so they’re a practical choice
like and want to keep, and use this as if you’re looking for ways to bring a landscaping
your starting point, particularly if you’re project in on budget but are running out of affordable
on a budget. Next, consider how much hardscaping ideas. They’re also a good option if you
SARAH WILSON
Is an experienced you have to spend. Is there enough to like the idea of mixing up the look by adding some
gardens journalist. adapt the existing scheme, or go for a pavers in among the gravel to customise the look. This
She has also studied total overhaul, with a completely new lends itself to a loose and unstructured style of planting
introductory garden planting design and landscaping? If using a mix of perennials, ornamental grasses and
and landscape
money is tight, it may still be possible to ground cover plants, which are all affordable options
design and is now
completing her RHS rejuvenate a tired-looking design simply at the garden centre.
Level 2 course in by taking a fresh approach and injecting “Breaking up hard landscaping or fully paved areas
the Principles of some new ideas, such as adding one with a combination of pavers and gravel has lots of
Plant Growth and feature that transforms the scheme. benefits,” says garden designer Christine Wilford.
Development.
“Certainly, it saves costs, but it also contributes to the
environment as it creates a permeable surface that lets
water run through. With increased flooding issues now
a real concern, this is a really important consideration.
A combination like this can be enhanced with plants,
which is beneficial for the environment, too, and
encourages wildlife.”

84 homebuilding.co.uk
 IMAGE: CHRISTINE WILFORD / GREEN ARDEN DESIGN (GREENARDENDESIGN.COM)

Pearly quartz pebbles and basalt

plank pavers, both by Cedstone.

Designer lighting doesn’t floodlights should be avoided at all costs, as they do nothing
have to be expensive for the aesthetics and functionality of the garden, as well as
Considered lighting adds another dimension to creating a persistent nuisance to neighbours and wildlife.”
landscaping and turns the space into an evening Instead, create focal points using low-glare fittings with
space as well as enhancing the house exterior. But baffles to shield the light source. This allows you to direct
less is more — too much can look overdone and add to costs. the spill of light from each fitting so it falls only where it is
“A little light goes a long way at night,” says design director needed on key features, such as a sculpture, planting or trees.
Luke Thomas of John Cullen Lighting. “A few carefully “Combine this with lighting something immediately outside
positioned fittings can still ensure your garden becomes a the window – such as the terrace – as this will draw the eye
magical extra room at night. Single-source, high-output outside and extend the view,” says Luke.

Trees uplit with spiked Kew

40 Spotlights and the planting
beyond with a combination of
Hamptons 25 floodlights and
smaller Kew 25 spotlights,
all John Cullen Lighting.
IMAGE: FUTURE
 Don’t assume
your builder
can take on a
landscaping project
It can be tempting to take
shortcuts as a way of reigning in costs
but this can end up being more expensive
in the long run. “Landscaping should
always be done properly to a high
specification,” says garden designer
Rob Hughes. “The risk is that if you
buy cheap you buy twice, so ultimately
your landscaping project becomes more
expensive. I see a lot of people doing
gardens on the cheap but they don’t last,
and before you know it they’re having to
redo the work.”
Another piece of advice from Rob
IMAGE: ROBERT HUGHES GARDEN DESIGN

is don’t entrust your builder to take

on a garden project. “You need to find
expert landscapers as more often than
not, despite the original quote coming
in cheaper than a landscaper, builders
underestimate the amount of work
involved,” explains Rob. “This leads
to errors with the installation, and
expensive mistakes are commonplace.”

This garden renovation by HollandGreen Create a natural

Landscaping includes an outdoor kitchen and water feature
dining space with pizza oven, gas barbecue, Garden ponds and water features can be an
sink, mini fridge and 12-seater bar table. expensive element in garden landscaping but
there are some easy ways to bring down the
costs. “A wildlife pond made with a flexible liner can be an
easy and inexpensive way of bringing wildlife into your
garden, as well as being a great focal point,” says garden
designer Alice Meacham. “Surround it with rocks and
pebbles to create a beach area, and marginal plants to
soften the edges.”

Go for an informal
natural-looking pond
to save costs.
Plan a cost-effective
outdoor kitchen
If you’re thinking about including an outdoor
kitchen in your landscaping project then planning
is key to keeping it on budget. Costs can vary
IMAGE: ALICE MEACHAM GARDEN DESIGN

dramatically, so it’s a good idea to get expert input if you’re

unsure about what you want. “Much like an interior kitchen,
an outdoor kitchen is all about the flow and set-up,” says Mark
Latchford, director of landscape design at HollandGreen.
“Ensure adequate food and drink prep space and consider how
you will serve food and the relation of the dining seating to the
outdoor kitchen. The space can be dressed using potted herbs
from the garden or outdoor festoon lights to create a magical
setting when entertaining on summer evenings.”

86 homebuilding.co.uk
 E X P E R T A D V I C E L A N D S C A P E O N A B U D G E T

Paint a fence
in a designer
shade
Don’t ever
underestimate
the power of a great
paint colour if you’re
landscaping on a budget.
Architects and designers
particularly love to use
strong dark colours like
black and grey as these
colours transcend all
fashions, working with
pretty much every other
colour and offering a
cool and cost-effective
Slab khaki porcelain paving and makeover opportunity.
Vulcano Roca wall cladding by London
Stone. Golden Oak enhanced grain
decking by Millboard.

Use a few
statement
plants to create
a luxury feel
Adding a few large
sculptural plants or trees
to your landscaping can be
transformative, especially in
terms of elevating a small space
by creating an inexpensive high-
end look. Choose carefully and it
doesn’t have to be an expensive
option, either, if the planting
scheme is filled out with plants
like ornamental grasses or ferns.
“In this design style, immersive
green and textured planting
frames the new extension clad in
clay bricks,” says garden designer
Tom Massey. “These have been
IMAGE: JUSTIN DE SOUZA / TOM MASSEY STUDIO

matched as a paving material

in the landscape, unifying the
house and garden.”

The lush planting in this compact

east London garden features
grasses and ferns spilling out of
bespoke corten steel planters. The
large Dicksonia tree ferns add a
verdant and exotic feel.

homebuilding.co.uk 87
 E X P E R T A D V I C E L A N D S C A P E O N A B U D G E T

Asanoha corten steel trellis panels,

£132 per 312mm x 1780mm panel
from Stark & Greensmith.

Add an affordable off-the-shelf design element

As well as letting you divide landscaping into smaller and more intimate areas,
some decorative screens can be considered works of art in themselves. Hang
them where they will be most appreciated, such as from inside the house, or
to frame outdoor seating areas. By introducing a different material, such as
corten steel, into a design filled with plants and water, you add a textured accent that
informs the space. Metal also adds gleam and reflection to an otherwise matt series of
surfaces, such as the materials used for walls, paving and decking.

Save money on planting In the right setting, a wildflower meadow

Evaluate carefully how much hardscaping can add great beauty and biodiversity to a
is needed and keep it to a pragmatic level as garden, plus it’s one of the least expensive
ways of covering areas of ground.
it tends to cost more than soft landscaping.
“In every garden transformation project, the
clients’ budget plays an important part,” says garden
designer James Scott. “We always strive to achieve
the best value for our clients while we create their
dream garden.” He suggests planning the timing of
IMAGE: JAMES SCOTT / THE GARDEN CO

your planting to take advantage of bare-root and root-

balled stock, which is cheaper than container-grown
stock and only available in the winter months. He also
recommends starting with younger plants and nurturing
them to fulfil their potential. “Buying mature plants
may help to achieve the desired effect more quickly, but
this is more expensive. Instead, one of the greatest joys
of a garden transformation project is to watch the new
garden develop and flourish.”

homebuilding.co.uk 89
 E X P E R T A D V I C E L A N D S C A P E O N A B U D G E T

Use stylish
accessories as a Stainless steel and

finishing touch
woven all-weather
wicker ambient
An affordable way of Nest lights from
transforming your Gloster add
landscape is by adding designer-style warmth and
character.
accessories that can help lift the space
without you have to fork out eyewatering
amounts of money. One of the easiest ways
to do this is with portable accessories that
can be shifted around to suit your needs.
IMAGE: ELKS-SMITH GARDEN DESIGN (ELKS-SMITH.CO.UK)

“There is an ever-increasing selection

of fantastic garden lights that are
rechargeable,” says garden design Helen
Elks-Smith. ‘These hand-held lanterns can
be added to a dining table or when cooking
outside, and easily carried to and from the
garden. They have a USB connection and
provide many hours of use before a recharge
is needed.” Weatherproof, solar charging
LED light units mean no unsightly cables
and remote, variable switching ensures
effortless use.

This relaxed planting scheme includes hydrangeas, Supersize borders and fill
ornamental grasses and dark, glossy evergreens. with easy repeat planting
Modern planting styles tend to have a
repetitive theme, where multiples of
one variety are used at intervals. Repeat
planting is an affordable way to fill borders, especially
if you order online from a reputable nursery as you may
get a discount. Alternatively, learn to propagate from

IMAGE: COLIN POOLE / FUTURE

your own stock to grow your plant collection for free.
It’s a good idea to stretch the boundaries of your borders
too, as more planting means less expensive hardscaping
materials. Shrubs like hydrangeas, ornamental grasses
and evergreens are always popular choices as they look
good throughout the year and make easy work of pulling
together a coordinated look.

Choose the right

landscaping
Porcelain pavers
and golden
oak Millboard materials
decking are set A pared-down selection of
off perfectly hardscaping materials is key to
with this Arawn
planter by
landscaping on a budget. Stick to the formula of using
Torcpots. just one or two carefully chosen hardscaping materials,
maybe softening the look here and there with pockets
IMAGE: ROBERT HUGHES GARDEN DESIGN

of grass. Composite decking may seem more expensive

than timber but it’s a better investment due to its
greater durability and longevity, plus it requires less
maintenance. Large-format paving units are best for a
modern landscaping design, and porcelain never dates
so again is a good long-term investment. Think about
a finishing touch to break up any uniformity, such as
adding an accent colour like a black fence, or a detail
like a feature metal.

homebuilding.co.uk 91
 G R EAT R EASONS TO SU B SCR IB E

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homebuilding.co.uk 93
 EX PER T A D V ICE

Looking for ways to save money on your

project and planning to tackle some of
the building work yourself ? Our expert
builder Andy Stevens offers advice on
what you should and shouldn’t attempt

A
BUILDER’S
VIEW
WAYS OF TAKING ANDY STEVENS
ON DIY TO CUT Is an award-winning builder and
broadcaster. You can find him on

YOUR COSTS Instagram @andystevenstv

B
efore embarking on any ● Gas connection to the hob dating back to the 1950s. You can
areas of DIY or building ● Electrical feeds and live cables only imagine how long this took,
work, always consider what to appliances especially as the older paste used
would be the worst outcome if it ● Possibility of asbestos under the was so much stronger. There are
all went wrong. Are you doing old floor tiles. many different ways to remove
a relatively simple task where I haven’t written this to put you off wallpaper, but a steamer is the
very little could end in disaster? in any way, just more as advice on most common DIY method. Scoring
Go for it. But if there are potential the potential pitfalls. Always look the paper with a sharp blade and
disasters and you’re not confident beyond just what’s in front of you using a sponge with warm soapy
you understand the whole process, as there may be hidden elements, water is another approach. Either
maybe leave it to the professionals. especially in older houses. If in way, it is not expensive to do this
For example, if you’re thinking doubt, ask a tradesperson first. yourself and will keep costs down
about removing your existing a lot, especially if the whole house
kitchen, it’s not just taking off some Removal tasks needs doing.
doors, removing base and wall to tackle Removing external buildings
units, end panels and worktops. Without a doubt, something such as sheds, outbuildings or old
You’ve also got to think about that anyone can do themselves garages is also something you
everything from the plumbing to is the removal of old wallpaper can do. Be wary of any potential
the electrics, including: and lining paper. Until you start, electrical or plumbing connections,
● Hot and cold feeds to the sink you have no idea how many and another note of caution is to
● Cold feed to the dishwasher, layers there could be. We once check whether or not the roof on
washing machine, fridge freezer had to remove seven layers of older buildings contains asbestos.
● Waste pipes from appliances wallpaper with the bottom layer If it does, you’ll need to call in an

homebuilding.co.uk 95
 B U I L D E R ’ S V I E W

expert to remove it, but if it doesn’t

then go for it! I know clients who
have spent their whole working life
in an office and absolutely loved
smashing down an outbuilding!
If you’re renovating your house,
dropping ceilings is another area
that you can easily do. Lathe and
plaster ceilings, plasterboard
or even wooden ones can all be
dropped relatively easily. Just
make sure you have the right PPE
— you don’t want that old dust in
your lungs or heavy things falling
on your head.
Another area where you can
save money is by taking up floor
coverings such as carpets, old
tiles, floorboards and parquet.
Remember, a lot of old flooring is
worth something so don’t always
throw it in the skip. Selling it, even
if you only get a small amount
of money for it, can save you
spending money on skips for
example. The same goes for old Best-case scenario, you’ve saved so this will end up costing you
bricks and roof timbers. I have built money and built it yourself. significantly more.
a few sheds over the years with
reclaimed roof timbers, stud walls interiors and safety Maintain trades
and old doors. The only thing I had Inside the house, painting and Once you have signed contracts
to pay for was the felt. decorating is something most with your contractor, that is the time
Taking down a conservatory clients want to try themselves. If to ask them about areas you can
is something else homeowners everything is freshly plastered then work on yourself. To be completely
can do. Like in other areas, it’s a whole lot easier than trying to honest, we prefer to do it all
check for plumbing and electrics. make good old walls, door linings, ourselves as we know what we’re
Depending on the age or condition skirting boards and architraves doing, when we’re doing it and
of it, you can also sell it. etc. One key thing to remember that it will be done well. But by all
before attempting anything, means ask, as we know you want
Rebuilding options however, is that preparation is key. to save money. Having it all laid
Once everything has been Don’t be too over-optimistic and out from the beginning is key so
removed or demolished, it’s try and do a job that you know that both sides know exactly what
they’re doing and when.
One thing that I’ve seen over
“Don’t be too optimistic and take on a job you know the years when clients have
you can’t do. You’ll end up paying twice to fix it” tried things themselves is the
understanding of the incredible
skillsets us trades have. The most
now time to start rebuilding. I you can’t. You’ll end up paying common phrase I’ve heard is
should stress that most of these twice as it will have to be put right/ “Wow, it’s a lot harder than it
skills I would advise leaving to stripped back and then redone. looks!” Subconsciously, we take
an experienced tradesperson, A lot of the work that needs to this as a compliment! It may not be
however, there are things you be done will have to be done by the most glamorous career, but it
can try yourself. skilled professionals. Also bear is a wonderful one in a fantastic
If you need a low garden in mind, apart from painting and industry with wonderful people.
wall, a small shed, or something decorating, there is always a It’s a skill you will always have and
similar, then have a go yourself. trade to follow you in. So if you try can take it anywhere in the world
Worst-case scenario is you have to plastering and make a real mess of with you. You never know, you
take down the bricks, clean them it, the decorator will have to put it might get the building bug and
and get a brickie to do it for you. right before they start decorating, end up changing careers…

homebuilding.co.uk 97
 B UI L D COS T CLINIC

How much does

a driveway cost?
IMAGES: POLLY ELTES / FUTURE

Your property’s welcome route is often something of TIM PHILLIPS

an afterthought, but its importance is enormous in Is a quantity surveyor and runs Quantiv.
uk, with 30 years experience across the
terms of kerb appeal and perceived property value. commercial and residential sector.
Here’s how to make the most of what’s best for you @timphillips71

A
s the route to your home, BLOCK contemporary block paving, the but also aligns seamlessly with
a driveway is not just PAVING cost spectrum is influenced by your budget.
a functional necessity The above multiple factors.
style of
but a statement piece for your
decorative
So let’s explore and dissect COST FACTORS
property’s kerb appeal. For driveway the nuances of driveway costs. Several factors will impact on the
homeowners embarking on the makes a From the choice of materials overall cost, so keep these in mind
journey of driveway installation or difference influenced by our climate, to the when making design decisions.
renovation, the burning question to the impact of local regulations and Material selection Driveway
appearance
often revolves around price. labour rates, we’ll demystify the cost is greatly impacted by the
of your
In the UK – where a blend property’s process and empower you with choice of material. Resin-bound
of tradition and modernity façade. the knowledge needed to make surfaces, block paving, tarmac,
characterises our homes – the informed decisions for your home. concrete and gravel are common
answer is as diverse as the Buckle up as we navigate through alternatives. Every material’s
driveways themselves. From the intricacies of driveway pricing, price range varies according to
classic gravel drives reminiscent of ensuring that the path you choose availability, durability and, of
bucolic rural countryside to sleek, not only enhances your property course, visual attractiveness.

98 homebuilding.co.uk
 Material quality Costs can be planning permission – where
required – will increase the Type Average
impacted by the thickness and
project’s cost. Make sure your material cost
grade of the material. Although
more expensive, durable, high- driveway complies with the
quality materials frequently work necessary regulations. Gravel £15/m2
better and last longer. Removal of the existing
driveway If a replacement Concrete £50/m2
Size Driveway size and design
complexity are significant factors. driveway is required, any Stamped concrete £85/m2
Larger driveways obviously cost quotations should cover the
driveway’s removal and legal Resin £75/m2
more overall, as they require more
labour and materials. Installation disposal. This process will raise Tarmac £55/m2
may become more complex and the project’s total cost.
Drainage requirements Block paving
expensive if there are intricate
(concrete) £25/m2
designs, patterns, or curves Additional drainage solutions may
to incorporate. be required, depending on the Block paving
Groundworks Significant site’s particular requirements and (clay) £85/m2
groundworks – excavation, building regulations. In order to
levelling, or drainage avoid water collecting, which can *Based on a typical driveway, sub-base excluded
improvements and services shorten the driveway’s lifespan,
relocation – will add to the proper drainage – such as an ACO
overall cost. New installations channel and possibly a soakaway
often involve more groundwork – is crucial. should require five bags of MOT
compared to replacements — Type 1 Sub Base Bulk Bags (if
especially if the area needs MATERIAL OPTIONS excavating to a 150mm depth)
substantial preparation before the A driveway will only be as good costing approximately £425.
laying of the new driveway. as the foundations it’s laid upon. A heavy-duty weed membrane
Site accessibility The ease Much the same as a house is built will cost £52 and cover up to
of delivering building supplies on firm foundations, a driveway 25m2. Factor in some simple
and plant to the driveway might is no different – it’s built on a stone plant machinery (such as wacker-
impact expense. Restricted sub-base and sand. A typical plate) from a tool hire company –
access could mean more manual driveway will need to take the approximately £64 for a weekend
labour, raising overall labour cost. weight of your car – and possibly hire – and your base should
Accommodating a mini digger the occasional delivery van – so then be ready for your driveway
on site to access the drive will be it doesn’t have to be a full road material of choice.
significantly cheaper and quicker construction. Nevertheless, it Gravel A gravel driveway can be
than manual labour. will require excavating to a firm laid on a DIY basis. Bags of gravel
DECORATIVE
Extra features While adding strata, removing any clay or rock cost £150–£190/bag. The depth
DRIVEWAYS
lights, borders or landscaping can if present. All the drives we’re This Drivesett of your driveway will determine
improve the appearance, it can looking at will require a minimum Tegula Priora how much a tonne of gravel
also raise the overall expense of of 150mm well-compacted MOT permeable will cover. Generally, a gravel
the project. Type 1 as a sub-base along with block paving driveway needs to be at least
is available
Regulations and permits a weed membrane barrier to 50mm deep. If this is the depth – or
from supplier
Complying with local regulations, prevent weed growth. A driveway Marshalls in a something comparable – you’re
obtaining permits or obtaining measuring 4.8 x 2.4m (11.52m2) choice of three using for your driveway, a tonne of
colourways. gravel ought to cover 10–15m2. If
you want a tradesperson to carry
out the works, then budget for a
two-man team at £220 per day.
Concrete There are two types
of concrete driveway. The
first is unreinforced concrete
poured and left to cure with no
pattern apart from maybe a
100mm edge trowelled border.
Concrete driveway installation
typically costs £50–£70/m2
IMAGES: FUTURE

and labour costs can range from

£200–£350 per day, depending
on the complexity of the job. The

homebuilding.co.uk 99
 19 years later. It’s had a few
power washes and been resealed
overtime, but is still in excellent
condition. A 25kg bag of kiln dried
sand will cover approximately
5m2 and will cost approximately
£8.50 per bag.

DIY SOLUTIONS
For certain driveway materials,
DIY may be an option. However,
this will primarily depend on the
project’s complexity, your level
of expertise and the material you
choose. If you decide to proceed
with a DIY driveway project,
start with a small area to gain
experience and confidence.
Consider these materials if
you’re planning on saving costs
other option is concrete that’s CHEAPER pleasing driveway option, which by undertaking a DIY driveway
IMAGES: POLLY ELTES / FUTURE

embossed or patterned to mimic CHOICE is why many homeowners choose project by yourself.
other materials and textures. A relatively it. When it is laid correctly it Gravel In smaller spaces, gravel
low-cost
This is called stamped concrete – won’t need to be replaced for driveways are best as a DIY
material,
sometimes referred to as imprinted gravel is an a number of years and requires driveway. Excavating the space,
concrete. There’s an abundance of ideal choice zero maintenance. I’d also laying down a base layer, then
patterns to choose from including for any DIY recommend this type of driveway distributing the gravel are the
wood, slate, flagstone and brick. driveway being installed by a professional steps. Make sure that you also
projects.
Budget from £3,000 for a 35m2 contractor and not undertaken include adequate maintenance
driveway. My advice is that this on a DIY basis. Budget around and drainage.
is best left to the professionals. £55-£70/m2 and remember to Concrete A competent DIY
Remember to ensure that you consider kerb edgings to stop the enthusiast might be able to
include an expansion joint in large tarmac from moving. construct a basic concrete
areas of concrete driveway. Block paving One of the most driveway with a basic design.
Resin Driveways that are resin common types of driveway is block But handling concrete calls for
bound marry strength, longevity paving. When installed properly, expertise and familiarity with the
and aesthetics, presenting a it can be a beautiful feature of a curing procedure. It is advised to
surface that is not only adaptable home. Available in a variety of seek professional guidance for
but also requires minimal shapes and sizes from standard larger areas or those with more
maintenance. This resilient block size patterns, the material complex designs.
solution is crafted from natural is manufactured from concrete Tarmac, resin and block
aggregates, marble, recyclable or clay to cobbles and random paving drives are best left to the
materials and quality resin, setts. Block paving is laid on a professionals due to the processes
creating a sustainable and visually bed of 75mm sand, which is then and equipment involved. Seeking
pleasing option for homeowners. compacted with a wacker plate. professional assistance is often the
Establish a budget ranging from When the drive is complete, the safer and more reliable option.
£50–£75/m2. This should include block paving has kiln sand brushed
material, installation and potential into its joints to prevent movement ONGOING
additional features. Once your and also weed growth. Clay blocks MAINTENANCE COSTS
budget is defined, seek a minimum cost, on average, £85/m2 with Although not an initial expense,
of four quotes from reputable concrete starting at £25/m2. your driveway may require routine
resin driveway installers. This A concrete tumbled Tobermore sealing and upkeep to guarantee
step ensures a comprehensive Tegula Trio Brindle Block Paviour its longevity. This is recommended
understanding of market rates and (three sizes per pack) will cost circa for block paving. Incorporate
services, empowering you to make £48/m2. Remember that the colour future costs for sealants, repairs or
an informed decision and entrust on a concrete block paviour will resealing into your overall budget.
your project to some qualified and wash out over time. My clay paved Resiblock’s popular superior matt
accredited professionals. ‘Castleyard mixture’ driveway block paving sealer (five litres)
Tarmac Tarmac is a very resilient, was laid in 2005 in a herringbone costs from £75 and will cover
low-maintenance and aesthetically pattern and is still the same colour 10m2 of paving.

100 homebuilding.co.uk
 B U I L D C O S T C L I N I C

PLANNING PERMISSION automated or manual. There are Turntables A fantastic concept

AND COSTS many choices of metal or timber for little driveways that can’t
Unless the surface is SuDS gates – either manufactured or provide a comfortable spot in
(Sustainable Drainage Systems) bespoke. Also consider manual which to turn around. After parking
compliant – which comes into or automatic gate control. on the circle, drivers simply turn
effect in 2024 for residential Anti-theft bollards/posts their car 180 degrees with a
developments – there will be an Adding anti-theft elements to your manual or powered turntable.
additional cost. You must apply driveway can increase security. Turntables, which range from
for planning permission for any The type of anti-theft gadgets and £12,500 upwards, can be a
surface larger than 5m2 between their installation procedure will great driveway idea when space
your property and the highway if determine the final cost. It could is limited and busy roads are
you’re building a new driveway be an automatic rising ‘Intellipost dangerous for reversing into. But
or replacing an impermeable 500’ bollard from £1,950 or a before making any decisions,
surface with a permeable one. Any Bison stainless-steel removable consult your electrician and
water runoff must be appropriately bollard – which simply slots in groundworkers; the turntable’s
managed away from public drains manually – from £295. motorised mechanism needs to
on your land. This might require Landscaping Adding be wired in, buried and installed
installing a drainage system such landscaping features to your correctly. For a stylish and
as a soakaway, French drain or driveway can improve its overall practical addition, the materials
SuDS system. Planning permission appearance and increase the can be matched to many driveway
depends on your individual appeal of your home and the designs, including permeable
circumstances and Permitted completed driveway. This may tarmac and block paving.
Development regulations may involve adding flowers, shrubs or
apply in some situations, so always trees to the driveway’s borders. ADDED VALUE
check with your local authority to Consider the amount for plants, A well-designed and maintained
see what’s required. soil, mulch and any potential GRANITE driveway can significantly
requirement for professional LOOK enhance kerb appeal of your
ADDITIONAL landscaping services in your Drivesett property. A visually appealing
Argent Priora
CONSIDERATIONS overall budget.
permeable
entrance can leave a positive
It’s crucial to take additional costs Outdoor lighting Installing block first impression, attracting more
into account when designing outdoor lights alongside your paving from potential buyers and increasing
a new driveway in addition to driveway can improve visibility, Marshalls the overall desirability of the
IMAGES: BRUCE HEMMING / FUTURE

the basic construction costs. The safety and the character of your (below home. The type of materials used
right) has a
following are some potential property. Choose from ‘drive for the driveway can influence
granite-look
additional budgeting costs. over’ lighting (from £40 each) or finish and is the perceived value. High-quality
Gates You’ll have to pay extra lighting posts (from £70 each) available with and durable materials may be
to erect gates if you want privacy to accentuate your driveway. a range of seen as an investment, potentially
or security. The total cost will Lighting styles and the intricacy coordinating justifying a higher asking price. It’s
walling
depend on the kind of gate, its of installation will determine the essential to note that while a new
and edging
size, material and whether it’s project’s final cost. features. driveway can enhance the overall
appeal of a property, the specific
monetary value it adds can vary
considerably. Consulting with local
estate agents can provide more
tailored insights into the potential
impact on the property’s value in
your specific location.

homebuilding.co.uk 101
 AD V ERTORIA L WOODLAND HOUSE
This award-winning home
from AR Design Studios
features careful positioning
of VELFAC windows for
impressive low-energy
performance while also
emphasising the changing
impact of natural light
throughout the day.

Low-energy
windows
and doors
With energy efficiency high on the
agenda for all self-builders and
renovators, here’s how to identify the
best low-energy composite windows
and doors for your project

E
nergy-efficient homes are cheaper to run and more operational lifetime and a low-maintenance design.
comfortable to live in all year round while also making Test evidence VELFAC windows can provide test
a real contribution to the fight against climate change. evidence, including a lifecycle analysis, and Environmental
But which factors best determine your requirements? Product Declarations (EPDs) data on a product’s
environmental impact, which is third-party verified.
HOW TO JUDGE PERFORMANCE
In a low-energy home, every building product installed LIFECYCLE ANALYSIS — MORE THAN JUST
plays a role in reducing your carbon footprint, especially DAY-TO-DAY PERFORMANCE
windows and doors, which can account for up to 40% of the A window’s carbon footprint depends on every aspect of its
heat lost from a home. But how can you judge performance? design, manufacture, performance and disposal. As such,
you need to see a ‘cradle to grave’ analysis of the product’s
GOOD INSULATION lifecycle to understand a window’s environmental impact.
Look for windows and doors with low U values. The U value Such analyses cover a wide range of topics, including:
measures heat loss, and the lower the U value the better the ● Raw materials used and where and how they are sourced
energy performance. VELFAC triple glazing can achieve a ● Manufacturing processes and their energy efficiency
U value down to 0.8W/m²K. ● Eventual disposal — can a window be disassembled and
Extra daylight Windows with slimmer frames allow materials recycled?
more natural light to enter every room, reducing the need
for artificial light while increasing solar gain — ‘free heat’ VELFAC has adopted a responsible mindset in sourcing
from the sun. materials and manufacturing and are renowned for their
Long expected lifetime Repair and replacement energy performance and, as a result, are installed in low
costs can be reduced significantly if a window has a long carbon homes across the UK.

homebuilding.co.uk 103
 EX T EN S I ON MA S TER CLA S S

WHAT’S THE FASTEST WAY

TO BUILD AN
EXTENSION?
If you’re considering an extension, it’s likely you’ll be considering
three main criteria — size, cost and speed. But if speed is your
priority, what’s the fastest way to get it built?

F
rom the traditional tried- SIPS EXTENSIONS SARAH HARLEY
and-tested method of timber If you’re looking for a low- Is our website assistant
frames to structural insulated impact build method, you may editor. She project managed
panels (SIPs), insulated concrete be considering SIPs. According her own self-build, which
formwork and modular kits, there to the Structural Insulated featured on Grand Designs.
are multiple options when it comes Panel Association (SIPA), SIPs
to extending your home quickly. “consist of an insulating foam
MADE TO FIT
Size will influence how quickly core sandwiched between two energy-efficient and cost-effective.”
This house
your extension is built but the structural facings, typically was designed Sometimes referred to as timber
construction materials used will oriented strand board (OSB). SIPs to be built frames without the timber, the
equally have an effect. With some are manufactured under factory- using a panels are either manufactured off-
manufacturers suggesting their controlled conditions and can be Kingspan site to bespoke sizes, or purchased
TEK SIPs
method is quicker, we’re delving fabricated to fit nearly any building off-shelf in set sizes. As they are
build system,
into the options to find out the design. The result is a building provided by pre-made with the insulation, using
fastest way to build an extension. system that is extremely strong, SIPS@Clays. them can speed up the construction

104 homebuilding.co.uk
 E X T E N S I O N M A S T E R C L A S S

phase. However, they also come be subject to supply issues,” resistance and insulation, breather
with restrictions. says Dave Bendon, owner of membranes and vapour control
“SIPs are a great system,” Bendon Construction. “We’ve layers to deal with moisture and
says architect Melissa Robinson, had a warning that there may air leakage, OSB or plywood
director of MW Architects, “but be a shortage this year. This will linings for strength and rigidity, and
they are a very defined system. undoubtedly affect timings and ducts to distribute electrical and
The panels come in set sizes, and cost in the long run.” mechanical systems.
although you can use your design Alternatively, specialist
skills to make them work, if you’re PROS AND CONS companies, in particular ones
looking for bespoke panels, they ✔ Excellent thermal efficiency providing oak frame extensions,
have longer lead times and will ✔ Constructed off site, reducing offer a design-and-build process
cost more than a traditional elements of the on-site phase whereby the frame will be
off-the-shelf panel. ✔ Less labour intensive when manufactured off site and delivered
“They can also be very on site and installed in situ. Reducing the
unadaptable in the long run,” she ✔ Thinner construction provides time a build team spends on site,
adds. “If, for example, you build a increased floorspace timber frame constructions are also
brick wall and then suddenly you ✔ Can be manufactured to less dependent on fair weather.
decide you want a window, then bespoke designs In addition, their lighter structure
that’s easy to do. But, if you’ve used ✘ Bespoke panels have a longer can reduce the level of foundations
SIPs, you can’t. The other benefit lead time needed, thereby also shortening
with SIPs is that you will definitely ✘ Less room for error — the this stage of the build.
get a thinner construction size measurements must be precise “From enquiry to finish, if we
without compromising thermal ✘ No leeway for design changes are doing the design and planning
performance and thus a slightly once in place. in-house for an extension, it can be
larger internal floor space.” 9 to 12 months in total,” says Zoe
However, even though they TIMBER FRAME Grey, regional design consultant
may make constructing the walls EXTENSIONS at Oakwrights. “Planning being
quicker, Rick Fabrizio, director There are two methods of timber the longest part, then the technical
of Tholos Architects, says it’s frame construction. A ‘stick build’ drawings when you have been
important to remember there are process is common in extensions granted planning.
still other stages involved. “If you and involves a structural engineer “But we can provide a full
are building with SIP panels or designing the frame and then service package and when the oak
other methods, such as insulated preparing a full specification of frame goes up, there is so much
concrete framework, you will likely timbers required and a nailing progress in such a small amount of
still need a steel put in place in the schedule. A joiner then constructs time, so you can see the extension
existing building and you will need the frame on site in accordance really take shape. It’s only one to
to join the buildings together. You FORWARD with the structural engineer’s two days to install on our smaller
need to make sure the build is also PLANNING instructions. projects, longer for larger builds.
following the direction of building SIPs can As well as the actual timber And while groundworks may be
reduce part of hampered by poor weather, we
control and that it’s adhering to frame, the construction includes
the build time
the regulations.” but generally a number of other elements to typically power through most types
“It’s also a product that can need to be complete the overall build — of weather with the oak frame,”
be volatile cost-wise and may pre-ordered. cladding and cavity for weather says Zoe.
“What really changes the speed
of build is down to how you want to
use the space rather than the type
of extension,” she continues. “For
instance, building a lounge or snug
is quicker than building a kitchen
extension due to the nature of what
is required for a kitchen in terms of
plumbing and electrics.”
A statement echoed by Rick
Fabrizio, who says that for all
IMAGE: GETTY IMAGES

extension methods, one key way to

reduce time is to opt for a simpler
design with fewer connections
required to services. “One thing
to bear in mind when it comes

homebuilding.co.uk 105
 to timber frames is site access,”
adds Dave Bendon. “Although
stick-build frames are built in situ,
depending on the size of your
extension, pre-manufactured
frames may require cranes and
good site access. It’s vital to check
this in advance so you don’t end up
with unnecessary delays.”

PROS AND CONS

✔ A readily available material
✔ Frame companies can provide
a full design-and-build process
✔ Weather resistant during
construction phase
✔ May require less foundations,
reducing time
✔ Eco friendly
✔ Long-lasting structure
✔ Adds character to your
extensions
✔ Pre-manufactured frames
guarantee thermal performance
✔ Known method of construction to
planners and building regulations
✔ Can be finished externally with a
wide variety of materials
✘ Larger panels may require cranes
and create site access issues
✘ If pre-manufactured, less
tolerance for error
✘ Stick-built can be a slower providing acoustic performance TIMBER BUILD Despite its benefits, according
process on site. and designed to withstand the This stunning to Dave Bendon, it’s a product that
oak frame
external elements with a concrete may need more research before
extension to a
INSULATED CONCRETE core, you could find yourself with a 17th-century you choosing it, as not all trades
FORMWORK (ICF) watertight shell in just days. farmhouse have experience of working with
Although building with concrete It’s a product that Christopher was built by this method. “It’s not one I’ve
is nothing new, an ICF wall is, Stride, chairman of the ICFA says Border Oak. personally used in 30 years of
in fact, simply an insulated solid can help with speeding up the working across both domestic and
wall construction method. What installation of services. “Conduit, commercial environments. For
changed during the 1950s was cabling and ducting can be single-storey extensions, I think that
the introduction of ICF moulds, installed in the wall space of the with the right planning, building
which helped to speed up the empty forms prior to pouring regulations, groundworks and
overall process. concrete. The inner wall of team in place, the more tried-and-
According to the Insulating polystyrene can also be chased tested methods can still meet a
Concrete Formwork Association after the wall has cured.” client’s need for a fast extension.”
(ICFA), it does so by combining As the forms are lightweight,
six traditional building steps into they can additionally reduce the PROS AND CONS
one product — form and wall need for heavy plant on site. “A ✔ Energy efficient
structure, air and vapour barriers, trained contractor can fit them ✔ One-stop product, reducing the
insulation, and internal and together more quickly than courses amount of materials required
external wall anchorage. With of bricks or concrete blocks,” says ✔ Strong
these all contained within the one Christopher. “And as the insulating ✔ Adaptable to different designs
item, getting the external walls of formwork blocks are custom made ✘ Installers need on-site
IMAGE: POLLY ELTES

a single-storey extension could be off site and transported to site certification

achieved in just one day, rather for assembly, the inefficiencies ✘ Items need to be pre-ordered
than weeks or months. and delays that can affect on-site ✘ Walls can be thick, reducing
Available off the shelf and construction are minimised.” internal floorspace.

106 homebuilding.co.uk
 E X T E N S I O N M A S T E R C L A S S

MODULAR Thomson, hup!’s design & It’s this one-stop approach that
EXTENSIONS development director. “Building modular companies believe can
The growth in the garden room onto your existing base helps keep save time upfront. “Our clever
market has led to a raft of costs low and build times short.” design software removes the
companies adapting their products Modular frame companies requirement for an architect or
to become ‘flatpack’ extensions. essentially offer the same service structural engineer, saving both
With most claiming it’s quicker, as a more traditional design-and- time and money in the process,”
what exactly has led to this belief build company — they manage the says Andrew. “Plus, as hup! doesn’t
that they are the fastest way to build whole process from idea through require cement to build once the
an extension? to completion. “Sometimes a client groundworks are in place, it also
In most instances, it seems the will come to us with architectural isn’t impacted by lengthy weather
claims are related to the actual plans and we can work off these,” and knock-on scheduling delays.”
time on site. With prefabricated says Christopher Willis, co-founder However, because the
extensions, the bulk of the time is
spent on the off-site processes —
the design, planning and factory
“If a client comes to me asking for a fast extension, I’ll want to
build. Once the kit arrives on site, it know that the plans, designs and finishes won’t be changed”
can go up in a matter of days.
Some companies such as
OffPOD, have also incorporated of OffPOD. “Other times they just systems are essentially flatpacks,
ground screws into their process, a have an idea and then we can offer homeowners need to be aware
faster foundation method that cuts them a full turnkey solution with that this potentially makes them
down on overall construction time. us taking care of every stage— subject to delays once the kit
Requiring little ground preparation design, planning, groundworks, arrives on site. For example, if
– other than an early site inspection structural engineer, building control there are unforeseen issues with
to ensure the ground beneath is and then the fabrication and measurements, regardless of why
solid enough for the screw to drive construction of the extension.” the mistake occurred, you could
into – they can also be combined As with any extension, the pre- end up with delays while additional
with other traditional methods, build process is still dependent parts are sourced — unlike
such as concrete pads where extra on size, design, what’s inside traditional methods where
support is required. the extension and planning and a builder’s merchant may have
Other companies such as hup! Building Regs approval. How long the materials on hand that day
have created a lightweight panel this takes can largely depend on to fix the problem.
and innovative clip fit system which the area you live in and will likely
ICF SUCCESS
could save time if you are looking be similar to other build types. This open-plan PROS AND CONS
to replace your conservatory with “Nonetheless, the time on site, contemporary ✔ Less time on site for construction
an extension. adding purely the new extension, project in phase
“If you are converting an old will take on average two to four Scotland was ✔ Comes as complete kits, giving
built using
conservatory you won’t need new weeks,” says Christopher. “At that you a finished product
Insulated
basework due to the lightness end, you would find yourself with a Concrete ✔ One supply-and-design chain
of hup! walls,” says Andrew completed extension.” Formwork. ✔ Can be used for any type of
extension— kitchen, bathroom or
living room etc
✔ Innovative ground screw systems
can help in areas with lots of trees
✔ Designed to meet Building Regs
specifications
✘ Still subject to the same
pre-site processes
✘ Could result in delays if there are
errors from off-site manufacturer
✘ Currently limited to single storey
✘ Availability may depend on
company’s schedule.
IMAGE: DAVID BARBOUR

WHICH METHOD IS
THE FASTEST?
Regardless of the materials used,
the overriding conclusion from our

homebuilding.co.uk 107
 E X T E N S I O N M A S T E R C L A S S

STRENGTH AND SPEED

A modular system (left and below), such
as this one carried out by offPOD, can be
completed on site within a matter of weeks.
Using ground screws (far left) can help reduce
time spent digging foundations.

STICKING TO PLANS
(Bottom) not changing your mind once the
build has started can help reduce the timeline.

TIPS FOR SPEEDING UP

YOUR EXTENSION BUILD
● Reduce the size of your extension – if by
doing so, it still meets your needs.
● Manage the number of connections to
existing services – bathrooms and kitchens will
take longer regardless of construction method.
● Choose an exterior finish that makes the join
between old and new simpler.
● Design within the Permitted Development
guidelines to avoid planning delays.
● Make sure all the necessary planning,
Building Regulations and design documents
are agreed and in place before you physically
IMAGE: OFFPOD

start the build.

● If you are extending an older house, make
sure you check what other works or upgrades
may be required and get these organised
in advance.
building and architectural experts the most important, then we can ● Consider using a design-and-build company
was that in the overall timeline of plan accordingly.” who can manage the entire process for you.
an extension build, the differences And, of course, it’s important for ● Don’t make lots of changes to the design once
between each of these systems the homeowner to also understand work is underway as this will inevitably lead to
are minor. Each type is subject their part in the process. “To be delays and increased costs.
to the same pre-build stages. honest, I think one of the biggest
The difference in speed is really factors when it comes to timing
measured by how long each is the client’s decision making,”
stage takes. adds Melissa. This is backed up
In more specialist methods, the by Dave Bendon, who says that
design and manufacture can take client changes inevitably cause
months, but the actual build will be delays. “If a client comes to me
shorter. For brick and block or a asking for a fast extension, I’ll want
stick-build timber frame, the design to know that the plans, designs and
process will be quicker, which agreed finishes are all decided and
means tradesmen are on site earlier won’t be changed,” says Dave.
— but for longer. “Otherwise it’s very hard to give
“The generic triangle that we clients a guaranteed end date.”
use with our clients from the
beginning is cost, quality and
time,” says Melissa Robinson.
“So generally speaking, if it costs
more, you’ll get better quality and
it potentially takes longer. If you go
for lower quality, you’re probably
IMAGE: HUP!

going to get a cheaper and quicker

service. What a client needs to AFTER
BEFORE
decide is which of those factors are

homebuilding.co.uk 109
 AD V ERTORIA L

Build in confidence
with structural timber
What are the benefits of building with timber frame and SIPs?
Here’s everything you need to know for creating your dream self-build…

S
tructural timber is an ideal option for self-build Energy cost savings There are significant lifetime cost
projects with a host of advantages over other building savings with a thermally efficient SIPs home and you can
materials: it’s sustainable, economical, thermally take comfort from living in a sustainable home that you’ve
efficient and can be constructed quickly. There are two built yourself.
main systems for self-build – timber frame and SIPs Get to know your supplier It is easy – and important
(Structural Insulated Panel Systems). Here are the benefits – to visit potential suppliers’ factories and meet the teams
of using either build system. to get a feel for the organisation and see how your new
home will be designed and fabricated.
BENEFITS OF BUILDING WITH TIMBER FRAME Design freedom There are no limitations to SIPs
Purchase direct for assurance A benefit of buying designs and homes don’t have to be boxy and boring. If
direct from a manufacturer is its off-site construction: you, your architect or SIPs designer has vision then almost
prefabrication allows for controlled, precision engineering, anything is possible.
so the frame is produced to exacting standards and in line
with quality assurance procedures. • For more information on building with timber
Reduced running costs High levels of thermal insulation frame and SIPS – plus a list of accredited STA Assure
are relatively easy to achieve with a timber frame, mainly suppliers – visit: www.structuraltimber.co.uk
because the core insulation layer is housed within the
structure. In addition, multiple insulation layers can be
added to increase thermal performance.
STA ASSURE — QUALITY
Construction speed A timber-frame kit can be delivered
ASSURANCE SCHEME
to site ‘just in time’ upon completion of site foundations, The Structural Timber Association
with then just a couple of weeks required to erect the house (STA) is the go-to trade
to the wind and watertight stage. association for information on
structural timber systems in the UK. Its Quality
Assurance Scheme can help you choose the
BENEFITS OF BUILDING WITH SIPS
right structural timber supplier, confident in the
Wide variety There are plenty of systems on the market, so knowledge that they will have been subject to
make sure you understand the composition of SIPs in terms a rigorous independent audit process.
of their thermal qualities and the jointing.

homebuilding.co.uk 111
 P L ANNING CLINIC

How to deal with town

and parish councils
They can play an important
role in whether your planning
application gets the green light, so
it pays to get them on your side

L
ike many aspects of dealing
with “the state”, making a
planning application can be
like traversing a minefield — but
help is at hand. A big part of my job
as a planning consultant is to help
people find their way through. I
do that in my work, and with the SIMON RIX
articles I write. So here’s my guide Is a professional
planning
to the oft-ignored issue of dealing consultant and
with town and parish councils runs Planix. else to be imposed as the decision them from the start — perhaps
during a planning application. UK Planning maker. That ‘someone else’ would even before you’ve submitted your
Consultants Ltd.
be the elected councillors who sit planning application.
THE ROLE OF TOWN on the planning committee of the One of my clients did just that.
AND PARISH COUNCILS borough, district or unitary council. Before he hired me, he suffered
I say town and parish councils are It may be called a ‘development various setbacks and refusals for
often ignored, and that’s probably control committee’ rather than a the home extension he wants to
because they are not the actual planning committee, but whatever build. So this time, we’re going into
decision makers for planning its name, it can overrule the the process knowing we’ll almost
applications. But they are very unelected planning officer — but certainly need to get the decision
important consultees, for two only if someone requests or insists called in to the borough council’s
reasons. First, they can influence that the decision is ‘called-in’ to this planning committee.
the actual decision maker, committee, which town and parish Even though I’ve not submitted
sometimes. Second, they almost councils can do. the application yet, my client has
always have a significant impact Knowing this can transform your attended parish council meetings
on who takes the decision on your parish council from a “kind of nice to talk about what he wants to
planning application. to get their support” body to a “very achieve, and has even hosted a site
The normal decision maker important to get their support” visit for parish councillors in his
for a planning application is SITE VISITS force, as they can save the day if garden, so they can see what we
an unelected but professional Inviting things are going wrong with the are proposing. The beauty of this is
planning officer at the borough, your parish planning officer. they can experience the reality of
councillors to
district or unitary council. If this the site, and see that the potential
visit the site of
paid staff member is allowing your proposed ENGAGE EARLY negative impacts that the planning
IMAGE: POLLY ELTES / FUTURE

everything to sail through for build (above) The trouble is, you often don’t officer previously warned about,
your planning application, then can be a way know things are going wrong with aren’t actually real.
that’s good, don’t mess with the to allay any the planning officer until well into I’m not saying every planning
worries about
process. If the planning officer is the process, by which time you may application needs a pre-application
the negative
minded to refuse the application, impacts of have ignored the parish council, site visit from town or parish
however, then you want someone your project. so don’t ignore them. Engage with councillors – many would not even

homebuilding.co.uk 113
 P L A N N I N G C L I N I C

way. This can be useful information

if your application ends up going
back to the town or parish council
later in the process. You want the
councillors to at least have ‘no
objection’ to your proposal, but
ideally you want them to actively
support it and, importantly, to
request a call-in to the borough,
district or unitary council’s
planning committee if the planning
officer refuses the application.
This is the crucial part and it
requires significant ‘buy-in’ from
agree to do this – but what I am BE PREPARED its town or parish councils to follow town or parish councillors. So
saying is, however you do it, start To help if they do want to call-in a planning your verbal presentation needs
engaging with your town or parish make sure decision. Some may require the to focus on the positive aspects
that dream
councillors from a very early stage. kitchen space
call-in to happen within the first of what you are proposing and
becomes a six weeks of the application’s should also cover off any possible
DO YOUR RESEARCH reality, you progress through the system. For objections to what you want to do.
Do some preparation. You could should carry others it can be later. You obviously Speak with neighbours and town
pop along to a town or parish out some need to know this from the off. If or parish councillors well before
research early
council meeting, even just to sit in the process
you don’t know how to find out this meeting, and ask if they have
there and listen to how they discuss — it could be this information, then ask your any concerns. Then address those
planning applications, and to see the difference planning consultant. concerns, either by tweaking your
the personalities of the town or between your proposal or by pointing out, gently,
parish councillors themselves. planning POST-APPLICATION why the concerns are misplaced.
application
Some town or parish councils will succeeding
SUBMISSION If all goes well at the meeting,
discuss planning applications or failing. Planning applications are usually you or your planning consultant
as part of their monthly general discussed at town or parish should, the next day, communicate
meetings. Others will have separate council meetings within the initial the positive result to the planning
specific planning sub-committees. six-week consultation period. officer dealing with the application.
This is something key to know, as Make sure you, or your planning This will formally be done by
there’s no point turning up at the consultant, asks the main contact the town or parish clerk, but this
wrong meeting. at your town or parish council doesn’t always happen in time.
Town and parish councils vary when your application is going to Some borough, district or
in size. Some have no buildings be formally discussed and voted unitary councils require their own
of their own and are run by a on by them. Then ask to be allowed local ward councillors for the site to
volunteer or part-time admin to speak at that meeting yourself, formally make the call-in request
clerk. Others have meetings in or for your planning consultant as well. So you or your planning
their own town hall building and to speak on your behalf, if you consultant may need to ask them to
with full-time paid staff. Whatever, prefer. You will usually be given act, too. Either way, contacting your
you need to find the main point two or three minutes to verbally ward councillors early on is very
of contact for you to email and/ present the case for your proposed beneficial as well.
or talk with. It could be the admin development, with possible Engaging early, doing your
clerk, or it might be best to talk questions from councillors after research and building positive
directly to the senior parish or you’ve spoken. relationships with councillors can
town councillor, usually called This often happens in the transform your chances of success.
the ‘chairman of the council’. Or public participation section of the Remember, your councillors can
maybe engage with the chairman meeting — usually near the start. be powerful allies, potentially
of their planning committee if they You may then have to wait some influencing decisions and even
have one. Some clients prefer their time before councillors get to the getting them taken away from
IMAGE: JULIET MURPHY / FUTURE

planning consultant to contact the point in their agenda where your a negative planning officer. If
correct person for them, but if they application is actually discussed you follow these steps, you can
are willing and able, it’s best coming and voted on by them. Don’t leave navigate the system with greater
from the clients directly. before this happens — you should understanding, increase your
The other research to do is to find stay and listen to what is said, and chances of success, and maybe even
out the procedure that the borough, even note down the issues raised enjoy some of the journey along
district or unitary council requires and which councillors vote which the way. Good luck!

homebuilding.co.uk 115
 Sponsored
by

THE U LT I MATE BU Y ER ’S G U ID E TO

From style choices to thermal efficiency

and security, discover all you need
to know about choosing the best
design for your home
WORDS: JO MESSENGER

When choosing a door there are

many important factors to consider
as well as the colour or material.
This ThermoSafe aluminium door in
Decoral Cement finish with sidelights
and a stainless-steel handle is from
Hörmann and costs from £8,690.
Kloeber’s Aluminium FunkyFront entrance doors
are made from thermally broken aluminium with
a low-maintenance powder-coated finish. This
Frame 9 configuration costs £5,970.
 B U Y E R ’ S G U I D E F R O N T D O O R S

A
s well as being your property’s main access point,
the entrance to your home is the first impression
visitors will have of what lies beyond. But it’s
not just about choosing the perfect colour or
material, there are other factors to consider. If
your door leads into a hall that lacks natural light, think about a
design that includes glazing — that could be installing sidelights
either side, or maybe one larger one on one side, so your door is
off centre, or glass panels in the door itself. If you live on a busy
road or if privacy is an issue, a solid door with perhaps a fanlight
or window above may be a better choice and patterned or frosted
glass is a practical option. You should also consider the period
and style of your home before making your decision.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT STYLE

FOR YOUR HOME
There’s a huge selection of designs and materials available.
Modern front doors are getting larger, often with lots of glass in
them to bring in the light, sometimes with fixed lights spanning
over two storeys, so if you are self-building a contemporary
home an oversized door can make a real impact. Solid entrance
doors are also very fashionable at the moment and create a
distinctive look from the outside but, on the downside, they can
be plain on the inside and can make the room a little dark. The
question to ask yourself is, do you want to add a statement look to
the entrance of your home or opt for a door that complements its
style, especially if you live in a period property?
“The introduction of extra large doors – up to three metres in
height – really adds to the design choices available,’’ says David
O’Mara, marketing manager at Hörmann UK. “Several door
manufacturers now offer online door configurators that enable
ABOVE: Bespoke AT 540 BELOW CENTRE: Liberty homeowners to conveniently build and test many design and
aluminium entrance door Doors oak external product variations on either a PC or tablet. Door type, surface
with fingerprint scanner unfinished four-panel two-
finish, colour and size can be selected, and the recommended
by Internorm, POA. light glass door from Leader
Doors, £319. retail price can be estimated from the configured door. By
BELOW FAR LEFT: Express uploading a picture of their own home, consumers can then see
Bi-folding Doors’ premium BELOW RIGHT: Hörmann their selected door in situ, aiding their buying decision.”
aluminium entrance door Thermo65 steel door in If you are updating an existing property, the size of your
in 7016. Prices start from Decograin Golden Oak,
opening will probably dictate your door size. It may be possible
around £2,000. with handle, from £7,891.
to install a larger door, or even double doors – especially if
you have existing sidelights that can be removed – but it will
need to work in harmony with your home’s proportions. You
may need planning permission for this if you are planning to
alter the structure in any way and will have to follow Building
Regulations, so check with your architect or local authority
first. “Pivot doors are becoming popular but their weather
performance can be poor and I would only recommend them
if they are sat back, under a porch for example,” advises Steve
Bromberg, managing director of Express Bi-Folding Doors.

THE MATERIALS AVAILABLE

The most used materials for residential front doors are timber,
composite, aluminium and uPVC and each comes with its own
unique benefits.

● Timber is aesthetically beautiful, solid and secure and suits

all styles of properties. Environmentally friendly and thermally
efficient, it can be repainted or stained in different colours, but
will require regular maintenance. Different species of wood

homebuilding.co.uk 119
 such as hardwoods like walnut and oak look beautiful in both
traditional and contemporary designs.
● Composite doors are a mid-price option and can be made
from different materials and feature a reinforced frame core
with an outer layer in uPVC, GRP (glass reinforced plastic) or
timber in a range of colours and finishes. They are generally low
maintenance and offer good insulation and security with the
ability to help block out external noise.
● Aluminium is gaining in popularity because it is light, strong,
secure and resilient to adverse weather conditions, but is one of
the more expensive options. With an insulating core and low
U values, these doors have good sustainability credentials
and the material is also easy to recycle at the end of its life.
Aluminium has good thermal insulation properties and the best
designs on the market can even achieve Passivhaus standard.
The doors usually have a low-maintenance powder-coated finish
in a wide range of RAL colours with options for metallic coatings
or sand-blasted effects and can include concealed hinges and
discreet handles that are flush with the surface or statement
handles that run the length of the door.
● uPVC is a low-maintenance, weather-resistant door style
and one of the cheapest options. They are available in a range
of designs and colours, but tend to have a limited lifespan and
aren’t easily recycled.

UNDERSTANDING THERMAL
EFFICIENCY
With energy costs still high, a well-fitted, thermally efficient
door can help reduce heating bills and keep your home warmer
and draught-free. “The best indicator of thermal efficiency is U
values, which is a measure of the amount of heat lost in watts (W)
per square metre of material,” says Victoria Brocklesby, COO at
Origin. “Essentially, the lower the number, the more thermally
efficient a product is. Often glazing is thought to be the thermal

CHOOSING THE
RIGHT FRONT DOOR
MATERIAL
“Wood remains the traditional
choice for many properties,
however, it will need regular
maintenance and paint.
Although uPVC doors remain
popular with housebuilders, by
far the most popular door on
the market is the composite door — offering a sturdy,
IDSystems Premier
draughtproof option at a competitive price. Towards
Cantley aluminium
the higher end of the market, steel and aluminium front door installed
are becoming more popular and are manufactured within glass curtain
IMAGE: CHRIS TAYLOR PHOTOGRAPHY

from inherently strong and durable materials, which walling in Gun Metal
will produce a reliable door that will last for years Grey metallic paint
finish, finished with
and require very little maintenance. They provide
stainless-steel trim
homeowners with a robust, yet elegant finish together and hardware. Prices
with enhanced security.” start from £5,160
David O’Mara, marketing manager including installation.
at Hörmann UK

120 homebuilding.co.uk
 B U Y E R ’ S G U I D E F R O N T D O O R S

6 O F TH E B E S T
FURNITURE AND
ACCESSORIES
Solid brass Hare
door knocker,
£95, Cox & Cox

Kloeber’s
FunkyFront
doors are sold
as a complete
system with
frame, door
glazing,
hinges, locks
and handles.
This project Eclipse door numerals
cost £4,512. in polished stainless
steel, £7.28, Screwfix

TOP LEFT: Origin’s

bespoke front
doors start from Small letterplate in Matt Black,
£2,160. £68.46, Jim Lawrence

RIGHT: Etna door

in Anthracite
Grey, with G4 smart
Virtue glazing, video doorbell,
Endurance compatible with
Doors, POA. Apple HomeKit,
Google and
BELOW: Bari Alexa G4,
door in European £119, Aqara
oak on the
external side,
from £11,520, Icon II stainless-
Urban Front. steel 1200mm
door handle,
£456, Push Pull

Beehive large
door pull in
polished
brass,
£218,
Grace &
Glory

homebuilding.co.uk 121
 weak point, but a significant amount of a product’s energy
efficiency is determined by the frame. Doors fitted with thermal
breaks will offer increased thermal efficiency. These join the
interior and exterior of the frame together with a less conductive
material, making the door more resistant to thermal transfer,
keeping homes cool in summer and warm in winter.”

SAFETY AND SECURITY

Security is an important consideration in a front door. When
choosing your door ask about the type of locking system it has
and what testing it has undergone. For added peace of mind,
look for doors that have Secured by Design accreditation which
was created by the UK Police Force and is the flagship security
mark. “You should opt for doors that have been tested to PAS 24
or resistance class (RC) 2 or 3,” says Adrienne Radcliffe, product
manager at Schüco UK. “How well your door is protected
against attempted break-ins depends on the type of lock and the
number of locking points. The more locking points, the harder
it is to break through the door. A self-locking mechanical lock
provides added security. The locking points anchor themselves
automatically in the door frame as soon as the door closes,
without needing to turn a key.”

HOW MUCH IS A FRONT DOOR?

Prices vary widely, depending on the style and materials,
but expect to pay upwards of £800 for a uPVC door and up
to £15,000+ for a higher-spec design with the latest locking Available in 42 panel styles and 200 RAL colours, Kloeber’s Timber
systems. “You cannot buy a brand-new, high-quality front FunkyFront entrance doors have U values as low as 1.1 W/m2K and
excellent airtightness ratings. This Frame 9 door costs £3,780.
door for less than £1,500 and to get a high-security, thermally
efficient, heavy-duty front door that is well designed and stands
the test of time, you should be spending £2,000 upwards,” says
Matt Higgs, MD at Kloeber. “My advice to customers is based
Barn design door with Option 10a
on whether the property will be their forever home. If it is, then
handle (external side) and Porto in
by all means push the boat out and purchase a real statement RAL 7039 on the internal side, from
entrance door, but if they’re purchasing the property as an £11,040, Urban Front.
investment or as a stepping stone then there isn’t really a need
to spend thousands and thousands as they won’t get that money
back when selling the property.”

INSTALLING AN ENTRANCE DOOR

Whatever type of front door is chosen, it’s vital that it is fitted
correctly both from an operational and safety point of view — if
a premium door is being fitted you may have to use a specially
trained installer as part of the door’s guarantee. If you’re carrying
out a renovation project try to fit the door last so it isn’t damaged
by any building work being carried out. “A company that’s
providing a high standard of service and a good guarantee should
be charging anything from £500–£1,200 depending on the size
of the door and where in the country you are,” says Matt Higgs.

THE LATEST TECH

As we all move towards using our smartphones and home hubs
to control even more of our lives, some door manufacturers
can supply a complete package of automation options that have
been specifically designed and developed for their entrance
doors. “To make life easy, barrier-free entrance systems are now
available and these operate via a number of options, with doors
being opened and closed via radio buttons, finger scanners,
hand-held transmitters, mobile phones, or smart home control
centres,” says Hörmann UK’s David O’Mara.

122 homebuilding.co.uk
 B U Y E R ’ S G U I D E F R O N T D O O R S

FRON T DOO R ST Y LE S

FARMHOUSE ST YLE TRADITIONAL LOOK

Cottage-style natural wood-effect composite door in cream, Berwyn composite door in Claystone with Satin glazing and
from £1,152, Hörmann-Truedor. black heritage door furniture, Endurance Doors, POA.

PIVOT DESIGN DOUBLE TAKE

Bespoke Bari pivot door in walnut with RAL 5022 finish in Custom-made aluminium front door, available in a range of
Milano and handle by Urban Front. Prices start from £11,520. panels, colours and woodgrain finishes, from £2,160, Origin.

READY TO PAINT FLUSH FINISH

Liberty Doors Aluminium front
oak external door with glazed
unfinished one- side panels,
light clear double- feature handle
glazed stable and glazing strip.
door, £309, Manufactured
Leader Doors. and installed by
Schüco partner,
Bi-Fold Door
Factory, POA.
IMAGE: (BOTTOM RIGHT) MATT CLAYTON

homebuilding.co.uk 123
 THE UK’S LEADING
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Visit plotfinder.net using code: C99A

 DID YOU
KNOW?
After 80 years
AD V ERTORIA L in business, the
Hörmann Group is
still family owned.

Make an entrance
Your front door is one of the main features of your home, so it’s important
that you give it the consideration it deserves

F
ar from just being an entrance, your front door SAFE AUTOMATED ENTRY
serves many important functions, so choosing the With smartphones and home hubs widely used, Hörmann
right one is crucial. As one of Europe’s leading door can supply a complete package of automation options,
manufacturers, Hörmann pride themselves on producing specifically designed and developed to work with their
doors of outstanding quality as well as being a sound, ethical entrance doors. Barrier-free entrance can be provided via
business with strong green credentials. They not only a range of automation choices that operate with both the
supply competitively priced, quality composite doors – the aluminium and steel door ranges — all available via radio
Hörmann Truedor range – but offer mid-priced steel designs buttons, finger scanners or a Hörmann BiSecur hand-held
and premium aluminium doors, all boasting these qualities: transmitter, while the Hörmann BlueSecur Bluetooth app
provides control from a smartphone or a smart home system.
SOLID SECURITY
Every Hörmann entrance door is fitted with the latest high ENDLESS OPTIONS
security, multi-point locking systems as standard, making You can create a door to suit any style of property thanks to
them a secure option and giving householders high levels of Hörmann’s huge range of colours, finishes, accessories and
protection against break-ins. Hörmann Truedor composite sizes. Aluminium doors are available in XXL sizes, which
doors can be supplied with Secured by Design as standard. allow for the creation of doors of up to 3000mm in height.
Steel double-leaf doors offer further opportunity to create an
THERMAL EFFICIENCY imposing bespoke entrance. Hörmann can also supply both
The efficiency of a front door is measured by its U value and garage doors and side doors to match.
all three Hörmann door types provide a thermally efficient
solution. Their most thermally efficient entrance door is the
● To search for a local Hörmann installer, and find out more information
aluminium door, which can achieve a U value as low as 0.47 about them and the services they offer, visit the Dealer Finder on Hörmann’s
W/M²K, while the Hörmann Truedor Clima63 composite website www.hormann.co.uk where you can contact the installers. Here you
door can achieve a U value of below 1W/M²K. can also find a door configurator to help you design your ideal entrance.

homebuilding.co.uk 125
 T HE R O OM PLA NNER

Outdoor kitchen by
Grillo. Landscape
design by Jon Gower
Garden Design.

O
Whether you want to extend your home utdoor kitchens that are well designed
into the garden or create a designated have functional zones for cooking and food
preparation as well as space for socialising. Just
entertaining space, there are options
WORDS: JO MESSENGER

like an indoor version, you should factor in the

for every budget positioning of units and appliances and elements
like worktops, flooring and lighting. DIY options are the most
affordable way to create an outdoor cooking zone, but if you’ve
got the budget, there’s a host of features you can incorporate.

126 homebuilding.co.uk
 THE PLANNING STAGE
First of all, decide where you want to position
your outdoor kitchen. Do you want it to feel
like an extension of the house, sited in a more
secluded area, or where there is a lovely view?
Think of practicalities such as carrying all the
food, drink and cookware from inside your
home. Consider factors such as where the sun
travels throughout the day and whether you
want full sunlight or a shady spot. How do you
plan to use the space – full year-round use or just
as an occasional entertaining space for parties
and get-togethers in the summer months?

DECIDING THE LAYOUT

The shape, size and your budget
will all influence the layout of your
design. A single straight run of units
suits smaller gardens. A parallel run
comprises two counters giving you
more storage and worktop space,
like having an island, as well as
allowing you to engage with guests
while prepping food or serving
drinks. L-shaped formations include
all the benefits of a regular kitchen.
A U-shape is better suited to larger
spaces, for more people in the cooking
area and extra room for appliances.

THE PRACTICALITIES
Before you start digging up the garden, think
about what utilities you need. Apart from the
basics, such as connecting a power supply for
appliances and lighting, if you’re planning a
sink area, you’ll require a water supply and
drainage. With this in mind, an outdoor kitchen
that is next to the house will be easier and more
cost-effective. All plumbing and electrics should
be carried out by professionals.

CREATING SHELTER
With the unpredictability of UK
weather, you may want to design
your kitchen with a cover. Pergolas
and gazebos are ideal, but consider a
design with a louvred roof to open or
close as needed. A fixed glass roof
will allow light in, or an awning is a
good option for an outdoor kitchen
that’s adjacent to the house.

HOW MUCH WILL IT COST?

£1,000 for a just a barbecue and two units,
£4,000+ for a design with appliances, bespoke
projects start from £15,000 to £25,000+.

STYLES AND MATERIALS who can incorporate materials that CHOOSING APPLIANCES
Invest in units specifically designed tie in with your garden,” says Ross “Your preferred cooking method will influence the overall design
for outdoor use. The most popular Worrod, co-founder of Grillo. Ensure and budget, be it gas, charcoal, induction or even wood-fired, as
options are stainless steel, marine- your chosen units will stand the test well as options like pizza ovens or smokers,” says Grant Davison,
grade aluminium, masonry, PVC, of time by considering maintenance projects director at BBQ Kitchens. “Once you’ve considered these
and wood — available in either – weatherproofing from rain and main appliances, there are the add-ons, such as outdoor fridges, ice
bespoke or off-the-shelf units. “If fading from sun exposure – as well machines and dishwashers that can be tailored to your design.” But
you are going down the bespoke as materials with resistance to stains, think carefully about how you plan to use your kitchen before you
route, find an experienced designer scratches, heat and frost. invest in any gadgets that you may never use.

homebuilding.co.uk 127
 6 O F THE B ES T

GO FAUX NATURAL APPEAL AZURE BLUE

With 10 face variations for a With soft mid-grey tones, this Inspired by the Spanish
natural style, these Parlor Spruce Brit Stone Pennant porcelain Mediterranean coast, these
Beech wood-effect porcelain tiles paving works in both modern geometric patterned cement tiles
from Walls and Floors look just and traditional settings. £95/m2 by Bert & May are made to order
like the real thing. £24.95/m2 from Ca’Pietra. and cost £6.30 each.

O U T D O O R T I L E S
Create a stylish seating area or practical patio with the latest durable and non-slip designs
WORDS: JO MESSENGER

GRAPHIC DESIGN TEXTURED SURFACE NEUTRAL AESTHETIC

These Nostalgia anti-slip Porcelain Superstore’s Kandla Create a continuous indoor/
porcelain tiles have a distressed Anthracite Sandstone outdoor outdoor connection with these
finish, making them an ideal tiles have a riven finish and classic-looking Icarus Grey
choice for a patio setting. are stain, scratch and weather porcelain tiles from Tile Mountain.
£43.92/m2 from Baked Tile Co. resistant. £51/m2 £26.99/m2

homebuilding.co.uk 129
 D ES I GN MA S TER CLA S S

Selecting the right window styles for your home can be

overwhelming. We show you what you need to consider,
from costs and materials to installation and glazing types

Fixed windows, such as these from

Kloeber, are a great way to frame
a view and can often be made in
larger sizes than opening windows.

130 homebuilding.co.uk
 hoosing the right window styles for
your house can be difficult. There’s
such a wide range of windows to
choose from that it can be hard to
know where to start. And the most
daunting part? Your choice of windows
really can make or break the finished
look of your home.
There is also the matter of cost and quality to consider
— how do you know you aren’t being overcharged and that
the windows you do choose will stand the test of time?
Windows are without doubt a major home investment so it
pays to get the window style right.

WINDOW STYLES EXPLAINED

There’s an ever-growing number of window styles, all suiting
different kinds and ages of properties. The most commonly
encountered types of window in the UK are:
● Casement windows These are attached to their frame
by side hinges, although variations are available, such as
those with separate top lights and those that are hinged in
the centre to pivot. They suit all styles of houses and can be
fitted with anything from a single pane of glass to those with
smaller multiple panes — perfect for cottage-style properties.
● Sash windows These windows have one or two sashes,
split into a number of panes, that slide vertically or, in some
cases, horizontally.
● Tilt-and-turn windows Can either be opened to tilt
inwards, usually from the top down, for ventilation, or to
open from side hinges inwards.
● Fixed windows These windows are fixed, so they don’t
open or let in any ventilation. They do, however, maximise
opportunities for natural light.
● Clerestory windows These are high level, long
horizontal windows that are sometimes used to retain
privacy. They’re also the ideal way to increase natural light
and ventilation.
● Roof windows Both roof lanterns and rooflights are
windows fitted into the roof. They can lie flush with the
roofline or sit proud of it. They come in various materials.

homebuilding.co.uk 131
 ADDED ● Bay windows A bay window projects outwards By choosing windows in keeping with the style
STRENGTH from the face of a building, forming a recess within. and age of your building, you’ll create an authentic
Origin’s OW-
They can be two storey and include bow windows. look. It’s worth taking advice or researching styles
80 window
is made from to ensure you make a choice based on the building
premium-grade CHOOSING STYLES FOR YOUR HOME heritage rather than style choices. In fact, if you’re
aluminium, Your choice of windows should be based on the replacing windows or attempting to add new
and combines style of your house, as well as the era in the case of windows in a listed building, this will be crucial.
strength and
renovation projects. Getting window styles wrong However, rather than creating a pastiche of the
robustness for
a strong, yet really can ruin the entire look of a house and diminish original building, when adding new windows into
lightweight any kerb appeal it may have had. extensions, for example, creating a contrast between
structure. If you are renovating a house, it is useful to bear in old and modern can be effective and in keeping.
mind that as glazing became progressively cheaper
and easier to work with over the centuries, the size WINDOW PLACEMENT
of our windows grew. As a result, those looking to It is often said that if the elevation is the face of the
recreate or renovate older period homes and cottages house, then the windows are the eyes. So beyond all
would do well to research the original styles and get a the practical and performance issues, the window
modern window company to replicate the same look styles you choose must look good. And that is down
where possible. to three main factors, the positioning, shape and
Small casement windows are associated with window itself.
cottages, while homes built in the Georgian and So many people get the first two wrong that it’s
early-Victorian eras are dominated by multi-pane, almost irrelevant how nice the actual windows are.
vertically orientated sliding sash windows. This is equally as important whether you’re building
If your home is of a later period, or the style in a contemporary or traditional-style house — and a
which you are looking to build is contemporary, then simple walk around any neighbourhood will show
simplicity is the watchword: minimising not just you how many designers get the window style wrong
the amount of framing (as on casements) but also at the design stage. These points are just as important
the frame width itself is a good idea. So you could whether starting from scratch or dealing with
consider the more modern the house (or style), the replacement windows.
IMAGE: JEREMY PHILLIPS

bigger and cleaner the glazing should be. Obviously the layout of the house will influence
Of course there is no reason why you have to the positioning of windows on elevations, but just
have the same window styles throughout — often a as important is how these windows fit in with the
combination can work well. That said, when mixing elevation itself, from outside. The shape of the house
window styles, there are a few approaches to consider. will have a key influence here. A long, low, horizontal

132 homebuilding.co.uk
 D E S I G N M A S T E R C L A S S

xxx

This extended house features a selection of both original

timber windows as well as modern aluminium windows,
from IDSystems — thanks to the similar proportions and
the way the windows are recessed into the wall of the
extension, the look is cohesive.

BRING IN THE LIGHT EXPAND THE VIEW

Roof windows (whether fixed or opening) are an effective This oak frame sun room features contemporary windows
way of bringing in maximum light to a rear extension. and matching doors to maximise views of the garden.
IMAGES: (LEFT) JEREMY PHILLIPS; (RIGHT) POLLY ELTES
 D E S I G N M A S T E R C L A S S

IMAGE: FIONA MURRAY

CREATING house might be improved further by a narrow ● Steel This material is popular with homeowners
COHESION horizontal window style to accentuate the length. keen to create a European-style finish or seeking
Even windows of Likewise, old cottages can look quite odd with large to add a modern touch to a period renovation.
multiple varied
sizes and styles
glazed openings puncturing the thick walls. While elegant and ideal for Belgian-style doors and
can still be made There is a surprising amount of science behind the windows, they tend to be quite expensive.
cohesive with design of windows. The golden ratio, first developed
uniform colour in classical architecture when mathematics was just GLAZING TECHNOLOGY
and glazing. as critical to design as aesthetics, is still used today as Triple glazing is rapidly becoming a standard solution
a shortcut to good proportions. It says that the ratio for today’s window suppliers – particularly in the
between proportions should be 1:1.618, meaning that aluminium space – and is certainly worth considering
a vertical sash window at 800mm wide should be for replacement windows. The increase in energy
1,300mm tall. performance is significant and well known. What
is less well known is the improvement in acoustic
CHOOSING WINDOW MATERIALS performance. Double-glazed windows can achieve
Window frames tend to come in one of three main an acoustic performance in the range of Rw32 (an
choices: uPVC (plastic), timber or metal/alloy Rw rating indicates the number of decibels by which
(aluminium or steel). a window can reduce apparent noise). This can be
● uPVC Dominates the replacement windows adjusted into the low 40s with a thicker gap between
market. It’s usually the cheapest option and won’t the panes or with some types of triple glazing, such as
shrink or warp. It is also low maintenance and has Bereco’s Ambient acoustic windows — the difference
come a long way in terms of mimicking timber (and on a busy road between a good night’s sleep and a
aluminium) in appearance. However, it is not always disrupted one.
appropriate for period homes. So how much will the triple-glazing premium cost?
● Timber The biggest benefit of timber windows is Some of the European-based manufacturers such as
their feel and authenticity for period-style homes. Internorm and Velfac make far more triple-glazed
They are available in hard and soft woods, with the windows for their European customers than they
latter being cheaper but higher-maintenance and do double-glazed options for customers in the UK.
less dimensionally stable. As a result, the extra price of the triple glazing can
● Aluminium This hard-wearing material is often be measured in the low single percentage
incredibly popular right now. It is strong and comes points — if at all.
in some super-slim frame widths — it can also easily Low-emissivity or ‘low-E’ glass (as it’s more
accommodate triple glazing. It comes pre-finished in commonly known) is a type of glazing designed
any RAL colour, is almost completely maintenance specifically to prevent heat escaping through
free and is dimensionally stable. windows. Low-E double glazing meets Building
● Composite These combine different framing Regulations in the UK (such as Part L1B in England)
materials inside and out, usually timber internally for replacement windows as well as new windows
with aluminium externally. for property extensions.

homebuilding.co.uk 135
 D E S I G N M A S T E R C L A S S

These are some of the benefits of low-E glass: Beyond that size, you’re looking at structural ECO GLAZING
● It can reduce heat loss by at least four or five times glazing — where the glass plays a structural, load- This Passivhaus
standard new
compared with single glazing. bearing role itself. The glass is thicker and stronger
build features
● Solar control glass can be specified to reduce than that used in standard window solutions and it’s thermally
excessive solar gain in the summer for areas of the fixed with structural grade silicone. With structural efficient
home susceptible to overheating. glass the only limitation on glazing sizes is access to Internorm
the site and, of course, budget. windows
from At-Eco.
WINDOW SIZES
In the case of renovations and conversions, the
window sizes you choose will obviously have to reflect
the sizes of any existing openings. However, in other
cases windows need to be chosen based on how they
will sit with the other proportions of the house as a
whole. While there are no standard window sizes in
the UK, many manufacturers tend to offer ranges of
ready-to-fit products for most window styles in the
most frequently specified sizes.
If these common sizes do not fit in with your
requirements you will need to have your windows
custom made by a bespoke glazing manufacturer. Get
costs from around three different suppliers to ensure
you get a good overview of price.
When buying windows, you will notice that sizes
are given as a four-digit figure. The first two numbers
are the width of the window and the second two are
the height. These figures refer to the height and width
in feet and inches.
So, for example, a window marked 2436, would
have a width of 2 feet and 4 inches and a height of 3
feet 6 inches. Most window suppliers are limited by

IMAGE: JULIET MURPHY

the weight of the glazing unit rather than the size —
the pressure on hinge systems being the key issue.
Most suppliers struggle to go beyond around 2–2.5m2
for opening units, but fixed systems (that don’t open)
can be up to around 7m2.

Bifolding windows, such as these

from Origin, are great for making an
impact and are available in an array
of configurations. Homeowners can
specify how and where they fold
and slide to suit the space available.
 D E S I G N M A S T E R C L A S S

COST CONSIDERATIONS ● Where is the material from? If it’s timber, is STYLE VARIABLES
New window costs are likely to be at the forefront of it responsibly sourced? If it’s aluminium, is it Above left: sash
your mind right from the beginning of your project. consistently sourced or made from various elements? windows come
in all kinds of
“As you might expect, new window costs will vary Will it give a smooth finish?
configurations
considerably depending on a number of factors, ● If you’re looking for a modern, sleek appearance, — choose a
including size, material and design style,” advises you’ll need to talk sightlines. How thin is the style that is
senior quantity surveyor and estimator Tim sightline? Some suppliers such as Origin can produce authentic to
Phillips. “As a general guide, for a single casement frames as thin as 65mm and even lower for fixed units, your home. The
designs shown
double-glazed uPVC window measuring a standard meaning less frame, more glass and more view. Do
here are from
1,200mm x 915mm, you can expect to pay around the external frames overlap? Some suppliers can Wandsworth
£289. To replace all windows in a four-bed detached offer a flush finish which is good for a simpler, smarter Sash Windows.
house with 15 standard uPVC windows at typical size external appearance.
Top right:
variations, the total cost could be from around £5,775. ● Customer service. What are the warranties and
high-level
You’ll also need to factor in installation. service offered by the supplier? glazing, like
“uPVC is the entry level for windows and choosing ● Check on the frame basics. Does the frame have a these clerestory
aluminium instead would increase the price by thermal break in it? This is critical in terms of energy windows, are a
around 25%,” continues Tim. “If you’ve selected performance (the frame doesn’t directly transition way to maximise
daylight without
timber windows as an option, you can also expect the between inside and out without an air gap).
compromising
cost to increase by 50% over the typical uPVC costs on privacy. These
for a comparable window.” ORDERING YOUR WINDOWS windows are
Your glazing will also impact costs, but can depend When ordering windows you should be aware that from IDSystems.
on the supplier. “There is usually a 30% increase you will usually have to wait for a period of time — so
Above: uPVC
when upgrading from double to triple glazing,” says think ahead to avoid on-site delays. Lead times very windows, such
Rachael Munby from Anglian Home Improvements. much depend on whether you’re opting for off-the- as these from
shelf windows or bespoke products, and can also REHAU, have
FINDING A WINDOW SUPPLIER differ from company to company. come a long
way both in their
Finding the right supplier from which to buy your A general lead time would be around 12 weeks
appearance
windows is crucial. Ideally, you should aim to use a — however, it goes without saying that bespoke and their
business that comes with trusted recommendations windows will inevitably carry longer lead times and performance.
from either people you know well or your builder or with material shortages at the moment, you’ll also
architect, or other reliable tradespeople. need to take this into account. It is best to not order
When selecting a supplier, it pays to ask lots of too early on in the project — just in case amendments
questions. Here are some key questions to ask: to the building design or aperture sizes occur.

homebuilding.co.uk 139
 EX P E RT A D V ICE

HOW
TO
BUILD
A
HOUSE PART ELEVEN: MARK STEVENSON
Has worked in construction for 30 years and

FIRST FIXING –
following a long career in housebuilding
he became managing director for Potton,

CARPENTRY,
designers and manufacturers of bespoke
self-build homes.

INSULATION &
P
ossibly the busiest time on design state SAP assessment.

AIRTIGHTNESS
any self-build is when the fit- Where the building structure is a
out — also known first fixing timber frame or SIPs, the external
– begins. Over the next couple of walls are likely to have been
In our in-depth series, self-build months, I’ll explain everything you
need to know about fitting out your
manufactured with insulation and
the vapour control layers (VCLs)
expert Mark Stevenson shares project, starting with finishing needed to control airtightness —
the stages of building your own the thermal envelope and then look for flappy bits of membrane
IMAGES: (TOP) POTTON; (OPPOSITE PAGE) ELSWORTH PROJECTS

completing the ‘first fix’. at the top and bottom of the walls.
home, from foundations through Similarly, masonry builds usually
to completion. This month, he COMPLETING have their cavities insulated as the
THE THERMAL work progresses. Therefore, there’s
looks at completing the first fix ENVELOPE not likely to be much work needed
At this point of the build, the to complete these elements,
skeleton of the structure is however, as blocks are leaky, these
complete but not ready to be filled walls may need to be sealed with
with the myriad pipes, cables and either a parge coat of render or a
timber noggins your house will latex sealer.
need. Before the traditional first When it comes to finishing
fix trades can begin, the thermal the thermal envelope, the roof
envelope must be completed and structure will need a considerable
the structure made airtight — well, amount of work, particularly
at least to the level stated in your those that are built with loose

140 homebuilding.co.uk
timbers and roof trusses. Where the roof is a cold roof
and insulated at the ceiling level with quilt insulation, WHAT IS SAP AND WHY
there’s no need to worry as this will be done later in IS IT IMPORTANT?
the build. Self builders have a habit of squeezing out A design stage SAP is the assessment completed during the
every inch of space and regularly make pitched roofs design stage to predict how energy efficient your home will
be once completed. The assessment is based on your choice
habitable. Where this happens the roof structure will
of building system, insulation, level of airtightness, heating
need to be insulated with rigid insulation board, the systems, lighting and renewable technologies. The design
performance of which must be as specified in the design stage SAP assessment is important as it predicts that you’ll
stage SAP assessment. In my experience, this is one of meet the requirements of part L of the building regulations and
the worst jobs on any build and it’s common to find self provided you stick with what you’ve specified your build will
be approved at completion by the approved inspector.
builders tackling this themselves as the carpenters who
built the roof disappear down the road. My advice is to
negotiate hard with the carpenters and insist that this
is included in their package, but remember, as they’re
reluctant, their cost could be quite steep. If you’re going will create a gap which should be filled with expanding
to tackle the job yourself, here’s a few tips to help. foam, or if you’re a thermal efficiency geek, use a

1
Ask the carpenters to make sure the rafters product such as Gapo tape which is compressible
are equally spaced at the top and bottom so the and will fill the gap, dealing with any shrinkage and
insulation board can be cut square and easily fitted. preventing thermal bypass.

2
Pitched roofing insulation needs to be quite thick Once the insulation materials are installed, the
(at least 160mm, depending on the specification) next stage is to fit the vapour control layers, which will
making the boards difficult to cut and install. provide the airtightness for the building. The products
To make the job easier, make up the thickness in used for this can vary from 500-gauge polythene to
two layers. This will be much easier to handle and by specialist tear-resistant membranes, such as Tyvek
overlapping boards, the thermal bypass associated Airguard. Installing these membranes is a bit of a juggle
with gaps between butted boards will be minimised. so it’s good to get a few helping hands. Enlist someone

3
The roof structure will need to be braced and this who’s good at wrapping Christmas presents as you’ll
will get in the way of installing the insulation. have a few tricky corners and junctions to deal with!
Ask the carpenters to fit the bracing with screws The success of this membrane will very much depend
so the braces can be temporarily removed so the upon making sure it provides a continuous airtight
insulation boards can be fitted. Be warned, however, membrane with the walls of the building structure.
the removal of bracing should only be done under the The membrane must therefore be lapped with the VCL
guidance of the structural engineer and remember flapping at the top and bottom of the external walls
to fit temporary braces to maintain the structural and sealed using specialist tapes to suit the substrate
integrity of the roof. – Tyvek, Gerband or Proclima are all good brands and

4
Given the requirements of the latest version of will stay stuck for the life of the building – definitely no
approved document Part L, the thermal bridging duct tape here!
of the timber rafters needs to be minimised.
This is done by installing a lining of insulation below SEAL ALL PENETRATIONS
the rafters. Your designer will detail how this should be IN THE BUILDING FABRIC FIRST FIX
done, but my advice is to install a continuous layer of Before the first fix trades get into full swing, it’s a great To maintain
ply to brace the roof and provide a solid backing so the idea to brief them about the importance of maintaining airtightness,
insulation liner can be easily fixed. the integrity of the building’s airtightness. By doing so, ensure that

5
trades take
Fitting rigid insulation is tricky and to get the you’d hope that they’d take a little bit more care when care when
boards in place, you’ll need to cut them slightly inevitably cutting or drilling through the building cutting or
smaller than the opening they’re going in. This envelope. At the very minimum, ask them to let you drilling.
 E X P E R T A D V I C E

know when they’ve created a leakage point so you can

seal the penetration before it gets forgotten about and CHECKLIST FOR BUILDING
covered over. If you find a hole or a service penetrating FABRIC LEAKAGE POINTS
the building fabric, seal it with a specialist tape.
● Window and door ● Overflow and waste pipes
openings ● Flues for boilers and stoves
TAKE PHOTOS FOR EVIDENCE ● Mains service entries — ● Cables for outside lighting
Under the updated approved document part L of the electric, water and gas and power supplies
Building Regulations — it’s now a requirement that ● Connections to renewable ● Vent pipes for MVHR
you provide photographic evidence to prove that technologies systems and extractor fans
your home has been built in accordance with the ● Telecoms entry points ● Soil and vent pipes
● EV charger connections ● TV aerial cables.
construction details and as the specification detailed
in the design stage SAP assessment. Failure to provide
this information may prevent the issue of the Energy
Performance Certificate (EPC) and result in the
building control completion certificate not being
issued at completion.
Once the airtight membranes have been installed,
the rest of the first fix can progress. If you talk to your
trades, they’ll all claim that they should be the first in
as a structure without obstructions is much easier to
fit out. The rule of thumb, however, is that the largest
services should be installed first as these are the most
difficult to run and small cables and pipes can be routed
around them.

IMPROVING AIRTIGHTNESS the routing of ductwork, and the placement of supply PLAN AHEAD
At first fix stage there isn’t a requirement to test the and extract vents. The design
level of airtightness so you probably won’t know if Ductwork installation The routing of ductwork should be
well thought
you have a problem. If you’re building a home with an is essential to ensure efficient airflow and minimal
out to prevent
airtightness rating of well below three air changes per pressure drops. Issues can arise if the ductwork is any problems
hour, it might be a good idea to have a test at this stage not properly sized, has excessive bends or if there are when you’re
to check that the work you’ve done is up to the job. If the duct route obstacles such as structural beams or other installing the
rating isn’t what you expected it’s quite easy at first fix services. Always plan ahead to check the MVHR design ducting.
to trace the leaks using smoke pellets and plug the gaps has been coordinated with the building structure.
with a bit of specialist tape. Minimise air leakage Achieving airtightness in
the ducting system is critical to prevent air leakage,
MECHANICAL VENTILATION which can lead to energy losses and decreased system
HEAT RECOVERY (MVHR) efficiency. Careful sealing of joints and connections is
MVHR systems are set to become commonplace in necessary to maintain the integrity of the system.
self-builds as we look to maximise energy efficiency Insulation Insufficient insulation of ductwork
and comply with the latest version of approved can result in heat loss or gain, potentially leading to
document L of the Building Regs. MVHR systems are condensation problems. Make sure there’s sufficient
made up of an extensive network of ventilation ducts, space around the ducts for adequate insulation,
which extract stale air from wet rooms (bathrooms, especially those in unheated or uninsulated spaces.
kitchens and toilets) and supply warm, fresh air to Access for maintenance The MVHR system will
habitable rooms (living rooms and bedrooms). The need to be inspected and cleaned from time to time so
systems work by continuously extracting or supplying make sure there’s adequate provision for maintenance
a low volume of air to each of the rooms. To provide the access at key locations.
appropriate ventilation, the ducting needs to be quite Location of MVHR unit Speaking from personal
large (150mm diameter plus) and space will be needed experience, the extractor units are noisy, especially
to accommodate them — hence why they’re the first to when they’re on boost when there’s a sudden rush of
be installed following completion of the airtightness air. Therefore, place the extractor unit in a location
membranes. The key issues to consider when installing where the noise won’t cause a nuisance but can still
IMAGES: ELSWORTH PROJECTS

MVHR ducting at first fix are: be easily accessed for maintenance purposes. Oh, and
Before installation begins It’s crucial to have a don’t forget to insulate the ductwork!
well-thought-out design that considers the layout
of the house, the position of rooms and the specific Next month I’ll continue with the topic of first
ventilation requirements for each area. This includes fixing and will cover the more traditional trades of
determining the optimal location for the MVHR unit, plumbing and heating, electrics and carpentry.

homebuilding.co.uk 143
 Got a burning question about your self-build, extension or renovation project
that you need answering? Drop us a line by emailing homebuilding@futurenet.com
and your question could be answered by one of our magazine experts

KITCHEN HEIGHT What’s the correct height for kitchen worktops?

NATASHA
BRINSMEAD
Is associate
editor of
Homebuilding
& Renovating
and has
renovated
her own
Edwardian
home.
IMAGE: SEARLE & TAYLOR KITCHENS

The standard height, from the floor to the surface of It is also worth bearing in mind that there is no reason
kitchen worktops, is 910mm. why you have to stick to the same height for all your
If this doesn’t suit you, there’s nothing wrong with worksurfaces — in fact, varying the height at which
specifying your own height when you are installing the different surfaces are set, according to what the
bespoke cabinetry to ensure that it is comfortable function they will be used for, is a brilliant way to
to work at and use, but this is not an option if you’re ensure your kitchen works perfectly for you. It also
buying pre-made modular units. creates a kitchen with added visual interest.

homebuilding.co.uk 145
 How are architects fees calculated and
ARCHITECTS’ FEES when should they be paid?
Architects’ fees are not as what is and isn’t included is really In terms of payment of fees, this
complicated as most people think. important for your budgeting. would normally come in stages
In short, there are normally two The hardest element of fees is relating to the stages of a project.
different ways architects price up comparability between firms as The first payment is normally for
and most proposals are a variation they are often offering different feasibility/early design work.
MELISSA
on one of these. things for different amounts and There would normally then be a
ROBINSON
Is a director at The first is as a percentage of so are not comparable. We payment at the planning/statutory
MW Architects the construction cost. The main encourage clients to get detailed obligations stage, tender stage
and is actively misconception here is that people breakdowns, if possible, as we are and, in most cases, monthly
working on sometimes think that because very transparent in our costs as to payments during construction
residential
the architect’s fee is linked to the what is and isn’t included. Equally, — based on whichever fee
projects in
London and construction cost, the architect we discuss construction budgets approach was taken. Firms often
the UK and will encourage prices to rise so from the offset as we don’t want to now take deposit payments on
is a member that their fee also does. This is be in a position where we design work or sections of work to ensure
of the RIBA certainly not the case, the reason something that a client can’t afford, commitment from the client side
small practice
fee percentages work is because, as that doesn’t work for anyone! at the offset.
advisory group.
generally speaking, if there is
unforeseen work or additional costs
incurred the fee works itself out
in the wash rather than having to
repeatedly do mini fee agreements
for every change that occurs.
The second way is with fixed
fees for set pieces of work. Many
architects price fixed fees for
set pieces of work breaking
down work into sections such as
design, planning, tender and
construction. These are normally
IMAGE: FRENCH + TYE / MW ARCHITECTS

more prescriptive in terms of what is

included and are often preferable
if you are looking to do most of the
project management yourself.
Both types of pricing are based
on a list of deliverables for their fee
and anything outside of this scope
should be charged additionally, so
making sure you fully understand

Can fibre cement slates be used on all

FIBRE CEMENT SLATES types of roof ?
They can be used on all roofs except flat roofs and are lighter and stronger
than natural slates or roof tiles. They have an excellent wind and weather
resistance, withstanding storms with ease. Thanks to their porous structure,
they can also absorb up to a third of their weight in humidity, effectively
LISA GROSSE combating condensation in your roof structure. This makes them an ideal
Is brand roofing material for both renovations and new constructions.
IMAGE: CEDRAL

manager Due to their lighter weight, they are easy to work with and can be placed
at Cedral.
on lighter roof structures without the need to strengthen them. In addition,
the slates are thin, and as a result don’t require much mounting height.
This leaves enough space for maximum insulation of the façade without
going over the building line. An important consideration when choosing
any material for your roof is durability and safety, so we always advise to
opt for materials that have a lifespan of 50 years and offer an excellent fire
performance classification.

146 homebuilding.co.uk
 A S K T H E E X P E R T S Q & A

LAMINATE REPAIRS Is it possible to repair laminate flooring?

Knowing how to repair laminate
flooring can restore it to its former
glory and get it looking as good
as new for a fraction of the price of
replacing the floor
STEVE
JENKINS
Is a journalist SCRATCHES, NICKS,
as well as a CHIPS AND GOUGES
painter and These are the common issues that
decorator can leave your laminate looking a
with all-round
little less than perfect, but are also
building skills.
the easiest problems to deal with.
For surface or light scratches you
can use a furniture marker pen.
These are very much like permanent
markers but in a range of wood
colours. Choose a pen that matches
the colour of your laminate flooring
and draw over the scratch. Use your
finger or cloth to blend in the colour.
Repeat if necessary.
Wax filler wood repair sticks are
ideal for slightly deeper scratches gap, start at one end and work saw set to the right depth to cut from
or nicks that need to be filled. Both along the plank length. This will the hole to the ends and edges of
of these aren’t permanent solutions create gaps in other planks, so you the plank. Do at least four cuts. Be
and will need to be reapplied every will need to repeat the process until careful not to damage adjacent
6–12 months. For deeper gouges the gaps in all the other planks have planks. Get a screwdriver or chisel
you can use a decent wood filler. been closed. An alternative option to lift out the damaged plank and
Use your finger to mould to the is to use a block of wood – narrower vacuum to clean up.
shape of the surface of the plank, than the plank and about a third of Laminate floor typically uses
leave to dry and use the marker or the length – and double-sided tape. tongue and groove to join together.
wax sticks to finish. Attach the block to the plank with This means you will need to cut
the tape and use a hammer to tap in the tongue off one end and one
GETTING RID OF GAPS the direction of the gap. length to get a perfect fit. Use a
Laminate flooring can start to sharp knife or saw to remove the
separate along the joins, especially HOW TO REPLACE tongue. Now apply a strong wood
in rooms where there are fluctuating DAMAGED PLANKS glue to the tongues you can see on
temperatures. There are a couple of If you have leftover planks from the surrounding planks. Then get
IMAGE: WOODPECKER FLOORING

options here to solve the problem. when the floor was first laid you can your new laminate plank and fit the
A quick mess-free option is to use replace one or more planks with non-sawn edge and lay the plank
cup suction lifters. If closing an end new, if damage is beyond repair. To down to fit. Once it’s in place, wipe
gap, place the suction pads near remove the laminate plank, first drill off any excess glue and protect the
the end of the plank and gently tap or cut a hole in the middle of it. Use new plank with a spare plank or
with a rubber mallet in the direction a hole saw to cut a decent-size hole towel and add some heavy weights
that closes the gap. If closing a long to get started. Now use a circular until the glue is fully dry.

PLUMBING NOISES What is a water hammer?

A water hammer refers to loud banging ‘hydraulic shock’. Water hammers can be
noises that can be heard from within your caused by loose pipes, fast-acting valves on
plumbing system, these noises occur when dishwashers and washing machines, worn
IMAGE: GETTY IMAGES

a valve or tap is closed suddenly causing stop valves and air in your plumbing system.
PETER water flow to abruptly stop. The sudden It is important for homeowners to identify
CLAYTON pressure causes waves of shock to travel the signs of a water hammer, as repeated
Is MD of Trade
through the system and results in pipes water hammers can result in costly damage
Plumbing.
banging against one another, known as to your plumbing system.

homebuilding.co.uk 147
 A S K T H E E X P E R T S Q & A

RECLAIMING VAT How is VAT reclaimed on a house-build project?

In the UK when you create a new self-explanatory although a
house as a self-builder your project replacement dwelling is also
becomes zero rated for classed as a new build for the
VAT purposes for three reasons. purposes of HMRC. A conversion
The first being, if you were a would be creating a new dwelling
ANDREW
JONES, developer, whether that be a from a building not previously
Is MD of The local independent housebuilder lived in, such as a commercial
VATman, which or a national housebuilder, your property. A commonly unknown
offers a free business would be VAT registered, or overlooked qualifying criteria
pre-project
which would allow you to reclaim for a conversion is an existing
consultation to
self-builders. your VAT. The second reason dwelling that has been empty
being that when you purchase a for over 10 years, this would
property via an estate agent or qualify as a conversion and
from a national house builder, then benefit from the VAT incentives
houses are VAT exempt, therefore attached to a conversion.
in an attempt to put a self-builder
on the same level playing field, you HOW VAT SCHEMES DIFFER
have HMRC’s DIY Housebuilders The two versions differ and it’s materials made by yourself only (as
Scheme. The third reason is that in important to know and understand no contractors should have charged
the UK we are far behind most of the differences. On a new build any you VAT) and this would be at the
the other European nations when it contractor visiting site to do work for standard rate of 20%. Under the
comes to the number of self-builds you – if VAT registered – should not conversion regulations your VAT
each year and it’s hoped this works be charging you VAT for their work reclaim is again for the purchases
as an extra incentive to get more and this applies to both their labour of materials made by yourself,
people self-building. and any materials they use. On a which would be at the standard rate
The scheme is split into two conversion, any contractor visiting of 20% but also the contractors’
formats depending on your type site to do work for you – if VAT invoices carrying the reduced rate
of project. Irrespective of which registered – should be charging you of VAT at 5% (both the 5% and the
category your project qualifies the reduced rate of VAT (currently 20% are reclaimed in full).
under, the outcome is the same, 5%). This applies to both their Paying a contractor VAT on a
which is zero VAT. It is very labour and any materials they use. new-build project or paying a
important from the outset that you You then have a VAT reclaim to contractor 20% VAT rather than
IMAGE: GETTY IMAGES

know which category your project process at the end of your project 5% VAT on a conversion project
falls under. which, again, is slightly different. will result in this VAT being lost, as
The two categories are referred Under the regulations for a new HMRC will not refund VAT paid
to as a new build or a conversion. build your VAT reclaim should incorrectly. Adhering to the above is
A new build is somewhat consist of invoices for purchases of the first rule of VAT on a self-build.

W H AT ’ S O N w w w. h o m e b u i l d i n g . c o . u k

How to plaster a wall to get a The different types of home The complete buyers guide to
super-smooth finish boilers explained cordless strimmers
IMAGES: GETTY IMAGES

Find out how to prepare, prime, plaster and Need a new boiler? From combi to biomass Discover the perfect tools for tackling those
finish to get a flat even surface ready for and oil, read all about the popular boiler areas of your garden that lawnmowers just
painting or decorating, plus discover the types and alternative options to learn about can’t reach, then choose the right model to
pro techniques and the best tools and what they do, how they work and their keep your garden looking neat and tidy with
materials for the job. pros and cons. minimal effort.

homebuilding.co.uk 149
 GR EEN CLINIC

Is using solar panels

and heat pumps
together a good idea?
Solar panels and heat pumps can save homeowners money as
well as saving energy — our expert explains exactly what you
need to know if you are considering using them together

G
iven the rapidly rising cost of energy it goes permission. Depending on where you are in the
without saying that we all would realistically country, a south-facing 4kWp array would generate
like an energy-efficient home, and if there around 3000 to 4000 kWh per year.
was a chance to get some energy for free then that And how about heat pumps? For every one kW of
seems to be a complete no-brainer. So is this a pipe electricity that a heat pump uses, it delivers around
dream or is there a route to this golden goal? three or four kW of heat. It does this by using the
The solution is electricity. Electricity can be refrigeration cycle to move heat rather than create
DAVID generated from many sources, stored and then turned heat. So, as an example, an air source heat pump
HILTON into energy or heat. To generate our own electricity will move heat from the air around it to the central
Is an expert in we can install solar photovoltaic (PV) panels on the heating system in the home.
sustainable
roof and then also install an electric heating system The combination of PV and heat pumps seems ideal
building and
energy efficiency to keep us warm. The most efficient electric heating — almost like perfection. But there is a problem. The
and a director of systems are heat pumps. time of year when we generate the most electricity
Heat and Energy is summer and this is not the time of year when we
Ltd. He has over ARE THEY A GOOD COMBINATION? need the most heat. Adding a battery to the PV system
35 years’
In terms of solar photovoltaic, the average home with will help a bit by allowing you to store the energy you
experience.
a standard single-phase electric supply can fit 4kWp generate during the day, perhaps when you are at
to the home (around 10 panels) without any special work, and use it at night, but unfortunately we cannot
realistically have enough batteries to charge up in
summer and use in winter.
MODERN
We therefore ideally still need the grid and the PV
CHOICE
The Daikin panels are, at best, direct power for smaller energy
Altherma 3 H use such as fridges, TV and lights but for the heat
HT Heat Pump pump they are an offset.
is certified by
Quiet Mark.
POWERING A HEAT PUMP
WITH SOLAR PANELS
If you have enough PV panels you may be able to
generate enough electricity annually to power your
heat pump, but you will not realistically be able to
completely use it directly. The yield in July is around
six times more than it is in January. Because the solar

“PV solar panels and heat pumps are here

to stay and they will be completely normal
products in the very near future”
homebuilding.co.uk 151
 G R E E N C L I N I C

SOLAR CAPTURE
If you’ve installed solar panels, you can
receive payment for any energy your property
generates and exports.

PV panels are wired back to your main electrical The SEG will also vary according to what electric

IMAGE: JEREMY PHILLIPS

distribution box (consumer unit), all the energy tariff you are on. A heat pump should not affect
you generate will be used by the home first. The your ability to claim SEG payments but there may
heat pump is also wired back to this board so if it is be some electricity tariffs that are better suited to
running it will use the generation. Smart controls can electric vehicles or heat pump use and it may be
sometimes turn things on when they detect excess worth sacrificing a few pence on the SEG to secure
energy or the battery can also store excess generation. a lower rate for the car or the heat pump, depending
The PV panels would need to be generating a lot, close on which one uses the most energy. Do your
to their maximum, to completely power a heat pump. homework and do the math.

COST SAVINGS MAXIMISING THE BENEFITS

We used to get paid a very generous incentive (Feed In the modern home we are moving towards
In Tariff ) for generating electricity but that is no electricity as the go-to solution for heating, vehicles,
longer the case. There is, however, the Smart Export cooking, work and recreation. It therefore makes
Guarantee (SEG) which is a payment by most energy sense to generate as much as we feasibly can and
suppliers for any excess electricity that you export then manage it to use as much of the generation
from your PV system. as we possibly can.
It is up to the energy company to set the tariff Photovoltaic solar panel arrays and heat pumps
they pay you, so do shop around. It is also not very are here to stay and they will be completely ‘normal’
IMAGE: DAVID BARBOUR

generous when compared with the cost we pay to products in the very near future. It is up to us as
import energy, so it is always better to try and use homeowners to adapt our routines to be able to
the energy and only export it as a last resort. If you use free energy when it is available and optimise
have an electric vehicle then much more of the our heating systems either with smart Apps or by
generation can be put into the vehicle if it is there. mapping the heating schedules to our lifestyles.

homebuilding.co.uk 153
A R C HI T EC T UR A L MOOD BOA R D

DESIGN A SEDUCTIVE SPACE WITH DRAMATIC WALL TILES

Bold, dark and dramatic shades and patterns are big news in bathrooms for
2024 and bathroom tiles are the ideal way to conjure up such a feel. Whether
you choose a strong pattern or a simple yet moody colour palette, there’s a
wide range of tiles out there to help create this trend. In this bathroom, the
striking shade and pattern of Ca’ Pietra’s Rainforest Lemurian porcelain tiles
(£87.50/m2) have been used on the walls while their Carpenter Porcelain
Natural Flooring adds a nice neutral backdrop.
A brilliant way to inject your own personal style into your room, bathroom tiles
have the ability to make any space a pleasure to spend relaxing time in

B
athroom tiling might often be seen as a final flourish in justice. Likewise, you need to consider your bathroom design as
your overall design scheme, but the role they play should a whole, just as you would with any other room, selecting your
not be underestimated. With some careful planning, sanitaryware in tandem with your tiles. You’ll also need to keep
bathroom tiles – both floor and wall – have the potential to create the proportions of the bathroom in mind — sloping ceilings,
some amazing visual effects, as well as performing a practical awkward alcoves and so on should all form part of your plan.
role in protecting the surfaces they cover from water ingress. Finally, don’t neglect your budget. Those keeping a close eye
For that reason, your tiles shouldn’t be an afterthought — they on spending shouldn’t feel they have to skip past some of the
deserve just as much of your attention as your bath, shower, taps more extravagant tile options on offer, but instead think of more
and lighting, given that they usually form the backdrop of the creative ways of using them — for example for just one small area
entire space. of wall or floor. It is also well worth choosing tiles that you will be
Before getting started, it’s important to think about your able to fit on a DIY basis if cost is a concern.
individual space, taking into account its limitations and how Here, we’ve collected a wide array of inspirational tile choices,
you’ll be using the room. For example, if you are working with featuring some that are bang on trend, as well as dependable
a compact space, not all tile designs will do bijou bathrooms neutral classics. Both suitable for a variety of bathrooms.

COMBINE WALL TILES

WITH WALLPAPER
Tiles and wallpaper actually make a
brilliant combination in bathrooms —
plus both are relatively easy to fit on a
DIY basis. Be sure to choose colours and
patterns that complement one another
and opt for a wallpaper designed for
use within spaces prone to high moisture
WORDS: NATASHA BRINSMEAD

levels. On the left, Chic Pink Metro Tiles

from The London Tile Co (£39.60/m2)
have been used. The baby pink shade
makes a statement without stealing the
show, making them a good pairing with
the colourful wallpaper they’ve been
combined with.

homebuilding.co.uk 155
 STAMP YOUR PERSONALITY ON THE SPACE
Your choice of wall tiles is your chance to really make your
mark on your space, showcasing your personality and
personal tastes. Don’t be afraid of experimenting here
with colour, shapes and patterns — particularly if you’re
choosing all-white sanitaryware. In the beautiful bathroom
above, the rustic nature of the space, with its exposed
beams, has been drawn out through the use of Moroccan-
style wall tiles and floor tiles that mimic the appearance of
exposed brick. The rustic-style Marrakesh terracotta brick
floor tiles shown above are from The Baked Tile Co and
cost £71.98/m2.

BE IMAGINATIVE WITH PATTERNS

Tiling doesn’t have to follow straight lines or
any kind of standard laying pattern, so feel
free to play around with ideas to suit your
tastes and decor scheme. Consider creating
a eye-catching bathroom splashback behind
your basin, as has been done here (right)
using interesting hexagonal-shaped tiles
in an irregular pattern. These Lithos White
hexagon tiles from Tile Mountain at
£49.95/m2 can also be used as floor tiles.

156 homebuilding.co.uk
 M O O D B O A R D

CREATE A COSY SHOWER

COCOON WITH DARK SHADES
The colour green is thought to help relieve
feelings of stress and to induce a sense of
peace, calm, positivity and balance —
making it perfect for bathrooms where
you should feel able to retreat for a
restorative boost. Using green wall tiles
from floor to ceiling in shower enclosures
is a great way of creating a sense of
being cocooned in nature. These tiles,
shown left, look brilliant combined with
an oversized shower head and heritage-
style brassware, as well as black and
white floor tiles.

IMAGE: SIMON MAXWELL

GO FOR A STRIPED
PATTERN IN A
SMALL SPACE
There are lots of tricks
you can use to make a
space feel bigger than
it really is —such as
including plenty of large HIGHLIGHT ALCOVES WITH
mirrors and reflective CONTRASTING TILES
surfaces, opting for wall- Alcoves can come in very handy
hung sanitaryware and for bathroom storage, offering a
surfaces and choosing space-saving solution to storing
frameless glass shower toiletries. Whether you’re working
screens. Tile choice can with existing nooks and crannies,
also help stretch space or creating new alcoves, consider
proportions. Using linear finishing off the interior in a tile
blocks (as shown left) of different to that used on the other
colour within your tiling walls. This adds a sense of
can focus on the entire depth and creates interest on an
space instead of spacial otherwise plain wall. In the scheme
limitations. Although this above, Ca’ Pietra’s Brasserie Glass
bathroom is by no means Mosaic Pink tiles (£18.20 per 32.5
IMAGE: ADELINA ILIEV

huge, the black and white x 29.3 x 1cm sheet) have been
tiles laid in a diagonal used in the inside of the alcove,
pattern help to make the combined with their Avebury
space feel bigger. Ceramic Milk White tiles.

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INCLUDE A FEATURE WALL

WITH STAND-OUT TILES
Just as you might have thought
about using a bold or contrasting
paint shade on only one wall in your
living room or a bedroom in order
to create a feature wall, why not
consider doing the same with tiles
in the bathroom?
A feature wall not only makes a
beautiful focal point, but it’s also
a great way to introduce colour or
pattern through tiles in an affordable
way, as fewer tiles will be needed to
make an impact. In this bathroom,
left, the eye-catching pink wall tiles
IMAGE: MALCOLM MENZIES

are well matched with the tiny

hexagonal mosaic tiles used for the
bath surround and floor.

HIGHLIGHT ALCOVES WITH CONTRASTING TILES

Marble is a surface material that rarely seems to fall out of fashion — plus it is easy
to pair with lots of other finishes. Whether it is faux or real, there is certainly nothing
plain about marble thanks to the range of shades, patterns and finishes it is available
in. This bathroom, below, has been tiled from floor to ceiling with Onyx Marble-Effect
Turquoise wall and floor tiles from Tile Mountain for a highly glamorous look.
Made from porcelain, the range comes in a wide choice of colour options as well
as sizes. £36.99/m2.

INTRODUCE SEASIDE CHIC

WITH SCALLOPED EDGES
Pretty scalloped edges are a trend
that really never falls from favour.
Including scalloped details within
your tiling scheme is a great way
to introduce a fresh and fun feel
and perfect for breathing a touch
of coastal chic into the space. In
the bathroom above, Mizu Marble
Mosaic Scallop tiles from Artisans
of Devizes have been used to form a
splashback for the basin, set within a
marble-topped vanity unit. £31.82
per sheet measuring 29 x 27.5 x 1cm.

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CREATE A WELCOMING SPACE

WITH WOOD-EFFECT TILES
It can be tricky to incorporate wooden finishes successfully into
areas of high moisture, such as the bathroom, as solid wood has
a tendency to warp, twist and swell when regularly in contact
with water and fluctuations in humidity. While this leads many
people to consider materials other than wood for their bathroom
flooring, that doesn’t mean that you have to give up on the
idea of introducing the warmth of wood into your bathroom.
The Naturalia range by Original Style (left), available at
Hyperion Tiles, mimics the look of timber planks yet is made from
hardwearing and low-maintenance porcelain. £28.89/m2.

MATCH COLOURED SUITES

WITH TERRAZZO-STYLE TILES
One of the biggest bathroom trends
of 2024 is for coloured suites —
and don’t panic, we’re not talking
‘avocado’ or ‘champagne’ here.
Popular shades include orange,
emerald green, navy and deep
crimson. It can be hard to know
what to pair such vivid bathroom
sanitaryware with to avoid a chaotic-
looking bathroom. Aim to keep wall
tiles on the neutral side of things — or
opt for a terrazzo-style tile featuring
flecks of various tones. These Minoli
Viceversa Veneziano VV20 Brushed
porcelain tiles (right) by Hyperion
Tiles at £82.05/m2 have been used
on part of the walls and the floor.

EMBRACE RETRO CHIC WITH BURNT ORANGE TILES

This year, expect to see plenty of warm, earthy shades being used throughout
interior schemes. In bathrooms, these warmer shades – caramel, burgundy, cocoa
and burnt orange – are really welcome as they instantly make the space feel
nurturing and cosy. These Luma Burnt Orange Decor Gloss Tiles (right), from
Tile Mountain, tick several trend boxes at once. Not only are they a gorgeous
earthy orange shade but their curved, riven texture also lends them an
Art Deco feel. Price £35.95/m2.

LOOK TO TRENDS FOR IDEAS

No one should feel beholden to interior
trends but they can be a useful source of
inspiration for the decorative finishes
for your home. While everything
IMAGE: MARK ASHBEE PHOTOGRAPHY

Barbie-inspired now seems a little

passé, softer pinks and peaches are an
easy-to-live-with style. This bathroom
(right) combines both the trend for
all things rose-hued as well as fluted
finishes. Pink also pairs well with other
finishes, such as black brassware,
bare wooden furniture and metallics.

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 HO W GR EE N IS Y OU R HOME?

SOLAR THERMAL
VS
SOLAR PV PANELS
Can’t decide between solar thermal light from incoming solar radiation, installing solar panels, which could
and solar PV panels for your home’s which is then used to heat liquid save the typical household around
in a series of tubes and this is then £250–£400 initially. This is only
renewable energy? Find out what used to either heat a space within a available until 2027, following
the key differences are and weigh up building or to heat water. which the rate will return to 5%.
the benefits of each one In contrast, solar PV
(photovoltaic) panels use light PROS AND CONS OF
direct from the sun. This causes SOLAR THERMAL

T
rying to choose between a reaction with silicon crystals Solar thermal panels occupy less
solar thermal and solar PV within the panels which then space than solar PV panels. This is
panels can be difficult as creates electricity for power. partly because solar thermal panels
both harness the sun’s energy for are more efficient, in that they
use in the home but they fulfil COST COMPARISON convert 70–90% of the incoming
different functions. At 2023/24 prices, a 250 watt energy into heat, while solar PV
robin To truly weigh up which is the solar panel costs between £400 panels can only convert 25% of
whitlock best option for your home you and £500, although this varies incoming light, at the absolute
Is a journalist will have to be clear on what your depending on the type of PV panel maximum, at the present level of
who covers parameters are. Space, cost and and size of the solar PV panel solar PV innovation. It may be that
climate change
and renewable
efficiency all come into play when system. The most popular size is a future advances in the technology
energy. deciding between these two main 4 kilowatt system, which normally might improve this figure.
types of solar panel. consists of 16 panels, the total cost If solar thermal panels are
being around £6,400. This should used to heat water, which is their
KEY DIFFERENCES cover around 20m² of roof space. usual function, then part of the
In short, solar thermal generates In contrast, a solar thermal panel solar thermal system will occupy
heat for use in the home – typically system will cost between £3,000 some space inside the building, as
IMAGE: FUTURE

for hot water – and solar PV and £5,000. opposed to just panels installed on
provides electricity. All homeowners can benefit the roof, with very little interior
A solar thermal system absorbs from 0% VAT on the cost of space required for the PV system

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 H O W G R E E N I S Y O U R H O M E ?

(unless you specify a battery with

your solar PV system).
Solar thermal systems require
more maintenance than solar PV.
They also have a shorter lifespan
and can be more complicated.
This is because while solar PV just
absorbs light and then turns it
into energy, solar thermal systems
absorb light, turn that light into
energy and then use that energy
to heat building space or water. It
is a threefold process with solar
thermal, rather than a two-fold
process that is the case with solar
PV, so in essence there is more
stuff going on with solar thermal
than with solar PV. That, in turn,
means there is more potential for
complications and costs.
Solar thermal is less effective in
the winter months than solar PV. used to be provided by the PV vs WHICH IS BETTER?
This is because solar PV reacts to government under the Feed-in- THERMAL The answer to this question
Would you
any light during the day, even if the Tariff scheme, but now under the all rather depends on your
prefer to
sun is obscured by clouds, while Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) it reduce your requirements. If you are seeking
solar thermal relies on sunlight to is paid by energy suppliers instead. heating bill or to earn an income from your
heat the water in the collector, so Solar PV panels can therefore be your overall solar panels, then clearly solar
reduced sunlight in winter means used to generate an income. electric bill? PV systems are the best choice,
less heat generated by the collector. A downside of solar PV panels because you’ll receive SEG
compared to solar thermal is the payments for exporting your
PROS AND CONS upfront costs for installing the excess energy to the Grid. That
OF SOLAR PV system, which is typically higher, said, reductions in the tariff over
There are a couple of main although this is subsequently the years has meant payments
benefits that solar PV offers balanced out by the savings are now lower than they were
when comparing the technology generated on energy bills. They previously. It also perhaps goes
to solar thermal, including: also need more space than solar without saying, but installing
● Solar PV is more flexible than thermal panels, which can be solar PV panels will reduce your
solar thermal because the power problematic for some roofs. electricity bills.
generated by solar PV panels can be Finding a reliable supplier and However, if you are seeking to
put to various uses. installer for solar PV panels can reduce your heating (or possibly
● Panels typically have a longer sometimes be tricky, so it is a good electric) bill, then solar thermal
lifespan than solar thermal, idea to use a comparison website would be the best option. The
being able to generate electricity to find the best deal and to also technology can be particularly
for around 30 years, although in seek recommendations on reliable beneficial for larger households,
particularly those on mains gas.
“A downside of solar PV panels compared to solar thermal Another option is to combine
the two systems, installing both
is the upfront costs for installing the system, which is typically solar thermal panels and solar PV
higher, although balanced by savings on energy bills” panels. However, this may require
a considerable upfront cost,
practice many solar PV systems installers. Also, if the electricity although the savings on energy and
have lasted for much longer, albeit generated by solar PV panels isn’t heat/water bills over the long term
at declining levels of efficiency. used straightaway it needs to be could be considerable.
Solar PV can produce more either stored in an accompanying Solar hybrid solar panels,
electricity than is actually needed, energy storage system like solar which are also known as solar PVT
IMAGE: SIMON BURT

especially during summer, so the batteries (which is another upfront (Photovoltaic Thermal), offer both
excess electricity can be exported cost to consider) or exported to the the above systems integrated into
to the Grid, in return for a payment. Grid in return for money, which can one, but this choice does also have
The aforementioned payment be less valuable. its own limitations.

homebuilding.co.uk 165
 EX P ER T A D V ICE

Finding the right team ( for the

right price) is key to the success of
your build. Here’s how to ensure you
get accurate quotes for the work
required to complete your project

T
here is a (not altogether unfounded) perception
that finding people to work on your project is
challenging and almost always fraught with
disappointment. While it’s not true in most cases, there
does remain some stigma and wariness in this area, and
it’s not always an easy situation to get right.
Any self-build project will need trades on site at some
stage. Most builds need them from the very beginning.
So how can you make it a successful project where you
and the trades you employ work in harmony together?
As a homeowner taking on a build project, you will
undoubtedly want the best people for the job, for the
IMAGE: GETTY IMAGES

best price, all completed to a timely schedule. Engaging

with trades from the start is therefore essential in
forming a great working relationship that will last
throughout the project. And how do you do that?
“The overriding thing to keep in mind when getting

166 homebuilding.co.uk
PART TEN
FINDING TRADES AND
GOING OUT TO TENDER

your builder (and trades) on board is clarity. Specifically, clarity recommendations. Much like finding a designer, choosing a
of vision, of design, of information, of working conditions, of builder requires plenty of research. It’s best to meet with them to
costs and of the terms and conditions of engagement,” says discuss your project and see if you get along with them and have a
chartered surveyor and self-build expert Bob Branscombe. rapport. The best builders and subcontractors will be booked up
“Achieving this is challenging, and takes time and effort.” months (and often much longer) in advance, so ensure that you
So being organised from the very beginning will put you in good start your search as early as possible.
stead to be able to deal with a build project, and with the trades
who will be working on delivering it for you. GOING OUT TO TENDER
Talking to trades with a vague notion of what you want could “The process of engaging with builders and getting prices in
mean you don’t get much back from them, which will be a waste for your building project is called tendering,” says Jason Orme,
of everyone’s time. Of course, ideas can change and evolve before managing director of Homebuilding & Renovating. “Doing it
the build begins, but it’s worth having something to work with well is critical in ensuring three key things: that it’s delivered
in the first place and to be clear of your intended direction (and on time, on budget, and that you get exactly what you want out
budget) with the contractors. It will also form a good foundation of it. Putting your project out to tender requires ensuring clear,
on which to engage in an informal conversation and will offer the formal communication between you and potential builders. It
trades an idea of whether the project is something you can both also involves analysing their responses to make sure that nothing
work on together. is left to chance.”
You can establish contact with a builder, main contractor or “The aim of going out to tender for works is to obtain a fair and
package company during the design and planning processes, but competitive price to achieve the project you are proposing,” adds
they won’t be able to give you an accurate quote for their work Bob. “The need for comprehensive, well thought-out tender
until your Building Regulations drawings have been finalised. documents is essential, both in terms of receiving realistic prices
One of the best ways of finding a good builder and subcontractors for your project, and in ensuring your project remains in line with
is through word of mouth — people you know locally who’ve the projected budget. Tender documents incorporate the various
built their own homes will be more than happy to provide influences on a project, such as the specification, the drawings,

homebuilding.co.uk 167
 the performance requirements, the legislative framework and
permissions, timescales and method of procurement.”

INVITING BUILDERS TO TENDER

“Tendering is a pretty involved process for both homeowner
and builder, so you want to minimise wasting time talking to
builders that you don’t really want to work with,” says Jason.
“Initially, make a long list of around a dozen builders, sourcing
them through recommendations from neighbours, architects
and friends; through the lists produced by trade associations and
online builder-sourcing websites, and by checking out boards
outside similar projects you see being done locally.
“Contact them all and tell them broadly about your project.
Send them the plans and a rough outline of the works, and end
IMAGE: GETTY IMAGES

with an invite to meet them at your house. Some of the builders

on the list won’t respond. With others, you will get a sense of not
wanting to work with them. Narrow it down to five or six builders,
all of whom should have expressed both an interest and a clear
understanding of the scope of the works: they should be builders

you wouldn’t mind talking to on a daily basis for a period of specialist subcontractors for their costings. Once these prices are
what could turn out to be months.” back and the contractor has measured and understood all their
direct works, they will collate the price.
CLARIFY THE PROJECT “Once the documents have been sent to your contractors,
The next step is to produce a tender pack. That’s usually a give each of them a follow-up call to check they have everything
letter outlining the project and your invitation to price, along they need,” he adds. “Speaking to someone directly will ensure
with building plans, a specification list and a scope of works. they are more personally committed to your project. When you
This involves putting information on to the scheme with the start the tendering process it is not unusual to have a couple
objective of the builder being able to give you an accurate quote. of companies drop out and decline to tender. Don’t take it
The only way they can do this is with detail, both in terms of the personally. It is very common and simply a result of a very busy
plans themselves, the specification of the materials (and who is workload and the cost of tendering, if the contractor decides they
responsible for providing them), and the scope of the work you don’t want the job or won’t win it.
want to get them to do. “The key here is to appreciate that the accuracy and reliability
You need to be clear on how much involvement you want to of the quote will be entirely dependent on the accuracy and
have — whether you want to decorate it yourself, choose your reliability of the information provided. Equally, you need to
own kitchen or even manage the project yourself once it’s think about things from the trade’s perspective.
watertight. Whatever your approach, put down in writing what “We all want to think we are important to everyone else,
the project involves. If you don’t have detailed plans, get them. but at this stage you are just another potential client to the
Finally, ensure when you send the tender pack that everyone tradesperson. They will be assessing you and your scheme to see
gets the same information. It sounds obvious, but you’d be if they want your work over someone else’s (we are in a market
surprised at how often people neglect to do this. where there is nearly always demand!). If your information is
ambiguous or generic, they might judge it a risk and pass you
CHASE THE BUILDERS by. Getting people to work for you is about making your scheme
“Speak to your contractors prior to sending out enquiries, more attractive than the next. It’s not about passing out mugs of
find out their time concerns, and set a tender return period tea — it’s about having a scheme that prospective workers know
accordingly,” advises Bob. “Anything less than three weeks is, they’ll be able to turn up to, work on and get paid for efficiently,
in my view, inviting a heavily caveated tender response that promptly and in a cost-effective way.”
will then require four more weeks of negotiation to get right. It’s worth remembering that quoting on potential projects is
They need to appraise the documentation before sending on to hard work for builders and they don’t get paid for it. It’s usually

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 S E L F - B U I L D B E G I N N E R S

fitted in on evenings and weekends or outsourced to estimating calculations. Indeed, some of the best builders I know respond
companies. “Realistically, you should expect to get prices back with a simple total figure. But if you want to ensure clarity and
within about five weeks,” says Jason. detail, try and pin them down to more precise figures.”
“If they haven’t responded by then, a friendly phone call might “When looking properly at your tender responses, it makes
hurry things along. Either way, it’s in your interest to get as much sense to create a spreadsheet to compare each price. You can
of a response as possible – but it’s inevitable that some builders take the contract sum analysis that your contractors will have
who initially expressed interest in your scheme will drop out if completed, and use this as a basis for accurate comparison,”
they’re too busy.” advises Bob. “Instantly, you will be able to understand how
different builders have apportioned their costs and identify
ASSESS THE RESPONSES any omitted items and any areas that are of immediate concern.
The first thing you’ll look at is the price, but it’s not the only Such as a difference in cost for foundations between contractors.
factor that should affect your decision. On the basis that you These are things you’ll want to question.”
should have already weeded out the builders who might struggle You’ll also need to assess on the most intangible element of the
to achieve the quality you’re after, then two other factors will process. How much do you trust them? Can you communicate?
require assessing. Are they telling you what to do, or giving expert advice that
First, what level of certainty does the price involve? “You can recognises your position as a customer? All of these elements will
usually judge this by seeing how many Provisional Cost (PC) sum play into the final decision, and you may find that the lowest price
lines are in the quote,” says Jason. “PC sums are used to ‘bracket’ isn’t always the one you go for.
a sum because the builder doesn’t have all the information – for “Now select those contractors you wish to engage with and
example – on your final choice of kitchen. But if there are many interview them about their bids — flush out the items you think
PC sums in the quote, that means there are many unknowns are limited, and get them to firm up the provisional sums given
and, as a result, more areas for the budget to bulge. It might for certain items by agreeing to fixed prices for these,” says Bob.
also be that the builder hasn’t outlined any of the details at all “This means you are ensuring that all the ‘known unknowns’ are
and responds with a simple all-in price. That’s understandable established, interrogated and processed. Once you’re happy with
on the basis that the builder doesn’t want to bore you with the your chosen builder you’re ready to start your build journey.

QUOTES VS ESTIMATES final cost is subject to change once more details are
Quantity surveyor Tim Phillips advises on the known. It will typically include just a high-level statement
key differences when asking builders to quote of requirements. The cost will be an estimation based
for your project on the builder or tradesperson’s experience of similar
The terms ‘quote’ and ‘estimate’ can easily be mistaken work undertaken. Experienced builders and tradespeople
for the same thing. However, their meanings are actually should generally be expected to estimate within, say,
very different and proceeding on the basis of one or the 10%–20% of the final cost, but as the pricing is not
other will almost certainly be met with different outcomes. calculated in detail, the potential for unforeseen elements
Quotes These should provide you with a fixed final to arise increases, which may further impact the final cost.
cost for your project. It should be in writing and set out Differences If you are provided with a quote, you
all the detailed requirements in full, with pricing ideally should expect to pay exactly that sum for the finished
broken down against each element. Some quotes will project. An estimate is a more general assessment of what
include a timeline. Quotes are mostly stated to be valid the end cost might be. It’s rare for an estimate to match
for a specified time, as your builder/tradesperson will be the final cost of a job as the initial pricing will not have
bound by the price quoted and material and labour prices been detailed enough. A quote is considered binding
are subject to change. For a quote to be binding, it must (subject to specific issues, for example where provisional
be accepted within the specified timescale, otherwise the costs are listed in the quote) whereas estimates are not.
quote will need to be renewed. Estimates are very useful at the outset of a project to
Estimates An estimate is a rough approximation of get rough figures to establish if it’s financially viable.
what the total project might cost. It should be in writing However, you should always aim to secure final quotes
and will usually include a disclaimer to make clear the prior to proceeding with building work.

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 NE X T M ON T H

Affordable extensions to
inspire your own project
IMAGES: (CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT) JEREMY PHILLIPS; DAVID GILES; MARK WATTS / OAKWRIGHTS

12 steps to working with

a garden designer

Clever loft conversion

layout ideas to help you
plan your new space

How to choose the best

energy-efficient windows

JUNE 2024 ISSUE

O N S A L E 2 M AY

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 AMA ZING HOMES

Looking sharp
The brief for this striking new build was to create a highly sustainable family
home that responded to the characteristics of the site

L
ocated in an Area Of Outstanding Natural was also taken from the historic documents showing
Beauty in Sussex, ‘Shards’ is a five-bedroom the outline of the quarry and the changes in levels
house, built on a gentle south-westerly slope naturally drew the architects towards a semi-
on the site of an old quarry. subterranean design. Dramatic long roman bricks
The project was completed by Morgan Carn give the impression that the brickwork runs from
Architects, who were appointed due to their track inside to out, but in fact the junctions between glass
record in obtaining planning permissions on tricky and windows are all very carefully considered to
sites. The architects were aware that the only way minimise thermal bridging.
that permission would be granted would be via the The large glass elevations within the brickwork
Outstanding and Innovative Architecture clause in were a key design feature including the striking
the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), four-metre-tall glazing on the first floor, all of which
at the time Paragraph 55. “The design has evolved was supplied by IQ Glass. “The projecting window
WORDS: JO MESSENGER

from the shapes and the angles of the bricks and glass had to be fully engineered using 3D technology,” says
shards that were deposited on the site while the old IQ Design Manager Tony Fuller. “The line and wind
quarry was being backfilled,” says architect Mike loadings on the glass had to be considered along with
Ford, director at Morgan Carn Architects. the outward-leaning angle so that we could design the
Inspiration for the recently completed property correct glass specification and fixing.”

178 homebuilding.co.uk
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