Homebuilding and Renovating August 2021

BRITAIN’S NO.
1 FOR SELF-BUILDERS AND HOME EXTENDERS
Homebuilding
&Renovating
Save time&
HOME
IMPROVEMENT
YOUR BUILDING
moneyonyour
QUESTIONS
SOLVED
renovation
15
● Add space without extending
● Safeguard against rising build costs THINGS YOU
● Schedule your project like a pro NEED TO
KNOW BEFORE
CONVERTING
HOW TO… YOUR LOFT
Build a new home
Design a garden
Buy windows
Create a wetroom
Add patio doors
NE W I N S I D E !
GREEN HOMES
● Low energy design ● Eco paints ● Heat pumps
C ONTENTS
ON THE COVER
22
FAMILY MATTERS
40
WORKING FROM HOME
A family builds a contemporary, energy-efficient A young couple renovate and extend their dated
self-build, which makes the most of the views terrace house to suit their working needs
50
LIFE ON THE EDGE
62
SMALL SPACE, BIG IMPACT
One couple creates a beautiful coastal bungalow A hands on DIY renovation transforms a derelict
through a series of extensions and renovations cottage into a compact family home
homebuilding.co.uk 9
INSIGHT
17 The latest news, products, virtual
events and ideas for self-builders,
ON THE COVER
124 THE ROOM PLANNER:

WETROOMS NEW
extenders and renovators A quick guide detailing what you need to
know when designing a new wetroom
THIS ISSUE!
ON THE COVER
72 CREATE SPACE
WITHOUT EXTENDING 127 THE LATEST TRIPLE
GLAZED WINDOWS GREEN
HOMES
Get inspired by these creative solutions Combine style and efficiency with the
to make the most of space in any home very best products in glazing
REAL PROJECTS ON-SITE SELF-BUILD IN THE CITY

82 One family share their experience
of converting a derelict barn into a home
128 Find out how two schemes in
Glasgow are paving the way for a new
INSIDE
generation of urban self-builders
ON THE COVER
15 THINGS YOU NEED THE RENOVATION FILES:
86 TO KNOW BEFORE
CONVERTING YOUR LOFT
137 DAMP CHIMNEYS
Ian Rock explores the causes of this 187 GREEN HOMES
Welcome to your new
Discover the essentials with chartered common issue and what steps can be section dedicated to helping you
surveyor Ian Rock’s expert advice taken to prevent and resolve it create a more sustainable home
GREEN NEWS
ON THE COVER
95 SCHEDULING A
RENOVATION PROJECT
ON THE COVER
140 HOW TO DESIGN

A NEW GARDEN
189 From cutting-edge
designs to innovative inventions,
Natasha Brinsmead explains how to Landscape designer Paul Hervey- discover the latest in sustainability
organise your renovation to ensure Brookes details his advice and provides
it runs as smoothly as possible ideas on how to create a great outdoor TAKING THE
BEHIND THE DESIGN:

space during an extension or self-build 190 PLUNGE
An early adopter of green
101 ROUND WINDOWS
Architect Sabatino Torchitti explains
ON THE COVER
ASK THE EXPERTS
technology explains why he’s
installing his second ground source
what to consider when adding this
feature to an extension or new home
153 Our experts answer your self-
build and home improvement questions,
heat pump two decades on
including installing patio doors, self-build ON THE COVER

mortgages, finding a bricklayer, and more AIRTIGHTNESS
ON THE COVER
103 PLANNING AHEAD

FOR PRICE RISES ON THE COVER
197 OR INSULATION?
Expert Tim Pullen debates which
Builder Andy Stevens details how to CREATING A ROOM sustainable factor will make the
reduce the impact on your project 162 OUTDOORS
An architectural moodboard filled with
biggest impact when building a
new home, in his new column, ‘how
GARDEN PAVING: ideas and inspiration for your garden green is your home?’
106 A BUYER’S GUIDE
Essential product advice — from ON THE COVER ON THE COVER
maintenance and costs to installation A BEGINNER’S GUIDE HEALTHY HOME:
ON THE COVER
173 TO SELF-BUILD
Discover what you need to know about
199 ECO PAINTS
Find out how low-VOC, natural
HOW TO ORDER building your home from start to finish or low carbon paints can create a
114 NEW WINDOWS
Project manager Bob Branscombe SELF-BUILD ESSENTIALS:
healthier home environment
shares his wisdom on how best to specify

windows for your new home
183 BUILDING INSPECTORS
Mark Stevenson advises on how to find
ON THE COVER
GREEN CLINIC
CALCULATING THE
an independent inspector for your build 205 David Hilton
explains what’s involved, and the
119 VALUE OF A PLOT
Plotfinding expert Mark Stevenson 218 AMAZING HOME
Be inspired by a striking
cost of retrofitting an air source
heat pump in an existing home
explains how to figure out a good offer extension which embraces the ruins of an
for a prospective land purchase old factory in Northamptonshire
EDI TOR’S LETTER
Claire Lloyd has been a member of the Homebuilding & Renovating
team for over 13 years. She’s currently in the midst of another renovation.
P
erhaps it’s a case of life
intimating art, but as
the scaffolding around
my home comes down, the
Homebuilding team and I are also
finishing off a project we’ve been
working on behind the scenes —
this new-look magazine. It’s not
just been an exterior makeover
but a renovation of sorts — mixing
the best of old with new content.
On the latter, surveyor Ian
Rock turns house detector in
his new series, The Renovation
Files (page 137), unravelling the
issues that can afflict homes. Most
importantly, he reveals how to put
them right! While Andy Stevens
gives us the inside track in his new
column, A Builder’s View. This
month he covers a topic that has
impacted many a project (and
wallet) – rising build costs – and offers sage advice on how to safeguard your build (page 103).
IMAGE: ANDREW SYDENHAM
We’ve also introduced a new section: Green Homes. From heat pumps to creating a
healthier home, reducing your carbon footprint (and energy bills) to reusing materials, this
section is designed to navigate you through this often complex and ever-evolving topic, thus
aiding you to make informed decisions about how to make your home greener.
Finally, like all good building projects, the new-look has been a joint endeavour, so I’d like
to thank the team. I hope the expert advice and ideas provided over these pages contribute in
some small way in helping to make your self-build, renovation or extension a success.
Subscribe for£21.50
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OU R EX P ER T S E DI T O RI A L
Editor Claire Lloyd
Deputy Editor Michelle Guy
Associate Editor Natasha Brinsmead
Assistant Editor Amy Reeves
Production Editor Jacob Barlow
Web Editor Sarah Handley
News Editor Jack Woodfield
Digital Editor Hugh Metcalf
Video Editor Matthew Gibbs
Contributions by Alison Wall
ART
Group Art Director Billy Peel
Art Editor Karen Lawson
MICHELLE GUY NATASHA AMY REEVES Contributions by Bryn Davies and Gary Stuckey
is Deputy Editor BRINSMEAD is Assistant Editor Senior Art Editor Emily Smith
and has just is Associate and is currently
MARKETING
completed Editor and has renovating her Events Marketing Director Melanie Kay
her kitchen renovated her mid-century Group Marketing Manager Eve Mulvaney
Group Marketing Manager Anjuman Tariq
renovation. Edwardian home. home. Marketing Manager Hema Dhingra
Senior Marketing Executive Alicia Maragh
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DAVID HILTON BOB IAN ROCK

is an expert in BRANSCOMBE is a chartered
energy efficiency is a chartered surveyor and
and Director of surveyor with author of eight
Heat & Energy expertise in popular Haynes
Ltd. cost estimation. Manuals.
Future plc is a public Chief executive Zillah Byng-Thorne
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INSIGHT A round-up of the latest self-build and home renovation news,
products and events. By Jack Woodfield and Amy Reeves
Brownfield sites key

to housing supply
A
round 60% of people in the UK believe housing
supply is an issue, and would like to see derelict
land converted into modern, efficient homes. The
findings from Romal Capital* also reveal strong feelings
over brownfield sites: 77% said that when brownfield
sites are regenerated they bring a sense of freshness to an
area, and 83% felt the government has failed to prioritise
regenerating brownfield sites in their area.
Brownfield sites, which may have previously been
used for industry or commercial use, can be attractive
propositions for self-builders and can inspire wonderfully
creative design solutions, as the project, pictured, shows.
IMAGE: EDMUND SUMNER C/O TIKARI WORKS * BASED ON A SURVEY OF 2,000 UK HOUSEHOLDS CARRIED OUT IN APRIL 2021
CREATIVE DESIGN
This former double
garage plot with a
buildable space of
just 35m2 inspired
a contemporary
subterranean self-
build designed by
Tikari Works.
Burning wet
wood banned
T
he rules on burning wet wood and
purchasing house coal changed
on 1 May in England, affecting
homeowners with multi-fuel and log
burning stoves. Retailers are now only
able to sell wood in volumes of below
2m³ when it has a moisture content of no
more than 20%. This wood must include The Pentabulous
the Ready to Burn mark, identified in Chandelier with
the Air Quality (Domestic Solid Fuels Stanlette pendants
Standards) (England) Regulations 2020, from Pooky. £295
which is now mandatory. All sales of
traditional house coal will be banned in
England from 1 May 2023. You can still
burn any remaining house coal, but it is
recommended where possible to burn
‘cleaner’ fuels instead, such as dry wood
(with a moisture content below 20%),
low smoke fuels and wood briquettes. BUILD EVENTS
The new legislation does not require
homeowners to replace their current BOOK OF 3-10 JULY
stove; however for those who are eco-
THE MONTH ECO REFURBISHMENT
conscious, you may wish to update older LOFT CONVERSION Centre for Alternative Technology:
stoves to a more efficient modern model, MANUAL — NEW Live online course
such as one that is Ecodesign Ready. 2021 EDITION Learn from one of the UK’s leading
Updated to inform and
experts in eco renovation and
advise on the latest
planning rules for adding refurbishment on how to make a house
extra storeys to your home, more energy efficient and reduce carbon
STYLISH SCREEN
chartered surveyor Ian emissions. Covering topics including
AQATA’s Reeded
Rock’s guide to this popular heat loss, insulation, incremental
Texture Glass
home improvement project
wet room panel, (room-by-room) refurbishment, and
takes a comprehensive
here finished in airtightness, the course runs over two
look into everything a
matt black, is days (3rd and 10th July) and costs £130.
homeowner needs to know
available from
before starting on site. Find
£660. For more
out how to make savings, 10-11 JULY
inspiration on
comply with
how to design a
the Party
DESIGNING YOUR
wetroom go to
Wall Act and OWN GARDEN
page124. RHS Garden Rosemoor, Devon
design the
space to work A practical two-day worktop (£124 for
best for your non members, including lunch) detailing
lifestyle. RRP
how to design planting combinations
£22.99.
and landscaping for your garden.
6-7 AUGUST
HOW TO SELF-BUILD
2.5 SUCCESSFULLY
IMAGE TOP RIGHT: MEREWAY KITCHENS
National Self Build and Renovation
million
homeowners are
Centre, Swindon
Homebuilding & Renovating expert
Allan Corfield (together with BuildStore
expected to make home and CLPM) will be hosting a two-day
improvements this year, course to give self-builders the best
say TGI Consumer possible start to their projects. For more
Data information and to book visit www.
acarchitects.biz/seminars.
18 homebuilding.co.uk
I N S I G H T
Clever
with colour
B
lue and green
kitchens look
more expensive
than those in paler
colours, according to
research by Magnet,
which found these
hues took the top two
spots (41% and 21%
respectively) for most
expensive-looking
choices. In the survey of
over 2,000 homeowners,
one in three people think
white or cream kitchens
look less expensive than
units in braver hues,
while one in two people
have little to no colour in
their home at all.
Change afoot
for planning
T
he government’s planning reforms
have moved one step closer after
new proposals were announced in
the Queen’s Speech.
The new Planning Bill comprises Porcelain Superstore’s Padstow Crackle Wall Tiles in
several key strands to create what Duck Egg are perfect for creating a sophisticated coastal
the government says will be a more atmosphere. £62.40/m²
streamlined process. These include a
traffic light system of zone planning
which will classify land for either HOTTING UP
growth, renewal or protection. Land Schiedel has
released a
in growth areas will benefit from feature outdoor
automatic permission, while land in fireplace made
urban renewal areas will be granted from volcanic
permission in principle. pumice in three
A digital planning system has been sizes, perfect to
warm up any
proposed too, which would replace the size of garden.
existing document-based planning The naturally
system; a new infrastructure levy has insulated
been proposed to replace Section 106; material means
and a National Model Design Code the stove can
be positioned
would be incorporated to improve next to a fence
the beauty, quality and design of without risk of
homes in England. burning and can
The Planning Bill is expected to be customised
be brought before parliament in the and painted
to add extra
autumn, following the summer recess, character to a
where the government will hope to have garden area.
enough support to enter the bill into law. From £1,191.
I N S I G H T
MAKE AN
*ACCORDING TO MY PAY WEEKLY BASED ON THE AVERAGE UK HOUSE PRICE OF £249,309
ENTRANCE
Recreating
4 features that the textured
add value to nature of

real wood,
your home* Dark Oak
laminate
COST VALUE flooring in
INCREASE the Kronotex
Farmhouse
Painting range by
exterior Flooring
walls £850 £62,327 Superstore
is hard-
Add a wearing and
bathroom £7,000 £22,438 features an
anti-bacterial
Add coating,
energy making it an
saving ideal choice
features £6,380 £34,903 for high-
traffic areas
New like hallways
kitchen £5,000 £9,972 and kitchens.
£17.99/m2
44% of homeowners and renters admit

that chipped paint, single-glazed
windows or damaged windows/doors would put them
off buying a house, even if the interior was appealing*.
TH REE GR E AT W OR KT O PS
*ACCORDING TO A SURVEY FROM MYGLAZING
Lundhs’ Antique range worktops are The Whitelight Collection from Made to measure, Wharf’s Seamless
made from 100% natural real stone, Caesarstone mimics the complexity Makeover 12mm acrylic overlay
which is easy to maintain with high of natural stone in a highly durable rejuvenates tired solid work surfaces
heat, water, scratch, UV and stain quartz. Pictured here is the 5112 with a hygienic, food-safe and water-
resistance. £970/m2 Arabetto stone. £410/m2 tight ‘second skin’. £135/m2
R EA L PR OJECT
C O N T EM P O R A RY S ELF-BUI LD
Family
Architect Jake Edgley
designed and built a
modern, efficient home in
place of his grandparents’
dated house. Here, he talks
to Amy Reeves about
the experience
INSPIRED BY THE PAST

Although contemporary, the house
includes many features which were
inspired by Jake’s grandparents’
house, including the original wrap-
around terrace, a similarly laid-out
floorplan and a roof overhang.
The detailing around the windows
was inspired by a nearby pub,
meaning that while the house is
undoubtedly modern, it suits its
surroundings flawlessly.
R E A L P R O J E C T B U N G A L O W E X T E N S I O N
AWARDS
2020
matters
WINNER
BEST CONTEMPORARY
SELF-BUILD
SPONSORED
BY
t i me l i ne
Site clearance and Roofing, gutters and First fix and external Internal finishes Second fix and atrium Landscaping begins Family moved in
foundations membranes windows and doors (plaster, stairs) steel screens JULY 2019 MARCH 2020
MAY-JUNE 2018 SEPTEMBER 2018 NOVEMBER 2018 MARCH 2019 MAY 2019
Timber frame erected Brick cladding, plumbing Zinc roof canopy and Atrium glazing Joinery Final finishes
JULY 2018 and flooring garage construction APRIL 2019 JUNE 2019 AUGUST 2019
OCTOBER 2018 FEBRUARY 2019
RESIDENTS
Jake and Katherine Edgley
LOCATION Maidenhead
SIZE 277m2 plus 72m2 garage
CONSTRUCTION Timber frame
BUILD ROUTE
Project managed by Jake
BUILD TIME
15 months (2018 - 2019)
S ustainble and flexible, the house that architect Jake
Edgley built for his uncle was designed to stand for years to
come. However, during the project he was unaware that he and
his young family would end up moving in after completion; the
house would provide them with a rural sanctuary during the
first national lockdown.
Jake, how did you get involved with the project?

The original property belonged to my grandparents but when
they passed away it was left to my uncle. He lived in the house
for a long time as it was very charming but it really needed
replacing; it wasn’t built very well and there were limitations in
PLOT COST Already owned the terms of what could be done to update the property.
As an architect, I would normally try not to get involved with
BUILD COST £900,000
family projects, so initially another practice drew up plans, but
VALUE Undisclosed they weren’t right for the site at all and planning was refused.
I used to play here as a kid and have strong memories of it so I
WORDS Amy Reeves designed something that replicated the original house’s spaces
PHOTOGRAPHY and views, while being suited for modern living and fitting into
Simon Maxwell and Richard Chivers the village.
The design really makes the most of the gorgeous

plot, how did you achieve that?
The surrounding village is full of historic-style properties and
while this house is contemporary, the idea is that from the
street it looks like two small houses or barns to give it a more
vernacular quality. There’s a stone wall leading off to the left of
the house which also hides the much more modern living room
“I feel like sustainable design is something that

should be core to every project”
R E A L P R O J E C T C O N T E M P O R A RY S E L F - B U I L D
t he b u i l d
BEFORE Architect Jake Edgley had fond memories of the DURING The footprint of the building, loosely following the
old family house and has incorporated many of its original orientation and floorplan of the original home, emerges as
features, such as the generous roof overhang. the foundations are prepared.
DURING The sustainable factory-built timber frame panels, DURING With the superstructure in place, Jake’s design,
built off site in Ireland and complete with drylining, are featuring two distinct sections to suggest two small barns
installed in just a few days. or houses, is revealed.
DURING Tongue and groove timber cladding, later stained DURING The atrium glazing and steel screens are installed;
black for an agricultural feel, and red brick cladding are now the landscaping can begin while finishing touches are
added to the exterior. added to the new build.
with sliding doors looking out on the most wonderful view — we even found a fire retardant paint which is completely
across the fields. Because the floorplan is vaguely similar to my toxin free. A lot of environmentalism is focused on saving
grandparents’ house, the views are also similar. energy but living in a healthy house is just as important.
Once we received planning, we discussed selling the plot, but
my uncle and I knew it would be really special for us to build the How did you come to reside in the house?
house and build it well. We wanted to leave a nice house here as By the time we finished there was so much uncertainty because
it is such a special site to us. we had just left the EU, so the house sat empty for a time while
we decided what to do next. And then Coronavirus hit…
Once you came fully on board, did you oversee and My wife and I could see the lockdown coming a few weeks
manage the project? before and to stay in London seemed intimidating. We thought
I ran the build, which was a great process — we used that if we were going to be locked in for a couple of months with
contractors who’ve worked with our practice, so they know the kids, it would be good to have access to the countryside. My
exactly what we expect on site. They built the beam and block uncle was kind enough to let us move here and it’s been good
foundations but the house was built off-site in Ireland by TTFC for the house to have someone looking after it — we’re its very
to give us greater control over the insulation and airtightness. lucky custodians.
The factory-built timber frame panels come drylined with
sockets and switches ready to go, which is amazing. The main How did you find living in the house?
superstructure was complete in a couple of weeks. I like every house I design to have its own personality and I
think this one bridges contemporary and rural styles so it feels
Sustainability plays a large part in your architecture, quite cosy. It’s really important to make spaces feel homely in
could you talk through this aspect of the design? open-plan layouts so although the kitchen/diner flows right
I feel like sustainable design is something that should be core to into the sitting room, there’s the fireplace in between the two to
every project, and we like to build in timber frame because of its create a break.
efficiency and flexibility. The technology comes after the design I never once thought when I was building it that we would
of the fabric, as an important part of sustainability is to build ever live here, which sounds very strange, but it has been really
something that is flexible enough to stand for a long time. lovely. It’s nice as an architect to experience the houses you’ve
Once we were happy with the fabric, we installed a designed — you find out technically which bits work better than
mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR) system, an others and can deal with the teething problems. Who knows
air source heat pump and a sewage treatment plant. We also what the future will bring but we’ve loved living here and the
used low toxicity materials which don’t get talked about enough more time we spend here the harder it is to face leaving.
MODERN CRAFTSMANSHIP
The joinery throughout the house,
including the kitchen, is made from
birch ply designed by Jake and
fabricated using CNC machines. The
bespoke pieces are so precise that no
adhesive was required and the pieces
simply pushed together.
FLEXIBLE LIVING
The large sliding doors of the
living room peel back to open the
large space out onto the garden,
overlooking trees planted by Jake’s
grandfather and views across the
fields. The light fixtures in the living
room and atrium have been designed
with multiple hooks throughout so
users can move and adapt it.
spotlight on: Designing the atrium
The house is divided into two sections – providing its Externally, the tongue and groove timber cladding was
name, Split House – to give the appearance that it is two stained black for a more agricultural look, but the team
smaller houses from the road, joined by a glass link which decided to give a lighter feel to the interiors by staining
acts as an internal courtyard or atrium. Jake paid an the cladding in a natural finish to complement the French
incredible amount of attention to the design here in order Grey-painted door linings and stair bannister.
to ensure this feature felt integral to the house internally. Handmade light fittings, which draw the eye up towards
“When you come in the front door, it really feels as the high vaulted ceiling and rooflights above, provide a
though you’re standing between two buildings as we final flourish in the space. “We normally make a few light
took the brick and timber exterior finishes and ran them fittings for each house out of the offcuts of the buildings,”
through the hallway,” says Jake. “We glazed the front and explains Jake. “But here we used retro lights from Urban
back and added vertical louvred screens so the house still Cottage Industries. It’s simply LED bulbs put together out
feels private.” of various components which makes it feel bespoke.”
COOLING DOWN
Savvy material choices throughout the
building ensure the airtight property
doesn’t overheat. The concrete
flooring, brickwork and stone wall
in the living room absorb any extra
heat with their thermal mass and the
rooflights in the atrium allow stack
effect ventilation.
REDUCING VISUAL IMPACT

A stone wall leading off one side
of the house hides the much more
contemporary living room from the
road, while red brick, characteristic
of the area, was chosen to pair with
the exterior-grade, black-stained
Southern Yellow Pine cladding.
TRICK OF THE EYE

The bedrooms all feature high
vaulted ceilings so to avoid
potentially dwarfing the furniture,
Jake installed wall panels and
bespoke built-in wardrobes at 2.1m
to bring the scale of the room down.
t h e p l a ns
SUPPLIERS
ARCHITECT Edgley Design:
www.edgleydesign.co.uk
SNUG
DINING ROOM MAIN CONTRACTOR
The Timber Frame Company:
UTILITY PLANT www.ttfcuk.co.uk
ROOM
KITCHEN
SLIDING DOORS
LIVING ROOM Fineline Aluminium:
ATRIUM
OFFICE
www.finelinealuminium.co.uk
WC
BESPOKE DOORS AND
WINDOWS (GROUND FLOOR)
Gowercroft: www.gowercroft.co.uk
GROUND FLOOR WINDOWS (FIRST FLOOR)
GARAGE
Velfac: www.velfac.co.uk
ROOFLIGHTS Velux: www.velux.co.uk
HEAT PUMP AND

UNDERFLOOR HEATING
Nuheat: www.nu-heat.co.uk
ZERO TOXICITY PAINTS

BEDROOM Lakeland Paints:
BEDROOM www.lakelandpaints.co.uk
BEDROOM
ELECTRICS Hamilton Litestat:
www.hamilton-litestat.com
EN SUITE STEELWORK On Site Services:
BATHROOM
www.onsitesteelworks.co.uk
EN SUITE
BEDROOM LIGHT FITTINGS
BEDROOM
Urban Cottage Industries:
www.urbancottageindustries.com
FIRST FLOOR
THE DETAILS
Although open-
plan, Jake
ingeniously
designed the
floorplan so
the main living
room feels
private. During
lockdown, the
children used
to rollerblade
around the house
on the practical
concrete floors.
AD V ERTORIA L
GET IN TOUCH
For more
information, go to
www.potton.co.uk or
call 441767 676400.
Maximising the value of

your self -build
Potton offer their expert advice on getting the most out of your project
A
big attraction of self building is that a self-built vaulted ceilings or rooflights will add interest and value to
home is almost always worth significantly more your property. We can advise you what’s best. It’s also worth
than the equivalent house built by a developer, considering the house’s potential for future development,
and is also usually worth a lot more than it cost to build. If as this can also boost its value. One of the best methods
you’re considering selling your self-build one day, or even of creating this potential is to make sure the loft area is
building primarily for profit and not intending to live in it at suitable for later conversion, and all that takes is to ensure
all, it’s worth thinking about how to maximise the value of a minimum head height of 2.2 metres. You could even go a
the property right at the beginning of your build journey. step further and add a dormer window or two to make the
A key consideration is the simplicity of the house’s shape, space even more attractive.
because the more complex it is, the more expensive it is to If you’re self-building for profit only and won’t live in the
build. And remember, an unusual house shape rarely adds house at all, opt for a more economical fit out. Kitchens and
much to a house’s end value anyway. Our in-house designers bathrooms are where most of the decoration money goes,
can work with you to create a house with simple shapes, and but it’s not worth splashing out on a bespoke unit which
you can use the saving to incorporate other features that you’ll never actually use. A mid-range suite is much more
will have a much larger impact on the home’s value. suitable. However, if you are intending to live in the home
A simple footprint design doesn’t mean a simple interior. for a time and see it as more of a long-term investment,
Striking architectural features like a sweeping staircase, then prioritise your taste.
R EA L PROJECT
T ER R A CE EXT ENS I O N
A N D GA R D EN O FFI CE
Working
from
home Richard John Andrews used his extension and
garden studio as a test bed for his architectural
ideas. Here, he talks to Ellen Finch about his project
MATERIAL
CHOICES
“The studio is an
interpretation
of modular
design,” says
Richard. “We
used construction
plywood that
we could coat
with a treatment.
It means that
regardless of
what we’re
doing, whether
model-making
or pinning stuff
up on the walls,
it doesn’t affect
the condition of
them.” Richard’s
dad helped him
make the sliding
doors from PAR
redwood stained
with Osmo oil.
bef or e
t i me l i ne
Planning permission Started on site

Bought house application MAY 2016
2015 FEBRUARY 2016
Planning permission Completed

approved JULY 2017
MARCH 2016
HOMEOWNERS
Richard John and Kristina Andrews
with their dog, Baloo
LOCATION London
SIZE 42m2 (extension only)
BUILD TIME 14 months
HOUSE COST £375,000
BUILD COST £97,500

M uch to my envy, there are
people out there – perhaps you’re one of them – who can knock
up a coffee table, desk or even a shed at a moment’s notice.
But for even the most DIY-savvy, building an extension by
yourself is a step too far – unless you’re Richard and Kristina.
The couple bought their Victorian terrace, then a five-bedroom
house in multiple occupancy (HMO), with a view to extend and
modernise throughout. Taking on the build work by themselves
was just another layer to add to the challenge. Of course, it
helps that Richard’s an architect. After drawing up plans for the
build, he decided to see the process through himself to further
VALUE £550,000 (estimated) his understanding of what makes a project work. Designed with
working from home and the couple’s love of hosting a party in
WORDS Ellen Finch
mind, the resulting extension and garden studio is a unique,
PHOTOGRAPHY Chris Snook
social space that’s testament to what the skill, creativity and
STYLING Amelia Smith
imagination of two people can do.
Walking through your house, it’s hard to imagine

this was once an HMO. It must have been a huge
undertaking — where did you start?
It was! It was originally a three-bedroom house, but when we
bought it, previous owners had converted the two living rooms
into bedrooms, too. It was in pretty dire straits. We had a budget
and we knew we might have to get a bit extra further down the
line if we didn’t want to compromise on finishes. We completed
on the sale the week before Christmas, so when we went away
over the holidays, I started on the design work.
“We’ve been constantly experimenting. I wanted

to explore design elements from start to finish”
R E A L P R O J E C T E X T E N S I O N A N D G A R D E N O F F I C E
Obviously, as an architect, you got stuck in with the CREATIVE
design side of things, but you also took on the build CLADDING
work yourself, didn’t you? Cork was chosen
to clad the
That’s right. We put in for planning permission and got it extension as it
granted in April, and I started demolishing the existing two- doesn’t swell
storey extension in May with the help of my wife. We dug out all or get wet like
the concrete and got it down to ground zero, so to speak. Then natural wood
we set out everything from there. I took a year-long sabbatical and repels
water. Plus, it’s
where I put all my projects on hold and dedicated my time to a natural insect
being on site and building the extension. repellent and
adds an extra
Were you hoping to try out new project ideas? thermal layer to
Right from the start, I used it as a test bed — exploring what I keep the space
warm in the
could do in terms of creating a bespoke kitchen at a fraction colder months.
of the cost, or building a studio from scratch to achieve that
work-life separation. We’ve done the work over two phases so
far – the first was the extension, the second the garden studio
– and the third phase will be a loft conversion. We’ve been
constantly experimenting. I wanted to explore design elements
and analyse the process of the build from start to finish.
Understanding how something is physically built helps you
design to the best of your ability.
b e f o re
I’m sure you’re used to a fair bit of dust on site, but
how did you cope with living in during the build?
We sectioned rooms off to use as a lounge and bedroom while accommodate friends and family? People don’t initially
we did the work. We prioritised creating a watertight shell understand when I go down that line of questioning, but they
in case the money dried up, so we finished the extension do when the build’s finished and they see how well it works.
downstairs and upstairs to form the kitchen and bathroom
first, getting them completed to a standard we were happy How did you connect the old and new spaces?
with. Then we reassessed the money and worked out how I designed the extension so that it looks like it slots in and
much we had left to finish the rest of the house off. We used fixes onto the existing house. We started with the idea that
downstairs as a temporary flat with a now-working kitchen everything under the flat part of the ceiling needed to be
while we renovated upstairs, plastering, painting and putting really practical – it accommodates the storage and appliances
in rooflights above the staircase. Then we finished off the that come with a kitchen, freeing up the rest of the space for
downstairs. We’d lived on site for a project in our old flat and dining and entertaining. We kept the original brick around the
this was a bit like that, but over a massively extended period! doorway leading to the middle room, so there’s a continuation
from the outside space. When you look at it from the garden,
When planning the extension, what sort of vision did it looks like the cork element, the kitchen and the floor were
you have for the space? slid in and could potentially be removed. Inside, our aim was
Because I work from home and we both need flexibility, we to create zones. The middle room is somewhere we spend a lot
wanted the downstairs area to cater for our slightly nomadic of time in, whether it’s working, having friends over or training
professional lives, so we can work anywhere from the front Baloo, so we wanted to keep it bright and airy. The front of the
room to the studio. We also wanted it to double up as an house is darker and more secluded — it’s a restful space where
interesting place to entertain, whether we’re having dinner the two of us can relax with a bottle of wine and a film.
parties at the table or barbecues in the garden. It needed to be
flexible enough to accommodate our friends with children, too. What have you learned from the project?
I set the studio up with a sofa and a big TV, so when we have I think I would have liked to have been stronger when we
barbecues, the kids can watch Netflix. It means the space is started the project — it might have helped speed up the build
practical enough so that our friends can relax and know that work! In all seriousness, though, we entered the build with
their kids have spaces they can be comfortable in, too. open eyes and we were very much about the idea of pushing our
boundaries. If we’d had another £10,000, it would have been
It sounds like you put a lot of thought into the lifestyle amazing to get another person on site on a purely logistical
you wanted when you were planning the build — is level — things like having to lift a big piece of wood or steel are
that something you also encourage clients to do? much more difficult on your own! Because it was all a test bed,
I always ask clients what they do, what their friends are like, I don’t think we’d change anything — everything we’ve done,
how they want to live in the space, and whether there are we’ve learned from. The kitchen was a massive triumph and
any special circumstances that could stop guests from being Kristina’s garden work has been incredible. I think we’ve got it
there. I mean, why would you design a space that couldn’t pretty spot on.
HAND-MADE
The modern
kitchen,
designed by
Richard John
Andrews Design
and Build, new
vinyl flooring
and pendant
lights from Ebay
create an eclectic
finish to the
extension.
bef o re
t h e p l ans
PROJECT COSTS
BUILD WORK £51,000
LIVING
BEDROOM ROOM
GARDEN ROOM £12,500
GLAZING £12,000
FIXTURES AND FITTINGS £10,000
BEDROOM BREAKOUT
KITCHEN FIT OUT
SPACE £4,500 inc. appliances
PROFESSIONAL FEES £4,000
BATHROOM FIT OUT £3,000

KITCHEN
inc. fixtures, fittings and finishes
DECORATING £500
KITCHEN TOTAL PROJECT COST £97,500

DINER
BATHROOM
SUPPLIERS
ARCHITECT Richard John Andrews:
www.richardjohnandrews.co.uk
STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING
Structure Workshop:
GROUND FLOOR BEFORE GROUND FLOOR AFTER
www.structureworkshop.co.uk
CORK CLADDING Mike Wye:

www.mikewye.co.uk
SLIDING DOORS Maxlight:

WC
BEDROOM
OFFICE
www.maxlight.co.uk
ROOFLIGHT
The Standard Patent Glazing Company:
www.patent-glazing.com
BEDROOM
DECKING Wickes: www.wickes.co.uk
GARDEN ROOM OFFICE CLADDING
Roofing Superstore:
BATHROOM www.roofingsuperstore.co.uk
BATHROOM TILES
Topps Tiles: www.toppstiles.co.uk
VINYL FLOORING
The Colour Flooring Company:
www.colourflooring.co.uk
SANITARYWARE Ebay: www.ebay.

co.uk; Matki: www.matki.co.uk
PLYWOOD (kitchen, worktops and

FIRST FLOOR AFTER dining table) T Chambers & Sons:
www.tchamberstimber.co.uk
TRUE TO SITE
Local stone and slate sit beside
contemporary materials like zinc
and crisp render to create a home
that is worthy of the exceptional
site. The sloping plot has been
landscaped to create pockets of
purposeful spaces.
R E A L PR OJECT
B U N G A LO W EXT ENS I O N
Life
Nick and Tim bought a
run-down bungalow on
an historic and exposed
waterfront site, turning it
into a contemporary gem
on the
edge
t i me l i ne
Bought Concrete Steel frame Roof structure and Flooring, wall finishes, Landscaping and Studio
DEC 2016 poured erected fibreglass tiling throughout move in completed
DEC 2017 APR 2018 AUG 2018 OCT 2018 JAN 2019 MAR 2020
Started Retaining walls External timber wall panels Internal walls, first fix Second fix, sanitaryware, Work starts on detached
work completed completed electrics, plumbing kitchen fitted studio in garden
NOV 2017 MAR 2018 JUNE 2018 SEPT 2018 DEC 2018 NOV 2019
T
“
HOMEOWNERS he bungalow was completely overgrown; the only way

Nick Purchase and Tim Hubbard to get to the back door was with shears,” says Nick Purchase,
of the property he bought in December 2016 with his partner,
LOCATION West Cornwall
Tim Hubbard. “Once we broke through the brambles to the
PROJECT Contemporary extension [waterfront] terraces, we could get a feeling for the site. As an
and renovation to a bungalow and architect, the condition of a building doesn’t bother me. You
conversion of a salt mill can change a house, not a location.”
And what a location it is: perched on the rocks above Mounts
SIZE 150m2
Bay in west Cornwall, the property looks east across the sea.
BUILD ROUTE Main contractor Formerly the site of an 18th-century salt processing works,
the core of the mid-century bungalow included these original
CONSTRUCTION METHOD
granite walls. Rather than knock it all down and start again,
Steel and timber frame with
Nick decided to keep as much as he could of the buildings
existing cavity block
and undertake a comprehensive extension, renovation and
BUILD TIME conversion scheme, which has created a sleek three-bedroom
Nov 2017 - Mar 2020 home with spectacular views in every direction.

PERFECTING THE DESIGN
BUILD COST £350,000 plus The planning process wasn’t straightforward, with the local
£50,000 on landscaping planning department unenthusiastic about Nick’s idea to
replace the old conservatory with a zinc box featuring a
CURRENT VALUE
sweeping gull-wing roof to maximise views of the sky, as well
Estimated £1.75million
as the sea. Nick still got his zinc box – now a dining area – albeit
with a flat roof that echoes box dormers in the neighbourhood.
“The upside is I was able to push the roof higher,” says Nick,
WORDS Alexandra Pratt who also added an oriel window, which projects out above the
PHOTOGRAPHY Simon Burt kitchen. His original design replicated this window design
“Getting lots of sunshine and light

was very important to me”
t he b u i l d
BEFORE The tired and dated bungalow featured the original BEFORE Inside, the bungalow was dark and in need of
granite walls of the salt processing works, but was in major repair, but Nick spotted the potential the house had
desperate need of attention. to become something truly worthy of the coastal site.
DURING Large openings within the extensions now feature DURING The steel and timber frame shells were stick-built
large swathes of glazing to frame particular views Nick on site by Nick’s team of contractors in just three months,
and Tim wanted to highlight. ready for the roof and glazing to be installed.
DURING Highly efficient insulation was added to withstand DURING The plot’s landscaping has ingeniously been
the harsh coastal weather while the windows are divided into small terrace patios which each feature their
positioned to make the most of solar gain during the day. own personality — completed by Nick’s keen gardening.
in the seating area at the other end of the room, but this was As might be expected in such an extreme location, there is
sacrificed to cost.“They say you never regret an extravagance, no mains gas available, so Nick and Tim opted for an air source
but you do regret an economy,” says Nick. “I saved about heat pump, which provides heat for the underfloor heating
£5,000, but it niggles.” and hot water. With so much glazing providing solar gain, the
Nick, who saw very quickly what he could do with the decision to add a 15kW woodburning fireplace was aesthetic,
property, didn’t want to simply have glass everywhere, but to not practical. “We now have fire, wind, sea and garden,” says
selectively frame the views in different directions. One striking Nick, who had to demolish an existing internal wall and then
element of this was the decision to install a shallow ‘pond’ on put it back with the unusual corner fireplace in situ. “That was
the roof above the kitchen. Made from one moulded piece of an extravagance we did not regret.”
fibreglass, with drainage channels for periods of heavy rain, it Internally, the finishes are neutral yet high quality, allowing
creates a watery vista across to the sea. “It reflects light into the the views – and the designer furnishings – to speak for
building, creating a dappled effect on the ceiling,” says Nick. themselves. Slate floors echo the roof, and internal glazed
“It reflects the sky, giving us a blue or grey roof, which almost balustrades allow for views from the sitting room over the
disappears. It’s more interesting than a flat roof.” kitchen and out to sea.
WORTHY OF THE PLOT DEALING WITH THE COASTAL CONDITIONS

Nick’s choice of materials, including zinc, local stone, slate The garden areas presented their own challenges. Nick and
and small areas of render, is sympathetic to the setting; it is Tim kept the existing retaining walls, but re-landscaped, with
a very quiet, sensitive home. “Even the local fishermen have special measures taken to shield the garden from salt-laden
commented on how it blends in,” says Nick, who kept as much easterly winds. “We had to build hessian screens and put them
as possible of the existing building. in place over the winter to protect the young plants,” says Nick.
Alternations and extensions included £25,000 for work to Aside from the difficult access to a site perched on rocks at
the retaining walls holding up the parking area, a new timber the bottom of a cliff, those easterly gales also presented the
frame extension (the section clad in zinc), and steels, including biggest challenge to the build itself. “It was a nightmare,” says
a special lintel around the corner in the bedroom which enjoys Nick. “But at least there was always something that could be
a corner window. This characteristically thoughtful design done inside. If you have an exceptional site, allow extra money
element ensures the bedroom enjoys sun later in the day. as you will want to add things that acknowledge the site.”
Positioned as it is at the bottom of a cliff facing east, bringing In January 2019, the couple finally moved in. By May, the
light into the house was a challenge. With this in mind, Nick weather had transformed and with it, the experience of living in
introduced new rooflights facing west and French doors in the their new home.
kitchen, which face south.“Getting lots of sunshine and light in “It was stunning,” says Nick. “The garden looked lovely, the
was very important to me,” he says. sky was blue, the sea turquoise. It is a joy to live here now.”
CONSIDERED SPACES
The kitchen is compact, but well
thought out, with neutral cabinetry
from Trago Mills and leathered
granite worktops in grey from Duke
Stone.
WEATHER-READY DESIGN
The ‘glazed box’ houses the breakfast
area and was carefully designed
by Nick to withstand gales, using
calculations from a structural
engineer.
CAPTURING THE
COASTAL VIEW
Each window has
been specifically
positioned to
selectively frame
views in different
directions. The
en suite to the
master bedroom
features a walk-
in wetroom,
with tiles from
Mandarin Stone.
spotlight on: The garden studio
Nick and Tim’s home has three bedrooms, but the to be sited forward of the principal elevation and not to
third was initially designed as a study. However, as two cover more than 50% of the land surrounding the main
professionals, they realised they really needed more residence. Furthermore, there should be no verandas,
space to work without sacrificing the spare room, so balconies or platforms above 0.3m.
they decided to build a detached garden office. Nick and Tim’s studio is detached from the main
Although Nick and Tim did require additional house and set on the seaward side, away from the
planning permission for their studio, garden offices public highway. At 4m x 5m, it is spacious enough for a
of this type usually fall under Permitted Development meaningful workspace, without imposing on the main
and don’t require planning permission (the exceptions residence.
being garden buildings in areas such as an AONB, The timber frame for the office was stick-built on site
conservation area, national park, etc). There are also by their main contractor; it is a lightweight structure,
strict limitations on the design and siting of garden which rests on the retaining wall to the rear and the
offices built under PD rights, which include the sea wall to the front. The building is clad in cedar, with
requirement for them to be single storey, not more than large windows and a glass balustrade, giving spectacular
2.5m in height when closer than 2m to a boundary, not views over the bay.
t h e p l a ns
KEY SUPPLIERS
BATHROOM ARCHITECT
GUEST BEDROOM/ Nick Purchase (retired):
STUDY www.nickpurchase.com
BATHROOM TILES
Mandarin Stone:
www.mandarinstone.com
LIVING ROOM BUILDER
BEDROOM
Daniel Sell Building: 07855 328433
FIREPLACE
Wendron Stoves:
www.wendronstoves.co.uk
GLAZING
BEDROOM Camel Glass
SHOWER ROOM www.camelglass.co.uk
KITCHEN UNITS
Trago Mills:
EN SUITE www.trago.co.uk
MECHANICAL AND ELECTRICAL

Davey & Gilbert:
www.daveyandgilbert.co.uk
GROUND FLOOR WORK SURFACES

Duke Stone:
www.dukestoneofcornwall.co.uk
KITCHEN
DINING AREA
LOWER GROUND FLOOR
THE FINER DETAILS

The window frames are all aluminium
except for the ‘frameless’ section
(left). The projecting box was
designed in three pieces, but arrived
as one complete window. “I don’t
know how they got it in,” says Nick.
“But I’m glad I wasn’t here to see it!”
The corner fireplace (right) was from
local supplier Wendron Stoves and
cost £5,000. The installation, which
included demolishing and rebuilding
the internal wall, cost £15,000.
R EA L PR OJECT
C O T TA G E R E N O VAT I O N
Small
space,
big
impact
Oliver Wilding took a
gamble and invested in an
unloved and characterless
cottage, creating a small
but welcoming home for his
young family
NEW BEGINNINGS
The original fire surround was
carefully uncovered by Oliver
and a new woodburning stove
has been installed. Despite the
compact 50m2 floorspace, Oliver,
Holly and Harper are happily
living in the compact house.
t i me l i ne
Started on site New internal floor slab Second fix Date occupied
Nov 2018 completed Oct 2019 Feb 2020
Jan 2019
House purchased Watertight shell First fix Final decoration

2018 May 2019 July 2019 Dec 2019
HOMEOWNERS
Oliver Wilding and Holly Caplin
with their daughter Harper
LOCATION Bath
SIZE 50m2
BUILD TIME 13 months

(Nov 2018 - Dec 2019)

W hen renovating a small cottage in
a charming Somerset village, one might easily envision an
inglenook fireplace, original hardwood flooring and other
such unloved quirks waiting to be restored by the right owner.
However, when Oliver Wilding bought his 18th-century cottage,
there was no such character to speak of.
“When I first visited the house, it was completely derelict — it
hadn’t been touched in 60 years and there wasn’t even a usable
kitchen,” begins Oliver, who runs a design and build business
specialising in restoring buildings in the area. “I work in the
trade and I was looking for something exactly like this to live
BUILD COST £80,000
in. The cottage used to be a laundry service for one of the local
VALUE £420,000 manor houses and it had been on the market for two years.
I think it went ignored by other buyers because a lot of the
WORDS Amy Reeves features had been stripped out or covered up over the years.”
PHOTOGRAPHY Surprisingly, despite the historic location of the village (said
Marptree and Stuart Cox to feature the oldest standing Anglo-Saxon wall), the run of
terrace cottages are not listed, so Oliver originally mulled over
taking on a loft conversion, but dismissed this idea in favour of
an extensive renovation. “There’s an old schoolhouse now used
as my neighbour’s outbuilding which strikes across the garden
with an access path right outside so I couldn’t see the value in
extending out the back either,” he adds. “I had the idea from the
very start of creating a patio with bifolding doors to extend the
house without actually extending.”
“No stone was left unturned. I don’t like leaving

things incomplete so we did everything we had to”
R E A L P R O J E C T C O T TA G E R E N O VAT I O N
t he b u i l d
BEFORE The fireplace in the bedroom had been covered up BEFORE Limited in light and space, the living rooms was in
before Oliver took on the renovation. He stripped it back desperate need of attention. As well as reorganising the
to reveal an original Bath stone fireplace. spaces, Oliver installed sunpipes in the hallway.
DURING Stripping out the house and taking it back to DURING The original roof was falling apart, so Oliver
bare stone took Oliver weeks of working by himself at replaced it, installing a warm roof and creating vaulted
evenings and weekends. ceilings upstairs in the process.
DURING Oliver first checked with the local planning DURING Although the mezzanine spaces are still a work
department that he was working within PD before in progress, the vaulted ceilings upstairs have made the
installing bifold doors to make the most of the views. compact space feel much larger.
WHOLE-HOUSE RENOVATION ADDING CHARACTER
With a loose plan in place, Oliver got to work by himself, Removing years of plasterboard and vaulting the old roof
stripping out the interiors and dealing with subsidence, during revealed a stunning stone fireplace in the larger bedroom. “I
evenings and weekends. The roof was then removed and can’t believe it was ever covered up — it’s my favourite feature.”
replaced with a warm construction to enable the poky first floor When installing the roof, Oliver was also struck by further
rooms to benefit from vaulted ceilings. inspiration as he took in the amazing views across the
“We dug down to lower the ground floor so we have ceilings of countryside. “We added the mezzanines to make the most of
2.4m throughout. We also installed a reinforced concrete base, those views, but they’re a work in progress. I put in plumbing
added a new damp-proof membrane and underfloor heating,” so one day a bath can be installed on one but right now they’re
he adds. “I’m just about 6ft and visiting the neighbouring used for storage,” he explains.
homes, I feel like my head is touching the ceiling.” New timber windows were installed, a hardwearing blue
Oliver admits that there was a long list of ‘surprises’ limestone floor was laid in the ground floor and onto the terrace
uncovered during the renovation. “It seemed like everything patio, and a woodburning stove was introduced to create a focal
I touched needed attention — no stone was left unturned,” he point in the living area.
says. “Luckily, the buildings in Bath are so old that I’m used to
uncovering issues and I don’t like leaving things incomplete so LOOKING AHEAD
we did everything we had to.” The flexible nature of the renovation has enabled Oliver to
Due to the tiny footprint of the house ( just 50m2 over achieve a warm, modern finish that is entirely unique to the
two floors), Oliver was limited in how he could remodel the house. “Lowering the flooring and vaulting the ceilings was the
layout to suit modern living, but his relaxed and flexible best thing we did; it really made the small footprint count so
approach allowed him to adapt the plan as required as the much more,” he explains.
build progressed. The small, open-plan ground floor room now “Because we couldn’t foresee a lot of the hidden issues, it
features large bifold doors and a contemporary kitchen which, had to be an organic process but I’ve got features that will last
while small, is the perfect size for the one-and-a-half bedroom another 200 years, while also suiting the way we live now,” he
cottage. The staircase caused a fair amount of head scratching continues. “Plus, I think the budget would have been double
too, as the previous owners had installed a dangerously steep if not more had I not done a lot of the work myself.” Since
model that didn’t comply with Building Regulations. “It took completing the house, Oliver and his partner welcomed a little
a lot of a consideration; we did not want it to massively impact girl. “We’re quickly out-growing it but I never want to get rid of
the space upstairs, or be too imposing downstairs,” Oliver says. the cottage,” he concludes.
CAPTURING THE VIEW

LEFT: From the outset, Oliver wanted to
make a feature of the small patio area
the house offered but was challenged
by the old school building that sits
directly behind the house. The solution
was a cascading timber fence Oliver
and his team designed to frame the
view and create a focus on the valley
position.
EXTENDING WITHOUT EXTENDING

The open-plan kitchen and living area
beautifully marries original features,
such as old exposed brickwork, with
contemporary touches. Hardwearing
limestone flags continue out to the
patio area so when the bifolds are
pulled back the compact floorplan
feels much larger.
THE MASTER BEDROOM

The Bath stone fireplace makes
a design statement in the master
bedroom and is Oliver’s favourite
feature in his renovated cottage. The
mezzanine area has been plumbed in
readiness for a bath to be installed in
the future, so users can enjoy the best
views from the new rooflights.
PROJECT COSTS
KITCHEN £6,000
WINDOWS AND DOORS £8,000
GENERAL BUILDING COSTS

£50,000
FLOORING AND WALL TILING

£4,000
PLUMBING £4,000
ELECTRICAL £4,000
SHOWER ROOM £4,000
SUPPLIERS
MAIN CONTRACTOR AND
DESIGNER Marptree Design & Build:
www.marptree.com
FLOORING AND WALL TILES

Mandarin Stone:
www.mandarinstone.com
KITCHEN
Magnet: www.magnet.co.uk
BIFOLD DOORS AND WINDOWS

Quickslide: www.quickslide.co.uk
THE DETAILS
The bathroom
is the most
contemporary
room in the
house, featuring
a variety of
porcelain tiles to
create zones in
the small space.
R EAL PR OJECTS
Creating
space
without
extendıng These renovation projects showcase
ingenious ways to squeeze
functionality out of every inch of an
existing footprint
Splitting up
Working within the confines of a Victorian school building in
Lincolnshire, which had been previously converted into flats,
meant North Architects Studio had to get creative when they
were briefed to add an extra bedroom and a larger living space.
The design entailed completely stripping out the existing
fixtures (retaining original features where possible) and
IMAGES: ANDREW BEASLEY
working with a blank canvas of double-height spaces and large

sliding sash windows.
A substantial steel beam through the centre of the 75m2 flat
dictated the position of the stairs and inspired an L-shaped
upper floor for the two bedrooms, which are tied in to the whole
using metal-framed windows that overlook the living spaces.
R E A L P R O J E C T S
IMAGES: CHRIS SNOOK
Looking outside integral part of the living space, while a savvy choice
A transformative remodelling and loft conversion of materials, such as the wide, long floorboards,
scheme provided Binh and Thomas Allen with a make the space feel bigger than it actually is.
layout that suited their family without the need for While a new master bedroom was also added to
an extension. Well-considered alterations to this the loft, it is the work the couple did in the garden
terraced home’s ground floor included removing a that really made the difference in the house. A new
chimney breast in the kitchen-diner to make way for structure for Thomas to use as a home office-cum-
a run of units and creating a new opening at the back cinema room was erected, and a new patio has
of the house to install Crittall doors. By opening enabled the couple to use the outside space as an
out the rear of the house, the garden becomes an extra living area.
Loft living was lowered to create adequate headroom. An antha-zinc-clad

Homeowners Hannah and Benjy hired Rider Stirland dormer window to the rear of the house provides generous
IMAGES: ADAM SCOTT
Architects to add a new master suite to their two-bedroom views from the new master bedroom, which has both a dressing
house. The low, narrow loft space was located on an awkward area and an en suite shower room. The carefully-designed space
triangular plot between two terrace properties, so a conversion incorporates built-in storage that puts the oddly shaped voids
was the key to creating extra space without extending the beneath the sloping roof to work, giving Hannah and Benjy the
footprint of the home. The roof’s ridge was raised and the floor much-needed extra room they were looking for.
IMAGES: JULIAN ABRAMS
The multifunctional shed!

Architect and homeowner Rodrigo
Moreno Masey created a flexible space
in his garden, lovingly known as ‘a
decorated shed’, to be used by his young
family. The simple structure sits at the
end of the garden and is designed to be
easily adapted by each user for versatile
purposes, be that as an office, a gym, a
TV room, a bar or just to store garden
equipment and furniture. The space is
deliberately finished with ‘unspecific’
materials, such as the practical tiled
floor, a plywood wall for fixing things to
and deep shelving for storage. A glazed
‘up-and-over’ garage door means the
space is also perfect for indoor/outdoor
living. This flexible outbuilding provides
additional space without the need to
alter the existing house.
A staircase solution
After laying vacant for years, Gemma
and Leon’s townhouse was radically
reimagined by Bradley Van Der Streaten
Architects, whose brief was to increase
natural light in the interiors and create a
space suitable for a growing family.
The key to realising the house’s
potential lay in a new large triple-height
stairwell to connect the previously dark
and dingy basement with the rest of
the house, as well as introducing new
glazed openings to inject much-needed
light into the floorplan. The stairwell
cleverly incorporates the original swept
handrail that leads to the top floor
bedrooms, while a contemporary steel
and timber staircase dog-legs down
towards the basement. A new rooflight
at the top of the stairwell means natural
light now permeates down through all
floors. The staircase separates the two
main living areas on the ground floor – a
double-aspect living room and a new
kitchen diner – while an ingenious bridge
landing functions both as a workspace
and as a way to connect these rooms.
The removal of some internal doors in
favour of full-height glass doors create a
free-flowing take on open-plan living.
The basement, having been
transformed by a new glazed opening
that leads right out onto the garden,
is now fully integrated into the rest
of the house and functions as guest
accommodation. The resulting home
is a bright and airy celebration of the
building’s history and quirks.
R EAL P R OJECTS ON- S ITE
“Finding a mortgage
lender was tough” Luisa and Chris Glinn are in the middle
of a Part Q barn conversion in Cornwall
M
y husband Chris and I were looking to move closer
to my parents, in the area where I grew up and
where my mother’s family lived. Chris has a lot
of machinery for work and we needed somewhere to keep
it all, but we couldn’t find a property that worked. It was by
coincidence that Chris was working on a nearby farm and
the owner suggested taking on a barn conversion under Part
Q. We’d never heard of it before so did a bit of research and
thought it was absolutely amazing — as long as it ticked all the
boxes, we could turn an agricultural building into a dwelling.
Around here it’s all greenfield and it is really difficult to get
planning — we’ve had a few applications for other projects get
rejected, but the council supported us with this.
We started off thinking ‘Yeah we can do this’ but we quickly
found that we didn’t know enough about what we were doing
and wasted a lot of time at the beginning. What we didn’t realise
with Part Q is that whatever the cladding materials the barn
used before conversion, like stone and timber, have to be used
for the finished home — you can’t add or change anything. My
advice to others thinking about doing a project like this is to
read as much as you can about Part Q. The main issue we had
was finding a mortgage because we had to use steel and timber
frame rather than more traditional materials. By luck, we found
Ecology Building Society and they were really great in getting
us off the ground. From there it was straightforward and it just
felt really right for us as a family to build locally.
We’ve doing a lot of DIY to save money and we’ve got family
and friends in the trades helping us — Chris did our concrete
slab work, my cousin laid the blockwork, Chris’ dad is helping
project manage and my dad will be doing the plumbing. Plus,
we know lots of farmers around here when we need the help of
a tractor on site!
A fantastic company called Frame 2000 built the frame; it’s
like a timber Lego kit. We’ve been able to walk around inside
and see how the rooms are going to look and feel — we’re really
pleased with it.
One of the best decisions we made was to change the design
of the house early on. Originally we were going to have the
master bedroom upstairs but instead we lost this floorspace and
IMAGE: DANIEL BLINKS
opened up the hallway so we have a double-height space with a

view through a full-height gable window. It has made this space
wonderfully light and open. It really feels like it was all meant
to be, and we feel so lucky to be undertaking this project — the
kids are so excited to get in!
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EX PER T A D V ICE
15 things you need
converting
to know before
yourloft The decision to convert your loft rather than build an extension often
boils down to hard-nosed budgetary considerations. To do the job
properly there’s a lot of detail that needs to be considered first
T
oday, with so many of us
working from home, the
demand for extra space is
1
sparking a resurgence of Does your home have
interest in loft conversions. an entrance hall, or an
Estate agents sometimes describe loft open plan ground floor?
rooms as ‘flexible accommodation’
IAN ROCK
because rooms in the roof lend One of the key design considerations
Chartered surveyor themselves to a variety of different uses. with loft conversions is compliance with the
Ian Rock MRICS is Although most conversions are designed Building Regulations Part B – Fire safety. Until
the author of the Loft for use as bedrooms, lofts also make quite recently a simple escape window in loft
Conversion Manual, excellent home offices, fully sound-proof rooms was deemed sufficient for escape and
and is founder of
www.rightsurvey.
and elevated above the brouhaha at rescue, but today the primary means of getting
co.uk ground level. Even where convention is out of a burning three-storey property (a
followed, the new accommodation can category that includes two-storey houses with
free up space elsewhere in the house. loft conversions) must normally be via an ‘escape
Either way, the decision to convert your corridor’ that leads down to a final exit door to
loft rather than build an extension often the street or garden. The good news is, if you
boils down to hard-nosed budgetary already have an entrance hall and landing this
considerations. Loft conversions don’t should suffice provided fire doors are specified
require new foundations, main walls or for the exits from adjacent rooms. Otherwise
roofs, which can make them incredibly you may be required to erect a new partition
cost-effective. Even so, they shouldn’t wall in your front room to create a separate
be undertaken lightly. To do the job hallway, or implement a more complex solution
properly there’s a lot of detail that needs that’s acceptable to building control, such as
to be considered from the outset. fitting sprinklers.
MANSARD LOFT
2
CONVERSION
This once un- How close are
modernised your neighbours?
two-bed flat
in London was Unless your property is
given a new
detached there will be a
lease of life with
a mansard loft party wall separating you from the
conversion, folk next door. Most loft conversions
creating a involve alterations to party walls,
stunning master usually to support steel beams. Under
suite retreat.
the terms of the Party Wall Act, it’s
a legal requirement that adjoining
IMAGES: CHRISS SNOOK (TOP); QUICK-STEP (BELOW)
neighbours are formally notified before

any alteration work commences. This
FULL HEIGHT may require a Party Wall Surveyor to be
This loft
appointed. See www.rightsurvey.co.uk/
conversion
has used full party-wall-surveyors
ceiling heights
with exposed
trusses to create
a spacious office
that’s flooded
with natural
light, thanks
to rooflights.
E X P E R T AD V I C E L O F T S
4
Is your roof pitch
3
How tall is your house? steep or shallow?
Most loft conversions add an extra floor
Apart from a brief interlude in
to a two-storey house, but for properties the 1960s and 70s when shallow
that already have three or more storeys ‘Californian style’ roofs were in vogue, most
the rules for providing an escape route from fire roofs are steeper than 35 degrees. In most
cases this should mean that the loft is tall
are more challenging, and often significantly enough to comfortably stand up inside, and
more costly. At the other end of the scale, hence to convert. Where space is in short
bungalow conversions are far more relaxed, only supply it may be possible to steal some from
the bedrooms below as long as you leave them
requiring windows that open sufficiently wide with a minimum of about 2.2 metres floor
(at least 450 x 450mm with a minimum 0.33m2 to ceiling height. This involves building a
opening) for occupants to escape through. new loft floor structure beneath the existing
ceiling joists which will later be removed.
5
Where to put the stairs?
Stairs should never be an afterthought, because their
positioning will determine the overall layout of the new
loft room. The best solution is often to place the new loft
stairs above the main stairwell in a continuation of your home’s
existing design. The main constraint is usually the headroom where
the new stairs enter the loft, but it’s best to avoid having them surface
smack in the middle of the room, as this can result in beds, furniture
and occupants getting pushed to the edges where ceilings are low.
If it’s not possible to avoid an inconvenient roof slope you might
need to add a dormer window to create additional headroom, and
of course this will add to the project’s cost. Fortunately the Building
Regulations are fairly relaxed when it comes to loft stairs, so where
space is tight building control may accept spiral stairs or special
IMAGE: ADAM FIRMAN
alternating tread stairs.
REAR DORMER pours light down into the new

In this flat roof rear dormer staircase. Walls have been
project by Studio 8FOLD lined in birch plywood to
Architects, a new rooflight infuse warmth and character.
6 7
What can be How good is your Wi-Fi?
done to minimise Most routers are located on the
disturbance?
ground floor, so getting
The secret to any successful decent reception in new
construction project lies in careful loft rooms might involve a spot of
planning, so take time to familiarise
yourself with the whole process in advance tweaking. Open stairwells can be a
by reading a suitable loft conversion guide. useful channel for Wi-Fi signals, but
This really can make all the difference. thick insulation and fire doors can act
It’s easy to overlook the importance of
scheduling building work to minimise as barriers. Plug-in devices like those
disruption to occupants, which is a pity, sold by TP-Link can provide a boost,
because with a little foresight it’s normally but to play it safe it might be worth
possible for most of the work to be carried
out using external access from scaffolding, installing ethernet cabling — just be
leaving the messy process of breaking- sure to do this before the walls are
through and the installation of the loft insulated, boarded and plastered!
stairs until the final stages.
8
Is your roof
hipped?
Hipped roofs have
slopes on all sides, which
can make them harder to convert
than gabled roofs, because there’s
less headroom inside the loft. In
larger houses this isn’t necessarily
a problem because the central loft
area alone will often be sufficiently
spacious. In many cases, though,
the hipped roof slope on the side
of the house will clash with the
desired position of the loft stairs.
A common solution to this issue
involves boosting headroom
by extending the roof sideways
either with a large, projecting side
dormer, or by converting the side
hip to a new gable.
IMAGE: BROTHERTON LOCK
BOXING CLEVER
In this project by Inglis Badrashi
Loddo, a new rear-facing loft
extension was built up behind
the brick gable end of the
existing roof, providing space
for a new ‘children’s floor’.
9 11
Dormers or roof windows? What are the
Keeping the design simple, with just a couple of structural
design
flush roof windows or a new window inserted options?
in an existing gable-end wall, will go a long way
towards keeping costs down. However, in cases where At the heart of any loft conversion
is the construction of a new
your roof needs to be physically extended with full- structural skeleton. This must be
width or box dormers this extra work will significantly professionally designed with input
inflate the project’s bottom line. Among other things, from a structural engineer, and
will usually require at least two
this course of action usually involves installing a steel steel beams, one on each outer side
ridge beam to support the new dormer roof structure, near where the lower rafters meet
which is a major undertaking. the loft floor joists. The purpose of
these steels is primarily to support
new joists, but they will also need to
bear roof loadings where old trusses
10
Do you have water tanks and rafters are cut away to create
and pipework that need space. This load will normally be
to be relocated? transferred down to the steels by
newly built purlin stud walls. In older
Some lofts may be wasted space, but others houses with load-bearing internal
are home to cold water tanks, header tanks and lots of associated walls these can sometimes be used
pipework. Modern pressurised heating and hot water systems are to provide added support to the
supplied direct from the mains without the need for tanks, as are new floor structure. An alternative
combination boilers. So where you’ve got water tanks in the loft it’s to steels involves the insertion of
likely that they’ll be nearing the end of their useful life. Assuming telescoping aluminium floor joists
that’s the case, the best option will probably be to replace them with a alongside the existing joists.
modern set up. This will, of course, incur a significant cost.
RADICAL ROOF in London. The

This loft conversion windows in the loft
12
by Rise Design Studio turn away subtly from
Quotes: are you is part of a radical neighbouring houses
comparing like transformation of to take in the green
with like? this terraced house views nearby.
You would imagine that getting

quotes would be plain sailing, but when you sit down
and read them it can sometimes be hard to tell whether
you’re comparing like with like. So it can pay to go
through them with a fine-tooth comb. Some quotes
include VAT and fees for building control and party
wall notices; others may not. A closer look at the
paperwork might reveal that items like en suite fittings
and decoration may be notable by their absence.
The quality of materials used for flat roof coverings
can vary enormously — and might be anything from
cheap shed felt to pukka lead sheet. Some contractors
automatically assume you want PVCu cladding to your
dormer windows; others may price for sheet metal,
render or weatherboarding. French doors and Juliet
balconies may or may not be included. To top it all, some
quotes are written by salespeople, designed to give the
impression that they’re doing you a favour by carrying
out works that are required by law to comply with the
Building Regulations, such as installing insulation.
13
Are your insurers aware?
Be sure to notify your
insurers in advance, or you’ll
be handing them a legitimate
reason to decline any claim you might
15
need to submit in future, even if it isn’t Do I need to make a
directly related to the building work planning application?
you’ve undertaken.
Most loft conversions are classed as
permitted development (PD) so a formal
planning application isn’t always required, but in some
14
Have you properties, such as those that are listed or in conservation
factored in areas, PD rights will be restricted or may have been completely
the cost of removed. It’s therefore important to run your design past
extending the planners first. As long as there are no significant changes
services? to the front elevation you should be absolutely fine — flush
roof windows (up to 150mm projection) facing the front are
Adding new accommodation to your permitted. However, if you want to add dormer windows to the
home will involve extending the existing front of the house you will need to make a planning application,
heating and electrical systems. In loft even if the windows are designed to be relatively small and
conversions with en suite bathrooms discreet. Don’t worry though, in most cases this should be
the hot and cold plumbing supplies perfectly acceptable.
IMAGE: EDMUND SUMNER
and waste services will also need to be A lot of extensions involve adding a large box dormer to boost
extended. In some cases this will be fairly the amount of useable internal floor area, but to qualify as PD
straightforward, but where the existing these normally need to be located on the rear. Side elevations
systems are more than about 30 years can be something of a grey area but large dormers or hip-to-
old they may need partial replacement or gable conversions will definitely need permission, as will any
updating, again adding to the cost. designs that involve raising the height of the roof.
R EN O VATION D IA RY 4
SCHEDULING A
RENOVATION
PROJECT This month, Natasha Brinsmead explains how to order a
renovation — and admits that the lack of a schedule of
works on her own project made life on site tough
NATASHA anywhere to retreat to at the end of have in common, such as rewiring,
BRINSMEAD the day and battled bad weather installing new heating systems,
Associate Editor
— not only outside of the house, putting down flooring, fitting
Natasha has
two renovation but inside it as well, as the ill-timing new windows, the restoration of
projects under of certain jobs left us with no roof original features such as fireplaces
her belt — and or windows just as the rain was and mouldings, and the general
is now looking lashing down outside. There were stripping back of unsympathetic
for the next
times we had no cooking facilities ‘improvements’.
challenge...
hen thinking about or even proper flooring and there Some people choose to work
W writing this latest

column, I realised that
I could run the risk of sounding like
was always dust everywhere.
Had we planned better, we could
have kept some spaces sacred
room-by-room, particularly those
living on site, while others take a
whole-house approach. In reality,
a broken record. I seem to have and scheduled the jobs that left the what works for the majority of
managed to sneak the main gist of house exposed to the elements for people – and certainly what
this particular column into several the warmer, drier months. would have worked for us – is a
of my previous pieces. However, While every project is unique, combination of the two. Often
I remain unapologetic, as had when it comes to renovations, there you’ll want to confine the chaos
my husband Bill and I heeded the are certain jobs that they often of major works to one space at a
advice I am about to impart to you,
it would have saved us bucketloads
of blood, sweat and tears (just to
reassure you, there weren’t actual
buckets of blood — an eggcup at
most). KITCHEN
So, excuses done with, the EXTENSION
subject of this month’s column is Before we
the all-important schedule of works extended, the
kitchen was in
— basically, a list of all the jobs a tiny lean-to
you will need to do to get your made of a
renovation project from A to Z, single skin
in the right order, without going of brickwork
over budget and with minimal — we
demoilshed
disruption to your life. this to make
Without a proper idea of what way for the
we were doing when, we lacked extension.
E X P E R T A D V I C E
time, but it makes no sense to take DIY PLASTER-

the room-by-room approach if BOARDING
I doubt the pros
you are laying the same flooring
view mops
throughout multiple spaces or as essential
replacing all your radiators. plasterboading
Begin by listing every task that tools, but I
needs to be carried out to get the found one came
in handy to hold
house completed — don’t worry
the boards in
about ordering it at this point, just place while Bill
get it all down. If you are using a screwed them
main contractor or architect, this is to the joists.
the point to ask their advice on the
best way to order the works and, DEAL WITH EXTERNAL ISSUES THE FINISHING TOUCHES
in all likelihood, this should be This means new windows and You can now get on with the final
information they offer you anyway. doors, wall and roof repairs, and flourishes — painting walls or
However, if, like us, you are new cladding or render. By getting wallpapering, fitting skirting
acting as project manager and the external envelope of the house boards and mouldings, and new
carrying out much of the work done, you can ensure that the carpets. This is also often the point
yourself, hiring individual trades house is a safe, dry space for the when a new staircase will finally
as you need them, you will have to internal works to take place. be put in if you are having one.
come up with a plan on your own. FIRST FIX Now, when put like this, it looks
The following schedule should With the shell sorted, you can pretty straightforward doesn’t it?
help. Do bear in mind that some of get to work on your home’s inner However, old houses in need of
the following stages can be carried workings: electrics, heating renovation are unpredictable,
out at the same time, such as systems, boilers and pipework. tricky little so and so's. Even
external finishes and internal. This is also the time to add insulation with the most thorough surveys
PREVENT FURTHER DAMAGE and construct new stud walls. and schedules, there are almost
If, much like we did, you have PLASTERING always unexpected delays and
taken on a complete wreck, you Once all the behind-the-scenes unwelcome finds. Because of this,
need to ensure that you put a stop tasks have been completed, a degree of wiggle room and
to anything that is going to wreck it plastering can begin. If you want flexibility in an order of works
any further. Look out for leaks and to save a bit of money, consider is sensible. In our case we were
anything that needs structurally plasterboarding yourself — we did set back by almost impenetrable
supporting. This is all the more this, along with prepping the walls bedrock, a plumber who would
important if you are going to be that plaster was being applied spontaneously vanish and some TAKING SHAPE
living on site. to, and it meant the bill from the rotten roof timbers that threw what Our two
GET RID OF ANYTHING YOU plasterer was smaller. little scheduling we had done children,
DON’T NEED SECOND FIX completely out of kilter. Owen and
Tabitha,
By this, I don’t just mean stripping This is the really fun bit, where it all That said, I truly believe that had quickly
out carpets and disposing of any starts to look pretty. Before this, all we spent more time and thought in adapted to
bedpans you find knocking about the hard work just seems to make creating a proper schedule from life on site but
(yes, really). This is also the stage more mess. Sanitaryware, kitchen the off, our project as a whole things became
to demolish old extensions and units and worktops, light fittings would have been less stressful a lot easier
once we had
remove walls (following the advice and hard flooring can all go in (but and we’d have been finished space
of your builder or a structural do be aware that you will need to far quicker — so take note, plan to spread
engineer, of course). protect these during decoration.) carefully and get scheduling. out again.
AD V ERTORIA L
House in focus
EcoHaus delivered high quality timber-aluminium
windows to finish this contemporary cottage extension
I
n 2018, ecoHaus were given the brief of sourcing and can incorporate very slim sightlines. This feature perfectly
installing high quality, energy efficient windows and complemented this project, allowing for larger panes of
doors into a stunning Grade II-listed building and glass and flooding the property with ample natural light.
modern home extension. For this bespoke project, we For the doors, the owner of this property opted for the
decided that Internorm’s selection of premium grade home HS330 timber-aluminium sliding doors by Internorm.
improvements would be the perfect solution. Similar to the HV350 timber-aluminium windows, this
Norman, the project manager and owner of the property, choice of door offers slim sightlines and can hold large
chose Internorm by ecoHaus as they offered timber panes of glass thanks to the outer aluminium casing. With
internally with a metal exterior, as well as triple glazing, the home in a more rural location, having an unobstructed
which made this property highly energy efficient. view of the outside world really amplifies the beauty of the
We first installed Internorm HV350 timber-aluminium surrounding landscape.
windows throughout the property. For a home that
seamlessly blends heritage style with modern day FORWARDS THINKING
aesthetics, the Internorm timber-aluminium were an ideal The home is fully automated, with the windows featuring
choice, offering sleek visual appeal and incorporating many integrated blinds that are linked up to the door systems and
modern-day features and hardware. can be controlled remotely. The glazed door system has a
break in its profile that allows the property to be ventilated
SUSTAINABLE AND DURABLE without compromising on security. “And it keeps the dogs
The inner timber core of the HV350 windows makes them inside,” adds homeowner Norman.
exceptionally energy efficient, helping trap warm air inside To connect the inside walkways, we installed the
the home and keep cold draughts out. With these windows frameless HX330 Panorama windows with bespoke
reaching U values as low as 0.95 with standard triple glass. This particular window has an exceptionally low
glazing, this listed building has now gained the benefits of glass-to-frame ratio, giving a complete glass wall effect.
excellent thermal performance without sacrificing any of its Perfectly complementing the timber-aluminium windows
heritage charm. and doors, these Panorama windows fittingly tied the
Alongside this, the outer aluminium casing makes these project together, creating a well-connected, bright and
timber-aluminium windows very robust, meaning they ambient living space all year round.
B EHI ND THE D ESIG N
Round
windows
Here’s how to plan for this distinct
design detail in your new home
I
f you’re undertaking a self-
build or extension project and
you have your heart set on the
classic round window, then there
are a couple of factors you need to
be aware of when incorporating
this quirky feature into your SABATINO
project. TORCHITTI
is head of quality
On the whole, round windows in Building
can be just as versatile as their Regulations at
square counterparts. They allow www.resi.co.uk
for different placement options
and are available in a large variety
of sizes and designs. Bullseye
designs are small round windows
with glazing bars, also called
Oeil-de-boeuf or porthole windows to make sure your chosen windows CURVED for Building Regs. Alternatively
(because they resemble those seen are properly supported and that SNUG you can use a special round lintel
on a boat). Larger sized circular they provide decent insulation. Round (like the bulls-eye circular lintel
windows
windows with no glazing bars can By getting your window supplier from www.catnic.com) and then
can add both
make great focal points and can on-board during this stage, you can distinctive install your round window in
double up as window seats as in the make sure all the technical details architectural place. You’ll have the opportunity
example image above. have been nailed down before you merit and to discuss features like flashing
Generally speaking, round start approaching contractors. function too. directly with the window supplier.
This circular
windows are pivoting, so the Whatever construction system
IMAGE: SIMON MAXWELL; IMAGE PROVIDED FOR ILLUSTRATIVE PURPOSES ONLY
window
question of whether to have them you choose to build your home forms a focal COSTS TO CONSIDER
fixed or open shouldn’t depend or extension with, your team point and Because round windows are
on their location. However, there will need to consider what will imaginatively just as variable as other glazing
may be times when you have to sit above your window; a lintel doubles up options, budgeting for them can
as a curved
follow planning conditions that will need to be sized to support be a bit tricky in the early stages.
snug seat
may dictate fixed windows. You the load on top. Whether a with views Prices are determined by a huge
might also need fixed or fire-rated circular insert is constructed or out onto the assortment of factors, such as
glazing to comply with Building a rectangular opening is made garden. sizes, materials and finish.
Regulations. before adding a round ‘frame’ will, Glass can be surprisingly
however, depend on the chosen expensive. However, it isn’t a
THE INSTALL construction method. In the case material you want to be cutting
On this note, as with all glazing, of timber frame, you will likely corners with. I would always
round windows are subject to create a square opening which recommend you go for the best
Building Regulations (Parts B, C, F, will then be infilled with a round that your budget can afford —
K and L) so you’ll need to work with frame. The infill will still need and of course, if you go down the
a structural engineer and perhaps to be insulated and comply with bespoke route, you should expect
even an architectural technician minimum thermal performance to pay a premium.
A B U ILD ER’S V IEW
SAFEGUARD YOUR
PROJECT AGAINST
RISING
BUILD
COSTS
Andy Stevens explains why building costs
are on an upward trajectory and how to
minimise the impact on your project
ANDY STEVENS manufacturer’s facilities caused

Andy is an a temporary shortage. When
award-winning they started producing again,
builder (www.
eclipseproperty
prices went up by over 20%! If
consultants. you happened to be working on a
co.uk), loft conversion, extension or new
broadcaster, and build, this would have hit you hard.
host of building No one could have predicted
podcast Build:It
Covid and the knock-on effect this
is now having on material prices,
some materials more than others.
rying to work out construction conditions. To be honest, most of The cost of timber products has
T material price rises is about

as easy as trying to guess
the winning lottery numbers.
us self-employed trades don’t put
our prices up much year-on-year
and if we do, it is only by a small
dramatically risen, for instance, as
global demand outstrips supply.
Brexit has also had an impact
Naturally, each year there will margin. However, the new boom on what we pay for materials
be a year-on-year increase for in construction has meant labour in the UK, and the Suez Canal
all materials, from bricks and rates have sky rocketed in some blockage further exacerbated the
insulation to timber and plaster. It is areas in recent months. availability of some materials.
worth having a conversation with
your suppliers if your build runs material prices labour rates
into or starts the following year. I will start with material price As I alluded to earlier, labour
This will enable you to factor in the rises. No matter how much you rates have generally been easier
increase on material costs; it may plan for material price increases, to predict, up until the last few
only be a few percent but it all adds there are always surprises in months. They have now, quite
up. That said, there can also be the building game which even literally, gone through the roof in
unforeseen price increases — like the most experienced builders some areas, all driven by market
those we’re experiencing now. and subbies can’t predict. For factors. Firstly, a number of eastern
Labour price rises tend to instance, a few years ago, a fire at European workers went back
be more in line with market one of the major sheet insulation to their respective countries as
A B U I L D E R ’ S V I E W
a result of Brexit; this has hit the put aside a contingency, ranging
south east in particular. Secondly, from 5 to 15% depending on SPOTLIGHT ON
with most people being stuck at a few factors. Because we PRICE RISES
The price of building
home for a considerable period are living in uncertain times, I
materials increased
because of Covid, and not going would recommend putting in by 7.8% in March,
on holiday, the appetite to take on another line in your budget for compared to one year
home improvement and extension unforeseens. Percentage wise, prior, according to
projects has increased. Thirdly, I would recommend between 5 the Department for
Business, Energy and
the government has put a lot of and 10%. Yes, this means your
Industrial Strategy’s
money into infrastructure including budget will have to increase but (BEIS) Monthly Statistics
HS2, roads, railways, schools if you don’t need to spend it, you of Building Materials
and hospitals. And lastly, work can save it, or put it towards a and Components report
on commercial projects has also nicer kitchen or flooring. for April. Renovators
could be particularly
started up again. Another tip is to keep in very
affected: the same BEIS
Quite simply, demand is far regular contact with your suppliers report stated that the
outstripping supply on labour or local builders’ merchant. They cost of materials for
— there is not enough of us are the ones that hear about repair and maintenance
trades! Because of this, we are material price rises first, so with work rose 1.5% between
February and March,
overwhelmed with work, and regular contact you will know as
and increased by 9%
for the first time in years, this has soon as they do. Believe me, they between March 2020
meant we have put our rates up. will not call you up and tell you and March 2021.
Personally, I have always felt we this information, so it is down to Furthermore, a joint
are underpaid for what we do; we you to call or visit for any updates. statement in April
from John Newcomb,
are skilled craftsmen and women. This also is really beneficial in
chief executive of the
That said, this will inevitably have keeping up to date on any material Builders Merchants
an impact on the cost of taking on a shortages so you can order ahead Federation (BMF),
home improvement project. if there is a shortage of a certain and Peter Caplehorn,
The surge in demand for people material looming. chief executive of the
Construction Products
wanting to learn a trade that we’ve Keep conversations flowing
Association (CPA),
seen through Covid will hopefully with your tradespeople on site, warned that lead times
fix this skills shortage in the long too. If you don’t hear anything have lengthened, and
run, but only once they qualify from your suppliers, these guys demand is such that it
and gain experience. So, in the and girls will hear because they is proving difficult for
manufacturers and
meantime, tradespeople will be are in and out of merchants every
suppliers to build up
putting up their rates. I heard about day. Being a trade, I know we love stock levels.
one skilled labourer who went for a good old natter so we will find The Federation of
Master Builders’ (FMB)
State of Trade Survey
The new boom in construction has meant labour rates also revealed that 82%
have sky rocketed in some areas in recent months of its members have
reported material price
increases. Brian Berry,
an interview for a company who out about any unexpected price chief executive of the
specialise in high-end extensions rises before most, which we can FMB, said: “Product
availability is proving
and refurbs in the South East and tell you, the client, about so you
to be a significant and
asked for £350 a day because don’t get caught short and run into prolonged issue for
he could get that elsewhere. The difficulties with your budget being Britain’s builders, and
‘normal’ rate for this is usually stretched. consumers need to be
between £100-£120 a day! Finally, I can give one very clear aware that the cost of
their building projects
I’ve also heard of instances of bit of advice to any self-builder
may change in the
bricklayers charging upwards — check all material and labour months ahead because
of £125 a metre for pointing up rates and get them finalised and of this pressure.
brickwork in London. signed off in a contract before “However, I would
work starts. You cannot run the caution against
homeowners
how to safeguard risk of having any dramatic price
compromising quality
against rising costs rises during a build as this could and customer service,
The only way of not leaving blow your budget. If you are and defaulting to hire the
yourself in a difficult position is to project managing and organising builder with the cheapest
increase your contingency. Before your own materials and labour, quote.”
starting your build, you will have plan ahead.
HOW TO CHOOS E
Garden
paving
Aesthetics, maintenance and cost are all key factors when it comes
to deciding on pavers for your outdoor space. Rebecca Foster takes
a look at the options to help you select the perfect fit for your home
A
s well as providing a sunny
spot to relax, a well-designed
garden should help your house
sit harmoniously within its setting.
INSTALLATION TIPS
“Paving slabs come in a wide range of
Pavers often represent one of the biggest sizes and patterns. There’s something to
capital costs when landscaping an suit every budget, so plan a design that
outdoor space, so it’s important to do suits your garden. Once you know the
your research and invest in high-quality dimensions of the slab you’ve chosen,
make a detailed plan so you can minimise
INSTANT products that stand the test of time.
the need to cut tiles. Having planned your
CHARACTER Whether you’re designing a new patio, it’s a good idea to lay the slabs
This pretty garden from scratch or re-laying an out into position so you can check the
courtyard measurements. If your patio is directly next
existing patio, careful consideration
garden has to the house, you’ll need to lay it so that it is
been paved with should be given to the paving material
150mm below the damp proof course.”
Westminster you choose. As well as looking good, your
Chris Moorhouse, category
Stone’s Antique chosen product needs to stand up to all director for Timber, Building
Honey Cathedral that the British weather throws at it. Décor and Garden at Wickes
Limestone (www.wickes.com)
Plus, you’ll want to lay down a surface
flagstones,
tumbled and that offers a decent service life and
antiqued for doesn’t require constant maintenance.
character. It has Durability is another key factor to
been paired with investigate — particularly for patios
Jacobean Brick
that’ll receive a lot of footfall. Here, we
Pavers, £69/m2,
lending an extra lay out the options available so you can
talking point to make an informed decision about which
the design. material best suits your scheme.
LIMESTONE NATURAL
Above: Few materials can match the innate appeal of APPEAL
this natural stone. Limestone is durable, cost-effective, The natural
undulations
and has bags of charm. It offers a fairly smooth surface across the
compared to some other natural stones, which can add surface of these
plenty of sleek allure to contemporary gardens. Typically, limestone pavers
it retains less water than rocks like sandstone, so it’s add instant
certainly capable of withstanding any assault from character and WHAT’S THE LOWEST
warmth. Pictured MAINTENANCE OPTION?
Britain’s famously lovely weather! However, despite its here in the Honey “Porcelain. It can withstand high
impressive durability, it is still a porous rock, which means colourway, temperatures, is highly water resistant,
there are tiny holes throughout. “If it’s not sealed properly, Brett’s rippled naturally non-slip and requires very little
any smoke or liquid can penetrate the stone and cause limestone upkeep. It’s also extremely uniform in
permanent staining,” says Chris Moorhouse of Wickes. outdoor flooring terms of colour, texture and pattern. It’s a
is also available good substitute for decking and will last
As a soft stone, limestone is prone to discolouration and in Mystic Sky considerably longer.”
scratching. Avoid the use of acid-based cleaners and jet- (dark grey) and Tom Clifford, general manager
power washers, as these may damage the surface of the Ocean Spray at Westminster Stone
pavers over a prolonged period. (pale grey). (www.westminsterstone.com)
The cost: Limestone products start from around £30/m2,

though there’s a greater choice with a budget of £40/m2 or
more, and prices can rise as high as £100/m2.
H O W T O C H O O S E PAV E R S
PORCELAIN
Right: Hard-wearing, low-maintenance
and resistant to both frost and stains,
this material offers a long-lasting
solution for your garden. An array of
surface textures can be created to mimic
the appeal of natural stone or timber. “As
it can be used inside and out, porcelain
tiles offer the ideal way to extend your
living space seamlessly into the garden,”
says Jo Oliver, director at The Stone and
Ceramic Warehouse. “It doesn’t fade in
the sun or grow moss, it’s anti-slip and
easy to install.”
On the downside, porcelain does
come with a bigger price tag than
other materials such as concrete and
sandstone. However, the additional
outlay should be factored against the
service life this low-porosity, man-made
CONTEMPORARY
material provides. “The tiles can be
STYLE
more time-consuming to install, but this Sleek and
can be mitigated by using a hybrid slab hardwearing,
with a concrete backing, such as Brett’s The Stone
GeoCeramica,” says Jamie Gledhill, & Ceramic
Warehouse’s
technical engineering manager at Brett
Faro porcelain
Landscaping. paving range
comes in four
The cost: Expect to pay a minimum of shades: blanco,
£30/m2 for 20mm thick tiles, and up to carbon, greige
(pictured here)
£60/m2, supply only. Cheaper tiles are
and gris. It
available but they tend to be much thinner. is priced at
High end products could cost upwards £57.60/m2.
of £100/m2.
LEADING EDGE MARBLE

Priced at Left: Available in an array of different shades, this type
£75/m2, of natural stone lends itself to contemporary patios. The
Marshalls’ Lazaro
Marble paving
distinctive white mottling and natural veining across the
has been surface of the stone gives it the edge when it comes to creating
used for the wow factor. However, unlike the sleek, polished marble surfaces
coping atop you might get in the kitchen, marble for outdoor use should
this flowerbed feature a tumbled surface to ensure that it is non-slip. If you did
wall. The white
dappling across
want to get the smooth aesthetic of polished marble, marble-
the tumbled effect porcelain tiles might be the better fit. “Plus, porcelain
surface is what has a low water absorption, which means there’s less chance
makes marble so of moss and algae growth and better stain resistance overall,”
distinctive. says Trevor Knight, head of technical operations at Marshalls.
In fact, the abundance of marble-effect porcelain tiles on the
market make it easy to combine the look of marble with the
low-maintenance, frost-resistant qualities of porcelain. Like
the other natural stones featured here, marble will need to be
sealed effectively to keep your patio looking good.
The cost: Less common for outdoor use, marble is at the top end in
terms of cost. You could easily be looking at £70/m2 or more.
MODERN LOOK
Bradstone’s
natural granite
pavers offer both
understated
beauty and
an impressive
service life.
Machine cutting
What key features gives each slab
should I look for? a sleek, straight
“With good quality installation and
edge, making
ongoing maintenance, all types of paving
this product an
should last a long time. The key is to ensure
ideal choice for
you’re buying quality materials in the
contemporary
first place. With natural stone paving,
gardens.
the quality can vary dramatically. When
buying natural stone ask about its water
absorption, which affects staining and GRANITE rounder. However, it is a premium stone
performance in cold weather. For instance, Above: Highly durable and timeless, and will likely come in more expensive
all sandstone sold by Marshalls has a granite is a good choice. “It’s available than natural sandstone or limestone, for
maximum water absorption of 1.7%. in a variety of grey hues. The striking instance,” adds Lee.
Anything higher than this could go green
within a few months and may be more
colour variations work well alongside Granite will need to be sealed, too. It’s
slippery than you’d like it to be. Also look at existing architecture, soft landscaping extremely hard, so it can be difficult to
the flexural strength, which is an indicator and planting,” says Lee Dunderdale, work with if you need to do any cutting.
of the material’s strength. Stone less than product manager at Bradstone. Another Also be aware that the slabs are heavy.
12 MPa (megapascal) may not be robust pro is that granite is highly slip-resistant,
enough to withstand the British weather.”
Trevor Knight, Head of
so it’s a sensible choice for parts of the The cost: Most products cost upwards of
Technical Operations, Marshalls garden that are likely to get wet, such as £40/m2, and you can easily spend over
(www.marshalls.co.uk) near water features. “It’s a great all- £80/m2. Prices are on a supply only basis.
SANDSTONE
Left: With a slightly more rippled, varied
surface texture compared to limestone
(sometimes described as ‘riven’),
sandstone is a versatile solution that
works particularly well in traditional
settings. An impressive array of shades
is available, from warm, buff hues to
cool, silver tones. It can also be one of
the more cost-effective choices if you’re
keen to have natural stone paving. “It’s
easy to maintain; it doesn’t require any
specific care when it comes to cleaning,”
says Chris from Wickes. “It tends to have
good resistance to damp, fire and heat,
plus UV radiation, which means that it
holds its colour.”
LARGE FORMAT Potential drawbacks include the fact
Extravagantly that sandstone can become slippery
large Indian when wet and, like limestone, it can be
sandstone stained by some acid-based cleaners.
tiles lend a
Well-maintained sandstone pavers will
contemporary
flair to this sun last for decades, though as the stone is
terrace. Pictured relatively soft and porous it won’t offer
here in Golden the same durability as slate or granite.
Sand, prices
for Marshalls’
The cost: There are plenty of sandstone
Fairstone Sawn
Versuro Jumbo products available between £20 and
units start at £30/m2, supply only. For slabs with a
£102/m2. special, smooth finish, prices can rise
above £40/m2.
CONCRETE
There is an array of choice when it comes
to this cost-effective, low-maintenance
material. Pavers are made from a mix
of different sized aggregates, creating
a variety of textures. Colour pigments
can be added to create shades ranging
from warm beiges and reds to cool
greys. Concrete pavers can also be
cut to whatever shapes and sizes are
required, allowing you to create a paving
layout that suits your garden. While
some concrete pavers do a great job at
mimicking the aesthetic of natural stone,
the colour variation across the surface
of each paver won’t have the natural
AN ECO EDGE The pavers are
irregularity that stone does. “Concrete
With a riven made from a
slabs can be less colourfast than natural surface and new mix that
products and the quality can vary, so fettled edges, is 20% lower
make sure you source your units from Bradstone’s in carbon than
a reputable manufacturer,” says Jamie Ashbourne ECO previous ranges
range of pavers — ideal for those
Gledhill from Brett.
convincingly who are looking
mimic the to complete
The cost: A cost-effective paving option, appearance of their project in a
with solutions available from £15/m2, natural stone. sustainable way.
right up to £60/m2 and beyond.
How do I lay paving?

“Allow 150mm for the foundation, mortar
bed and paving. If you are laying directly
next to a house then the finished patio
should be at least 150mm below the damp
proof course (DPC). This means you’ll
need to dig the area to a minimum depth of
around 300mm below the DPC. To ensure
water doesn’t collect on the paving, the
foundation needs a fall of 1 in 60, either to
a suitable drainage or run-off area, such as
the lawn, which means 1cm of fall for every
60cm of width. For example, a 3m run will
need a fall of 5cm. To create a firm base,
cover the whole area with MOT Type 1 to
SLATE SLATE EFFECT
a minimum depth of 100mm when fully
This durable choice comes in myriad hues, from greys Brett’s range
compacted. A compactor plate is essential
and blue-blacks to warm rust colours. “Slate is extremely of Eden slate
to do this properly. The back of the slabs
tiles combines
hardwearing, having been compacted over millions of years,” should be primed with a polymer-modified
the aesthetic of
says Tom Clifford, general manager at Westminster Stone. In cementitious primer to aid adhesion to the
natural slate
mortar bed and prevent movement in years
fact, slate is one of the strongest natural solutions; it’s resistant with the low-
to come. Lay the slabs on a 30mm-thick full
to chips, cracks and scratches, and holds its colour better than maintenance,
mortar bed, which should support the whole
alternative like limestone. Slate is less porous than most other stain-resistant
slab and not just the corners. Use a mortar
qualities of
natural stones, but slate pavers will need a sealant to maintain mix of four parts sharp sand to one part
porcelain.
their natural appeal. Like granite, slate is extremely heavy, cement, and mix it with just enough water
so that it’s damp and workable, but not
which can cause difficulties if you’re laying the slabs yourself. overly wet and runny. Lee Dunderdale,
project manager at Bradstone
The cost: Slate typically comes in at £35 to £60/m2, supply only. (www.bradstone.com)
B UI L D ING WISD OM
HOW
TO
ORDER
NEW
WINDOWS Follow our handy guide to specifying the right
options for your project, both in terms of the
product and the all-important installation
t’s a pretty strange project that to save by choosing off-the-shelf for each one. A good list should
I doesn’t require windows of

some sort, so if you’re planning
on building any structure at all,
sizes rather than bespoke, so make
sure you’ve investigated what’s
available before setting your heart
include at least the following
details for each item:
● Name
you’ll need to order windows at on anything. ● Style
some point. For today’s purposes, After getting planning, it’s time to ● Cill details if needed
we will set aside reclamation look at performance requirements. ● Actual size See opposite
BOB
BRANSCOMBE and salvage yard finds and focus Your windows’ finish, U-value, regarding builders’ openings
Bob is a on the process of ordering new durability and maintenance ● Number required
chartered windows. In simple terms, this is requirements may not affect the ● Material
IMAGE: LOYN + CO ARCHITECTS / CHARLES HOSEA PHOTOGRAPHY
surveyor with 30 about listing out what you want way they look from the outside, ● Colour and finish
years’ experience
and establishing what you can but they are crucial to achieving ● Hardware including trickle
running
residential and actually have — much like any Building Regulations requirements, vents if necessary
commercial shopping trip really, just with a and they will determine what it’s ● Handing Are hinged items
projects larger invoice! like to live with the windows, as left- or right-hand opening?
Before you can apply for well as the costs involved, both ● Frame width Are you hoping
planning permission, you will up-front and in terms of ongoing to keep sightlines slim?
need to finalise the style and maintenance and upkeep. ● Glazing Double or triple
appearance of the windows. glazing, for instance
Performance is not likely to be an creating a schedule The completed schedule
issue at this stage, but the planners It makes sense at this point to draw can form part of your contract
will need to know the layout, up a schedule of windows and documentation if going to a
location and style of your windows external doors – in other words, building contractor or, more likely,
to understand your proposals. In a list what items are required for become your ‘enquiry sheet’ for
some cases you may be looking your project – and add some notes dealing with suppliers. This has
several advantages at key points GLAZING
in the procurement process. It will SPEC
determine your choice of windows Double
glazing from
early so you can check them the Velfac 200
against your planning permission, range (shown
and act as a rigorous check on the right) features
number of each type you will need. argon gas
It will also create a level playing in the cavity
and a heat
field for potential suppliers to quote reflecting
against so they won’t forget any coating;
windows and they’ll have to make Thames Valley
IMAGE: JEREMY PHILLIPS
it clear if they want to substitute Window

their own products. When the Company’s
aluminium
windows arrive, the schedule will windows
act as a master list to check them off (below) start
against and understand. from £800.
Lastly, a list will enable you to be
clear with bricklayers and frame
suppliers about your windows’
sizes so they can accurately price
and build the walls. It’s important
to stress that you are giving them
the actual sizes of the windows,
not what are referred to as the
‘builders openings’, which are
slightly larger measurements used
to create apertures for windows to
be fitted into — be sure to make this
clear on the schedule. Bricklayers
can then make up timber formers to
build window openings around as
they go, which will avoid covering
the new windows themselves in
mortar and trowel scratches.
choosing a supplier
Suppliers will also benefit from ready to choose your supplier. times so you can update your PICTURE
your diligence in completing a However, a couple of factors programme; lead-in times might PERFECT
IDSystems’
schedule. It will give them an easy need finalising before you press be longer than usual at present,
IDS300 fixed
list to prepare prices against, the green button. Check that so it’s worth double checking. frame picture
saving a lot of time taking details everything is the correct spec, Lastly, check the VAT status of the window,
from drawings. Suppliers are busy complies with building control quotation — it will most likely be shown
in the current market, and given the requirements, and is present zero rated for a new build, but you (opposite) in
anthracite
choice between an easy pricing in the correct quantity. Make should make sure!
grey,
job and a complicated one, you sure nothing’s forgotten, double It’s also worth checking the perfectly
can guess which they are more counted, or the wrong size. Ask for warranties and service offered by frames the
likely to do on good time! samples of hardware to make sure your supplier. Many offer good landscape
Additionally, they will make you are happy with the product standard warranties. However, the beyond.
fewer assumptions. By contrast, you’re buying. Many suppliers warranty is likely to be extended
if they are pricing using only your will provide a small window if your windows are fitted by the
drawings, they may have to come section including a handle, cill and company’s approved installers.
to their own decisions about cill anything else of note. You’ll need to weigh up this benefit
depth, section size, handle type Then it’s a case of making sure against the installation cost (which
and similar. Lastly, if they win the you’re happy with the terms of might be higher in this instance).
work, they have a ready made payment. In the current market it After that, it becomes a question
manufacturing list and can get is not unusual to be required to of simple shopping — if you like
right down to business. make a deposit payment with your the product and the people, and
Once you’ve got some decent order, then another payment prior everything suits your project, you
options on prices, you will be to delivery. Take note of lead-in can proceed!
AD V ERTORIA L
How to choose
the right builder
The Federation of Master Builders helps you find the best team for your next project
THREE’S THE MAGIC NUMBER
C
hoosing the right builder with relevant experience,
appropriate accreditations, and necessary Always get at least three quotes and check what is and is not
insurances is vital to a successful build. The FMB included. Providing a detailed brief with planning drawings
(Federation of Master Builders) outlines some tips to help including calculations and measurements will enable you to
you choose the right tradesperson for your building project. get an accurate quote. Remember, the cheapest quote may
not always be the best option.
WHERE DO YOU START?
A recommendation from a trusted source is one of the best VIEW PREVIOUS PROJECTS
ways to find a builder. Ask friends and family if they have Ask to view previous projects by the builder, which can give
hired a tradesperson they would recommend or use our you reassurance about their quality of work and how they
free online Find a Builder directory to search for vetted and have managed relationships with past clients. Case studies
independently inspected tradespeople near you. and customer testimonials can also be viewed on members’
profiles on the FMB website.
LOOK FOR ACCREDITATIONS
While certain trades such as electricians and plumbers CONTRACTS AND PAYMENT
must have particular qualifications, this isn’t the case for Always enter into a written contract with your builder to
builders, which is why it is important to check if a builder ensure everyone understands what has been agreed. The
is part of a reputable trade association such as the FMB. All FMB supplies jargon-free contract templates to members,
our members must pass a rigorous vetting and independent which can be readily adapted to your project and should
inspection process before joining and they are inspected on include details of project costs and a payment schedule.
a regular basis thereafter. Members must also adhere to our Contracts may also include a clause to account for changes
Code of Conduct. to the time, price, or materials, often due to external factors
Always ask to see proof of membership and outside of a builder’s control such as current building
insurance certificates, including one showing public material supply issues.
liability cover. You can also contact FMB Insurance Check out our series of ultimate guides to home
(www.fmbinsurance.co.uk) to ask about warranties you can renovation or start your search for a quality Master
take out to protect your property while works take place. Builder near you at www.fmb.org.uk/hbr.
IMAGE: PROJECT BY MASON CONSTRUCTION (LONDON)
EX PER T A D V ICE
HOW TO
FIND A PLOT
PART TWELVE:
CALCULATING THE
VALUE OF A PLOT
This month brings us to the culmination of the
appraisal process: calculating what a plot is worth
nyone buying land for ● It’s hard to overcome your knee- such a project
A a self-build is likely to
worry that they could
be paying too much; figuring out
jerk instincts about a plot’s value.
● It’s not always easy to anticipate
all of the costs of development.
will be worth once
built. The more valuable
the finished house is, the
how much a building plot is worth The trick to getting the valuation higher the plot value will be.
is tricky. The problem is made right is figuring out the variables However, don’t get carried away
worse by the limited availability of — what should and shouldn’t with the assumption that you
MARK
developable land, which drives up be factored in to work out an STEVENSON
can build whatever you like. The
the price of oven-ready plots and accurate valuation. Unfortunately, Has worked ceiling value for similar properties
sometimes leads estate agents to the calculation will depend on in construction in the area is a crucial factor that
claim that a plot’s only worth what estimates about what the plot will for 30 years must be taken into account when
someone’s prepared to pay for it. support and what the development and is Potton’s determining what development
managing
From a seller’s point of view that’s costs will be, figures that will also director
costs can be afforded if you hope
fine, but if you’re a buyer trying to be influenced by what you hope to retain at least some level of
figure out what to offer it’s hardly to build. That’s why we dedicated equity while offering a reasonable
helpful. So how can you figure out a whole article last month to sum for a plot.
a reasonable price? Read on and the nitty-gritty of completing Planning approval is also a
I’ll reveal all… a thorough plot appraisal to pivotal concern. As I outlined
The process of valuing land is uncover any problems that must be in my discussion of step 1 of the
THE PLOT
much easier than you’d think — accounted for within its valuation. appraisal process, the local
APPRAISAL
it’s a case of working out what It’s also worth noting that, in a PROCESS planning department will enforce
kind of house a plot will support, competitive market, you’ll need Step 1: planning policies to limit the
and what the value of that house to offer the best price to secure the appraising impact of your proposal, which
will be, then deducting the total plot. To justify this bid, you’ll need a plot’s might restrict what can be built,
planning
cost of development as well as to maximise the plot’s value by thereby the plot’s value.
potential
a reasonable sum for profit. This juggling the variables, including… Step 2: Once there’s a clear
method of calculating a plot’s value assessing understanding of what the plot
is called a ‘residual plot valuation’. The end value of construction can support, working out the
There are three main reasons why the finished home risks and their value of the finished home is
implications
people struggle with this: Plot valuations always start with fairly straightforward. The ideal
Step 3:
● The highly competitive market an analysis of what the plot will calculating route is to ask a qualified valuer
drives a fear of being outbid. support and an estimate of what plot value (RICS surveyor). Valuing houses
E X P E R T A D V I C E P L O T S
CASE STUDY
When the family behind this
characterful home decided to
self-build for the second time,
purchasing a plot through oak
frame package company Border
Oak proved a good solution.
“Buying it from Border Oak
saved on the stress of planning
as a design for a barn-style
house on the plot had already
been approved when we
bought it,” explains self-builder
Wendy. “The design ticked
all the boxes — we did move
the position of a few doors
and walls internally, but
externally everything has
stayed the same.”
‘off plan’ where the specification As well as design and planning

and quality of the build can’t be costs, planning consent usually HOW TO MAXIMISE THE
appreciated, isn’t an exact science comes with conditions and VALUE OF YOUR NEW PLOT
so valuers will be liable to err on obligations that will impact on
IMPROVE AND SHOW OFF THE END VALUE
the side of caution. It’s therefore a the value of the plot. Planning
● Always keep an eye on future saleability
good idea to check the valuation conditions are small print that may ● Make the most you can of the planning
by talking to estate agents too or increase development costs, while opportunity without endangering your
finding out what similar properties planning obligations are the taxes consent
● Adopt architectural styling that’s
have sold for in the local area. the local authority wants you to
aspirational but universally appreciated
pay for the privilege of building a
● Maximise usable floor space
Development costs new home. One common example ● Include features that evoke an
Understanding what should and of the latter is the community aspirational lifestyle
shouldn’t be included under this infrastructure levy (CIL). This ● Focus on improving energy efficiency
● Show off the plot’s views and vistas with
broad banner, and the costs can cost tens of thousands but
your window placement and orientation
involved, is a challenge for even fortunately self-builders can claim
● Account for the ceiling values of the
the most experienced self-builder. an exemption provided they will locality
This is where professional builders live in the home for at least three
have the edge, as they’ve got the years. From a self-builder’s point of REDUCE DEVELOPMENT COSTS
know-how to control and reduce view, this saving effectively raises AND ELIMINATE RISK
● Complete thorough site investigations
costs, thereby increasing their the value of the plot compared to
and surveys
margins and improving what they what a professional developer ● Use professionals and take their advice
can offer for a plot. would pay, which goes some way ● Make sure mains service connections are
towards explaining why self- available
● Ensure you have a legal right of access
1. DESIGN AND PLANNING builders are often willing to pay
● Prove safe access is possible
Unless the plot comes with more for land than builders.
● Have a plan to deal with plot constraints
planning consent, you’ll need to (issues which restrict development or make
design a house and get planning 2. COST TO BUILD it harder and more expensive)
approval before anything can There are lots of ways to build a ● Address ecology issues – don’t let things
be built. While there’s nothing home, from using a turnkey builder take root
● Identify legal issues and deal with them
stopping you doing this yourself, to employing a project manager or
● Identify site abnormal costs and
most self-builders employ a team taking a self-managed route. Some strategies to reduce them
of professionals to make sure it’s cost more than others and therefore ● Prove and lower the build costs.
done properly, which obviously impact on plot value differently. Remember, different routes to build will
costs more. A word of caution: Build costs are driven by quality have different costs
although high quality architecture and convenience. It might feel very
will improve the value of the nice to put your feet up while your
finished home, you should be builder gets on with the build, but Controlling build costs is where
careful about committing to high if this additional expense doesn’t developers bidding for land
fees without first making sure improve the quality and value have the edge over self-builders.
the additional expense will add of the finished house, your plot An experienced developer who
enough value to justify itself. valuation will take a hit. knows how to build efficiently
E X P E R T AD V I C E P L O T S
can lower construction costs and often look expensive.

therefore improve how much they RESIDUAL PLOT VALUATION Developers want to make money
can offer for land. Fortunately, CALCULATION and therefore consider profit a
developers are hungry for profit non-negotiable part of the deal.
Plot Value = End Value of the finished home
whereas this doesn’t tend to be the They usually look to make at least
- Development costs - Desired equity (profit)
primary driver for the self-builder, 20% of a project’s value, which
so there is somewhat of a natural Remember: as a buyer in a competitive significantly impacts on their plot
balance between the two. market, you’ll need to offer the best price to valuation. On the other hand, self-
secure your plot. If it turns out you’ve made builders aren’t always so interested
the highest bid, you’ll need to justify it by
3. ABNORMAL SITE COSTS in profit; the opportunity to build
maximising the plot’s value. That will mean
Abnormal costs are the juggling the variables covered in this article a unique home is enough reward
unavoidable additional expenses to work out the best mix of decisions. for the challenges involved. This
associated with a plot, beyond means they can often offer more
what is normally incurred when for the plot as they don’t have to
building a typical house. For include an allowance for profit
example, bad ground may mean and investigations that might within the residual plot valuation.
deeper foundations and a higher be needed to complete the plot The unwritten rule of plot
than average cost. Other examples appraisal process. There might valuation is that perspective is
of abnormal costs are cleaning also be other ‘hidden’ expenses everything — different people
up contamination, dealing with such as dealing with covenants or will have different visions and
sloping sites, diverting services paying ransom fees to gain a legal objectives, and will therefore
and making expensive service right of access to the plot. see different amounts of value in
connections. Abnormal costs will a prospective plot. Remember
add expense so mostly devalue Equity though, you should only be
what a plot is worth. As discussed Equity is the profit you expect to prepared to pay what a plot is
last month, it’s vital that the make from developing a plot. How worth. To avoid nasty surprises
construction risks are identified much you aim for is a personal always carry out a thorough plot
and appraised to work out the least choice and therefore varies greatly, appraisal. Finally, be warned: cold
costly solution to minimise their especially from self-builders to calculation will only get you so far.
impact on the plot’s value. developers. From a plot seller’s The person who sings the best tune
point of view, buyer profit is to the seller will often stand the best
4. OTHER COSTS something to be kept to a minimum, chance of buying the plot.
There’s a host of other expenses as it only serves to devalue the land
associated with buying land, when included within the residual NEXT MONTH: Buying at
such as the cost of conveyancing plot valuation. This explains why auction — how to ensure you
as well as searches, surveys oven-ready plots offered for sale don’t regret an impulse bid!
T OP P L OT S SO U TH E A ST
This month’s selection of choice finds from plotfinder.net
WANTAGE, OXFORDSHIRE, HAVERHILL, SUFFOLK, WEST MALLING, KENT, ROXTON, BEDFORD,

£300,000 £190,000 £650,000 £400,000
There’s outline planning There’s permission for This fully-serviced plot Planning permission
already in place for the a bungalow to be built is being sold subject to has been obtained to
construction of a two-storey on this charming Suffolk partnership with a main amalgamate the two
dwelling on this desirable site. Communal entrance contractor, so it would existing dwellings on this
plot, which is located in a works are needed, with suit the sort of self-builder plot in the historic village of
picturesque market town the cost to be shared with a who wants to take a more Roxton, located in the Great
in Oxfordshire neighbouring self-build hands-off approach Ouse Clay Valley
T HE R O OM PLA NNER
A
wetroom offers the
ideal mix of form and
function. They’re sleek,
contemporary and
evocative of boutique
hotel luxury, but also offer practical
benefits like easy cleaning and great
accessibility for children or those with
limited mobility.
With flush floors, seamless
floor-to-wall tiling, and (often) frameless
shower panels, a wetroom can be a good
solution for any size bathroom. Whether
it’s a large family bathroom with room
for a separate shower, or an unusually
shaped en suite crammed into a loft, a
wetroom offers flexible design options
that can optimise the use of space.
Of course wetrooms are, by their very
nature, wet, which means there are a
few things to consider when planning
one to make sure it doesn’t end up being
slippery, leaky or cold.
Getting the tanking right is vital to
stop water seeping into other rooms,
which can be costly and disruptive.
Adequate drainage and ventilation are
also a must. Opposite are some top tips
to plan a wetroom in your home.
Wetrooms
WORDS: MICHELLE GUY
Wetrooms aren’t just for luxury hotels. Family bathroom or en suite shower
room — find out how to plan a wonderful watertight space with our tips
VENTILATION
The key to reducing humidity and keeping
mildew from forming is installing adequate
ventilation. A ceiling extractor fan to take
the moisture away through the roof or loft is
ideal. If this isn’t possible, for example if your
wetroom is downstairs, you may need to install a
wall-mounted extractor.
WATERPROOFING THE SPACE

Tanking – or waterproofing – a wetroom is one
of the most important areas to get right. Before
you begin, make sure that the subfloor and walls
offer flat, even surfaces to work on. There are a
number of ways to procede, but the most usual
is to stick strips of tanking tape along the edges
where the floor and walls meet, with additional
tape joins added in the corners for extra
protection. Membrane mats are then rolled out,
or a liquid tanking solution is applied. Tanking
kits are available but often the job is best left to the
professionals. Once this has been done you can
add your adhesive then tile, grout and seal.
COSTS
“Generally, in the UK, only the active
wet showering area is tanked so your
costs will be dictated by the size of
the wet area you go for,” says David
Osborne, CEO of Roman. “This means
there is huge variation in cost, but a
£2,000 budget for a small 5m2 space
is an optimistic starting point.”
TILES
“When it comes to choosing floor tiles for your
wetroom, choose those with a slip rating of
R12 or above to avoid injury due to slippery
surfaces,”suggests says Amanda Telford from
CTD Tiles. “Mosaic tiles are often used on
wetroom floors as the increased amount of grout
lines add extra slip resistance. Alternatively, tiles
with a slightly structured, textured surface will
provide additional grip, too.”
HEATING
Underfloor heating (UFH) is a great option for
wetrooms; it can help dry out the room quickly.
It can be easier to install from scratch rather
than retrofit (see below). Alternatively, install a
radiator, ideally a dual fuel option with its own
wireless thermostat to heat the room when you
need to. Make sure you pick a model with the
right heat output for the size of the room.
PRACTICAL
Electric
DRAINAGE easier. Central drains are common PANEL
UFH and
To avoid stagnant water lying on but avoid placing one where A wetroom
low-profile UFH
your wetroom floor, you need to you’ll stand under the shower. panel like
are good retrofit
make sure that the floor has an There are other types available this one from
solutions for existing
even gradient towards the drain to to suit the space, such as long MATKI, is
bathrooms. For
channel the water into. If you have channel drains set at the front or subtle but
more, visit www.
timber floors buying a concealed back of the shower, corner drains functional.
homebuilding.
tray with a gradient already for a neat subtle design or sleek
co.uk
built in it could make the job a lot drainage grids.
4 O F THE B ES T
KLOEBER’S HERITAGE RANGE INTERNORM’S TIMBER/ALUMINIUM RANGE

This aluminium window range has a maximum Internorm offer U-values as low as 0.62W/m2K and
U-value of 1.2W/m2K, and can withstand sound reduction of up to 47dB while being suitable
windloads up to 2400pa. With slim sightlines, the for Passivhaus projects. The I-core composite
70.5mm-deep frame is available in any RAL colour. construction provides additional durability.
T R I P L E G L A Z E D
W I N D O W S
Stylish and efficient designs for any home
Green Building Store’s PROGRESSION IDEAL COMBI’S FUTURE+

Passivhaus certified with a contemporary timber Featuring the Idealcore design, which has thermal
frame and narrow sightlines, this window’s U-values properties twice as efficient as timber and traditional
go as low as 0.68 W/m2K, and the dual compression composite materials, larger Future+ windows have
seals offer long-term airtightness. U-values as low as 0.59 W/m2K.

S P ECIA L R EPOR T
SELF-BUILD
IN THE
Mark Brinkley investigates two
groundbreaking pilot schemes in
Glasgow that could offer a glimmer
of hope in making self-build more
accessible in urban areas
CITY
T
he past few years have seen encouraging signs created a simplified planning routine which made the
of self-build taking root in our cities. No one planning permission an easy process. They decided
would disagree that it is, by its very nature, to divide it into six plots, measuring from 400m2 to
a more complicated process than building out in nearly 1,000m2 and to sell these plots for between
the countryside and it frequently involves people £40,000 and £50,000. Making use of the self-build
collaborating to get the best out of sites which are shortlist, Angie made enquiries about who might be
too demanding or too expensive for single family interested and soon developed a list. While one or two
units to take on. We’ve covered developments in early takers dropped out, six sets of self-builders soon
London, Bristol, Cambridge and Leeds in recent years emerged from the pack, each prepared to put their
and this month we turn our attention to Scotland money into the scheme.
and, in particular, Glasgow where there are several The first couple to make a start on site, and now
interesting schemes taking shape. nearing completion, were Ben Whitney and Joanna
Susskind-Whitney. Joanna is local, running a creative
THE BANTASKIN STREET arts business in Glasgow, while Ben is from Botswana
SELF-BUILD SCHEME and was working as a carpenter in Fife, learning
A self-build site on Bantaskin Street is currently all about post and beam carpentry with larch and
under construction with six plots for individual Douglas fir. They got together as a couple in 2016 and
self-builders with a shared communal garden. It is they signed the Glasgow City Council’s self-build
situated in Maryhill, a mixed community a mile or so list shortly afterwards, but were initially told that
north of the fashionable Great Western Road and the they had very little hope of qualifying for Bantaskin
Botanical Gardens, on the banks of the River Kelvin in Street. But they subsequently got an email while on
what is known as the Butney. The city council-owned honeymoon in August 2018 offering them Plot 4 and
site was overgrown and overlooked and in need of they jumped at the chance. They had just purchased
some sort of regeneration. a ‘fixer-upper’ in Glasgow’s Southside which they
Back in 2015, Glasgow City Council decided that renovated in order to release equity to purchase
it should be doing more to support self-build as an the 600m2 plot on Bantaskin Street for £45,000.
alternative method of delivering homes and they They moved into a caravan on site in July 2019 and
hired Angie Doran as a self-build co-ordinator. They started on the groundworks in the November. They
also set up a register, encouraging people interested had already formed a pretty good idea of what they
PHOTOGRAPHER ALISTAIR DEVINE
in self-build to express interest. With the help of wanted to build. Ben commented: “We wanted it to be
some supportive planners, Angie identified the site on simple yet beautiful, everything in timber, everything
Bantaskin Street and put forward a plan to use this as visible and honest, like a barn. A friend [Craig] and
a pilot scheme to get urban self-build off the ground. I have done all the carpentry over the winter and we
It would not be straightforward, as the site required raised the barn in June 2020.”
remediation, and the council agreed to get the sites Ben and Joanna had planned to live on site in a
“shovel-ready” before marketing them. They also caravan and rent their flat out on AirBnB. But the site
FRAME IT
Self-builders
Ben and
Joanna,
and skilled
carpenter and
friend Craig,
stand proudly
atop the
timber frame
shell back
in summer
2020,
midway
through the
build, which is
now nearing
completion.
S P E C I A L R E P O R T
services were delayed and, as the weather turned, RAISING draw up the plans and they have come up with a two-
they found themselves camping in a cold, damp THE GAME bedroom, 100m2 house clad in black corrugated steel,
caravan. Then one night while they were away, their Having a striking design which ticks the boxes required of the
done all the
caravan was burned out by some local hoodlums. It planning statement (see overleaf ).
carpentry
was a wretched moment, but they carried on building over the Karen’s flat sale left her with enough money to
and now employ a local man to assist with site winter of purchase the plot and make a start, but she needed
security throughout the rest of the build, and have 2019, the a lender to fund the bulk of the build and found that
installed security cameras. timber frame many of the conventional lenders were not helpful
of Ben and
The loss of the flat rental was to prove a big dent when she suggested that she would be using non-
Joanna’s
in their finances. They have meanwhile negotiated a self-build was standard materials in her build. However, as with
£170,000 mortgage with the Ecology Building Society raised on site other self-builders on this site, she found a more
to cover the build. The Covid crisis didn’t interrupt in June 2020. helpful response from the Ecology Building Society
work as all the timber materials were delivered before who duly won her custom.
the lockdown. Joanna is an adept film maker and has The Bantaskin Street site is the first of several self-
put together a website and a video of early progress at build schemes in the pipeline, mostly situated in and
www.bantaskinstreetbarn.com. around the Maryhill area. A second scheme of eight
While Ben and Joanna move onwards towards self-builds is going through the planning process
completion, Covid did cause delays for most on site; and there are further plans for two more sites with a
plots 1, 2 and 3 are due to start groundworks in the total of 25 plots. In addition, there are more tentative
next few weeks. They are tackling these together so plans for a terrace of 12 homes to be built as one but
there should be lots of progress over the summer. finished by the individual self-builders.
Karen Longmuir, who runs a design business
and lifestyle shop, Ae Fond Kiss, in nearby Queen
Margaret Drive, had never believed self-build was
possible in the city and thought of it as a country
pursuit. By chance, she heard from a friend about
the Bantaskin Street project, and paid a visit.
“I never knew this site existed, but when I visited
I was struck by how lovely it all was, so green, lots of
trees, and the birds were singing, all next to the river.
PHOTOGRAPHER ALISTAIR DEVINE
A delightful spot,” she said.

She tentatively made enquiries at one of the early
meetings organised by Angie Doran and she put her
name down as an interested party. She was offered
Plot 3 and then, in anticipation of having to fund the
land purchase, she sold her flat and started looking for
an architect. She decided to use Ann Nisbet Studios to
S P E C I A L R E P O R T
THE CLACHAN
CO-HOUSING SCHEME
Also taking shape is a co-housing group, known as
Clachan, where they hope to build 22 separate units
with some emphasis on collective living.
The group came together in 2015, founded
informally by a group of friends living on their own
who thought it would be a great idea to share a large
house together. Initially, they started looking for
older properties to renovate and their attention
centred onto a disused school. Grace Franklin, one
of the founders, told me: “We realised it would be far
too costly to renovate an old school building the way
we wanted to, so then we started looking at building
something new, in order to create an ecologically
better solution.”
The Clachan co-housing group currently consists
of 10 people spread across seven households and
they have been busy negotiating with Glasgow City
Council over a site, also in Maryhill.
They have three goals in mind. Firstly they want
the project to be financially viable, which means that
everyone coming into it will have to find a reasonably-
sized deposit. Rather than owning their individual
homes outright, they plan to create a housing
cooperative to administer the scheme and to organise STEELING
the overall mortgage. Residents will join the scheme THE SHOW
and everyone will pay their part of the mortgage, Ann Nisbet
Studios drew
thereby gradually gaining equity in the scheme. Partly up plans for
modelled on the successful Lilac scheme in Leeds, this striking
there will be provisions put in place to see that while two-bed
everyone’s money stays safe, no one can sell on their house clad
unit to make a speculative profit. in black
corrugated
Secondly, they want the development to be as steel for first
ecologically sustainable as possible, not only in the time self-
building standards and materials but also in the builder, Karen
way they develop shared features like allotments Longmuir.
and transport.
Finally, they want the co-housing group to be
enjoyably social. Founder member Jamie Macleod
told me: “We definitely don’t want it to be a
commune. Everyone will have their own space. But
equally we would like to involve everyone in the
community aspects of it all and envisage having a
group meal at least once a week. But we don’t want to
live in each other’s pockets.”
There is no Right To Build legislation in Scotland,
and consequently councils aren’t yet obliged to JOIN THE GLASGOW
maintain self-build registers, although changes to SELF-BUILD REGISTER
the Scottish planning bill may alter this state of Self-builders interested in joining the
affairs. However, there is great interest in promoting Glasgow self-build register should email
self-build as a third way of providing new homes. their interest to angela.doran@drs.
Away from Glasgow, other councils are now setting glasgow.gov.uk. There is no charge and
currently you don’t have to live in Glasgow
up registers and schemes are in the pipeline in both but you will have to live in the house
Dumfries and Perth & Kinross. Scotland has long you build — it can’t be sold on for three
boasted many beautiful individual homes, built in years. Angie commented: “We don’t want
some of the world’s most glorious countryside, but speculative developers as we are trying to
now community-led urban style self-build is also build communities.”
taking root.
AD V ERTORIA L
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orniche products were designed and engineered
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The pair identified the need for high-quality aluminium
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The Korniche roof lantern was the first lantern solution
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up, and highly engineered with fine tolerances not seen
in the glazing industry at this level before, the Korniche
Lantern delivered a product so easy and rapid to install
that trades and installers could immediately see the
appeal. The lantern looks great; it’s slimmer, with fine
architectural lines, and has less frame, delivering more
light and elevation. Flat roof extensions become a much
more vibrant and open space with Korniche providing
an architectural feature that looks at home in both
contemporary and traditional settings.
The lantern is easy to specify, easy to build on site
and maintenance free! The design set a precedent in the
industry — where products have previously relied on
silicone as part of their construction and installation, the
design of the Korniche Lantern means there’s no reliance
on silicone, and it can be constructed on site without it.
This is thanks to central, solid aluminium bosses, robust Both the Korniche Lantern and the MFT bifold door are
single-bolt fixings and factory-fitted Q-Lon gaskets and now available to builders and installers. We are hopeful that
injection moulded seals. the Homebuilding & Renovating show events will return so
The net result is a product that can be installed in quickly we can show our products in London and in Harrogate.
and easily, but which also delivers a slim, refined lantern for Korniche has recently been awarded ‘Winner’ in the
the homeowner that is one of the strongest and thermally ‘Best Rooflight Supplier’ category in the Homebuilding &
efficient on the market today. Renovating Awards, which was launched to celebrate the
The lantern is available in any square or rectangular size title’s 30th anniversary in 2020. Jason Orme, Managing
up to 6 x 4m and can be delivered within five working days. Director at Homebuilding & Renovating, stated “This was
The Korniche team are, like many others in the industry, an exceptionally strong category with many great entrants.
returning to fabrication following the COVID-19 outbreak As such, being voted Best Rooflight Supplier is a reflection
in a carefully controlled way that ensures a safe and secure of how well regarded Korniche Aluminium Systems / Made
working environment for staff. for Trade is amongst its customers and the industry.”
EX PER T A D V ICE
THE RENOVATION
FILES
CASE #1:
THE DAMP CHIMNEY

One family were struggling to eradicate
persistent damp in a top floor room until
surveyor Ian Rock solved the mystery…
IAN ROCK
Chartered converted from a multi-storey
surveyor Ian
Rock MRICS is
Victorian townhouse; the property
the author of had been divided into seven
eight popular apartments some 40 years ago.
Haynes House Unlike the other apartments in the
Manuals, and building this had been constructed
is a director
of www.
within a roof extension with a
rightsurvey. steeply pitched front mansard
co.uk under a new main flat roof. The
chimney breast in question housed
a series of parallel flues running up
arlier this year I received an from the old fireplaces in the lower
E email from the distressed

owners of a top floor flat in
North London. Despite their best
floors which had been sealed
off with blockwork as part of the
conversion work.
attempts to eradicate a persistent Soon after moving in, the new
damp patch on a bedroom occupants tried applying some
chimney breast, the problem had DIY damp sealant to conceal the
steadily worsened and was now persistent staining, but the damp
attracting unsightly black mould soon reappeared in an even more
with potential health issues. virulent form. A lot of products
Damp is not uncommon in older promoted as miracle cures work by
properties and can be notoriously masking superficial symptoms of
tricky to eradicate because there a deeper problem, but if correctly
are often multiple causes. To solve diagnosed these same symptoms
the problem you need to take a can often provide important clues
whole-house approach, starting to serious defects that, if ignored,
with a long, hard look at the overall are a ticking timebomb. Damp
building and its surroundings. problems in top-floor rooms can
A little research confirmed often be traced to leaks at roof
that the afflicted flat had been level, particularly in the case of
flat roofs and flashings. However, living in a top floor ‘penthouse’ contain multiple flues separated
in this case various attempts had (apart from the amazing views) by thin internal partitions. Over
already been made to address is that you don’t have to worry time lumps of old parging (render)
the most likely sources of water about the risk of water cascading can fall off and collect on ledges
ingress, apparently to no avail. through your ceilings from flooded in these narrow flues where they
bathrooms or dodgy plumbing soak up water like a sponge. Any
Prime suspects in the flat above. However, old rain getting down open pots can
Chimney stacks in older properties disused flues in flat conversions combine with soot and acidic
were built without damp-proof are sometimes repurposed to run chemicals from old coal fires to eat
courses, so damp can sometimes water pipes, so plumbing leaks away the mortar joints inside old
penetrate down through porous couldn’t be entirely ruled out as a flues. On top of that, there’s a very
brickwork via eroded mortar causal factor. A related problem real danger of smoke and toxic
joints. Repointing will often resolve with sealed up fireplaces is that fumes escaping into living spaces.
this problem, or new larger without a flow of ventilation This brings with it the risk of carbon
flashings can be fitted that extend there’s a risk that humid air from monoxide poisoning, particularly
higher up and deeper into the steamy bathrooms and kitchens where gas fires are used.
masonry. However, in this case it will condense in their cold flues,
transpired that an earlier survey causing damp. This can be made The solution
had flagged up these issues and worse by leaky extractor ducting. Given the potential seriousness
the necessary remedial work had of the situation, the first course of
already been carried out. the Breakthrough action was to instruct lawyers to
Leaking gutters and downpipes The next big clue came about put the freeholders on notice and
are another common culprit in during routine desk research, inform the occupants of the ground
cases of damp penetration, but trawling through Rightmove to floor flat to immediately cease and
could be ruled out in this case
because any resulting problems
would have manifested on the
building’s main walls further down.
To resolve the damp problem the defective chimney pots
The most obvious place to and flaunching would need to be repaired and the flue lined
look when chimney breasts are
suffering from damp problems is
at the very top where the stacks explore records of the other flats desist from using the fireplace. In
are exposed to the weather. in the building. It transpired that order to resolve the damp problem,
Unprotected chimney pots can one of the ground floor flats had the defective pots and flaunching
allow rain to drip down flues — recently been let and the agents needed to be repaired and the flue
something that wasn’t originally had helpfully posted a charming professionally lined by a HETAS or
a problem as there was plenty picture of an exposed open NACS registered contractor.
of heat and warm air rising from fireplace complete with log basket. You’d think that would be it,
roaring fireplaces, but which can My guess was that someone had but this story, like so many that
be an invitation for damp in the recently set about restoring the revolve around problems caused
modern world where flues have period features including the old by damp, had a nasty sting in its
fallen into disuse. The solution fireplace opening. tail. Where old plasterwork has
is normally to cap the pots with Burning fuel produces water been penetrated by polluted water
rain guards, but as far as could vapour that can condense on it can leave behind a residue of
be seen all the pots had been cold surfaces, particularly chemical salts. Long after a damp
capped. Upon closer inspection, where stacks are not lined and problem has been resolved these
however, localised signs of are located on cold outer walls. salts will still remain and absorb
cracking could be made out on Externally, you can often make out humidity from the room. This will
an area of flaunching (the big damp staining to brickwork along create renewed dampness on the
mound of mortar at the base of the the path of the flue. plasterwork. To call the case truly
pots); this had allowed one pot to Freshly cut wood is also solved, therefore, one has to hack
deflect sideways, just enough for notorious for giving off water away all the affected plaster, clean
wind-driven rain to enter. vapour and causing a build up and seal the exposed brickwork
of tar and toxic deposits inside and apply a base coat of render
An inside job? flues. The soot-polluted water can with a skim plaster finish top coat.
Having considered the main bleed through chimney breast Last week I received a bottle of
external suspects, the focus of the plasterwork and leave stains. champagne from the grateful flat
enquiry now turned to the enemy What’s more, old chimney owners – but I won’t be opening it
within. One good thing about breasts in upstairs rooms tend to for a while, just in case!
D ES I GN MA STER CLA S S
How to
design a
new
garden Never have our outdoor spaces been so important. Step in
landscape designer Paul Hervey-Brookes to explain how
to create a garden worthy of your new home or extension
O
GARDEN REVIVAL ne of the biggest challenges implement your own design. Both routes have their
The renovators facing anyone building a new pros and cons, so be clear from the outset what you
behind this once
home or undertaking a large- want to achieve.
dated property
not only gave scale renovation actually If you choose to engage a designer, be prepared
their home lies outside. After wrangling for them to propose layout and design solutions
an exterior with endless internal design you had not thought of, and give those ideas some
makeover, but considerations it’s easy to serious consideration. A clear idea of how you
also overhauled
let fatigue tempt you into want to use your garden will help your designer to
the garden.
Creating a low- forgetting that a home’s garden is crucial to its visual develop a design that works for you — more so than
maintenance impact and can add serious financial value. preconceptions about the exact layout and plant
outdoor space Gardens serve a number of functions: they set choices you want. A designer will listen to your ideas
was key; the re- the visual tone of your home; they are quite literally about the experiences you want to create and the
lined pond and
the first insight visitors have into your world; they kinds of activities you have in mind. They will then
planting now
help create an have practical uses like car parking; they provide us provide a practical design, complete with layout,
oriental-inspired with a place to relax and entertain visitors; and may plant choices and materials, calculated to suit you
garden. even feature vegetable gardens to feed us. To serve from a practical standpoint, cater to your tastes and
these functions well, a garden needs to offer one or work with your new home and its surroundings.
more well-defined areas within its boundaries, while A good designer will charge for an initial site visit,
relating to the house itself. By following a few simple so be prepared to pay up to £250. This price should
design rules, expensive mistakes can be avoided and pay for a service that includes written notes, ideas
a new garden created that meets both practical and of key plants to consider, and not-to-scale drawings
aspirational design needs. of proposed layout ideas. This should give you a
taste of whether the designer is right for you and

WHERE TO START your project. If you’re happy, then the next step is
As a general rule there are two routes you can follow to engage them to create to-scale, detailed plans,
to design a garden: you can employ a designer or which will cost roughly 10% of the garden’s overall
go it alone, managing a contractor or subbies to construction and implementation. There are two
INSTANT ways to go about this: you can either set a budget for A word of caution: if you are submitting a large-
CHARACTER the designer to work to, or you can have them give scale planning application, don’t be tempted to use
This well- you an idea of costs against your wish-list. In both the architect of the building to design the proposed
designed garden
cases be realistic. Expect a garden of 10m x 25m to layout of the garden — that takes a completely
scheme not
only creates cost in the region of £40,000 for a complete redesign different skill set. Also avoid submitting too much
designated and its implementation including plantings, trees detail regarding the landscape in early submissions
zones, but helps and hard landscaping. of this type. Exterior details can be limited to simple
to ensure this This design fee might seem expensive, but you are drives, terraces and structures such as garages or
new home (with
employing someone with a wide range of knowledge garden offices.
oak frame by
Oakwrights) and skills, which will save money further into the Once you’ve settled on a design route,
feel instantly project by ensuring the selection of site-suitable it’s important to consider the following key
established in its plants and futureproofing the design. components when designing your new garden.
surroundings. It’s also possible to engage a designer for a specific
task, too; maybe you want them to create the ESTABLISHING BOUNDARIES
planting for a garden you have already designed, or Suitable boundaries for urban environments include
FRAMING THE
GARDEN VIEW perhaps you simply want a masterplan that you can brick, stone and rendered block. Supplementing
This extension fill with your own planting ideas. The options are as these with carefully planted trees can obscure low-
scheme, endless and varied as your ideas for the project. level surrounding buildings and other unattractive
designed by If you prefer to engage a contractor directly to views, while creating natural frames to capture
SOUP Architects,
implement your own design, then you’ll need to interesting architectural details outside of the
features picture
windows which be well prepared with a clear layout drawn to scale garden. This strategic use of a garden’s surroundings
frame views and a good idea of the volume of materials needed. can make them feel like a part of your own space and
of the stunning Remember that a landscaper will implement your lend a sense of size and freedom.
landscaped design, but they won’t generally offer a design. If For gardens outside town centres, native mixed
garden,
asked to give advice, bear in mind they may offer the hedging is always a good choice. It reduces both
designed by
Rosalind Millar most direct or easy build option, as they normally wind and noise, offers a habitat for small birds and
Landscape have a lot of projects lined up to be completed in a will provide a good mixture of flowers, fruit and
Design. tight timeframe. autumn colour. It’s also an economical option,
D E S I G N M A S T E R C L A S S
starting from as little at £1 per plant. Again, trees back into the water table or be temporarily stored;
and hedging can be used to capture neighbouring this will likely be a condition of your planning
views, although in this case the local points of permission. In heavy rain situations this can
interest are (hopefully) more likely to be things prevent flooding. You’ll also want to make sure you
like fields, church spires and hills. The principle allow enough space, not just for the car, but also
of extending the garden’s feel beyond its defined for simple-but-easy-to forget considerations like
boundaries remains the same, however.
As a rule of thumb, a 2m-high brick wall will cost
roughly £250/m to build. Fencing with wooden slats TOP TIP If you’re looking to track down a
will cost around £160/m and hedging will set you designer, go to the Royal Horticultural Society
back in the region of £300/m for substantial and
Flower Show to look at the gardens and speak to
mature hedging between 10 and 15 years’ old.
their designers to get a good idea of what they do.
PATHS AND PAVING Word of mouth is still a failsafe too — if your friends
Once you’ve worked out how your garden’s
have engaged a good designer, they will say
boundaries will be demarcated, it’s time to think
about the layout. This will be directly driven by what
you intend to use the garden for, ideally both in the opening its doors to full extension, getting around it
short and long term. Think about the next five years without hindrance and loading and unloading.
IMAGE: MARK BOLTON C/O OAKWRIGHTS
with a view to avoiding costly re-landscaping or Generally paths in a garden fall into two
other expensive changes down the line. categories: primary and secondary routes. Primary
If you’re going to need space to park a car, choose routes, such those to the main entrances and exits
a permeable surface to allow water run off to seep of the house, should normally be wide enough
IMAGE: ANDY MATTHEWS C/O SOUP ARCHITECTS
IMAGE: FRASER MARR
BRILLIANT for two people to walk side-by-side comfortably These elements can be an invaluable cue to help you
BORDERS — a minimum of 1.3m width as a rule of thumb. decide what colours and materials to use for new
Andrew (a Secondary paths are normally the comfortable additions to your home and garden to allow them to
landscape
width of one person — around 0.6–0.8m. sit harmoniously with its existing fabric.
architect) and
Chris Tindsley’s Paving for terraces and paths varies tremendously This same rule can be applied to retaining walls
contemporary in price, so it pays to shop around. Depending on or raised beds that allow level changes across the
new build is your build specifications, think about selecting a garden. Wood is an economic option that is often
complemented mixture of natural stone, cast stone and concrete. used to retain soil at level changes. Hardwood will
by a considered
Expect to pay about £120/m2, including installation last longer than pressure-treated softwoods, but
landscaping
scheme. for a good, medium-range natural stone. Bricks can you should still be prepared to replace it within
The work look fantastic but are an expensive option. If you’re 15 years. More expensive materials for building
involved hard watching your budget, one good option is to use hard landscaping features include stone and brick,
landscaping more expensive materials near your house, while the latter of which can be dressed or natural. The
(including
using gravel and budget pavers around service areas benefit of these is not only their lifelong durability,
drystone
walling), a pond, and other out-of-the-way places to keep costs down. but also the sense of unity they create between the
borders and a With these practical layout decisions, a good house and the garden.
pond, together design tip is to think about the shortest routes
with the planting between important areas, entrances and exits. This PICKING THE RIGHT PLANTS
of mature trees.
will avoid unused paths on the one hand, and ‘desire Existing gardens usually come with at least a few
“The trees were
usually delivered lines’ (the tracks left by people taking shortcuts) mature plants. If you have engaged a designer they
to our gate and across lawns on the other. will be able to tell you which of these are in good
for one particular Another useful trick when creating new paths, health and work to incorporate them into the new
huge birch we walls or other hard landscape elements is to select design. If you are designing your own garden, resist
had to ask a
the materials for them based on the building the the temptation to remove everything right away.
farmer to help us
using his forklift garden serves. If you are building a new house then Give the plants at least one growing season to see if
tractor,” says the same batch of material can be earmarked for two they have good blossom, berries in the autumn or
Chris. functions at the design stage — this makes life much other desirable features.
easier. With renovation projects, it can be harder to Large plants in particular can be a boon as
select which materials to use as a jumping-off point. they create a sense of maturity and are pricey to
Window cills and lintels could provide inspiration, bring in. For example, a 2m-high Hazel (Corylus
eaves might have interesting contrasting band work, maxima) will cost you £600 from a nursery. If you
maybe part of the house could have a timber frame. have inherited large trees, then it will pay to have
a tree surgeon inspect their health and identify The best route is once again to engage a designer.
any potential work needed. They will suggest the They will be able to suggest planting combinations
LOW
MAINTENANCE removal of any trees that are going to be a problem that are suitable for your site and, if you feel
After years of and provide an indication of the cost of removal. so inclined, draw up detailed planting plans.
tending a large Before cutting any large trees be sure to check there Most garden designers will make a visit to give
garden, Tony are no relevant tree protection orders (TPOs), as suggestions. Be clear that this is all you require, or
and Penny
you will be fined for carrying out any work to trees that you are unsure whether you will want further
Hodgson decided
upon a low- with TPOs without the approval of a tree officer work from them. Expect to be asked whether you
maintenance from your local council. want plants that are easier to care for, plants for
outdoor space Plants are the key to success with any garden, new pollinators or plants selected according to some
when building or inherited. If you are unsure about what plants other criterion, and be prepared with your answers.
their new home.
will do well, the first thing to do is order a soil pH Ask about including a few winter flowering shrubs,
“Dead heading
the roses is as kit. This will tell you how acid or alkaline your soil as these can make an amazing difference on long
much as I have to is, with the ideal being very slightly acidic — a pH winter days. The garden designer’s visit will be
do,” says Tony. between 6.5 and 7 (neutral). The result of this test good value for money in the long run, as you will
However, will unlock a host of informed plant selections at be tapping into years of professional knowledge to
there’s plenty of
good garden centres and independent nurseries. arrive at plant choices based on your needs ahead of
interest with a
10m2 pond and If you have a gardening friend or relative they any personal preference.
steps leading will be more than happy to offer good advice and Lastly, as with any project involving living
to the upper knowledge of plants that will work well for you. This materials, be patient. You won’t see the most
garden, laid to method is a low-cost route to selecting appropriate rewarding results instantly. Herbaceous perennials
artificial turf, and
plants but will often come with the unintended can take up to three years to really mature, while
a greenhouse for
growing salad influence of your adviser’s tastes, so edit accordingly even fast-growing shrubs take up to five years.
vegetables. to bring your own personality to the fore. Factor these timescales into your expectations.
IMAGE: SIMON MAXWELL
AD V ERTORIA L
Protecting your
self-build project
Ensuring you have the correct insurance in place can give you peace of mind
W 4
hether you’re building a new home, renovating, Arrange for your warranty audits before you commence
extending or converting, things can go work. The additional audit checks carried out by
wrong, so make sure that you get the relevant the warranty surveyors are over and above (compliance)
insurances and protections in place as soon as you have inspections by the building control body — which adds
purchased the land. Here are simple things that can be done another layer of protection for you and your project.
to reduce the risks.
1 When purchasing a Self-Build Zone Site Insurance policy,

check your sums insured (the cost of rebuilding from
5 Make sure that any warranty you buy is backed by an
A-Rated insurer. In the last few years, at least three
unrated warranty insurers have withdrawn from the market,
scratch) carefully, bearing in mind the type and size of project. leaving many customers having to purchase another policy.
2 Written contracts are a must right from the start. If you

don’t have them in place, you will have little protection
from your Legal Expenses policy which is included with your
6 Give prompt notice of any claim — taking notes, keeping
all receipts and taking photos frequently, as you go, can
all help your case in the event of a claim.
site insurance. Irrespective of this, verbal contracts don’t
prove that a contract was in place. Changes and variations to
the contract, often forgotten, also need to be evidenced. You
can find information and templates on our ContractStore
7 Make sure you fully understand your obligations under
the CDM Regulations 2015. These regulations apply to
self-builders too, so don’t get caught out!
package on our website and these are available as a package
or individually.
8 Put aside an adequate contingency fund, as most
projects go over time and over budget. Even better, use a
3 If you want to sell the house in within 10 years, your

buyer will probably require a warranty (which you can
transfer to them), so organise a 10-year Structural Warranty
qualified project manager.
For more information on Site Insurance and protecting your

for peace of mind. Retrospective warranties on completed project go to www.selfbuildzone.com, call 0345 2309874 or
houses are expensive and not accepted by all lenders. email sales@selfbuildzone.com.
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ASK THE
EXPERTS
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
ADAM CHARD EMMA LUND TARA GBOLADE

is a homes is a personal is an architect
interior writer finance journalist and co-founder
at Victoria Plum of Gbolade
Design Studio
JACK
WOODFIELD
is news editor
for www.
homebuilding.
co.uk/news
DOUGLAS KENT
is technical and
research director
at SPAB
STEVEN
JENKINS
is a painter
and decorator,
with all-round
building skills
Q
KITCHENS: CHOOSING A
TIMELESS CABINET COLOUR
I’d like to choose coloured cabinets for my kitchen,

but I’m worried if I do they won’t age well — what’s
the best colour to go for?
A
Monochrome is a relatively timeless palette,
with many white kitchens fitted years ago
still looking fresh and current today. White
is a good base colour that you can liven up with
design touches and colours through decoration and
furniture, for example. And the décor you can update
IMAGE: SECOND NATURE KITCHENS
to suit evolving trends and tastes, too. That said,

heritage colours, while they can be appear more of an
adventurous choice (think inky blues and deep greens),
IAN ROCK BRUCE GRAEME SMITH
is a chartered BENDALL is head of design
are staples of interior décor throughout history. Team
surveyor and has 30 years’ at Second Nature these cabinet colours with timeless materials such as
author of Haynes experience as Kitchens marble, chrome or brass and you can create something
Manuals a builder that feels special without being faddy.
Graeme Smith
VANITY
STYLES
Vanity units
come in a
range of
styles, such as
these wall-
hung basin
designs and
floorstanding
unit from
www.
victoriaplum.
com.
Q BATHROOMS:
SWITCHING A
PEDESTAL FOR A
VANITY UNIT
I’m renovating my bathroom

and I’d like to replace my
pedestal basin for a vanity unit.
What work is involved? Will
I have to change the pipework
For the basin unit, make a note
of where your hot and cold water
pipes come from. In most cases
they are likely to come up from the
floor or behind, from the wall.
If your vanity unit is a
floorstanding unit, then you should
be able to offer it straight up to
the wall with no major changes to
the pipework. Most vanity units
will have to be chased into the wall
higher up, from behind the unit.
We would recommend using a
professional plumber for this.
You also need to consider
whether your wall can support
the weight of a basin. Many vanity
units simply sit on brackets which
are screwed directly into the
wall with the relevant fixings –
and chase it into the wall? come with a service void to the however this generally applies
And will I need to reinforce rear to avoid pipework. In this to solid brick, stone and brick and
the wall to attach the vanity to case the pipes can be connected block walls.
it securely? with normal tap flexi hoses and If you have stud walls then it is
standard waste parts. With a best practice to cut out a section
A
Where there is space for floorstanding unit the unit takes of plasterboard and add in timber
a pedestal basin, there the weight of the basin but may bracing between your joists before
should, in all reasonable also need securing to the wall with replacing the plasterboard and
expectation, be space for a vanity standard screws and plugs. securing the unit directly to the
unit. Firstly, measure the maximum If the unit is wall hung then you brace securely.
space you have available – height, have more to consider. If your If you’re unsure about doing any
depth and width – and don’t forget pipes come from the floor below of this yourself, it is always best
to allow space for door or drawer for example, you may not wish to to ask a tradesperson for advice
openings if you choose a unit with see the pipes sticking out below the about what to consider.
storage space beneath. unit, in which case the pipework Adam Chard
WORDS OF WISDOM Projects can be long and complex, and the best
outcomes are usually a reflection of the relationship between architect and
client. So, I’d encourage you to be clear with your architect in your very first
meeting about your budget and their fees. This signals to your architect that
you are serious about getting the project work done. Architect Tara Gbolade
DIY advice Solvent and water-based smooth finish but they take
PAINTING A RADIATOR: paints such as Dulux Trade more time, effort and skill to
CHOOSE THE RIGHT PAINT Satinwood or Dulux Quick prepare and apply. Emulsion is
A specialist radiator paint like Drying Satinwood will do a an option, but you will need to
Hammerite Radiator Enamel good job but won’t last as long. apply a primer and finish with a
Paint is the obvious choice, But they do offer colours that clear radiator protector similar
but colourways are limited. will match or complement your to varnish. Only use emulsion
Alternatively, Trade Paints wall colour. Spray cans such as if you can’t get the colour you
Radiator Paint has a larger Hammerite Radiator Enamel want in the other paint options.
range of colours. are a great choice for a really STEVE JENKINS
A S K T H E EX P E R T S Q & A
The homeowners of this 1960s

bungalow swapped windows for
doors to encourage natural light into
the radically remodelled floorplan
I N S TA L L I N G PAT I O D O O R S
Q
I’d like to switch a rear window living space and are designed to reduce responsibility for notifying and liaising
IMAGE: DAVID BARBOUR

for patio doors leading out onto heat loss and inhibit cold from bridging with building control.
my garden but I’m not sure what across into the room where it can attract Total costs depend on a number of
structural work will need carrying moisture and mould. One other thing to factors including the type and quality of
out or what Building Regs I should bear in mind when cutting cavity walls patio doors selected. The complexity of
be aware of. I’d like to get an idea of is the potential risk of insulation spilling the alteration work required can vary
the work involved so I know what to out, especially where polystyrene beads enormously, which can make accurately
discuss with a builder or structural were used to insulate the wall. pricing projects of this type difficult. For
engineer. My home is not listed or in a Building Regulations require new example, where you’ve got electrical
conservation area. Can you help? windows and doors to meet minimum sockets, radiators or pipework beneath
heat loss standards and this is something the window these will all need to be
A
Planning permission isn’t to bear in mind when choosing your moved, significantly adding to the total
usually required for replacing patio doors. What’s more, while frames cost. You will also need to budget for
windows and doors but Building and thresholds are usually supplied localised plastering, re-fixing skirting
Regulations approval will be needed. together with the doors in kit form for boards and re-decoration. Externally, the
Fortunately, FENSA-registered installers ease of installation, it’s important to get pointing or rendering around the new
normally ‘self-certify’ their work for the detailing right at floor edges and opening will need to be made good.
Building Regulations purposes as long thresholds to prevent ingress of damp. In terms of timescales, it should be
as it’s limited to like-for-like replacement. Installation work can be carried out possible to complete the main installation
Where existing openings need to be by a suitably experienced building work within two to three days and the full
widened this is outside the scope of contractor or by registered installers who job within about a week, depending on
FENSA registration and consent will be can provide drawings and engineer’s how many trades need to visit the site.
required from Local Authority Building calculations. The installers should take Ian Rock
Control who generally want to see
a structural engineer’s calculations
confirming the correct type of lintel. The Key parts of the Building
Regulations which apply Document K Glazing safety — the quality
calculations will take into account the of glazing in the new patio doors should
type of wall construction and the loadings Document A This deals with structural satisfy glazing safety requirements.
that need to be supported from the wall alterations, including doors and windows Document L All replacement doors should
above as well as from any adjoining that are loadbearing. have a U value not exceeding 1.8W/m2K.
floors and roofs, for example. Document B Fire escape – the Building Regulations ask for a Window
replacement window opening should be Energy Rating Band ‘C’ or better.
To accommodate your new patio doors Document M The requirement of Part M
sized to provide at least the same potential
the area of walling beneath the existing for escape as the window it replaces. is that you should not make the building less
window will need to be cut away to Document C The joint between walls and accessible than it was before the installation.
enlarge the opening down to floor level. door and window frames, covering the DPC The height of the sill for a door should not
The edges or ‘reveals’ of this enlarged (damp proof course), adequate sill, sealant be made worse. In practice there is often
at joints, door thresholds. a compromise between compliance (not
opening must be made good and cavity making access worse) and performance
Document F Ventilation – the new
walls sealed with special ‘cavity closers’; installation should not have a worse level (weatherproofing).
these form an insulated barrier between than before commencement of the work. Document 7 Materials and workmanship
the cold outer wall surface and the indoor
Q
TRADES: FINDING A
GOOD BRICKLAYER
I’m looking to hire a bricklayer

for my self-build; I’m aiming
to project manage individual
subbies. How do I find a good
one? And how do I spot bad
brickwork?
[perpendicular joints]? Is there a
‘pig’ in it? [See jargon buster].
The usual way to build brick or
blockwork is to build the corners
first and then string a line between
them to ‘run in’ the rest. This
relies on the corners being built
accurately. Some do this with
a level and a ‘storey stick’ — a
length of batten marked at 75mm
successfully. Also if there are cut
bricks in the course a good brickie
will keep them all the same size
and vertically aligned. If possible,
ie if the building is still in progress,
have a look into the cavities either
from above or through a door or
window reveal. If these are clean
then the brickies know what they
are doing.
?
JARGON
BUSTER
How to spot
a ‘pig’ in
A
Brickwork is a trade that increments to make sure each Lastly is the brickwork clean? brickwork
looks like something corner ends up at the same height Good brickies are so accurate with It doesn’t
anybody can do, but but more usually now they will set the amount of mortar they use for happen often
as anyone who has tried can up a laser level so they can make each brick that they drop very little but a ‘pig’ is
occasionally
testify, it’s not as easy as it looks. constant checks on the height of when cleaning off the snots. The what happens
Doing it at a speed that can earn each course. Some prefer to use trouble can occur when the weather when the line
you a living and still with enough metal profiles set up on each corner is less than ideal and bricks get wet used to build
precision to make it look good is so that they can set the lines without or sand gets wet or brickies get wet, to is stretched
very skilled work indeed and there building the corner first. and normal practice goes out the between
the wrong
are many who are not as good at it Bricks are generally meant to window either to get the job done course in the
as they may claim! span the joint below them, ideally or hastily cover everything up! beginning
If you are looking for a brickie an equal amount, but it’s very Trying to keep everything clean in and the
for your project try and find one easy for them to creep one way or those conditions is very difficult but brickie/s don’t
who is recommended by someone the other. Sometimes, especially someone who takes pride in their realise until
they’ve gone
you know and then go and look when there are cuts involved, they work will always go the extra yard
up several
at some of their previous work. may creep far enough to create a to make sure it looks its best. Simple courses and
When you get there, stand back straight joint, ie a perp directly on precautions like turning the first then discover
and look at the wall as a whole. top of or very close to another. scaffold board back and covering that they are
Really look: does anything jump Now we’re really getting to the fresh work when the site is left one brick out
of level. At
out straightaway? It’s amazing nitty gritty. Are the perps in line overnight are the mark of a good
this point they
how accurate the human eye is at vertically? This is quite difficult to tradesperson. either have to
detecting level and plumb and if it achieve but a really good brickie I suppose it comes down to the knock down
looks wrong it generally is. will endeavour to keep them all famous building triangle trumpeted all the work so
If it passed this test you can start lined up as he goes. A caveat to this by this magazine. Speed, cost and far and redo it
or build a ‘pig’
looking a bit closer: are the bed is it’s only really possible if using quality. You can have any two but
in by cutting
joints evenly spaced? Are there first quality bricks. Seconds are you can’t have all three! bricks to bring
any straight joints in the perps too varied in size to achieve this Bruce Bendall back to level.
“Good brickies are so accurate with the amount of mortar they use
for each brick that they drop very little when cleaning off the snots”
TOOL REVIEW
DeWalt’s DWE490-GB
Corded Angle Grinder
DeWalt’s durable and powerful angle grinder
easily cuts through bricks, paving slabs and
steel. A quick-release guard means you can
easily switch between positions, and there’s
also a brush window which lets you quickly
replace your brushes. It features ventilated
gear casing which improves air flow, and
epoxy-coated windings to protect against
abrasion and dust. £99.99 at Screwfix.
Jack Woodfield
Q WOODWORM
Our renovation has areas of

woodworm but we think they’re
inactive — how can we be sure?
A
Most beetle attacks in old
timbers are extinct. Active
outbreaks display holes
with sharp instead of round edges,
frass. Death watch beetles favour
oak and leave 2-3mm holes
and bun-shaped pellets; smaller
populations sometimes exit from
cracks rather than holes. The
distinctive tapping sound during
springtime mating season may
announce their presence. Where
signs aren’t clear, monitor by using
water-soluble glue to cover a cluster
and the insides and bore dust of holes with acid-free tissue paper,
(‘frass’) resemble newly cut timber. through which beetles will bite their
IMAGE: POLLY ELTES
Furniture beetles inhabit both soft way if present. Alternatively, holes

and hardwood, creating1-2mm can be plugged with wax polish.
diameter holes and lemon-shaped Douglas Kent
Q FINANCE: SELF-BUILD
MORTGAGES
I’m self-employed — what’s the

likelihood of me getting a self-
build mortgage?
A
Proof of a reliable income
is crucial when applying
for a self-build mortgage.
your income, it will want to see
your accounts, plus SA302 forms
or a tax year overview from
HMRC. If you’re a contractor, it
might ask for proof of upcoming
contracts. The lender will also
want to see your bank statements
to see what your outgoings are.
They will want to know where
you intend to live while building
It’s important to shop around when
applying for a self-build mortgage
— a mortgage broker will be able to
suggest a specialist provider.
Finally, while you can usually
apply for your self-build mortgage
based on outline planning
permission, most lenders will
want to see detailed planning
permission before releasing any
If you’re self-employed, proving your home too, as monthly rent or money. The lender will also want
your income can be a bit trickier mortgage payments will impact to see a detailed budget. Your
IMAGES: FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: OSKAR PROCTOR FOR PRACTICE ARCHITECTURE; JEREMY PHILLIPS; FRENCH + TYE / DMI AWARDS
than if you were employed and your affordability. costs projections should include
could provide payslips. If you’re As well as sufficient income, land purchase and associated
self-employed, the mortgage it’s important to have a good fees, project management, health
lender will want to be sure you credit score, and little or no debt. and safety compliance, gaining
can repay the money borrowed, Self-build mortgages generally planning consent, demolition or
so it will carry out an affordability require a deposit of at least 25%, site preparation, and construction
assessment and look at your often more, of the total project cost, design fees.
income and outgoings. To examine so you’ll need some savings too. Emma Lunn
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
8 ways to use less plastic 11 ideas to make your garden Bold extension ideas
in your build eco-friendly If you’re looking to add huge amounts of
If you’re looking for ways to increase the eco- From improving biodiversity to making character to your home with an extension,
credentials of your build then here’s how to sustainable choices, find out the steps you then check out these wonderfully out-there
reduce the amount of plastic you use during can take to create a biodiverse garden. designs for inspiration!
your project. Search ‘plastic build’. Search ‘eco friendly garden’. Search ‘Out there extensions’.
AD V ERTORIA L
First impressions count

Cast stone specialists Haddonstone through the process step by step. They will provide you
with easy-to-understand drawings to ensure you are 100%
explain how to create instant kerbside
happy with the design before they handcraft your new,
appeal with beautiful façade stonework made-to-order portico. Haddonstone can also recommend
approved independent installers in your area.
F
irst impressions count and if there’s one thing that To get started, all you need to do is:
will add immediate impact to your property this year, ● Choose your preferred entablature style (the team at
it’s installing a visually striking stone portico. Not Haddonstone can walk you through the options available)
only will this offer your visitors welcome shelter from the ● Measure the height and width of your door
elements, but it will also add sophistication and elegance ● Decide on the desired projection from your home’s façade
to your home. Offering a hint of history and heritage, a ● Consider whether you need a contractor or not.
Haddonstone cast stone portico is certain to create a stir
that won’t soon be forgotten. WHY HADDONSTONE?
Adding a portico to your property will increase its Haddonstone’s friendly and highly experienced team
desirability and can help to increase its value. With has helped thousands of clients to create their dream
various style options available for new-build projects, home. The company has grown significantly over the
extensions and renovations alike, as well as straightforward past 50 years and offers a highly personalised service.
installation, choosing a portico could be the best decision Its cast stonework designs are selected for residential
you make in 2021. and commercial projects in the UK and worldwide. The
company is renowned for its technical capabilities and
STRAIGHTFORWARD DESIGN customer service. Their perfectly made-to-order products
AND INSTALLATION are finished by hand and rigorously checked during
While a portico might look elaborate, choosing and installing production, ensuring they not only meet, but also exceed
one doesn’t need to be complicated. Constructed of multiple industry standards.
individual components, porticos are incredibly versatile Haddonstone uses a high percentage of natural
and offer lots of choice. Haddonstone has a collection of limestone constituents, meaning its architectural and
five standard portico designs that are popular choices with garden stonework not only looks beautiful, but is of the
homeowners. Haddonstone also offers a bespoke design and very best quality. Portico designs start from around £3000
colour-match service, enabling you to custom-design a portico on application.
to suit your property’s unique proportions and style.
GET IN TOUCH
HOW TO GET STARTED Arrange a free project consultation today:
Designing a portico is surprisingly straightforward and 01604770711; info@haddonstone.co.uk;
Haddonstone’s friendly, highly skilled team will walk you www.haddonstone.com.
AR C HI T EC T U RA L MOOD BOA R D
Creating a room
outdoors
Reliable weather is not something the UK is known for, but we still want
to spend time enjoying our gardens. Our round up of the best ideas for
covered outdoor spaces should be all you need by way of inspiration
S
pending time outdoors has so many garden year-round and a feature almost CONTEMPORARY
benefits when it comes to health guaranteed to raise the value of your AND FREESTANDING
and happiness, from boosting your home, too. Covered outdoor spaces come Covered outdoor spaces come in all
mood and reducing feelings of stress, to in all kinds of guises, from verandas and forms and don’t have to be attached to
contributing to better physical health and loggias to ingenious balconies and even the main house. This striking, modern
even improving confidence levels. Sadly, freestanding structures. They mean that design is a Renson Camargue Patio
unless you don’t mind sitting outside in our living spaces can extend well beyond Cover from Garden House Design and
the rain, for much of the year our gardens the four walls of our houses and open up is a completely freestanding structure.
become little more than a view from our all kinds of possibilities in the way that we Although it is seen here forming an
windows or places to be ‘nipped’ into as can live in and share our homes. outdoor living space, a patio cover like
and when the clouds part. Step forward Here, we showcase some of our this could be used to create an outdoor
the covered outdoor space — the ideal favourite ideas, with designs to suit all kitchen or games room, and would make
way to ensure you can spend time in the kinds of houses and budgets. a great shelter for a hot tub too.
M O O D B O A R D
IMAGE: ALISTAIR NICHOLLS
TWO-IN-ONE
STRUCTURE
Creating a
balcony often
automatically
gives you a
covered space to
enjoy beneath.
This stunning New
England-style
home features
two metre-deep
Victorian-style
balconies with
simple timber post
supports. This
provides an ideal
sheltered space at
ground floor level
from which to sit
and enjoy views
over the pool and
coastline beyond.
The design was
modelled on a
nearby traditional
cricket pavilion.
THE FLOATING IDEAL FOR SMALL SPACES

OVERHANG There’s no need for acres of land in order to create a stylish
If you are taking covered outdoor space. This cosy little nook sits within a dark
on a larger-scale stained timber clad structure and is completely protected
renovation project from the elements, thanks to the walls either side of the deep
or a self-build, factor seating area. The whole set up is complemented nicely by
a covered outdoor low-maintenance artificial grass from Carpetright.
space into the Note the recessed lighting above the seating — the ideal
design from the off way to ensure the space can be enjoyed beyond nightfall.
to ensure it is really
eye-catching and
benefits both your
indoor spaces as well
as your landscaping
scheme. For his own
home, in order to
gain more upstairs
space, architect
Tom Allen designed
a cantilevered first
floor space that
extended out to one
side of the building.
This was supported
on Y-shaped steel
columns and has
resulted in a fun
covered outdoor
space complete with
a swing.
M O O D B O A R D
OAK FRAME
PERGOLA
While not technically
a ‘covered’ outdoor
space, a timber
pergola can provide
a nice way to provide
shelter — plus they
offer all kinds of
opportunities to get
creative with climbing
plants, fairy lights and
sails. This pergola is
constructed from oak
and ties in brilliantly
with the oak framed
interiors of this Border
Oak home — the
bifold doors with their

level threshold are
key to the success of
this indoor/outdoor
scheme.
THE INTEGRAL BALCONY

There is nothing to say that your covered outdoor space has to be at ground
level — in fact elevated external seating spots have many advantages when
it comes to the views they can access. Here, a balcony space has been built
into the main body of the house (designed by Peregrine Mears Architects), as
opposed to projecting outwards from it, as is more often the case. This ensures
that the area feels protected and sheltered — as do the interior spaces that
access it when the doors are open.
SUPERSIZED CANOPY
If you are considering incorporating a
porch, canopy or some other form of
covered entrance, take the time to really
think about its size. A space such as this
can offer so much more than a spot to
keep dry while you fumble to find the
IMAGE: LAWRENCE LIDDY
door keys. Here, the oak framed porch

by Border Oak has been built off the main
house and extends out to provide a useful
space for some seating and in which to
store wellies.
FULL-WIDTH PORCH
A generous porch or veranda can offer all kinds of handy day-
to-day uses. Not only do full-width porches such as this mean
you or visitors to your home can shelter from the elements while
entering the house, but they can also provide a spot to store
outdoor footwear, firewood and gardening tools. You could
also place a bench or some comfortable outdoor seating here
and create a spot to watch the sun rise or set. This example, by
Border Oak, enhances the depth and character of the house.
LET IN THE LIGHT

You want your outdoor space to feel bright and airy so avoid
making it feel overly enclosed — despite being covered you
still want to feel that you are enjoying being outside. You also
need to ensure that you will not be blocking natural light from
entering your indoor spaces. Here, glazing has been fitted
to the roof of the covered space to ensure that not only is it
a well-lit area, but that daylight is able to penetrate both the
kitchen window and the French doors that open out into it.
THE INDOOR OUTDOOR EXTENSION

When adding a new extension, take time to consider
whether it could be designed to form an outdoor space as
well as adding space internally. This project, by practice van
Ellen+ Sheryn, features a glass box extension containing the
new garden room. Not only can it be opened up completely
to outside, but by continuing its flat roof the width of the
house, a covered seating space has been created.
IMAGE: RICHARD DOWNER
AD V ERTORIA L
Multifunctional uses of
an oak frame annexe
Oak frame supplier Oakwrights has
launched a single-storey, oak frame
annexe offering. Here, they explore the
many ways you can use the space
SUPPLEMENTARY ACCOMMODATION
Would you like to create additional living space at home?
Somewhere that is detached and self-contained but still
harnesses that all-important homely feeling?
An oak frame annexe provides the perfect setting to
invite guests to stay, to run an Airbnb from, or to be used as
a more permanent home for relatives, offering privacy and
independence while being just a short garden stroll away!
A HOME OFFICE
In place of driving to work in the morning, imagine stepping
out of the door and into your annexe office!
Once you have contacted our team, you will be introduced
to your local Oakwrights design consultant, who will have
in-depth experience of designing for the area you are building
in. They will discuss your wish list with you to ensure the
floorplan, fixtures and finishes tick all your boxes and most
importantly, work for you.
A HOBBY ROOM
From a home gym or an artist studio which benefits from
inspiring views out into your garden and beyond, to a family
room for everyone to make the most of at different times of
the day; the possibilities for your oak framed annexe really
are endless!
A VERSATILE SPACE
Here at Oakwrights, we understand how important it is
for your oak frame design to meet your needs now and in
the future. So, if you have multiple uses in mind for your
annexe – if you’re hoping, for example, to create an en suite,
one-bedroom studio-cum-yoga space or perhaps a home
office with a covered alfresco dining area outside – your
design consultant will help you to bring your ideas to life,
while guiding you through the planning process or explaining
how your build can fall under permitted development.
To learn more about our oak frame annexe offering and to

discuss your future design with us, visit our website
www.oakwrights.co.uk/annexes or call 01432 353353.
EX PER T A D V ICE
Beginner’s
IMAGES: GETTY; *HBR SELF & CUSTOM BUILD MARKET REPORT 2017
toguide
self-build T
here are many benefits to building your
own home. It is an opportunity to create
a unique home tailored around your
lifestyle. It can be a route to creating a home that
the size of the average new-build developer
home. And, as an added bonus, self-builders
typically enjoy a handsome profit of 25% on
their investment*.
will adapt as your needs change, for instance Once you’ve decided to build your own home,
accommodating wheelchair use. It also offers there are some key questions you need to begin
scope to build a property that is low maintenance answering: where will you build your new
and energy efficient. home, what do you hope to build, how will you
What’s more, self-builders often achieve a finance your project, who will build it and how
larger home and garden compared to buying a will it be built, for instance. Follow our in-depth
new home on the open market — the average beginner’s guide to find out how to start this
self-build project is 247m2*, more than double incredible journey…
Pre-build
essentials
Here are some of the key things you need to
consider before ‘going on site’ with your build
Building Regulations
O
nce you have purchased your The best builders and subcontractors
plot there are a good number of All new homes need to adhere to the will be booked up months in advance, so
steps you need to take before you Building Regulations, and for this start your search early. The same goes
can begin building your dream home… reason a building control inspector for package companies. You’ll likely wait
will visit at key stages of the build to three months or so.
Designing your new home inspect the work and ensure it complies.
You’ll likely need a designer on board These stages include: excavation for Bringing services to site
to help you formulate plans for your the foundations, pouring concrete for If you need to get services to your site,
dream home. This might be an architect, the foundations, building the oversite, the cost could be as little as £500 or in
an architectural technologist, an building the damp proof-course, excess of £10,000, depending on the site’s
architectural designer or an in-house drainage, a visit prior to completion and location, what services you need, and the
designer at a package company. The a final visit on completion. A completion land connections need to be made across.
design process is likely to take at least a certificate will then be issued following Private land will require a wayleave to
couple of months, possibly considerably the final inspection. grant access, while public highways
longer. Then you’ll need to apply for You’ll need to decide who will may involve road digs, which will need to
planning permission… carry out your inspections: your local be done by approved contractors.
authority building control department If the cost of bringing in mains gas and
Applying for planning or an approved inspector from a private drainage is prohibitive, it may be time to
permission company. Both these options have pros investigate the off-mains alternatives,
The cost of submitting a planning and cons in terms of costs and benefits. such as oil, LPG or a renewable heating
application varies across the UK, but is and hot water system, and a sewerage
currently £462 in England. However, Lining up your treatment plant for drainage.
the real cost of obtaining planning project team It’s important to note that, while
permission arguably comes from design You can establish contact with a electricity is not essential during the
fees to prepare plans and documents, as builder, main contractor or package build, a water supply is often needed
well as any surveys that may be required company during the design and planning early on.
to support your application. processes, but they won’t be able to give
You should usually find out whether you an accurate quote for their work Where will you live?
your local planning authority has until your Building Regulations drawings This is one of the biggest decisions
approved your scheme after eight weeks have been finalised. you’ll need to make prior to your build.
— although more complex schemes can One of the best ways of finding a good Some are in a position to remain in their
sometimes take longer. builder and subcontractors is through existing homes while self-building.
News of approval doesn’t necessarily word of mouth — people you know However, many need to consider an
mean you can start work. The conditions locally who’ve built their own homes alternative. You could stay with family or
attached to your planning consent might will be more than happy to provide friends, but remember that the average
require resolution first. Make sure they recommendations. Much like finding self-build project takes around a year on
are capable of being satisfied, as failure a designer, choosing a builder requires site, and be realistic about timescales if
to do so could hold up your build, and plenty of research. It’s best to meet with you plan to rely on someone’s hospitality.
in the most extreme cases, invalidate them to discuss your project, see if you Renting temporary accommodation is
the consent altogether. You may also get along with them and ask for a quote another option, but an expensive one.
find that you are required to discharge (your designer can help you prepare You could also live on site in a caravan, a
certain conditions during the build, too. tender documents for this purpose). static or an outbuilding built first.
Financing
your build
Funding your project may require
a specialist self-build mortgage…
T
here are two significant costs Some, but not all, self-build lenders
when building your own home: the are willing to lend on plot purchases too. DON’T PAY WHEN
building plot and the build itself. Rates of interest for self-build mortgages YOU DON’T NEED TO
There are also a few additional costs that are typically higher than those that
you’ll need to factor in — see the box on the are currently available for a standard Reclaiming VAT
bottom right of this page. house purchase or remortgage. The One of the major benefits of building
your own home is that you can reclaim
arrangement fees also vary significantly VAT using HMRC’s VAT431NB form.
Funding your build from lender to lender, so be sure to shop This includes materials that are fixed
You’ll need access to money to buy a around. Once the property is habitable, into the house. The interpretation of
building plot, to pay for professional some lenders allow the borrower to this can be complex. For instance, you
services such as architectural designers’ switch to a lower rate of interest, so be can reclaim VAT on timber flooring,
but not carpet. You cannot reclaim VAT
fees and any site surveys required, and sure to look for that feature and factor it for design fees or services. You can
to fund the build itself. How you find this in to your decision. only make one claim, so keep your
money will, of course, depend on your The amount you can borrow will VAT receipts safely in one place.
financial situation. It may come from depend on similar factors to those that
your savings, equity in your existing would govern your limit on a standard CIL exemption
home, a self-build mortgage or, most house mortgage; in most cases these The Community Infrastructure Levy
(CIL) imposes a fee on the creation of
likely, a combination of all three. will include an affordability assessment, new homes, which is determined by
Surprisingly few high street banks income multipliers and LTV (loan to the local authority and is based on
provide formal facilities for self-build value ratio — a measure of lending risk). the size of the house. The good news
finance, so you’ll probably need to Lending policies change regularly, is that, subject to certain criteria,
approach a specialist self-build mortgage but lenders may, for example, offer to self-builders are now exempt from
paying CIL. That said, you’ll need
provider, who will be able to offer you a provide funding for up to 85% of the to be extremely careful to have all
mortgage product tailored towards the value of the building project. In order to the paperwork in place for your
way you pay for a self-build project — progress your application you’ll likely exemption; each step of the process
with money released in several stages, need to provide plans and a breakdown needs to be followed to the letter to
rather than all at once (as it would be of the potential build cost. prevent CIL becoming chargeable.
if you were buying a house). Finance
will be released at key stages as the
build progresses, for example when
the foundations are laid or when the REMEMBER TO FACTOR IN
building is made weathertight. THE FOLLOWING COSTS...
There are two main types of stage In addition to the plot and total build cost, there are other
release mortgage: an arrears stage costs associated with building a home that need to be
accounted for, including those associated with purchasing
payment mortgage, which sees funds the plot (legal fees and stamp duty), a topographical
released as work is completed, and an survey, any surveys you need for planning purposes (such
advance stage payment mortgage, which as ecological surveys), design fees, planning fees and the
pays out before each designated stage cost of creating plans for Building Regulations purposes.
of the build begins. The latter has the You’ll also need to purchase self-build insurance as soon
as you buy your plot, and it’s a good idea to get a warranty
obvious advantage of assisting cash flow too. Another common ‘hidden’ cost is the price of bringing
and is generally better suited to those services like electricity, water and mains gas to site. These
who do not have large pots of savings to extras can add up fast, so stay on top of them.
fund their build as it progresses.
Finding your SIX WAYS TO

FIND A PLOT
self-buildplot
It’s the starting point to any self-build dream.
1 STUDY THE LOCAL AREA
Think like a developer and
search out opportunities others
overlook. Get out and about in
your chosen area or use Google
Maps to look for homes on large
plots that have either a large
side garden, or infill land.
Here’s what to consider when plot hunting
SIGN UP TO PLOTFINDER.
2 NET Register with specialist
plot services like www.
plotfinder.net, which collects
Y
ou may be fortunate enough more closely resembles your dream
information from those selling
to have a plot already at your home. That said, the existing design and land (including estate agents
disposal — a large side garden, planning history of the plot will provide a and individuals who are not
for instance. However, for many self- good clue about what is and isn’t likely to selling elsewhere) and makes it
builders, their journey begins with finding be approved. available via subscription.
a suitable plot.
CONTACT EXPERTS Some
It’s important to keep an open mind
when looking for a plot. Typical plot
What to pay
The price of your plot will reflect the
3 package companies, such
as Potton and Border Oak, hold
types do include greenfield sites as local housing market. Ideally, the real lists of available plots online.
well as fully serviced plots offered by value of a plot should equal the end value
VISIT LOCAL AUCTIONS
developers with self-builders in mind,
but plots may also be brownfield land, or
of house minus the total build cost (visit
www.homebuilding.co.uk/calculator).
4 Many opportunities are sold
via auction, so establish who the
old buildings that can be replaced. You should also try to factor in any key agents are in your area and
In these latter cases, it’s important ‘additional’ costs and put aside 10-30% of get on their lists for catalogues.
to consider potential pitfalls such as your build cost as a contingency to cover If you haven’t been to an
contamination, which can be costly, but any unexpected expenses. auction, go and experience one
first hand to familiarise yourself
provided you’re careful, there are hidden Typically, self-builders pay between with the process.
treasures everywhere. The key is to treat £100,000 and £275,000 for a plot.
every home as just a temporary occupant However, this varies across the country. CHECK YOUR LOCAL
of a building plot — once you get into this 5 AUTHORITY’S WEBSITE
Check recent planning
mindset, opportunities begin to present
applications on your local
themselves all over the place. authority’s website. The details
WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR of the owner are often included
What makes a WHEN ASSESSING PLOTS on the application, and there is
building plot? ● Ensure planning permission has nothing to stop you contacting
not expired and is not about to them directly.
A piece of land is not a building plot until
expire. There is no guarantee that
planning permission is granted. Access is reapplications will succeed. READ OUR IN-DEPTH PLOT
another key requirement (see box).
If you do identify land with the
● Keep an eye out for access. If doesn’t
extend directly up to the adopted
6 FINDING COLUMN To get
the real inside track, self-build
hallmarks of a potential building plot, highway, there should at least be a expert Mark Stevenson’s advice
then as long as it doesn’t fall outside legal right to cross third party land to is indispensable — take a look
access the plot in perpetuity. at his series on page 119.
the settlement boundary or contravene ● Check for covenants that could limit
other planning policies, there is nothing the ways the land might be developed,
to stop you applying for planning and for overages — obligations that
permission, even if you do not own the may involve further payments to the
previous owner down the line. TOP TIP
land. If you opt for this route, ensure you Get insurance
● Ensure services are in place. If they
have a contract in place with the owner are not, then research your options, lined up
so you can purchase the plot for an and establish the likely cost of bringing Self-build projects require
agreed sum if you are successful. them to site. You might also plan to use specialist insurance to protect
More commonly, you will have off-mains options, which are readily against public liability issues, fires,
available for heating, hot water, and storm damage and more.
purchased a plot with outline or full Get cover in place as soon as
drainage.
planning permission already in place. ● Check whether the title deeds are you exchange contracts on
The good news is, you can reapply for ‘absolute’ or ‘possessory’, and your plot.
planning permission for a design that negotiate on the plot price accordingly.
Choosing a
build route
Self-build is a broad church — you needn’t
lay a single brick if you don’t want to!
S
elf-build is a broad church to build the ‘superstructure’, with the
DID YOU
and there are many routes to self-builder managing the groundworks KNOW?
getting an individual home before and interior fit-out after (first and Project managing your own
built. However, generally speaking second fix work, decoration and the like). home is the most popular build
most self-builders choose one of the Choosing the right self-build route route for a self-build. Find out what’s
involved by visiting our website:
following routes: for your project is a decision only you
www.homebuilding.co.uk/
can reach, but there are undoubtedly a advice/could-you-project-
● Project managing the entire number of important factors that will manage-your-building-
build themselves, including hiring influence this choice — your finances, project
and coordinating subcontractors – how much time you can devote to the
such as plumbers and electricians – to project and how capable you are at
complete the build, as well as buying carrying out jobs yourself, for starters.
most of the building materials. Those looking for significant cost tends to result in a faster build once the
savings need to understand that the materials arrive on site.
● Choosing a main contractor more work and time they put in, the There are essentially three things to
or builder to manage and coordinate more they will save. The Homebuilding consider when deciding: price, quality
the build on their behalf. In this case, & Renovating Self & Custom Build and speed. If you are not too concerned
the builder or main contractor will Market Report 2017 found that people with how your house looks ‘under the
often take on the job of buying all or the who build their own homes through DIY bonnet’ or feel unable to make this
majority of the building materials. save 25% on their build costs against decision, then it might be best to hire
those who simply manage their own a professional to do this for you. Your
●Choosing a professional project projects, while self-builders taking chosen architect, structural engineer or
manager to coordinate their build. on the role of project manger saved builder may have preferred methods of
17%, compared to those who used a working and in such cases you would be
●Building their own home by professional main contractor. well advised to work with your appointed
hand — the ultimate DIY route. specialist on the systems they know and
Choosing a like. Alternatively, they may offer advice
● Outsourcing the project to a construction system on the most cost-effective or suitable
package company, many of which There are a number of different build construction system for the home you
coordinate everything from initial design systems to choose from — no longer hope to build.
concepts right through to completion. is the choice simply between timber Conversely, if you have your heart set
Other package companies may offer the frame and masonry. In most instances, on a particular construction method
opportunity to decide on the level of your chosen construction system will – maybe oak frame for its character,
service required. have little impact on how the exterior or another timber frame because
of your home will look, as most cladding you hope to project manage once the
Only 16% of self-build projects are materials can be used with all the main superstructure is built – then it’s a
undertaken on a DIY basis, with the construction systems. good idea to approach a designer or
majority (57%) of self-builders choosing Construction systems can be broadly package company well versed in that
to instead project manage subcontractors divided into on-site methods, such as construction system right from the
to build their house for them*. The masonry and ICF, where the majority of outset. Each construction system has
reality is that most self-builders use the structure is built where it will stand, its own set of parameters and design
a combination of the approaches and off-site methods, where the main challenges, and designing a home with
outlined. One popular route involves structure is constructed elsewhere and said construction system in mind is a
commissioning a package company delivered to site to be erected. The latter cost-effective route.
S EL F - B U ILD ESSENTIA LS
Finding a
building inspectorLooking to appoint an independent
approved building inspector? Here’s how...
LOCAL AUTHORITY VS.

INDEPENDENT INSPECTOR HOW MUCH DO THEY COST?
Self-builders can choose to use either a local authority Fees can vary from one independent
MARK
STEVENSON
inspector, or a government-approved inspector from inspector to another. As a self-builder,
Has worked a private building inspection company. If you opt to choosing a warranty provider that rolls
in construction use an approved inspector service for Building Regs, in the building control inspection and
for 30 years they will have to serve an ‘initial notice’ to the local certification (see below) can work out
and is Potton’s authority before they can carry out any work. Once cheaper — low hundreds rather than the
managing
director
issued, the notice lasts for seven days and then, if the current local authority building control
local authority hasn’t objected to the appointment, fee of £900, incl VAT, for a new dwelling.
building control work can proceed.
HOW DO I FIND AN APPROVED INSPECTOR?

Approved inspectors must register with CICAIR LTD, a subsidiary
of the Construction Industry Council that’s responsible for deciding
all applications for becoming an approved inspector. Their register of
‘approved’ inspectors is therefore complete and is the go to place to find
one (www.cicair.org.uk/approved-inspectors-register). It’s always best to
meet an inspector in person to satisfy yourself that they fit your brief.
WARRANTY PROVIDERS AND

WHEN WILL I NEED THEM? APPROVED INSPECTORS
Approved inspectors carry out inspections As Building Regs inspection and warranty provision
at key stages of a build and they are mostly inspections overlap and involve similar processes,
concerned with compliance with regulations it’s quite common to find warranty providers offering
and that the construction follows the to act as approved inspectors and deal with Building
approved design. If you’re project managing Regs approval as well as structural warranty. Often this
your own build, don’t forget to hold a pre- simplifies things for self-builders and helps to remove
commencement meeting with the approved costs, because it means only having to deal with and
inspector to discuss the build, any areas pay one organisation to provide both services. It’s also
of concern and the process of carrying out worth remembering that if things go wrong, you can’t
inspections at key stages. Typical inspection make a claim against the approved inspector but you
stages include: foundations, oversite/ground can claim against the warranty provider.
preparation, drainage, damp-proof courses,
the superstructure before plasterboarding,
and completion.
AD V ERTORIA L
Selecting the right brick

for your dream home
With 175 years of brick manufacturing, Furness Brick creates products fired in a
traditional style and blended by hand, creating unique blends to suit any home
For more
information
go to www.
furnessbrick.
co.uk, call
01229
462411, or
email info@
furnessbrick.
co.uk.
W
hen it comes to building houses, bricks are a aged appearance. This procedure has become part of our
popular choice as, while they are particularly day-to-day manufacturing process and means that we can
suited to traditional designs, they can also be totally flexible, whether we are creating an old style
be incredibly striking on more contemporary schemes. blend for a new build or matching a 300 year old property.
Selecting the correct style of brick for your property is We also offer a free brick matching service throughout
of paramount importance and is something that is often the UK. We can adjust percentages and ratios to the blend
overlooked. At Furness Brick, our team of advisors can of colours and different shades of weathering, which has
guide you through this process to ensure that the bricks meant that we are considered to be one of the leading
compliment every aspect of your style and design. companies for the home extension and renovation market
for old and period properties.
CONTINUING WITH TRADITION
Our most popular range and one that is used by the BESPOKE AND LOCAL AESTHETIC
majority of self-builders, the Classic Clamp is available in a Although we specialise in manufacturing red bricks from
range of colours in metric, imperial and non-standard sizes, our own quarry, we are also known for being one of the only
allowing you to create a property that stands out. UK manufacturers to have a range of imperial sized pressed
Within our Victorian range we have created a style buff bricks. Over time we have developed this range to
and texture of bricks that are no longer available through satisfy the requirements of regionalised schemes that need
any other UK manufacturer. Adapted to suit the needs a brick that is generic to the local area.
and requirements of an ever-changing market, we are Our buff range of bricks offers a very unique appearance
the only manufacturer of a pressed smooth brick that is that you do not find in other products on the market.
authentic to the original bricks of the era. Our truly unique Traditionally fired buff bricks were often known as gault
manufacturing process recreates the style of bricks used in bricks, which when fired produce soft yellow hues. They are
Victorian architecture and allows the client to build a period notoriously difficult to produce so are found less in today’s
property with all the character of bricks from a bygone age. market, but at Furness Brick we have developed and refined
At Furness Brick we have developed a weathering our fireclay process to produce a range of different blends
process that can be applied to any of our facings to give an that give authentic original appearance.
Homebuilding
& Renovating
G R E E N HOMES
A step towards
sustainability
R
epurposing existing materials is one way of
creating a more sustainable home. This was
a key priority for the homeowner behind this
brick and stone farmhouse renovation. For instance,
the statement staircase, designed by Bisca, mixes
new materials with reclaimed. The treads are made
from Greenheart timber, a dense wood often used for
marine construction. The timber originally formed
part of Teeside harbour; deemed waste, the wood was
given to local farmers, including the homeowner’s
father, by the Teeside Development Corporation,
some 30 years ago. The bottom tread repurposes
stone from a demolished building.
NEW
THIS ISSUE!
THIS MONTH
● Eco paints explained
● Airtightness vs
insulation
● Heat pumps
IMAGE: BISCA (WWW.BISCA.CO.UK)
GR EEN NEWS
Demand heats up IT’S CURTAINS

FOR PLASTIC
Stitched offer
for renewable tech made-to-measure

curtains and blinds in
sustainable fabrics,
including UK-grown
T
here has been a 28% rise in heat pump installations in 2021, as hemp and flax, as
demand for the renewable technology ‘skyrockets’, according well as cottons, wool
to new research by Rated People. The findings are supported by and upcycled silk.
data released from the Heat Pump Association (HPA) – which represents The Revive range is
made from recycled
around 95% of the heat pump manufacturing market share – earlier this
plastic bottles – this
year, which revealed almost double the amount of orders for heat pumps particular set (right)
have been placed with suppliers in 2021 to meet demand. was made from 192
*RATED PEOPLE HOME IMPROVEMENT TRENDS REPORT
Despite growing demand, less than 200,000 heat pumps are thought plastic bottles – and
to have been installed in UK homes since 2000, and around 27,000 is inspired by the
are currently being installed each year. The government has pledged natural pigments
found in traditional
600,000 to be installed per year by 2028, although concerns exist over vegetable dyes.
the scale of this ambition. www.stitched.co.uk
57% of UK residents said they wanted to find

ways to be more eco-friendly in the future*
SLEEP EASY My eco hero: #1

Rockett St George’s new Sustainable Furniture
Collection is made in the UK using FSC standard Architect Paul Testa explains
wood and a combination of waste and why Green Building Store is one
reclaimed materials. The Sustainable King Size of his green go-tos
Headboard, shown, is made entirely from FSC A decade ago, Green Building
wood, stained with a water-based dye. Store’s generous sharing of learning,
experience and expertise set me on the
path to working with Passivhaus. Their website continues to be
an amazing resource that should be in every energy-conscious
self-builder’s bookmarks for great advice and products.
Many of our projects have some GBS input; whether it’s one
their products, or advice. Their windows, in particular, are
the best combination of quality, performance and value that
we’ve found on the market. They also supply a great range of
airtightness tapes and niche insulations. Recently GBS joined
forces with Enhabit to offer more consultancy and design
services, making them one of the best one-stop-shops in the UK.
They are one of the shining lights of the sustainable building
industry and easily qualify as one of my go-to green heroes.
GREEN BUILDING EVENT

17 JULY 2021
HEATING YOUR HOME COURSE
National Self Build & Renovation Centre, Swindon, £165
This one-day course explores the latest heating and energy
options, including renewable and conventional systems. Visit
www.nsbrc.co.uk for more information and to book.
R EA L PR OJECT
HEAT P UM P I NS TA LLAT I O N
Taking
the
plunge Jonathan Williams was one of
the first to install a domestic
ground source heat pump in
the UK. Here, he talks to David
Hilton about his experience as
a pioneer and why he’s decided
to dive into renewables again
A GROUND-
BREAKING
SCHEME
Jonathan’s
first heat pump
served his
home, a barn
conversion, for
20 years. He has
invested in the
technology for a
second time. This
required another
ground array to
be installed (the
excavations for
which can be
seen left).
HOMEOWNER
Jonathan Williams
LOCATION Wiltshire
F
PROJECT
Ground source heat
pump installation
WORDS David Hilton
PHOTOGRAPHY
Kismet Photography
or many of us, installing a ground source or air between the buffer heating up and the home needing heat can
source heat pump takes some consideration. We want to know also be long, resulting in the wrong temperature in the cylinder.
the alternatives and the running costs. We are aware of some of It is quite common in our country for the outside temperature
the horror stories out there and we want some guarantees that to fluctuate in just a few short hours. As an example, if the
the technology isn’t just snake oil. temperature outside is 0°C you may need the flow temperature
Jonathan Williams had no such qualms. In 1997 he decided of the water in the emitters to be around 45°C, but when the
that a ground source heat pump was the right solution for his temperature outside is around 10°C the flow temperature may
project. In fact, Jonathan was a trailblazer — his heat pump only need to be around 35°C. If you use a large buffer cylinder
was one of the first domestic ground source heat pumps to be then you will always heat it to 45°C and then blend it cooler or
installed in the UK. Having researched what was available, run it less. The efficiency of the heat pump will, however, always
he chose to install a Swedish IVT ground source heat pump be based on the high temperature which offers a lower overall
while converting a barn into a home near Salisbury. (In fact, running efficiency.
his completed project featured in this magazine in 1998.) Some Without becoming too technical there are things we can
two decades on, he has concluded that the unit is not powerful do to improve this but they do involve extra sensors and
enough for the home, but instead of being put off he has once controls, and in the early days these products (controls and
again embraced the technology and decided to replace it with a buffers) were simply not deemed necessary by many installers.
more modern ground source heat pump. Unfortunately, many heat pump controllers did not account for
buffer cylinders either as they were wired directly between the
EARLY DOMESTIC HEAT PUMPS room thermostat and the heat pump, so whenever the heating
The early ground source heat pumps were all designed with system called for heat, the heat pump would turn on.
single speed compressors, meaning that they had one output For Jonathan this was one of the issues with his system.
and were either on or off. This meant that in order to avoid a He told me that the system was not plain sailing in the 20
constant stop-start cycle, extra products needed to be included years that he had it and that there was not enough interaction
in the plumbing system. One of these components was a buffer between the controls and the heat pump. That said, he has not
tank. The buffer tank is in effect a cylinder (very similar to a given up on the technology because a lot has happened in the
hot water cylinder) that is plumbed into the central heating industry in that time and things have certainly moved on. The
system, adding extra water volume between the heat pump and Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) is also available to him to pay
the central heating emitter circuit. This then acts as a type of back a percentage of the installation costs.
heat ‘battery’, meaning that the heat pump heats up the buffer
and then the buffer heats up the home. Two circuits run in their A MODERN HEAT PUMP
own time according to demand. Jonathan once again did his research on what was available
Sounds good? Well, to a certain degree it is, but it also brings and chose a Clausius heat pump, with installation by Bioheat.
with it some issues. If the buffer is too big then the lag time He was adamant that the installers were as important as the
“The technology has moved on in recent years and

there will still be more improvement to come”
R E A L P R O J E C T H E AT P U M P I N S TA L L AT I O N
t h e i ns ta l l at i o n
DURING A specialised trenching tool could not be used due to DURING An underground manifold (centre) is installed to
the hard ground conditions; the team resorted to a digger to distribute flow between the five 120 metre loops which will
excavate the trenches for the new ground loops. serve the new heat pump.
DURING Jonathan and an installer from Bioheat inspect the DURING Retrofitting the new ground loops has been
old heat pump (pictured). This unit is being replaced with a disruptive work and involved excavating part of the
larger, modern Clausius heat pump. existing patio area and much of the established garden.
R E A L P R O J E C T H E AT P U M P I N S TA L L AT I O N
SPACE FOR THE

GROUND ARRAY
There are two
types of ground
collector:
horizontal
and vertical. A
horizontal array
was specified
here. Typically,
50m2 of ground
will need to
be trenched
per kilowatt
capacity of the
heat pump. As
an example, a
12kW heat pump
would typically
require around
600m2 of clear
ground.
technology because experience and depth of knowledge (of it is very rare that these conditions prevail. The heat loss on
both the technology in general as well as the nuances of the Jonathan’s property was calculated at 10kW. A margin is then
specific pump) were key to optimising the system. added for hot water preparation and in this case a ground
There are a number of differences between the Clausius source heat pump was selected that can vary its output from
heat pump and the old unit — one of the main ones is that the 3kW to 15kW.
Clausius heat pump has a variable speed compressor. Jonathan Jonathan says that the installers on his project, west country-
tells me that this particular one has a manufacturer’s output based Bioheat, did a great job and really understood the
rating of between 3kW and 15kW depending on the speed of the technology and the product specifics. Although there could be
compressor. The controls with this system are from third party improvements, he says it is not financially viable for engineers
manufacturer Danfoss but Clausius do also have their own to repeatedly visit a site to tweak controls.
controls. In this case, this could potentially be a better option He also felt that on the milder days when a small amount of
as the technology is developed by the heat pump manufacturer heating is required, the unit could not really get down to 3kW;
and so is not subject to compatibility limitations. it is closer to 7kW, he says. With this, and the fact that the third-
The ground loop also had to be replaced. The existing ground party controls are not being optimised, he states that it does
loop had 25mm pipes whereas the Clausius unit required have a negative effect on the performance. That said, he points
42mm pipes. The new ground loop was designed to have five out that the performance measured at the heat pump is around
120 metre loops but the special trenching tool could not cope 440% (it was predicted to be 500%). The efficiency of hot
as the ground conditions contained very hard clay and flint. water preparation at 48.5°C is around 350%. This efficiency,
Instead, a digger had to be used to excavate the trenches with combined with the generous Renewable Heat Incentive,
a bucket, which involved two extra days of digging. On the represents a 20% annual return.
ground loop there is also a multi speed pump, which is carefully In my opinion, these figures are very good and I will be
controlled to always search for a constant temperature interested to see the figures after a couple of seasons and read
difference across the flow and return from the ground. them alongside the electricity bill. Heat pump technologies
One of the challenges for any heating system is to match the have certainly moved on in the last few years and there will
heat loss. Heat is lost from a home at a specific rate according still be more improvement in years to come. One of the biggest
to the area of surface (including walls, floor and roof ), the improvements has come with installer experience. As with
insulation and airtightness of the fabric of the building and the anything, experience and depth of knowledge is imperative
indoor and outdoor temperatures. The fabric of the building to optimise the system and if you are looking for a heat pump
will be constant but the temperatures inside and out will vary. solution for your own project make sure that you not only
The colder it is outside, the higher the heat loss. Most heat research the products but the installer’s experience and
loss calculations look at the worst-case scenario, but in reality, knowledge as well.
HO W GR EE N IS Y OU R HOME?
Airtightness
or insulation? In his new series, Tim Pullen debates the often
complex issues surrounding creating a greener
home. This month: is airtightness or insulation
more important — or is it an obsolete question?
tim pullen
Tim is an expert
THE MYTHS AROUND
T
he need for some level of a minimum permeability of
in sustainable
building methods airtightness feels like a 10m3/hr, where Passivhaus AIRTIGHT HOUSES
and home energy relatively novel idea and calls for 0.6 m3/hr — a huge
efficiency. still meets a degree of resistance. upgrade. The House Builder’s ● AIRTIGHT HOUSES ARE
Contact him Until 1984, prior iterations of the Association reported as saying STUFFY AND UNHEALTHY
at Tim@
Building Regulations determined that overheating in new homes This would be true if it weren’t
weatherworks.
co.uk that a healthy internal atmosphere (much in the news lately) is the for the fact that airtight
required a minimum of 1.5 air result of the Regs demanding designs address the problem.
changes per hour (ACH). It was “ever increasing insulation and When a home’s permeability is
fine to have more air movement excessive airtightness”. In light of 5m3/hr or below, a mechanical
but any thought of airtightness the climate crisis, it’s an argument ventilation system is essential
was effectively banned. That that is difficult to support. to deliver filtered, fresh air.
changed in 1984 with 1.5ACH If being green is about reducing
becoming the maximum energy consumption and CO2 ● THE WINDOWS CAN’T
permitted air movement and since emissions then we cannot ignore BE OPENED
then the standard has become either insulation or airtightness. No building system can
gradually more stringent. There is a point where the benefits mandate how people live,
Insulation standards have gone of insulation begin to diminish so of course the windows in
through a similar process, with (roughly where Passivhaus stops), airtight houses can be opened.
minimum levels increasing with but airtightness can go so much It’s a good idea to turn the
virtually every iteration of the further. On the other hand, when ventilation system off when
Building Regulations. However, renovating, installing insulation you do, but it’s not essential.
this has met with less resistance will also help with airtightness;
from the building industry than insulating under a suspended ● AIRTIGHT HOUSES ARE
airtightness standards have. timber floor will help to eliminate COSTLY TO BUILD
The Passivhaus standard has draughts, for instance. That sort Any level of airtightness
shown us that the way to reduce of work throughout the house beyond what’s required by
energy consumption is with a could reduce airtightness from Building Regs will come at
combination of insulation and a benchmark 10m3/hr to maybe a cost, but there is a range.
airtightness. It sets out insulation 5m3/hr, bringing with it a 40% Draughtproofing an existing
levels that are not that far from reduction in CO2 emissions. house to 5m3/hr, say, might cost
Building Regulations – the biggest Airtightness works and is a good a few hundred pounds. Getting
difference being wall insulation, thing, but only in conjunction below 1m3/hr in a new build
where twice as much is needed. with insulation. An airtight but could add 5-10% to the total
Airtightness is a different story; uninsulated house would still lose build cost. This will ultimately
Building Regulations call for all its heat very quickly. be the homeowner’s decision.
T HE HEA LTHY HOME
Eco
paints
explained
In the first instalment of
our healthy homes series,
Hugh Metcalf helps you
brush up on your eco paints
know-how and explains
why they could be a good
choice for your project
hugh metcalf
Is Digital
Editor of www.
homebuilding.
co.uk and has
worked on a
range of home
and design
magazines
THE BENEFITS OF
E
co paint is not a well-defined
term. Some brands that sell their LOW-VOC PAINTS
paint as environmentally-friendly As well as being better for your health
will simply have limited the levels of and the environment, low-VOC paint
potentially harmful Volatile Organic tends to be quick-drying, virtually
Compounds (VOCs). Others go further, odourless and easy to apply.
using natural, recyclable ingredients and The VOC contents of paints are
low-waste processes while striving to regulated by the Volatile Organic
limit their carbon footprint. In general Compounds in Paints, Varnishes
IMAGE: COAT
though, eco paint offers a more ethical, and Vehicle Refinishing Products
healthier choice. Here we’ll be looking at Regulations 2012:1715. These require
those benefits in more detail. that the VOC content of products in
T H E H E A LT H Y H O M E
their intended, ready-for-use state will further than just the ingredients alone,
not exceed the limits applicable to the measuring the whole life cycle impact
relevant product category. the product has on the planet,” says
Limits on VOC levels differ between Ben Sturges, Operations Director at
water-based and solvent-based paints, Graphenstone. “The ‘gold standard’
as well as for different uses and finishes. in sustainability is Cradle to Cradle, a
The lowest level specified is for interior holistic framework where every aspect of
matt emulsion paint, which must the products are tested.”
contain less than 30g/litre. Water-based The core values of this approach
paints of this nature now have low-VOC include social ethics, material health,
formulas of less than 0.2% as a standard. product re-usability and water and
Some brands with levels significantly energy conservation. Manufacturers
below the maximum coined terms such also have to continually improve their
as Zero VOC and VOC Free for their standards to keep their certifications.
paints. However, while the quantities
present are often negligible, no paint is ARE NATURAL PAINT
completely free from these compounds. PRODUCTS ALWAYS
As such, in 2013 paint manufacturers BETTER?
throughout Europe agreed not to use Acrylic paint contains man-made
these terms going forward. plastics and petrochemicals, while more
natural paints rely more on products
WHAT ELSE CONTRIBUTES such as limestone, clay and chalk.
TO A PAINT’S ECO However, paint containing acrylic can
CREDENTIALS? still be eco friendly. There are different
Alongside low VOC content, there are ways to approach sustainability — using
a range of different accreditations for only natural products is just one.
paint that can demonstrate its eco “The word ‘natural’ is often used as
credentials; EU Ecolabel, AgBB and a shorthand for ‘healthy, wholesome
A++ are all useful logos to look out for. and eco’. However many traditional,
Eurofins Indoor Air Comfort Gold natural ingredients in paint can also
is particularly notable, as to achieve be hazardous,” says Cathryn Sanders,
this a paint needs to pass some of the Creative & Marketing Manager of
most stringent tests in the Industry. Earthborn Paints. “When people ask
“Manufacturers are now looking for ‘natural’, what they usually mean is
W H AT ARE V OCS?
VOCs (or Volatile following, reducing decorators who once
Organic Compounds) indoor air quality risked prolonged
are chemicals and potentially exposure to higher
that are found in a contributing to levels of these
variety of man-made health issues. chemicals.
products, and occur VOCs have been The use of
naturally too. These linked to issues low-VOC eco paint is
compounds are such as nausea, notably important
potentially damaging headaches, dizziness, in nurseries and
to your health and vomiting and children’s rooms,
the environment, as irritation of the as children are NATURAL
PALETTE
well as contributing nose, throat and particularly at risk
Our fellow
to global warming. eyes. Links have also from VOCs, with brand title
In paint, VOCs been made to certain some studies linking Country Homes
are not only cancers, neurological exposure to these & Interiors has
released during the issues and internal chemical compounds teamed up with
Earthborn to
painting process, organ damage, to subsequent
create a calming
but also during the specifically in the developmental palette of 12 eco
months and years case of painters and issues. paints in a range
of finishes.
T H E H E A LT H Y H O M E
healthy and eco friendly, and those are are sometimes called ‘breathable’ for this
the criteria we use at Earthborn when reason, with the trade-off that their lack PAINT WITH BENEFITS
formulating our paints.” of plastic content means these finishes While the idea of eco
All paints contain some synthetic are usually not as hardwearing. paint may focus on low
chemicals as a matter of necessity, for Although the terms ‘breathable’ and levels of VOCs, there are
example water-based paints require a ‘breathability’ are commonly used in other considerations
preservative to keep them fresh. The the conversation surrounding eco paint, that help reduce a paint’s
ingredients of your paint will also affect there’s some ambiguity in their use. environmental footprint.
what it’s like to apply, its appearance “Some brands that talk about These include:
when it’s dry, and its overall impact on breathability are referring to a very low ● Carbon footprint of
the environment. VOC level,” says Phil Robinson, founder transportation
The use of acrylic, vinyl and oil in paint of eco painting and decorating company ● The amount and conscious
helps to add to the durability of its finish, Paint the Town Green. “However, within disposal of waste generated
however, it also creates a barrier on the the industry ‘breathable’ can also refer ● Responsible sourcing of
surface of the painted wall that makes it to a paint being micro-porous, meaning ingredients
less breathable. that the paint is vapour permeable and ● Powering of factory
“This impervious skin traps in so the substrates being painted onto ● Sustainable and recyclable
moisture, which can lead to problems can breath.” This latter meaning is the packaging
such as damp and mould,” explains one usually applied to natural paints, ● Paint samples also play a
Ben Sturges. “Allergens (such as mould including lime, clay and mineral based role in the creation of waste
spores) can have an adverse effect paints, which are often used either on and potentially non-recyclable
on health, and occupants of damp or lime plaster or where damp proofing materials. Modern mail-order
mouldy buildings are at increased risk of work has taken place. brands such as COAT and
experiencing respiratory infections or So when you buy eco paint, read the Lick offer eco friendly peel
related problems.” label to see what it means in the case of and stick paint swatches as an
Paints made using natural materials your chosen product. alternative option.
E CO PAI N T PI O NE E R S
Specialist eco paint manufacturers may be hard to find, but paint companies, so it can be difficult to work out which brands
there are quite a few that offer exceptional eco credentials. Try are greener than others. Pay attention to paints’ ingredients to
Auro, Lakeland, Graphenstone and eicó as a start. Terms such ensure a more eco friendly choice, and look below to see the eco
as natural, organic, eco friendly and green are widely used by credentials of some of the most popular paint companies.
EARTHBORN LITTLE GREENE FARROW & BALL

Earthborn’s Claypaint is one of Little Greene’s water-based paints The entirety of Farrow & Ball’s paint
the most popular eco paints on carry the industry’s most stringent range is water-based, boasting low
the market. All Earthborn’s paints eco-rating. Its oil-based paints have or minimal VOC content — and the
are water-based and oil free, and been reformulated using sustainable paint cans the company uses are
Claypaint contains no acrylics or vegetable oils as a medium, while infinitely recyclable too. There is zero
vinyl either. The company also has a its tins are made from 50% recycled dry waste produced by its Dorset
titanium dioxide free range of colours, metal, and can themselves be manufacturing plant, and when it
avoids known allergens and keeps recycled again. All Little Greene’s comes to liquid waste 97% of it
preservatives to a minimum. paints are made in the UK. is recycled.
Q
G REEN CLINIC
Should Iswapmy boiler for

an airsourceheat pump?
David Hilton advises one homeowner on the implications
of retrofitting an ASHP in her 1960s dormer bungalow
W
ith all the current media coverage also to the fabric of the building to improve both the
regarding boilers potentially being insulation and the airtightness.
banned from 2025 a number of
homeowners are asking the same question. In reality, THE COSTS
however, swapping a boiler for an air source heat Depending on the disruption, and if any of the
pump in an existing home sounds a lot simpler in pipes need to be replaced, the cost of retrofitting
principle than it really is in practice. an air source heat pump in an existing property
DAVID The boiler will be connected to an existing central can range from about £9,000 up to around £27,000
HILTON heating system so the pipework is already in situ, but if you are replacing the whole system and there is
Is an expert in
sustainable this is probably where the benefits end in an existing a requirement for disruptive changes and fabric
building and home. The pipework will need to be inspected to improvements. The Renewable Heat Incentive, which
energy efficiency make sure that it is fit for purpose; it must be secure, pays you an incentive payment dependent on the
and a director of the right size and the right type of pipe. This is renewable energy generation of the system, for seven
Heat and Energy
especially true if you’re upgrading a gravity fed system years, can help you pay for the system. (You can find
Ltd. He has over
35 years’ to a closed loop unvented (high pressure) system — out how much those payments might be at www.gov.
experience the pipework must be able to be insulated and must uk/renewable-heat-incentive-calculator.) However,
also be plumbed in a parallel configuration or it too hurry, as applications will no longer be accepted
may need to be replaced. after 31 March 2022, which is when the current RHI
scheme ends. The system must be fully installed,
THE IMPLICATIONS fully commissioned and the application accepted by
There are a number of differences between gas boilers that date. You will also need to have had an Energy
and air source heat pumps and these differences Performance Certificate (EPC) for the property. At
can have far reaching implications for the project. present, we’re not entirely sure what will replace the
A boiler operates at a high flow temperature of RHI scheme but it could be a one-off Clean Homes
around 70°C, but an air source heat pump operates Grant; this will likely provide an upfront payment of
at a lower temperature of around 35°C to 45°C in around £4,000 to aid with the capital cost of installing
the radiator system and possibly around 55°C for renewable technology such as a heat pump.
hot water preparation. This means that it is highly The payback on an air source heat pump will largely
likely that all the radiators will need to be replaced depend on the actual cost of the swap, taking into
with higher output versions, room by room controls account any incentive payments you may receive as
added to the system, and the hot water cylinder will well as also accounting for how much you would have
need to be replaced with a heat pump compatible spent on a replacement boiler. The running costs
cylinder that has a larger heat exchanger. At the also need to be evaluated against the fuel that you are
lower temperatures the heat will only be effective replacing. If you currently have a gas boiler running
in a well-insulated environment. If your 1960s on natural mains gas, then there will currently not
dormer bungalow has not had any thermal upgrades realistically be any financial saving. Against heating
and is still a bit draughty, then there will need to oil and LPG, the payback could be better but that does
be improvements to insulate all the pipework and depend on the cost of those fuels.
“It is highly likely that all the radiators will need

to be replaced with higher output versions”
AD V ERTORIA L
How to build
a zero-carbon home
VELFAC composite windows have enabled this
stunning home to achieve incredible sustainability
GET IN TOUCH
To arrange a
no obligation
quote contact
our experts on
01536 313 552;
enquiries@
dovista.com.
A
rchitects Kirkland Fraser Moor worked with maintenance, which is another feature that supports our
owner Ian Mays (one of the founders and zero carbon ambitions.”
now retired CEO of RES, the world’s largest
independent renewable energy company) to create Ten VERSATILE, SUSTAINABLE FRAME DESIGN
Oaks, a highly distinctive, ‘climate restorative’ zero Large, full-height VELFAC units, smaller windows and
carbon home, which features VELFAC composite glazing VELFAC glazed doors are installed across the house,
throughout, specified for its low U values and slim-framed including a striking run of five, 2.3m wide sliding patio
and sustainable design. doors set into the external façade.
Twenty-four, 1m-wide, full-height glazed units are
COST EFFECTIVE PERFORMANCE installed around the inner circular courtyard, set into stone
“VELFAC triple glazed units met our thermal targets while ‘frames’ to create a colonnaded effect. An innovative ribbon
the narrow frame design increased visibility from within run of VELFAC tilt-and-turn clerestory windows also wraps
the house and brought more daylight inside,” says Ian. around the annexe, and looks particularly dramatic at night.
“We considered installing locally-made curved windows, External VELFAC frames are finished in dark grey,
but VELFAC was more cost effective and delivered the minimising the impact of frame against glass and
performance we needed. As a result, we opted for a faceted contrasting with the brick built façades. Internal timber
design where the larger window panels are as wide as frames are finished in a subtle off-white which, says Ian,
possible without compromising the curved finish. “allows the windows to ‘disappear’ into the white-painted
“The sustainability of the VELFAC aluminium and walls and against the skyscape outside”.
timber frame was also important,” adds Ian: “Every For more information on Ten Oaks – and the VELFAC
unit is almost entirely recyclable and it’s also very low composite system — visit www.velfac.co.uk.
N EXT MONTH
How to build a Designing a

sustainable home home office
Project essentials: Extending on

What you need a budget
to know before
starting your build Cost-saving
renovation tips
IMAGE: SIMON MAXWELL
S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 1 I S S U E AVA I L A B L E F R O M 2 9 J U L Y
A MA ZING HOMES
Out of the ruins

Architect Will Gamble’s extension scheme embraces the ruins of a
17th-century factory. Here, he details how the project came to fruition
T
his property comprises three parts – the cottage Like any project that is architecturally out of the
on the high street, a cattle shed and the ruins ordinary the local planners took some convincing to
of a parchment factory – and the brief was to get on board with the concept: it took over 18 months
link all three by converting the cattle shed into living and a lot of discussions. An essential aspect of the
accommodation and extending to the rear. project was linking all three buildings together so as
There was something quite beautiful about the you enter the front door of the cottage from the high
ruins and we saw them very much as an opportunity street you can now look right the way through the
IMAGE: JOHAN DEHLIN
to do something different. It was such a strong extension to the picture window in the ruins, which
concept to include them in the extension that we were frames a beautiful view of the garden beyond.
able to convince the homeowner to embrace them as As a practice we specialise in working with historic
a unique feature of the design — from that point on it buildings and I look forward to working on more
was a really lovely project to be a part of. unique projects like this one again.
9000 9021

Homebuilding and Renovating August 2021

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BRITAIN’S NO.

1 FOR SELF-BUILDERS AND HOME EXTENDERS

124 THE ROOM PLANNER:

REAL PROJECTS ON-SITE SELF-BUILD IN THE CITY

140 HOW TO DESIGN

BEHIND THE DESIGN:

including installing patio doors, self-build ON THE COVER

103 PLANNING AHEAD

shares his wisdom on how best to specify

ADVERTISING AND EXHIBITIONS SALES TEAMS

MAGAZINE AND WEB PRODUCTION

PUBLISHING AND EXHIBITIONS MANAGEMENT

PRINTED BY William Gibbons & Sons

Distributed by Marketforce, 5 Churchill Place, Canary Wharf, London, E14 5HU

DAVID HILTON BOB IAN ROCK

Brownfield sites key

National Self Build and Renovation

add value to nature of

44% of homeowners and renters admit

INSPIRED BY THE PAST

SIZE 277m2 plus 72m2 garage

CONSTRUCTION Timber frame

Jake, how did you get involved with the project?

The design really makes the most of the gorgeous

“I feel like sustainable design is something that

REDUCING VISUAL IMPACT

TRICK OF THE EYE

ROOFLIGHTS Velux: www.velux.co.uk

HEAT PUMP AND

ZERO TOXICITY PAINTS

Maximising the value of

Planning permission Started on site

Planning permission Completed

SIZE 42m2 (extension only)

BUILD TIME 14 months

HOUSE COST £375,000

BUILD COST £97,500

Walking through your house, it’s hard to imagine

“We’ve been constantly experimenting. I wanted

FIXTURES AND FITTINGS £10,000

PROFESSIONAL FEES £4,000

BATHROOM FIT OUT £3,000

inc. fixtures, fittings and finishes

KITCHEN TOTAL PROJECT COST £97,500

CORK CLADDING Mike Wye:

SLIDING DOORS Maxlight:

SANITARYWARE Ebay: www.ebay.

PLYWOOD (kitchen, worktops and

HOMEOWNERS he bungalow was completely overgrown; the only way

HOUSE COST £400,000

“Getting lots of sunshine and light

WORTHY OF THE PLOT DEALING WITH THE COASTAL CONDITIONS

MECHANICAL AND ELECTRICAL

GROUND FLOOR WORK SURFACES

LOWER GROUND FLOOR

THE FINER DETAILS

House purchased Watertight shell First fix Final decoration

BUILD TIME 13 months

HOUSE COST £200,000

“No stone was left unturned. I don’t like leaving

CAPTURING THE VIEW

EXTENDING WITHOUT EXTENDING

THE MASTER BEDROOM

WINDOWS AND DOORS £8,000