HomebuildingRenovatingUK 20230126 PDF

Homebuilding
& Renovating
BRITAIN’S NO.1 FOR SELF-BUILDERS AND HOME EXTENDERS
Add space & value

to your home 17
● Brilliant ideas for transforming a bungalow
● How to makeover a 1970s property
STEPS TO
PLANNING
YOUR DREAM
● Top tips for extending your home
KITCHEN
BUILDERS'
COSTS:
YOUR HOW TO…
ULTIMATE Knock down walls
GUIDE
Relocate a kitchen
Insulate a late
20th-century home
Soundproof walls
and ceilings
Install solar panels
ZERO
ENERGY BILLS Period Living 1
Discover how one couple built a home that creates more energy than it uses!
EDI TOR’S LETTER
Claire Lloyd has been a member of the Homebuilding & Renovating
team for 15 years. She’s currently in the midst of another renovation.
SCAN TO
GET OUR
NEWSLETTER
T
he Homebuilding team
and I never cease to be
amazed by your self-builds,
renovations and extensions, and
all the readers’ homes in this
issue perhaps serve to showcase
the mix of projects we feature.
One of the highlights this month
is a barn conversion, completed
to EnerPHit Plus standard (page
154). The homeowners took a
very active role in its build and
their resulting home is not only
designed to use minimal energy
but actually generates more
electric than it uses — thanks to
solar photovoltaic (PV) panels
and battery storage. It’s a great
example of how individual
homeowners like you are really
leading the way when it comes to
creating low-energy houses.
On the theme of generating energy, solar panels seem to be having a resurgence at present.
Even Octopus Energy – whose comparatively generous export tariff is worth a look if you
already have solar panels – are now entering the market, offering installations. It’s a topic we
will continue to look at over the course of the year, but this month we’re tackling installation
IMAGE: ANDREW SYDENHAM
over on page 167.

Finally, for the renovators amongst us, this issue is all about some of the key design and
build challenges you might face. From ideas for transforming an ordinary bungalow into
something rather unique (page 60), to giving a drab 1970s property a 21st-century makeover
(page 114). On a more practical note, we’re also covering the ins and outs of knocking down
load-bearing walls (page 85), relocating a kitchen (page 125) and insulating a late 20th-
century home (page 175). We hope you feel inspired.
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renovated her own experience in her kitchen
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ALLAN CORFIELD AMY WILLIS SEÁN

Is a chartered Is Homebuilding O’CONNELL
architect who & Renovating’s Is an interiors
has overseen the digital deputy writer and editor,
design of over editor. and a freelance
450 low-energy contributor on
homes. HB&R.
Future plc is a public Chief executive Zillah Byng-Thorne
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C ONTENTS
22 38
ON THE WATERFRONT ISLAND LIVING
Sustainability was at the heart of this home A Hebridean cottage’s top-to-bottom renovation
with spectacular lakeside views makes the most of its modest dimensions
46 154
A FRESH START FROM THE GROUND UP
An adjacent golf course provided the incentive A two-day Passivhaus course set two novice
to build this stunning oak frame house builders on the road to their own eco home
17 INSIGHT
The latest news, products, 107 BRILLIANT BASINS
From compact to colourful,
workshops, events and ideas for these counter-top basins will add the
153
GREEN
all home self-builders, extenders wow factor to any bathroom
and renovators
ON THE COVER 109 ADDING A PITCHED

ROOF EXTENSION
60
HOMES
BUNGALOW If you want to avoid going down the
TRANSFORMATIONS flat-roof route, Amy Reeves adds
These single-storey properties were just her own slant on the advantages and
the starting point for creating amazing disadvantages of pitched roofs
homes with practicality and panache ECO IDEAS
ON THE COVER
EVERY ISSUE
ON THE COVER
74 17 KEY STEPS WHEN

PLANNING A KITCHEN
114 GUIDE TO RENOVATING
A 1970s HOUSE
Space, light and generous plot size —
From creating your budget to finding a when it comes to renovating potential,
designer to choosing the worktops, we houses built five decades ago have more ON THE COVER
offer you all you need to ensure your
new kitchen lives up to expectations
going for them than you might expect
167 HOW TO INSTALL
SOLAR PANELS
ON THE COVER 120 HOW TO ADD A

VAULTED CEILING
How you can tell if your home is
suitable for solar panels and
85 LOAD-BEARING WALLS
HB&R’s Amy Willis explains
what to consider before you start
Exposing your rafters is a surefire
way of adding showstopping drama
— we explain how to achieve this
a guide to installing them, plus
costs and timescales
removing any walls architectural feature

171 USING HEAT PUMPS
WITH UFH
91 PLANNING PERMISSION
FOR A PORCH
Are you adding a porch to your home?
ON THE COVER
123 ASK THE EXPERTS

This month, our panel of
David Hilton advises on how to
get the best out of your underfloor
heating if you’re considering
Planning consultant Simon Rix advises experts answer your queries on living installing a heat pump
on whether you’ll need to obtain walls, ceiling cracks, shower water
planning permission pressure, relocating a kitchen and more ON THE COVER
ON THE COVER
130 LIGHTING TRENDS 175 INSULATING
A MODERN
95 THE COST OF EMPLOYING

A BUILDER
Whether you’re planning a new build
FOR 2023
Expert advice and invaluable tips for
introducing interior illumination that’s
DEVELOPER HOME
A comprehensive guide to
insulating developer homes built
or an extension, you’ll need to establish as stylish as it is functional between the 1960s and 1980s,
how much your builder will charge. allowing for a range of budgets
Tim Phillips offers his advice
139 BEGINNER’S GUIDE
TO SELF-BUILD
— from £200 to £20,000
99 HOW TO AVOID BEING

A COWBOY CLIENT
When on-site relationships turn sour,
Your step-by-step guide to building your
first self-build — from finding a plot to
financing your project
it’s very often the client and not the
tradesperson to blame, according to
builder Andy Stevens 149 BUILDING ON A
SLOPING SITE
Plan your forward trajectory: the five
ON THE COVER key things you should know before
103 SOUNDPROOFING
YOUR HOME
building on an incline
There’s more to soundproofing than just

good insulation, as sustainability expert
Tim Pullen explains
186 AMAZING HOMES
A narrow plot between two
Victorian homes was transformed into a
modern infill house with style
INSIGHT
A round-up of the latest self-build and home renovation news,
products and events. By Jennifer Grimble
New digital service to simplify

planning appeals process
T
he government recently announced a by uploading the relevant documentation.
brand-new online portal, aimed at making The new portal has been designed to be as straight-
the planning appeals process simpler, quicker forward as possible, with guidance at every step to
and more cost-effective. As part of the government’s ensure appeals are submitted correctly, mitigating
long-term goal of digitising the planning system, further delays. In the coming months, the government
the new portal allows those eligible to appeal a will be adding more local planning authorities to the
planning decision via gov.uk, instead of the Appeals system – as well as new features – including appeals
CREDIT: POTTON
Casework Portal. There are already 69 local for listed building consent. Eventually, the digital
authorities using the new online system and those system will be rolled out nationally, hopefully going
living in these regions can request a second opinion some way to speeding up planning decisions.
Funding
for Scottish
self-builders
T
he Scottish government has
announced it will extend its
Self-Build Loan Fund by a
further £6 million. The funding will
enable self-builders who are unable
to access standard financing to apply
for a loan of up to £175,000. With
a 5.5% interest rate, each short-
term loan is designed to be repaid
Losing the plot
T
upon completion of the build, with he Federation of Master Builders, the largest trade association in the
repayment terms drawn up on a UK construction industry, recently revealed the results of its 2022
case-by-case basis. Funding is only House Builders’ Survey. The study, now in its eleventh successive
available to those planning a high- year, gives a breakdown of the main barriers to building new homes. It
quality, energy-efficient home in found that a lack of available and viable land is the biggest constraint, with
Scotland, and those interested in 62% of respondents naming this as the main obstacle, while 60% believe
obtaining a loan can apply through the planning system is a huge barrier, with “inadequate resourcing of
the Communities Housing Trust. planning departments” considered the most significant cause of delays.
BOOK OF
THE MONTH St Ives in
THE HANDBOOK OF HOME Cornwall has
DESIGN: AN ARCHITECT’S been named the
BLUEPRINT FOR SHAPING
YOUR HOME (KYLE BOOKS) happiest place to live,
In this accessible guide, following a survey of
esteemed architect, Laura
Jane Clark, explores
21,000 people from
solutions for optimising across the UK*
the spaces in your home.
Packed full of tips and
tricks, the handbook aims
to provide homeowners
with the tools and
BUILD EVENTS
knowledge they need
to create the property 23-26 MARCH
of their dreams, from NEC HOMEBUILDING &
understanding your home, RENOVATING SHOW
to writing a brief, and NEC, Birmingham
*FINDINGS FROM THE ANNUAL RIGHTMOVE ‘HAPPY AT HOME’ SURVEY
having the confidence to

speak up on the building
Browse thousands of products, book
site. RRP £22 appointments with industry experts
BEAUTIFUL BRASSWARE and attend educational talks to gain
Easy Bathrooms has released Moray, the knowledge you need to move your
a new collection of textured metallic project forward.
brassware and accessories for the whole
bathroom. It comes complete with two
ANY TIME
new showers, an exposed and concealed
option, finished with delicate diamond- PROJECT MANAGEMENT
cut knurled detailing. Available in four MASTERCLASS
metallic shades, including Nickel and Online, via potton.co.uk
Gun Metal, the showers boast multiple This six-part, virtual masterclass takes
jet options, with an easy-click button for
you through some best-practices to
effortless switching. Each also utilises
thermostatic cartridges to better regulate ensure that your building site runs
the temperature. Concealed valve smoothly, from budgeting to who can
shower package from £1,074. manage your build.
18 homebuilding.co.uk
I N S I G H T
Easy
automation
B
linds2Go has
launched a
brand new app-
controlled collection,
allowing customers
to work their window
dressings with a touch
of the SmartView
app. Available in
140 styles, including
roman, roller and
blackout, each blind
is made to measure
and there’s a colour
and design to suit all
spaces. Prices start
from £72.35.
WALK-ON WONDER
The neo Advance
Skywalk+ from The
Rooflight Company
is ideal for drawing
light into the home.
It boasts a durable
aluminium frame,
an anti-slip coating
and the company’s
patented Thermal
Shield technology
for excellent thermal
efficiency and
protection against
*ACCORDING TO THE UK’S LEADING ENERGY-SAVING PLATFORM, SAVEMONEYCUTCARBON

condensation,
giving a whole-
window U value as
low as 1.19 W/m2k.
From £2,304.
It’s predicted that 8.4

million households
could be in fuel poverty
Make an entrance when the Energy
T
he Beckon front door handle from PullCast is the newest
addition to its Earth collection. Available in either aged
or brushed brass, the wave-like handle has been crafted Price Cap Guarantee
by expert artisans to add the wow factor to your entranceway.
From approximately £1,030. increases in April*
I N S I G H T
Heat pump
skills gap
N
ew research by Samsung
has found that 70% of
heating professionals
believe heat pumps could become
commonplace in British homes
as early as 2025. According to the
study, 78% of industry respondents
said that the demand for heat
pumps has increased in the last five
years, with 66% stating that energy
efficiency is now the most important
consideration for their customers
when choosing a heating system.
However, 61% of those polled were
concerned about the skills gap. In
fact, only 23% of current heating
industry professionals are fully
trained to install heat pumps, while
57% of those are not considering
training at all.
55%
*ACCORDING TO NEW DATA FROM CORNERSTONE TAX
of people are not deterred from

purchasing a property in 2023, despite
the current cost-of-living crisis*
TH REE STYL E S O F FLO O R T I LE S
The 1860 collection, Bath Spa range, Ca’ Pietra’s Marlborough terracotta If you’re looking for glitz and glamour
from the Baked Tile Co, is a vibrant parquet tiles come in various shapes in the bathroom, try Tile Mountain’s
mosaic-effect tile that’s ideal for to give this classic material a modern Onyx Marble Effect range of tiles.
adding colour to a traditional space. twist. Hardwearing and durable, they The high-shine, premium polished
The tile is smooth to touch but has a are ideal for high-traffic areas, such as porcelain tiles come in a range of
slip resistance of 51PTV. £86.66/m2 kitchens and hallways. £77.83/m2 enchanting colours. £44.99/m2
R EAL PROJECT
O A K F R AM E S ELF-BUI LD
On the
waterfront James and Sophie Edmondson’s lakeside home is brimming with
character, along with eco features that reflect their wider vision
HOMEOWNERS James and Sophie
Edmondson with their daughter Aubrey
T his beautiful oak and Cotswold stone home sits on
a long, skinny spit of land, meaning the owners can drink in
waterside views from every window. “One of our favourite
things to do is sit in the sitting room as the sun sets, with the
water casting dappled reflections onto the walls,” says James
Edmondson, who lives here with his wife Sophie and their
daughter Aubrey.
Their house’s location is particularly special, as it is set
within a private nature reserve run by James and his father, and
the idea to build a home here had been bubbling away for a long
time. “Even when I was at university, I was dreaming of what
could stand on this spot,” says James. He bided his time before
LOCATION Gloucestershire
eventually taking his designs to Border Oak, who added their
SIZE 350m² knowledge and expertise to James’ vision.
“It was clear James and Sophie’s priorities were sustainability
BUILD ROUTE Self-designed and
as well as complementing and maximising the location. But
main contractor
they also wanted to create a beautiful family home that was
BUILD TIME 16 months adaptable and reflected how they wanted to live,” says Merry
(June 2019 - October 2020) Albright, creative director at Border Oak. “As this was a project
on which they intended to do a lot of work on themselves, we
PLOT COST Already owned
helped with the working drawings and construction notes so
BUILD COST Undisclosed they had a set of plans to base everything from.”
James agrees, saying: “Border Oak also had some great
VALUE Unknown
ideas about materials and as a result, the finished house feels
richly textured, combining the rich grain of oak with the
WORDS Jo Leevers and Amy Reeves
solidity of stone.” The company also suggested adding oak
PHOTOGRAPHY Pete Helme, Border archways on the ground floor, which help to define areas of the
Oak and Photopia open-plan spaces.
“The views from all aspects of the site are amazing, so
we were keen to capture these through the design and also
blur the lines between the inside of the home and the
landscape, as the two elements work together,” adds Merry.
“So, we have included a veranda and covered ‘fly-over’ frames,
which provide valuable shelter from the weather while
extending the living space into the natural setting.” This design
detail also helps to reduce overheating in the summer, while
allowing low winter sun to warm the house naturally.
“Even when I was at university, I was dreaming

of what could stand on this spot”
R E A L P R O J E C T O A K F R A M E S E L F - B U I L D
The house has cosier rooms, too, including a snug with books clients’ sustainability credentials and would echo the trees
lining the walls beneath an A-frame roof. Here, the walls are nearby,” she continues. “Longevity was a key consideration and
painted a dark colour that is reminiscent of the wrappers of a oak and stone are excellent for this, and also give the building a
certain brand of after-dinner mints — hence James and Sophie sense of being grounded to the island. The couple have used a
have dubbed this hideaway the After Eight room. “The box lake source heat pump with infrastructure within the water and
window in here is another perfect spot for sitting and observing have rotating solar PV panels on the next island for energy. The
the seasons unfolding,” says James. setting, along with the construction ethos and detailing, helped
Working alongside his father Anthony Edmondson, make this home ultra-sustainable.”
James now runs the 130-acre nature reserve, which has eight While this home embraces modern innovations, it is also
log cabin holiday hideaways, so that this setting can be shared rich in reclaimed textures and vintage finds. James and Sophie
with visitors. James grew up here and is looking forward to lived on site in a smaller cabin nearby while the construction
seeing his daughter Aubrey enjoy a childhood that is centred was going on, which proved useful in the long run. “Being on
around water and nature. “She’s already having swimming site every day meant I could deal with issues as they came
lessons,” he smiles. up,” says James. “For example, a window arrived and I could
In fact, nature guides everything here, so the build was immediately see we’d underestimated the size needed. It was
as ecologically sound as possible. Insulated panels were simple enough to send it back before the carpenters fitted it,
integrated into the walls, which were clad in FSC-certified whereas rectifying that at a later date would have been more
locally sourced timber or Cotswold stone quarried nearby. expensive and time consuming.”
“The site is a rewilded quarry so it made perfect sense to Two years on and now firmly ensconced here, James and
incorporate local stone, some of which was here on site Sophie are delighted with their home, which feels as calm and
already,” says Merry Albright. restful as the nature that surrounds them.
“Green oak is a natural partner of stone but also reflects the The house is available for hire: www.loghouseholidays.co.uk
Larch cladding is paired with local stone

to create a natural appearance that will
age beautifully over time.
The richness of the natural oak

features is accentuated by white
walls, pale stonework and grey
porcelain floor tiles.
A reclaimed refectory table

is perfectly placed to make
the most of the stunning
lakeside views.
IMAGE: LIVING INSIDE
A wall of glazing, including double

bifold doors, floods natural light into
the double-height sitting room.
IMAGE: LIVING INSIDE
The exposed A-frame
structure in the main
bedroom highlights the
beauty and character of
the oak beams, which are
roughly sawn, rather
than planed, to give a
rustic finish.
The pitched roofs and the
warmth of the wood add
a feeling of cosiness to
the rooms.
t h e p l a ns
SUPPLIERS
OAK FRAME AND SIPS
ENCAPSULATION SYSTEM
BEDROOM Border Oak: www.borderoak.com
WINDOWS Origin Global:

BEDROOM www.origin-global.com
BATHROOM KITCHEN Hush Kitchens:

www.hushkitchens.com
BATHROOM
PORCELAIN FLOOR TILES
Beswick Stone: www.beswickstone.co.uk
SNUG
BATHROOM TILES Mandarin Stone:
EN SUITE www.mandarinstone.com
WOODBURNING STOVE
Stûv: www.stuv.com/en-gb
FIRST FLOOR
ARCHITECTURAL DETAILING
Corston: corston.com
BEDROOM PAINTS Little Greene: littlegreene.com
WC
BEDROOM
UTILITY
PUMP HALL
ROOM
LARDER
BATHROOM
STUDY
HALL
GROUND FLOOR
KITCHEN
LIGHT-FILLED
Pale paintwork and flooring creates
a light, airy feel in the hall.
R EAL PROJECT
Island
C O T TA G E R E N O VAT I O N
lıving
Lauchlan and Charlotte
Maclean-Bristol renovated
a tired stone cottage in the
Hebrides, making the most
of its tiny footprint
t i me l i ne
Offered Work Interior rendered and Shed built and Finished House
T
property started plasterboarded kitchen fitted decorating complete
JULY 2018 FEB 2019 APRIL 2019 JUNE 2019 DEC 2019 MARCH 2020
Cottage First fix First fix Bathroom External

purchased plumbing electrical installed works
JAN 2019 MARCH 2019 MAY 2019 AUG 2019 DEC 2019
HOMEOWNERS he Isle of Coll in the Hebrides has proven to be

Lauchlan and Charlotte Maclean-Bristol an idyllic, yet often-challenging backdrop for enthusiastic
renovators Lauchlan and Charlotte Maclean-Bristol. The
LOCATION Isle of Coll, Inner Hebrides
stunning island – which has been home to the Maclean-Bristol
PROJECT One-bedroom stone cottage family since Lauchlan’s parents took on a farm on the island
in the 1960s – was the location of the couple’s first cottage
SIZE 35m²
renovation, a “falling to bits” farmhouse that emerged almost
BUILD ROUTE Self project managed 10 years ago as a four-bedroom family home.
with subcontractors Several years later, in 2019, the couple took on a new project:
a farmworkers’ cottage built 150 years ago. “It is known as the
BUILD TIME 13 months
‘house of love’ due to so many of the residents finding love
(Feb 2019-March 2020)
while they lived there!” says Lauchlan. “The property has a very
HOUSE COST £80,000 private setting, with beautiful views over the meadows and hay
fields, plus just the tiniest glimpse of the sea in the distance.”
BUILD COST £40,500
When the last tenant moved out, in 2018, Lauchlan and
VALUE £120,000 Charlotte were given first refusal on the property. “My parents
didn’t have the energy to refurbish again for a new tenant, so
WORDS Caroline Ednie they offered it to us to purchase it.”
PHOTOGRAPHY Chris Humphreys Gladly accepting the chance to buy it, Charlotte and Lauchlan
decided that the cottage, which nestles between trees on the
side of a hill, was in need of a complete interior renovation.
As the floorplan and footprint would essentially remain
unchanged, the couple took on the project themselves rather
than appoint an architect. And because they were essentially
replacing like for like, there were no planning issues or
requirements that had to be navigated.
In collaboration with the same team responsible for
renovating their previous property, the 18-month renovation of
“It is known as the ‘house of love’ due to so many of

the residents finding love while they lived there!”
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
BEFORE “We reused the timber double-glazed windows,” BEFORE Although it was functional, the previous kitchen
says Lauchlan. “But the front door was replaced as the old needed replacing. However, the couple thought the layout
one was held shut with a piece of rope!” worked well so it was retained.
Hill Cottage principally involved removal and replacement of “We managed to reuse the windows, floorboards and internal
the kitchen and bathroom, with new ceilings, floors and front doors but everything else, other than the walls and roof, was
door. The project also involved a full electrical rewire, new replaced,” says Lauchlan. “The building is granite, built onto
heating system and logburner, complete plumbing system, and bedrock, and due to the interior dimensions walls could not be
installation of satellite TV and 4G broadband. A shed was built dry lined. Dry lining would have been ideal but we would have
at the bottom of the hill for storage of bikes and the main path lost the character of the traditional walls, and made the interior
was re-landscaped at the same time. even smaller. We used standard materials on all the walls with
taped plasterboard for the ceilings and bathroom walls.”
REPAIRING DAMP WALLS “The lounge/kitchen/diner is compact, but we wanted a fully
The hotchpotch history of the cottage’s interior decor was one fitted kitchen, with integrated dishwasher and microwave,
of the issues that had to be addressed. “The main stumbling dining table, logburner and TV. The original logburner took up
block was to do with the way that the interior walls had been a lot of floor space, so we opted for an inset stove with a flush-
treated in the past,” says Lauchlan. “They had been painted with mounted hearth. The TV is flat against the wall, while we chose
a plastic-based paint, which was suitable for exterior use only. two armchairs rather than a sofa. All these features allow for
It meant that the walls had not breathed in years and were very clear floor space, helping to create a larger room.”
damp inside. We had to grind off the paint with an angle grinder,
which took a long time! We then had to run a dehumidifier for a PRACTICAL DECOR
few months to dry out all the walls. The bedroom had also been Hill Cottage has been renovated and furnished in a style the
painted with a bitumen-based paint, too, which took even longer couple call ‘Hebridean Chic’. “We’ve tried to avoid the cliched
to get off than the plastic based paint.” ‘driftwood’ style, to make the property not only comfortable
When the suppliers and trades were all lined up, the job of in the summer, but also in the winter,” says Lauchlan. “The
renovating and reinstating Hill Cottage finally began in 2019. bedroom’s painted with an inky clay-based paint to help us get
Externally, work primarily involved painting the walls and the a good night’s sleep in the long summer daylight hours. When
woodwork. “A cement and sand mix was used for pointing as there are winter storms we want to be able to hunker down,
the chimney breast stones were so narrow and weak, it was draw the blinds and light the logburner. It’s a winter bolthole.”
better to keep the strength,” says Lauchlan. In terms of energy efficiency, the renovated cottage
“We did have problems when the Covid-19 pandemic struck,” works particularly well. “We installed a very efficient Morso
continues Lauchlan. “Although work on site could continue, logburner, which works really well and provides good
there were issues with getting materials delivered, but local supplementary heat when required,” Lauchlan continues. “The
knowledge helped. In a small island setting like this it’s always electric radiators are Wi-Fi controlled so we can operate them
advisable to speak to big local businesses to see whether you remotely. The water supply is from a spring on the hill outside.
can piggyback on their suppliers. But site visits from England We also installed a super-insulated timber front door, which
(where we were living at the time) were very difficult since is necessary because in winter you can hear the wind and rain
the ferries were only allowing islanders to and from the island lashing against it, making us feel warm and protected inside.
during the pandemic.” This place may be small, but it’s perfect for us.”
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
Although the kitchen area is compact,

Lauchlan and Charlotte maximised
the feeling of space with white walls
and floors, and minimal furniture.
SUPPLIERS
CONTRACTORS
Patrick Rutherford: 07770 892969
Tom Davies: 07554 254817
ELECTRICS JC Electrical:
www.jcelectricaloban.com
KITCHEN FITTING Murphy Home:

07930 59445
KITCHEN Howdens: www.howdens.com
BATHROOM Burlington:
www.burlingtonbathrooms.com
LOGBURNER Morso: morsoe.com/en/
FRONT DOOR Heron Joinery:

www.heronjoinery.com
Hill Cottage is available as a holiday let:|

www.coastal-places.com/en/hill-cottage
SELECTED COSTS
ELECTRICS £5,670
PLUMBING £2,596
KITCHEN inc fitting £5,052
DECORATION £3,500
BATHROOM £3,211
LOGBURNER £1,450
HEATING £824
SHED £3,254
FRONT DOOR £1,742
GENERAL BUILDING WORKS,

LABOUR AND MATERIALS £13,336
spotlight on: Getting supplies to a remote location

“Having now completed two builds on the Isle of Coll, completed — a job which could probably have been done in
which were both managed remotely, Charlotte and I 6-8 weeks on the mainland.
have come up with a few solutions to make life easier “Not all suppliers understand how to deal with the
for anyone considering a similar project in a remote islands, so it’s worth using the same suppliers everyone
environment like this,” says Lauchlan. “If you want else uses,” says Lauchlan. “You may find a great supplier
to get the job done, you need to be ultra-flexible, allow of tiles in London, but the logistics and costs of getting
significantly more time than you would on the mainland, them delivered to a place like this can easily turn into a
and try not to restrict yourself to a fixed budget. nightmare. The local builders merchants in Oban (the
“Everything takes longer than you would expect due to nearest town) were really helpful. They were happy to put
the heavy reliance on a limited number of trades, extreme a builder's bag of gravel onto a lorry that another island
weather conditions and unreliable freight services. The contractor was bringing across, thereby avoiding the
Hill Cottage renovation realistically took 18 months to be costs of bringing our own lorry across to the island.”
R EAL PROJECT
O A K F R AM E S ELF-BUI LD
A
fresh
A plot with views across grounds of
a Lincolnshire golf course inspired
start
Mark and Sarah Astall to self-build
their new oak frame home
The design of Mark and Sarah’s
home is based on The Chanstone.
It’s one of the five oak frame home
design templates within Oakwrights’
Woodhouse range, inspired by
their oak frame show home, The
Woodhouse — which is where Mark
and Sarah stayed to gain inspiration
for their home building project.
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
t i me l i ne
Foundations completed First fix Moved in
M
APRIL 2019 OCTOBER 2019 DECEMBER 2019
Watertight shell Second fix Final decoration

JULY 2019 NOV 2019 FEBRUARY 2020
HOMEOWNERS ark and Sarah Astall had

Mark and Sarah Astall experience of self building and conservation work — when the
couple first moved to Louth they had bought a home directly
LOCATION Louth, Lincolnshire
from a builder which was just a shell to be completed by
SIZE 325m² themselves. Then, a few years later, a friend of theirs secured
planning permission to construct three oak frame homes
BUILD TIME 8 months
and two traditional builds on a plot high on the Lincolnshire
(April - December 2019)
hillside. “When we first saw the view of the golf course, that
PLOT COST £250,000 was it; that was the start of a new adventure. We’re now even
members of the club,” says Sarah. “The views were fantastic —
BUILD COST £889,043
we gave them the deposit that night,” adds Mark.
VALUE Unknown
EMBARKING ON AN ADVENTURE
WORDS Amy Reeves The oak frame architectural designs for the planning
PHOTOGRAPHY Mark Watts permission were drawn up by Oakwrights. Mark and Sarah got
to work researching and developing the pre-existing plans so
they complemented and suited their lifestyle by staying in the
Oakwrights’ show home, Woodhouse.
“The original proposal was for five bedrooms, but we changed
it to three full suites instead,” explains Mark. Sarah had always
wanted to live in a ski chalet, so a large balcony with a roof
overhang was added to the original design to give them a space
they now love to use, whatever the weather.
The guest room now also features full-height windows
overlooking the garden, and another balcony has since been
added. “Oakwrights design and provide a 3D walk around of the
frame and every detail was planned meticulously,” says Sarah.
To save costs the couple chose to build some elements — like
“When we first saw the view of the golf course, that

was it; that was the start of a new adventure”
t he b u i l d
DURING Oakwrights’ team arrived on site in beautiful DURING Having erected the frame, Oakwrights installed
weather to put up Mark and Sarah’s oak frame with a their prefabricated, highly insulating WrightWall and
40-tonne crane. WrightRoof encapsulation panels.
DURING The carefully crafted arched collar brace shown DURING The roof is in place, complete with dormer
here already injects warmth and character into this room, windows so Mark and Sarah can make the most of their
which is awaiting joinery. surrounding views.
DURING The rear of the property with two oak-framed AFTER Mark and Sarah’s completed bespoke oak-framed
gable ends. home in all its glory.
the utility and garage area — out of brick and block, rather than
oak frame. This also allowed them to install wider garage doors
and spend their savings elsewhere in the build.
CONSTRUCTING THE OAK FRAME

Mark and Sarah were able to agree to a private sale of their
existing home and live in it during the build process, meaning
they could be on site every day to oversee the progress. A
main contractor was appointed for groundworks before three
members of Oakwrights’ site crew erected the oak frame and
insulating WrightWall and WrightRoof encapsulation in just
three weeks.
The main contractor then returned to build the brick and
block structure and organise for the first- and second-fix trades.
Vaulted ceilings above the landing and in the bedrooms and
bathrooms were created to show off the striking oak frame
structure. “We wanted to see the ceiling and the structure of
the house and I’m so glad we did because it’s just fabulous,”
says Sarah.
Apart from sorting a couple of issues with the staircase,
underfloor heating and kitchen extraction, the build went fairly
smoothly. The couple took on the cleaning of the oak frame
themselves after straps and wet footprints had temporarily
marked it during construction — resulting in the impressive
structure providing endless character to the contemporary
interiors, while saving the couple money along the way.
“I would come over every day during the winter with sausage
rolls and cake and get involved,” Sarah recalls.
“We moved in on 23 December — my Christmas tree was up
before anything else inside the house! The contractors slept
over and worked through the night to get us in — we got them
pizza and a bottle of champagne,” she continues.
A KITCHEN WITH EDGE

“When we looked at oak frame houses they always had quite
a traditional kitchen, but then we stumbled across Sarah
Anderson’s work and we both immediately fell in love with
the concrete-finish kitchen and pocket doors,” explains Sarah.
“Mark likes to have everything tidied away — especially because
I’m quite messy — so by introducing the pocket doors we can
hide a lot of clutter in seconds.” One of the design changes
Sarah instigated early on was to remove the second fireplace
and to make way for a built-in wine rack and glass display
opposite the long kitchen island.
And their favourite feature in the new house? “The upstairs
main balcony,” says Sarah. “You can use it in summer, you can
use it in winter. It’s amazing in the summer when it’s raining
and you’re out there with a glass of wine. The rain can be pelting
down and it feels like we’re the only two people outside.”
The guest bedroom now also features a similar balcony
accessed from the patio doors overlooking the garden. “It’s an
amazing house and we’re proud of it. We’re so happy here.”
Mark and Sarah opted for an open-

plan kitchen diner and incorporated
concrete units that beautifully
complement the oak features.
The marble used for the island has

been leathered, giving it a textured
finish, and it was chosen by Mark and
Sarah while on a visit to London. The
built-in wine rack and glass display
creates a stunning feature.
For the hall, the couple
didn’t want just a traditional
stairway. “So we opted for a
really contemporary fabulous
staircase,” explains Sarah.
LOFTY FEATURES
The majestic arch collar braces of the
master suite create a feeling of space
and height in this open-plan room.
t he p l a ns
SUPPLIERS
ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN, OAK
FRAME, WRIGHTWALL AND
WRIGHTROOF ENCAPSULATION
AND FACE GLAZING Oakwrights:
www.oakwrights.co.uk
MAIN CONTRACTOR Jim Fairburn:

info@jimfairburn.co.uk
EN SUITE
EN EN SUITE BRICKS Buildbase: www.buildbase.co.uk
SUITE
WINDOW SUPPLIER George
BEDROOM
BEDROOM
LANDING
DRESSING Barnsdale: www.georgebarnsdale.co.uk
KITCHEN AND BATHROOM

Sarah Anderson Design:
DRESSING www.sarahandersondesign.co.uk
FLOORING Wilton Studios

www.wiltonstudios.co.uk
FIREPLACE SUPPLIER Danton

Fireplaces: www.dantonfireplaces.co.uk
DRESSING
BEDROOM EN SUITE
STAIRCASE Cawmc Restorations:
01507 603612
ROOFING T D Roofing: 07878 332201

FIRST FLOOR
SELECTED COSTS
OAK FRAME, WRIGHTWALL AND
WRIGHTROOF ENCAPSULATION,
FACE GLAZING AND OTHER
DOGS
ASPECTS £240,000
WC
MAIN CONTRACTOR £464,403
LIVING ROOM
GARAGE STAIRS £18,000
ELECTRICS £23,000
FLOORING £30,400
HALL
GAS FIRE £5,000

DINING ROOM
BATHROOM AND KITCHEN £98,900
COPPER GUTTER £4,340
SNUG KITCHEN
GROUND FLOOR UTILITY/

PANTRY
R EAL PR OJECTS
Bungalow
transformations
This wow-factor selection of projects shows how a
single-storey home can be used as a blank canvas to
create a modern home oozing design panache
A unified approach
When Selencky Parsons took on the remodel of this bungalow
in Derbyshire, the property hadn’t been touched in decades and
had several ad-hoc extensions, which created a disconnected,
cellular layout. “It also had an incoherent roof arrangement,
with an uncomfortable composition of varying roof levels
and types,” says Sam Selencky, a director at the practice. “A
key design move was to unify these elements with a new roof,
WORDS: REBECCA FOSTER IMAGES: FELIX MOONEERAM
creating a calm and coherent base from which new additions

could be made.”
The porch was repositioned to create a spacious entrance
area and a new garden room was built. Also, a new dormer
window has allowed the upper level to become an art studio.
Rejigging the interior layout has paved the way for a series of
generous open-plan spaces that minimise circulation space.
“A new stair has been added to connect to a couple of the lower
ground-floor bedrooms, which were created from an undercroft
garage,” says Sam. For a similar project, expect to budget
between £1,200 and £1,900 per m² for the remodelling and
£3,000 per m² for the new-build extensions.
R E A L P R O J E C T S B U N G A L O W E X T E N S I O N
Framing the views

This former crofter’s cottage in a remote
part of the Scottish Highlands has been
given a new lease of life by Loader Monteith.
Featuring thick stone walls and small
windows, the property was originally
disconnected from its stunning rural
surroundings. Local planning rules meant
that any interventions to the traditional
home could be no greater than the size of the
original footprint.
Loader Monteith reimagined the house as
a property formed of two wings and built a
black timber-clad extension with full-height
glazed doors to frame the view. A dormer
extension was also added to the original
cottage, providing two new bedrooms, a
bathroom and a mezzanine office. Finally, a
new retreat wing sits just behind the main
house, connected by a glazed link. This
wing houses an entrance area, utility room,
bedroom, office and bathroom.
IMAGES: DAPPLE PHOTOGRAPHY
“We worked hard to ensure the house

was in harmony with its surroundings, both
blending in with and enhancing them,” says
Matt Loader, a director at the practice. “This
project was about making the most of the
views, so we positioned windows and doors
to open the house to the mountains.”
Mirror image
Kast Architects crafted the design for
the renovation and extension of this
former bungalow, which sits in a
breathtaking location overlooking
Cornwall’s Restronguet Creek.
Though the core structure of the
building was still in good condition,
the internal and external finishes were
tired and in need of an update.
As part of the works, the original
bungalow was re-roofed and rendered.
Alterations to the internal walls have
resulted in a spacious new layout, with
a clear sense of flow from one space to
the next. Insulation was also installed
to bring the property up to modern
standards of thermal performance.
A two-storey extension was also
added to boost the overall floor area of
the home. This structure was designed to
mirror the shape and dimensions of the
original building. Timber cladding was
chosen as the exterior finish, with both
natural and stained varieties establishing
contrast between the ground floor and
first storey of the building.
“Buildings are a collaboration between
IMAGES: RICHARD DOWNER
the client, architect and builder,” says

the owner, Kirstie.
“Kast’s fresh thinking and creativity
opened our imagination and developed
our house in ways we’d never have
thought of.”
Sensitive strategy
The desire to create a home suitable
for modern family living prompted
the renovation and extension of
this traditional cottage and byre in
Aberdeenshire.
“The brief was to create a home for
a growing young family who recently
returned to the UK after working abroad,
and who fell in love with the site and
surrounding woodland on their first
visit,” says Andrew Brown, a director at
Brown & Brown.
The condition of the existing
building and the traditional method of
construction presented a few challenges.
The structure was carefully stripped
back before being reinsulated and
over-clad to maximise what could be
achieved within the client’s budget. “This
also prevented the need for a complete
property rebuild, which was originally
thought to be required,” says Andrew.
The modern extension was clad
in blackened vertical timber boards,
in sharp contrast to the traditional
stonework of the original building.
As part of the works, the building was
reinsulated to standards that exceed the
level required by Building Regulations.
“Openings have been designed and
positioned to maximise solar gain,
with any required space heating coming
from a new air source heat pump
system,” says Andrew.
Contemporary
overhaul
Paul Archer Design masterminded this
bungalow’s transformation, adding a
ground floor extension and a bedroom
on the first floor, which blends with
the fabric of the original building. “The
existing house had little to no insulation
and appeared gloomy in parts due to the
warren of small rooms,” says Richard
Gill, a director at the practice.
A large box-like structure forms the
rear extension — but most of the design
flair comes from the crisp detailing
throughout. “The exterior canopy of
folded aluminium provides a sleek
cover from the elements,” says Richard.
Glazed doors span the full width of
the extension, bathing the kitchen-
dining-living area in sunshine. “An
extravagance that often goes unnoticed
is the lack of columns. The structure
spans 14.5m uninterrupted, creating an
exciting panoramic effect as you enter
the space from the hall.”
An existing first-floor extension, as
well as the new upper-storey extension,
were re-clad to create a seamless
effect. This allowed for the installation
of insulation, enhancing the overall
thermal performance of the property.
“All the windows were replaced with
larger, modern units and we installed
a mechanical ventilation and heat
recovery system, too,” says Richard.
Expect to budget between £2,200 and
£2,400 per m² for a similar project.
IMAGES: KILIAN O’SULLIVAN
Standout brickwork
The ground-floor bedroom space was completely
reorganised by adding a pavilion-style extension that looks
This 1930s bungalow in Glasgow has been given a new lease out to the south-facing garden. “By aligning the new block
of life by McGinlay Bell. Accessibility was one of the main extension to a previous addition, the design allowed for a new
priorities for the extension, as well as internal alterations, as informal veranda space,” says Brian. The extension is formed
the owners are newly retired and wanted to create a luxurious, from a lightweight timber frame, which has been finished with
futureproofed space. “With a tight budget of £65,000, the decorative brickwork laid in stretcher, stacked and honeycomb
brief was to modernise and establish a new downstairs master bonds. Not only does this patterning add wow factor to the
bedroom and a new bathroom,” says Brian McGinlay, architect exterior of the house, but it creates an interesting play of light
and director at the practice. in the luxurious new bathroom.
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EX P E RT A D V ICE
planning
17 key steps when
kitchen
a new
If you’re intending to give your hub of the home a facelift, check out our
17 main considerations to ensure the project goes without a hitch
P
lanning a new kitchen is both exciting and
1
daunting in equal measures, so before you
start it’s vital you get the key ingredients
in hand. Kitchen design is perhaps viewed Establish your
as one of the most important elements of budget
modern homes these days. The kitchen has shifted away Realistically, there’s a kitchen for
from being seen as a purely functional space and is now almost any budget, but it’s worth
considered by most as being the heart of the home, where getting an idea of the average
WORDS: HUGH METCALF / NATASHA BRINSMEAD / SEAN O’CONNELL
we socialise, spend time as a family, work in and eat in costs for different kinds of kitchens so
— all alongside preparing and cooking food. For some you know what kind of route to take with
households, the kitchen also has to play the role of a utility your new space. Budget brands can mean
room, providing space for extra appliances. you can get a cheap kitchen for several
What all these extra roles mean is that kitchen design thousand pounds, especially if you take
now not only has to focus on function, but also on on fitting a kitchen on a DIY basis.
aesthetics — it has become a truly multi-tasking space. The first step to working out a budget
There are some key considerations that it’s important is to look at what you can afford. Setting
to be aware of to get the most from the process. These a maximum spend limit is important so
may be elements you’ve never considered if you’ve not you don’t get carried away with yourself.
undertaken a kitchen renovation before. In this guide, A new kitchen may offer a good return on
we’ll focus on the planning process — that is, what you investment for the right property, too, so
need to consider while planning your space (whether get advice from an estate agent if this is
you’re working with a kitchen designer or not) to ensure important to you, and be mindful of price
you get the most from your final design. ceilings in your area.
2
KNOW YOUR
Work out what
you need
LIMITS
Do your
budgeting Once you have your limits, you
at the outset should make a list of all the
to determine things that you need for your
whether you
kitchen. If you’re working with a kitchen
can afford a
bespoke kitchen, retailer, they may offer you kitchen units,
like this one by worktops, taps, appliances and more, but
Herringbone some elements may not be included. Be
Kitchens. sure to factor in electrician and plumber
costs alongside the likes of, for example,
furniture, lighting, flooring, tiles and
doors and windows, if required.
COVER ALL BASES When you have a list of items, you can
When it comes
start to break down your budget into the
to budgeting,
break it down different areas, using your quotes from
IMAGE: (RIGHT) SOLA KITCHENS
into areas and the kitchen company to start balancing

factor in all the books, thereby ensuring your project
aspects, from comes in under budget.
furniture and
flooring to lights
and labour costs.
E X P E R T A D V I C E K I T C H E N P L A N N I N G
3 4
Buying routes High street
How and where you purchase your kitchen stores
These offer a good variety
needs careful thought — after all, it can involve of kitchen ranges to
a huge outlay. Buying new, whether off the shelf choose from at different
or bespoke, has its own obvious advantages (pristine price points to suit different
budgets. Budget kitchens can start
condition, installation possibly included and a from around £1,000 upwards, but
long-term warranty). But if you can’t afford new this would exclude worktops and
cabinetry, yet are still looking for quality, there’s appliances. Mid-range kitchens from
high street stores will start from
always the secondhand route. Below, you’ll see the around £10,000 but that will depend
advantages offered by different options, and which on quality, number of units you
is best suited to your needs. choose and worktop material.
IMAGE: H. MILLER BROS
“Think about what you

want from a kitchen
before you start
doing your research,”
advises Howard Miller
of H. Miller Bros.
5 6
Going bespoke Buying secondhand
This means opting for a tailor-made kitchen It’s well worth considering an ex-display or
that’s designed and made to the exact secondhand kitchen, as many offer excellent
specifications for your space. But without the value for money. “When sold, you can save
limitations of standard cabinet sizes. While this up to 70% on the price of new, therefore they
means individual elements can be customised, bespoke are a great way to expand your budget and get a higher-
kitchen makers still tend to work within their own range of spec kitchen for less,” says Helen Lord, founder of Used
furniture styles. Kitchen Exchange.
7
Finding a designer
There’s more to putting a kitchen together than
meets the eye and if you’re not confident in being able
to do it yourself, you may want to call on the services
of a designer. Finding the right designer will depend
on a few criteria — first and foremost, it’s a case of identifying
the kitchen maker/manufacturer you want to work with. This
may depend on the styles and ranges these retailers are known
for, a particular material you’re keen to use, as well as practical
considerations like budget.
There’s sure to be a huge number of kitchen retailers in your
local area, and also take stock of smaller independent retailers
alongside national brands and chains.
IMAGE: THE MYERS TOUCH

MAKING THE RIGHT CHOICE
Keith Myers of The Myers Touch: “It’s imperative that you
find a design partner who can create a life-enhancing
space that is stemmed from an understanding of how
you want to live in your home.”
8
Finding tradespeople to do structural work beforehand, the
If you decide you want to have some entire project from install to finish, or
involvement in hiring tradespeople, an electrician to ensure you get electrics
whatever buying route you take, then done to Building Regs standards.
you’ll want to start thinking about this For each of the different trades get
once you’ve had your kitchen plans recommendations from friends and
drawn up. You should find trades you family first and try, and get at least three
can trust to carry out the work you detailed written quotes. And don’t always
need doing — whether it’s someone go for the cheapest quote.
9 10
Talk Feel the
things To determine a kitchen’s feel and
quality
through
quality, visit a few showrooms
before making your final decision. Looking online is
For many of all very well, but
us, deciding it’s important to
who should load the visit a physical showroom to see the
dishwasher is enough quality of the units in person before
to spark an argument, you decide — after all, once your
so making the wrong kitchen arrives, there’s no going back.
decision about a Visiting a showroom also gives
new kitchen doesn’t you an opportunity to scope out the
bode well. If you’re kitchen designers working there.
purchasing a kitchen Having a good rapport with your
as a couple, it’s a good designer is important and ensures
idea to talk through your needs and concerns are heard
your ideas before you and that you feel confident to work
IMAGE: HERRINGBONE KITCHENS
get to your design with them to make the right decision

session, so that you for you. If you’re automatically
can make sure you’re assigned a designer, it’s fine to
both on the same page, explore your options — everyone has
giving the designer a a different way of working, and some
clear vision of what may be more suited to your point of
you’re looking for. view than others.
Early planning
means effective
lighting, as in this
scheme by John
Cullen Lighting.
11
Lighting Importantly, bear in mind that the kitchen is a multi-use
Lighting isn’t something most kitchen space where you can change the options depending on
designers will source and include as part of use. “It’s important to create a flexible scheme,” says Sally
your design, but they may make suggestions Storey of John Cullen Lighting. “In a kitchen where you
of how and where lighting should be want to transition from a bright environment during the
located. Either way, it’s important to have a think about day to a much softer and more atmospheric space at night,
kitchen lighting ideas when you have your kitchen plan, it is essential to create a flexible scheme so your kitchen is
but before work commences. the welcoming heart of your home.”
12 13
Doing a
design
brief
Entering a design
consultation
The design with no ideas at all is a bad idea,
and layout but likewise, heading into a session
When building with a kitchen designer unwilling
a new home, to bend on your ideas will limit the
renovating or outcome of your final design.
extending to create The first step in creating a
a new kitchen design brief is to take stock of your
space, it can be existing kitchen. What works well
tempting to leave for you in the kitchen and what
your kitchen design doesn’t? What do you wish you had
and layout until storage space for? What do you
the new space want to be able to use the space
is created, but for in an ideal world? Importantly,
thinking about which aspects of your kitchen do
what you want you want to spend most of your
from a kitchen budget on? “The key main areas
IMAGE: (RIGHT) HARVEY JONES
before you start to invest in are cabinets, worktops

researching who, and appliances,” says Melissa
what or how you Klink, creative director at Harvey
will get one will Jones. “If you invest in these three
inform a lot of your mainstays, then you won’t need
decision making to replace your kitchen for a very
going forward. long time.”
14
Choosing worktops
A worktop is one of the hardest working parts
of a busy kitchen and should be the star of the
show so spend time deciding which type reflects both
your practical needs and visual tastes. “If it’s a small
kitchen with not a lot of natural light, you should choose
IMAGE: KONIGSTONE
a lighter tone, but if it’s an open-plan, bright room, you
could edge towards darker shades to add contrast,’ says
Joanne Bull, Marketing Manager of Königstone.
15
The must-have appliance
Every kitchen needs some form of extraction,
be it state-of-the-art or something that’s more
practical. There are two main types: vented
extractors are ducted to the outside and are
the most effective at removing steam, smells and odours; while
ductless extractors rely on an inbuilt filter to do the same job.
16
Suitable flooring
Kitchen flooring should, first and foremost, be
practical. It needs to be easy-to-clean and able to
withstand a lot of footfall, and be able to cope with
hot liquids and stains. Obviously, hard flooring is the
best option and the choices here are wide-ranging.
Ceramic tile is among the most cost-effective of options and is also
easy to lay on a DIY basis — plus it is available in almost every colour,
size, shape, pattern and finish you could want. Porcelain tiles tend
For the kitchen,
to be more expensive than ceramic but are denser and less porous so
choose tiles that
are resistant to tend to be more durable. Polished concrete and natural stone are also
stains and water good options. Some natural stones are softer and more porous than
damage, such as others and can become stained if not properly sealed so check which
this Hydrolic Blue stone flooring is best for you. Timber flooring can be used in kitchens,
wall and floor
but be aware softwoods in particular are prone to movement and can
porcelain tile,
£35/m2, B&Q. warp and twist if exposed to changes in temperature and moisture
levels. Engineered timber is a more stable option than solid boards.
17
Wall finishes PAINT – offers a wider range of
The options for colours and finishes and is the most
kitchen walls are economical choice.
almost endless and TILES – as with the flooring, these
at the end of the can be anything from ceramic to
day, the choices that you make can porcelain and in shapes from metro to
simply come down to your personal hexagonal.
preferences for finish, colour, style WALLPAPER – gives you the option
and practicality. “Kitchens can be of using colour and pattern.
costly investments and aren’t easily EXPOSED BRICK – adds character,
IMAGE: (RIGHT) BENJAMIN MOORE
interchangeable, so opting for a or if you haven’t got actual brick walls

lick of paint is a great alternative you can opt for brick slips.
when wanting to update a look at a MARBLE – particularly effective if
relatively lost cost,” says Helen Shaw, matching with worktops.
director of Benjamin Moore UK. EASY UPDATE
Opposite are the most popular Painted surfaces are the ideal choice
options for wall finishes. when it comes to a quick refresh.
EX PER T A D V ICE
OLD HOUSE,
NEW HOME
LOAD-BEARING
WALLS
When planning to remove a wall, it’s important to first consider whether it
might be a load-bearing wall. Amy Willis provides a guide to the key signs
I
t’s amazing the difference was doing more work than it was structural engineer to undertake
that removing or creating an intended to. calculations for an alternative
opening in an existing wall can The old timber beam above support as well as building control
make to a home — especially when appeared well supported by sign-off. Here’s our expert guide on
the trend is for open-plan living. But timber uprights on one side of the the key signs on how to tell if a wall
tempting though it may be to go wall, but closer inspection from is load bearing.
ahead gung ho, the first vital step is the other side revealed hidden
AMY WILLIS
to understand that any wall can be gaps between the uprights and the WHAT EXACTLY IS A
Is Homebuilding
& Renovating’s load bearing — even if it is made beam. Historic woodworm had LOAD-BEARING WALL?
digital deputy up of studwork and feels flimsy. disintegrated parts of the beam, “Internal walls – usually defined as
editor and When I began renovating a too, and careless power tool room-dividing walls, as opposed
is currently house, the previous owners had usage in the past had left deep cut to the insides of the external walls –
renovating her
assured me a dividing wall in the marks in it, as well. come in two distinct types: load-
own home
sitting room was “definitely not This illustrates an important bearing and non-load-bearing,”
IMAGES: GETTY IMAGES / AMY WILLIS
load bearing” as they’d had it lesson — before you start work begins Mark Brinkley, author of
installed themselves underneath removing a wall, always take off the popular Housebuilder’s Bible
one of the historic timber beams all the plasterboard and insulation and an experienced self-builder.
of the house that appeared to be first so you can see what is going on “A load-bearing wall acts as a
holding the load instead. But when I underneath. And if in any doubt, support for a roof, a floor, a beam
pulled off the gypsum plasterboard always call in a structural engineer. or another wall above it. It needs to
and removed the insulation, it In the event a wall does turn out be a little stronger than a non-load-
started to look like the studwork to be load bearing, you’ll need a bearing wall and, crucially, it needs
E X P E R T A D V I C E
extra support under it, usually an “The detail at the top of the wall is
additional foundation trench. different for a load-bearing wall
Load-bearing walls can have and a non-load-bearing wall,” he
a major effect on renovations, says, adding that your engineer or
especially when you want to take contractor should be able to spot
down an existing wall. In these these indicators. Even so, you’d
cases, it is vital to know whether or always still need to confirm this by
not the internal wall is load bearing opening it up before removal.
because if it is, you will need to If you have any intermediate
provide an alternative means of beams nearby “If you can’t open
support. “If in any doubt, do get the up the ceiling, we would often make
building professionally surveyed,” the assumption that the joists are
says Mark. “If you are rearranging spanning in the shorter direction,
loads, the building inspector will which would be typical,” David
almost certainly want you to employ Gallagher says. “But that’s not
a structural engineer to design always the case, sometimes you will
and approve the plan. If you take have an intermediate beam. Some
down a load-bearing wall without older houses will have a beam in
knowing what you are doing, the the centre of the living room and the
consequences don’t bear thinking joists can be spanning to that and
about. In contrast, non-load- your wall could be supporting the
bearing walls act as little more than beams. So you need to be careful.”
room dividers and can be easily Racking panels on studwork
altered or even removed.” If a studwork wall is lined with
OSB (oriented strand board) the
SIGNS TO LOOK OUT FOR likelihood of it being structurally
Walls – load bearing or not – can important is increased as OSB is
be blockwork or stud. There are, often used to strengthen a structure.
however, some good indications Tenement homes Extra care
that a wall is probably load bearing should be taken with tenements
and therefore should not be touched and other historic buildings as they
without professional input, advises aren’t built to modern standards,
chartered structural engineer David so their load-bearing walls aren’t
Gallagher from Allan Corfield always tied to other walls. “Once
Structures. These include: you start altering them they can be
Exterior walls Any exterior walls quite sensitive,” says David.
to your building are likely to make “As engineers we have access to
up your property’s structure and historic, typical arrangements for
therefore are highly likely to be houses and any archive drawings
load bearing. that are available,” he adds. “The
Central walls Walls that run from archive drawings are the best way
front to rear, or side to side, are to confirm where walls are load
usually load bearing. A consistent bearing or not.
wall line between floors can be an “Failing that, there’s typical
indicator of this. house layouts, if you are looking at
Wall with a wall directly tenements or relatively new houses
above it Generally you’d stack with replicated layouts.”
your load-bearing walls so anything
on a first floor that goes right down REASONS TO BE CAREFUL
to the ground floor is likely to be Paul Hymers, a building control
load bearing. It could be supporting officer in Kent, also says a common
the roof, too, so you need to be mistake is assuming a wall is only
more wary. load bearing if it is holding up a
Wall with perpendicular floor. This isn’t the case, as roof
floor joists on top The best way loads can transfer down, as can
IMAGES: AMY WILLIS
to tell here is if you open up the the loads of other internal walls,
SUPPORTING ROLE
ceiling and have a proper look. beams and joists. “The ceiling joists
This studwork wall was supposedly non load-
Where this isn’t possible, David in traditional roofs are commonly bearing but removing the plaster revealed the
Gallagher points out other clues: supported on a central spinal wall, main timber beam wasn’t doing its job.
with the rafters also propped up officer at your local council or a structural-grade timber joists and
from it by diagonal struts pinning private approved inspector, and steel plates bolted together. This
the purlins that carry them. With the they will give you a quote for the is an unusual choice, but I gather
advent of trussed rafter roofs, the visit to sign it off. Alternatively, your it is because it will be holding up
need for spine walls to support the builder might arrange this for you. another beam.
roof has gone, but floor structures Do all this before you start any An oak beam was my initial
haven’t changed,” he explains. work, as they may have other preferred option but the new
“Inner walls might also act as requirements. You will also need oak would not have matched the
load-bearing elements by virtue to submit your structural engineer’s historic oak in the room, and could
of simply buttressing the external drawings to your building control have looked out of place.
walls, giving them support against officer. Once the work is complete, Meanwhile a simple steel
beam was not recommended
“Load-bearing walls can have a major effect on renovations, because Building Regulations
especially when you want to take down an existing wall” consider steel to be less than ideal
in a fire and it would therefore
require a fairly thick amount of
wind-loading. Because all external they will check that the beam fire-proofing. In my build’s case,
walls have a maximum span in installed is the correct one as per this would have considerably
the same way that beams do, they the drawings. You will need to impacted head height.
are subject to horizontal load from ensure your building control officer For smaller openings, concrete
wind as well as vertical load. comes out before you plasterboard beams are often preferred. In fact,
“The distance an external wall over or cover the beam so they can concrete is the only acceptable
can run unsupported depends on see what you’ve done. choice now in a chimney or above
its thickness and exposure to the a logburner or open fire. Steel
elements, but you can think of the WHAT TYPE OF BEAM DO I NEED? or wood beams are no longer
wall panel as a windbreak that The type of beam your structural considered acceptable.
needs holding up, with buttressing engineer will recommend very For those curious to know
support, at the returning ends and much depends on your home, why steel should require more
possibly along the way. A masonry the span of the new opening and fire proofing than timber, it is
chimney or pier of the right size can how much load it needs to take. because it loses structural strength
provide this additional support but Beams are typically made of at temperatures that can be rapidly
more often internal walls that are steel or concrete, but this is not reached in a building fire. A timber,
perpendicular to it are brought to always the case. meanwhile, will retain its structural
bear in this role.” For instance, a flitch beam was integrity for longer because it has to
recommended for my load-bearing burn all the way through before
CAN YOU REMOVE A LOAD- wall. This consists of a sandwich of it collapses.
BEARING WALL?
Yes, they can still be removed but
you will need to pay a structural HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO REMOVE
engineer to draw up calculations
A LOAD-BEARING WALL?
for a suitable beam that will need to
be installed to hold the load instead The cost will vary depending on your I removed all the plasterwork myself
of the wall. The structural engineer project but this type of project is likely to save on costs.
is likely to include a thorough risk to cost at least £2,000. To give you an ● I plan to plasterboard, plaster
assessment of the work, too. idea, my 3.2 metre-long load-bearing and paint it myself, but a plasterer
“Your structural engineer will wall removal will cost me £2,262 — can cost anything from £150 to
calculate the weight imposed from here’s a breakdown: £250 a day, and the same goes
each element of construction, ● It would have cost £264 inc VAT for a decorator.
total them up, factorise them and for building control. I was able to “Costs might be higher if you intend
determine the ultimate design negotiate it down to £132 by adding to open up an internal masonry
load on the beam. Armed with this the works onto an existing building wall – a brick wall in a period home,
figure and the maximum bending control application. for instance – which is likely to be
moment, the beam itself can be ● My structural engineer visit and a labour-intensive task. You also
specified,” says building control drawings cost £630 and I’ve need to factor in the cost of making
officer Paul Hymers. received a quote for two experienced good the flooring between the
Removing load-bearing walls builders to remove the wall for two spaces once the wall has been
requires Building Regulations £1,500, which includes materials removed,” says Claire Lloyd, Editor of
approval. To get this, you need to and all the necessary equipment. Homebuilding & Renovating.
contact your local building control
P L A NNING CLINIC
Do you need
planning permission
for a porch?
If you want to add a porch to your home you may
be able to erect it under Permitted Development
rights but there are caveats, as planning
consultant Simon Rix explains
hoping to avoid the need for a full provide such a legally binding
planning application. confirmation. I would recommend
applying for one of these, because
PERMITTED if you don’t and if at some point
DEVELOPMENT MIGHT in the future your local council
BE YOUR BEST ROUTE doesn’t agree your porch was a PD
Depending on the details of your project, whoever is the owner of
home and the exact area you are the house at that point – be that
in, you might be able to build a you or even someone you later
small porch without the need sell it to – could face enforcement
to go through a full planning action, penalties or even a court
application. This is because some order to demolish the structure.
building projects are regarded
as having already been granted HOW LARGE
planning permission via Permitted CAN A PORCH BE
Development or PD rights. If this WITHOUT PLANNING
is the case for your project, and PERMISSION?
if you aren’t caught by any of the If any part of your porch would
exclusions listed below, then you be higher than three metres from
M
ost people in Britain can just go ahead and build your ground level, then a planning
regard a porch as a small new porch without contacting application will be required. In
room covering only the your local planning authority, terms of horizontal size, you
entrance area of a building, almost which is usually your local council. will need to submit a planning
always outside the main walls But interpretation of the rules application if you want to build a
of a house. But porches can also can be complicated, so even if porch larger than 3m2. This size is
be larger, sometimes wrapping you genuinely think your project an external measurement, so if you
SIMON RIX
Is a professional around the sides of a building, or is covered by PD rights, you or a are constructing a two metre by 1.5
planning even the whole way around it. future potential buyer of your metre porch with 20cm thick walls,
consultant. He There is no legal definition home might want a cast-iron you’ll be looking at an internal area
was a council
officer and of a porch. In planning terms, a confirmation that you don’t of 2.08m2, or just 1.68m2 if your
later an elected porch can be regarded as a type of need to submit a full planning walls were to be 30cm thick.
councillor before extension outside any external application. A Certificate of You’ll also need planning
setting up Planix.
UK Planning door of a building. There is a Lawful Development from your permission if any part of the porch
Consultants Ltd. size limit, though, if you are local planning authority will would be within two metres of a
P L A N N I N G C L I N I C
boundary between your home’s “You’ll need planning permission if any part of the porch
curtilage and a highway.
would be within two metres of a boundary between your
WHEN YOU CAN’T home’s curtilage and a highway”
BUILD UNDER PD
There are also some exclusions
or instances where a planning
application would be required
even if your porch falls within
the size limits mentioned above.
For example, if your porch is to be
located on a listed building, you
will need listed building consent,
even if it is small.
Your house may also be within
an ‘Article 4’ area, which means
your local planning authority
has withdrawn permitted
development rights there. If your
house is in an Article 4 area and if
this involves withdrawing the PD
right to build a porch, then you
will need to arrange for a planning
application to be prepared and
submitted. The same applies if
your house was given permission
to be used as a home via certain
STATEMENT CANOPY PORCH
other permitted development
This canopy porch isn’t completely enclosed but an angled overhanging roof creates
rights; or if a previous planning an undercover porch area immediately outside the large glass doors, mimicking the
consent for your house contained smaller ‘wing’ atop the adjacent window.
a condition to remove all PD rights;
or if there was a previous planning
consent condition to remove the “dwellinghouses” (ie not to other A good planning consultant will
specific PD right to build a porch. types of buildings like offices) and be able to help — their fees will
It’s also important to remember not even to flats or maisonettes. In depend on the design complexity.
that these PD rights apply to any of these situations, a normal
planning application will need to WHAT ABOUT
be submitted. BUILDING
PERIOD STYLE PORCH
A dwarf wall, white frame and
REGULATIONS?
glazing form this petite porch PLANNING FEES You shouldn’t need to obtain
that suits this period home. AND SUPPORTING formal Building Regs approval
DOCUMENTS for a new porch as long as it’s
The submission fees for a less than 30m² in size and the
IMAGE: WANDSWORTH SASH WINDOWS (RIGHT); URBAN FRONT (TOP)
planning application for a new front entrance door between the

porch that does not fall under existing house and the new porch
permitted development will remains in place.
cost around £172 in England and Any glazing and fixed electrical
£157 in Wales. When submitting installations will, of course, need
your application, you will need to comply with the appropriate
to provide detailed plans and sections of Building Regs, namely
drawings of your proposed porch, Approved Document K and Part B,
as well as including any supporting respectively.
information that may be required. If your house has ramped or level
This may comprise information access for disabled people, you
about the materials you plan will also need to ensure that the
to use, the size and location of porch does not negatively affect
the porch, and any impact the access. Building Regs Approved
structure may have on your Document M lays out the rules
neighbours. regarding access.
B U I L D COS T CLINIC
HOW MUCH
WILL A
BUILDER
COST? It’s a question quantity surveyor Tim Phillips
gets asked a lot. Here, he shares typical rates and
the factors that can influence the costs
W
hether embarking company dealing with the core even higher in some areas of the
on a full new-build infrastructure on site and engaging country – such as Yorkshire and
house project or just with subcontractors for specific Humberside – where supply and
an extension, one of the first things trades to complete the build. demand has pushed up day rates
you’ll want to establish is how much Understanding how much since Covid. The chart below left
a builder is going to cost. This is a builders and other trades might shows average hourly and day
big question and the answer will cost will help you budget correctly. rates for trades, based on an eight-
TIM PHILLIPS depend on a variety of factors, I’ll explain some typical rates, how hour day. While comparing day
Is a quantity ranging from what you’re building builders provide their costs and the rates across builders can be useful
surveyor with
and the level of design/finish, to factors influencing these variables. as an initial guide to ascertain cost-
almost 30 years
of experience where it’s located and the type of competitiveness, it’s not necessarily
across the ‘builder’ undertaking the project. the going rates? a good indication as to how much
commercial If your build project is fairly small, London and the south east typically the job will cost.
and residential your builder may be doing all command the highest day rates For larger projects, a builder will
construction
the work. Or it may be a building for builders, but rates are rising usually calculate their total price
sector.
@timphillips71 on a ‘measured rates’ basis. This
means they’ll provide a rate per
unit measurement of work (i.e. m,
TRADE AVERAGE AVERAGE m2, m3, number/item) which will
HOURLY RATE DAY RATE include everything (labour, plant,
Carpenter & joiner £32 £256 materials, etc.) to arrive at their cost
Plumber £40 £320 per element of the build and total
Electrician £40 £320 quote. Individual trades typically
Painter & decorator £28 £224 provide fixed cost quotes based on
labour and materials.
Plasterer £30 £240
IMAGE: GETTY IMAGES
When a project is too small for

Builder £37.50 £300 a builder to work competitively on
Labourer £18.75 £150-£200 a ‘measured rates’/fixed-quote
Bricklayer £30 £240 basis, day and hourly rates can
be useful. A builder would usually
B U I L D C O S T C L I N I C
provide a day rate for smaller as discussed in detail in last month’s labour, plant and materials.
jobs such as knocking through an Build Cost Clinic. An estimate is an However, in most cases if the
opening between two rooms. educated assessment of the likely builder has priced a Bill of
Having hourly or day rates at the cost but not a guaranteed final cost. Quantities/Schedule of Works
quote stage can also be worthwhile A quote, however, is a guaranteed prepared by a Quantity Surveyor,
if there are variations to the work. final cost for the detail specified for then they will provide rates for each
By having these rates to hand, you the project. If the builder’s just come item of work and not necessarily
can agree the final account with the to discuss the potential project a breakdown of labour, plant &
builder much quicker as you have in high-level terms, they will only materials. As the client, you can of
base costs to refer to, along with the be able to provide an estimate. If course request a breakdown, but
material and plant invoices. you are able to provide full design as most quotes are provided free
information and specification you of charge, if it’s a large project the
How do builders can obtain a fixed quote. builder will probably want to know
provide their costs? Depending on the size of the that they have won the job and the
Builders tend to provide either an project, the builder may provide breakdown will be a requirement
estimate or a quote for the project, a breakdown of their quote into at contract stage.
10 FACTORS THAT CAN INFLUENCE THE COST OF A BUILDER
1
SIZE OF BUILDING COMPANY The ‘no job too chosen method will keep the cost competitive. For
small’ slogan isn’t applicable to all builders. Some example, a traditional builder who has always used
will only work on medium to large size projects, brick and block is unlikely to provide a competitive
ensuring they are tied into a project long term for their quote to construct a timber frame if it’s new to them.
6
own financial security. If they were to quote for a small PROGRAMME If your programme is condensed
extension, they wouldn’t be as competitive as a builder in time, due to the fact you have to complete
who has fewer overheads and carries out this type of the works over a set period, then your builder
work frequently. will probably be working uneconomically and out of
2
LOCATION The cost of a builder can vary sequence. So labour costs will be increased.
7
considerably based on location alone. London SIZE Generally speaking, cost will increase with
and the surrounding areas have some of the the size of the build. However, economies of scale
highest construction costs in the UK, but since the can be achieved on some projects to reduce the
pandemic, these costs are being matched in other cost per m2. So while the overall cost will be higher, you
areas — such as Yorkshire and Humberside where can achieve a lot more for your money. For example,
supply and demand is having a real impact. The adding another floor to a single storey build won’t
location of your builder in relation to your site can automatically double the cost as the foundations and
also influence cost. They will need to factor in fuel roof are already accounted for.
8
costs and travel time if they are located a good distance SITE ACCESS Your project may cost more if access
away from the project, so always try and keep your is restricted, or if your builder has to handle
builder search local. A radius of 25 miles or up to 45 deliveries and site waste twice due to insufficient
minutes is a good guide. vehicle access. If access is difficult, they might not be
3
SPECIALISM If your project requires specialist able to bring in certain machinery, which could require
work from listed building contractors (lime-render them to dig the foundations by hand at a higher cost.
plasterers, conservation builders, etc) this will You may even need to change your build method which
increase the cost as their knowledge and expertise is will impact cost. Timber frame and SIPs are brought to
specialist and therefore attracts a premium. site on large vehicles, so access is crucial.
4 9
COMPLEXITY OF WORKS The more complex SITE CONDITIONS Your build costs may increase
the construction – whether through complex significantly if your site slopes. Site access and
geometry or a wide range of materials – the logistics may become challenging, requiring
more costly it is. Curved walls and circular windows, careful planning for safety. The structural solution will
for example, will significantly increase the cost, both in undoubtedly increase expenditure.
10
terms of material costs and the days of labour required. FINISHES If you are sticking to basic,
A huge variety of materials may require many different standard products then costs will be kept to
skilled trades for installation, driving up labour costs. a minimum as they are easy to obtain and
5
BUILD METHOD There are many different build take minimal time to install — thereby keeping labour
methods available these days, from traditional costs down. Once you move to higher end finishes – such
masonry and timber frame, to SIPs, ICF and oak as expensive tiles or bespoke joinery – the materials and
frame. Using a builder who is experienced in your labour costs will rise accordingly.
A B U ILD ER’S V IEW
DON’T BE A
COWBOY
CLIENT It’s not uncommon for on-site relationships to
get fraught and all too often it’s the client, not
the trades causing the problems. Andy Stevens
offers a few tips on how to get the best out
of your builder on site
ANDY STEVENS so on), van running costs and

Is an award- repairs, marketing, to name a
winning builder few. Therefore, when we don’t
and broadcaster.
You can find him
get paid on time, or at all, it can
on Instagram cause us a huge amount of stress.
@andystevenstv This is one of the reasons that poor
mental health can impact those in
the construction industry, ‘getting
knocked’ as we call it (in other
words, not getting paid).
So, if you are reading this as a
homeowner about to embark on
S
ome trades can get a bad years! Let me explain what I mean employing a building contractor
rap for being ‘cowboys’, but by cowboy clients... on any size job, please make sure
there are plenty of equivalent you keep to the payment schedule.
clients as well. Late payments Ultimately, apart from not being
Like any industry, there will One of the worst things a client can able to pay other trades and bills,
be some rogue trades, but I do is not pay us or pay us late. it means we can’t put food on
have to say it really is such a With all the paperwork agreed the table for our families — this
small percentage of us. The vast before a job starts, we run things is our income.
majority of trades I have known to a tight schedule. Every Friday
and worked with over the years without fail, I pay my team. Every Fickle clients
are highly skilled and do an awful month I have to pay all my trade Another thing that can aggravate
lot of work that goes unnoticed, accounts in full. There are also us, is when everything is agreed
such as charity builds and helping other costs that some clients aren’t and the homeowner keeps
elderly clients for nothing. What aware of; architects and structural changing their mind. We fully
homeowners don’t hear about engineers, quantity surveyors, appreciate things will change,
though, are the rising numbers of building inspectors, accountants, especially as the structure goes up
cowboy clients. And believe me, all the insurances (the van/public and the true layout can be seen, but
I’ve had my fair share over the liability/employers/tools, and please give us as much notice as
A B U I L D E R ’ S V I E W
possible. Once we have chased in

all the backboxes for the electrical
switches, sockets, spurs, and so on,
and the plastering has been done,
to change all these things involves a
lot of work, undoing all of the work
we’ve just done.
We will work as closely as
possible with you as we want you
to be over the moon with the build
we are producing for you, but
don’t keep changing your mind,
because having to make constant
unplanned alterations costs us time
and money. Give us as much notice
as possible to carry out changes
but be aware that these changes
will more than likely cost you
additional money.
Time is money
One thing a lot of clients aren’t AGREE BETWEEN YOURSELVES
aware of when requesting constant
One of the more common things right will obviously cost extra, so
changes to the design and spec, is problems trades can encounter it’s best you have a good chat together
the impact it has on scheduling the is disagreements between the before decisions need to be made.
trades on the job. clients themselves. Over the years on Common areas of contention include:
As I have mentioned in many the many builds I’ve worked on, I’ve ● Where to place light switches
dealt with countless couples who don’t ● First fix heating and plumbing
articles in this magazine over
agree on anything and actually work ● Choice of finishing items: flooring,
the years, good trades are against each other, never mind the tiling, doors, and so on
booked up. This is the same as a builder! This not only makes it difficult ● Changes to plans and delays in
subcontractor or working for a for us trades to crack on, but putting making decisions!
firm. Even just a day or two could
knock the schedule out completely.
For example, once everything
has been first fixed, the client the clients who don’t leave your thing you can do as a customer
then decides to move a couple of side throughout your working day during the job, is go to the
sockets and switches, maybe the and permanently come out with contractor’s trades behind his/her
positioning of a radiator, which comments such as “Are you sure back to try and get the work done
takes a day or two. This delays that’s how you do it?” or “When I cheaper. This has happened to me
the plasterers, which in turn watched YouTube I saw you can do a couple of times over the years.
has a knock-on effect on all the it another way”. Please do not be Firstly, you are breaking the
following trades — carpenters, one of these clients. As a trade, it contract and secondly, you will
tilers, decorators etc. If one of these is our worst nightmare having the ruin the relationship with the
trades are booked up elsewhere, client peering over our shoulders main contractor immediately and
you can see the effect it has. Again, trying to tell us how to do our work. therefore this is fundamentally
agree things with your family and All you are achieving with this something you should never do
as a customer.
We have spent many years
“If you are about to embark on employing a contractor, building up our team and subbies
please make sure you keep to the payment schedule” so please do not try to undermine
this relationship.
If you can avoid being a cowboy
then confirm everything with the behaviour is encouraging us to client by heeding all the steps
contractor/project manager. rush – which is never a good thing mentioned, you will not only get
where quality is concerned – to get on with us trades and build strong
Leave it to the away as quickly as possible. relationships with us, you will also
professionals have happy men and women
We trades have a term for certain Honesty pays off working in your property, which is
clients — ‘watchers’. These are To conclude, the absolute worst good for both sides!
EX PER T A D V ICE
FOCUS
ON
SOUND
INSULATION You don’t just need good insulation, you
also require thermally efficient, dense,
sound-absorbing insulation, says energy
efficiency expert Tim Pullen
I
n space, no one can hear you studio — a construction system
scream… because sound is that aims to prevent all sound from
a pressure wave that needs a entering or leaving the room.
medium (air, water or solid) for For soundproofing to work it
transmission and space is (almost) requires specialist materials (in
a vacuum. The pressure wave walls, floors, ceilings) that capture
causes particles in the medium sound to prevent it passing or
to vibrate, which in turn causes rebounding. Most houses do not
adjoining particles to vibrate, and want that. You may do if you are
so the sound spreads. The further a music teacher working from
apart those particles are the easier home and the music room needs
it is for the pressure wave to pass to be soundproof, to protect the
through it. Which is why sound is other people in the house from
transmitted more easily through the activity in there — and vice
air than through concrete. It versa. But that is the exception.
therefore follows that if we want to Generally we do not want that
slow (or stop) sound transmission ‘dead’ quality that soundproofing
tim pullen
then we need to slow (or stop) air tends to bring. What we want
Is an expert in
sustainable movement, which is precisely is sound absorption, which can
building methods what thermal insulation is be achieved with a product or
and home energy intended to do. materials that are relatively flexible
efficiency. (or elastic) with a high density.
Soundproofing vs Wood fibre is a good insulator
sound absorption: because it’s a dense and elastic
there’s a difference wool-like material. Cellulose and
There is a distinct difference sheep’s wool are also good sound
between soundproofing and absorbing, natural materials.
sound absorption. Soundproofing Mineral wool is a good option
is what you have in a recording for the cost-conscious as it will get
the job done.
Hard foam insulation types
“Sound attenuation is a matter of attention to detail (polyurethane, polyisocyanurate,
rather than expenditure on specialist products” etc) are essentially made up of
F O C U S O N
rigid bubbles of air, which serve as above from noise below follows “If we want to slow (or stop) sound
a great thermal insulator but a poor the same method as insulating a transmission then we need to slow
sound insulator as they lack both timber frame wall — installation
density and elasticity. of 100mm of wool-type insulation
(or stop) air movement, which is
between the joists. In a retrofit precisely what thermal insulation
Why insulate? where taking up the floor or is intended to do”
Sound pollution can cause all dropping the ceiling is not feasible,
sorts of problems. Apart from then acoustic plasterboard will
the obvious irritation of noisy again be the answer. Acoustic specific solution for that house
neighbours, persistent unwanted plasterboard is a good deal thicker will be the cheapest and most
noise can cause high blood than standard boards and if that effective option.
pressure, headaches, stress, cannot be accommodated then For the more typical house there
fatigue and depression. simply installing mass with another are only two rules:
The method of insulating from layer of standard plasterboard ● Make sure there is no direct
adjacent rooms will vary with will certainly help. airborne route for the noise to
construction of the wall. Ideally it travel through*. In reality this
will be a timber frame where one So what are the rules means ensuring the insulation
of the wool insulation materials to follow? material is properly installed so
can be easily inserted between the Noise pollution and its attenuation that it fills the whole space and
studs. Having said that, the studs has been an issue for some years. cannot slump.
themselves will tend to carry sound So much so that it is now dealt ● Use any of the wool-type
and in more severe cases it would with under Part E of the Building materials, or cellulose. There are
be good to ‘decouple’ the timber Regulations and there are a plenty of good reasons to use
frame. That is, have two separate, plethora of specialist products natural insulation material but
*HAVE NO DIRECT AIRBORNE PATH FOR IT TO TRAVEL, EG SEALING THE BACKS OF SOCKETS IN STUD WALLS, DROP DOWN ACOUSTIC SEALS IN DOORS AND SO ON
thinner frames with a gap between to deal with it. In the majority mineral wool is cheaper and will
— the frames are still filled with of standard domestic situations get the job done.
insulation material and linked the standard products will more Sound attenuation is a matter
with a sound-resilient clip, which than adequately deal with the of attention to detail rather than
prevents noise travelling from one problem. There will be exceptions expenditure on specialist products.
side of the wall to the other. In both – like the music room or the house Like all good solutions, do the job
cases 100mm of insulation would under a flightpath – but these are properly – use the right materials
be used — as a single batt in a exceptions and in those cases the in the right way – and the problem
standard wall or as two 50mm advice of an expert, designing a goes away.
batts in a decoupled wall. Usually
50mm is the minimum for sound
insulation purposes and 100mm
the optimum.
If in doubt that 100mm will be WHY THE RIGHT GLAZING
sufficient then think about specialist IS IMPORTANT
materials like Knauf Earthwool If road or external noise is, or is likely
to be, the problem, then insulating the
Sound Shield as it is a little denser
cavity in the wall with mineral wool
than mineral wool or other fibre or cellulose will help, be that masonry
glass insulation. or timber frame construction, but the
With masonry construction main culprit will be the windows.
the options are more limited as Double or triple glazing will be needed,
which is now standard in a new build
partition walls tend to be solid
anyway and therefore has no real
block construction with no cavity. on-cost. In more severe cases it will
Equally, being solid also means need to be acoustic glazing which
that noise transition is less likely. If uses glass of different thicknesses
there is, or is likely to be, a noise and hardness and with a wider gap
between the panes. And this point is
problem, then lining with an
actually the key — the gap. Double
acoustic plasterboard like Gyproc glazing with a 50mm gap between
Soundbloc or Resonate Resoboard the panes will be as effective as triple
will do the job. Although it is quite glazing, but fitting that into the frame
expensive, it only has to be applied could be a problem. But the noise has
IMAGE: PAUL ZANRE
to be really quite severe – under a

to one side of the wall — the side
Heathrow flightpath for instance – to
producing the most noise. justify the expense of acoustic glazing.
Insulating a ceiling from the
rooms above, or the rooms
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EX T EN S ION ES SENTIA LS
HOW TO ADD A
PITCHED
ROOF
EXTENSION
Find out what to consider if you’re adding a
pitched roof extension to your home —from the
pros and cons to the likely costs
S
imply put, a pitched roof location or they can be designed to consultant from Oakwrights. These
extension is an addition to put a new style spin on an existing are some of the benefits:
an existing house with a roof structure — be it contemporary or ● More insulation can be installed
structure in the shape of a triangle. period in style. Plus, they look in the roof which provides better
The roof design therefore enables great when used atop a large energy efficiency.
rain, snow and ice to slide off and two-storey addition, as well as ● The style can suit contemporary
into the gutters. a petite extension — it really is a and traditional house extension
AMY REEVES Pitched roofs can refer to any versatile roofscape. styles. “Pitched roofs are more
Is assistant style of roof with a ridge or apex traditional, but they can appear
editor and – pretty much anything other than The advantages contemporary if a modern material
having recently
renovated a mid-
flat roof extensions – although of opting for a is used and can be vaulted
century home, is generally when they are being pitched roof internally to provide drama,”
on the look-out referred to, a classic pitch with a “Pitched roof extensions offer advises Lydia Robinson, founder of
for her next gable end is intended. many benefits and are quite often a Design Storey Architects.
project. Pitched roofs can be adapted popular way to extend,” according ●“The vaulted ceiling roof space
to suit the roof types in a specific to George Allen, regional design offers an airy feeling to the room,
linking a room with lower ceilings
for high ridge lines and lots of
light,” says George.
CAN YOU ADD A PITCHED ROOF TO AN ● “Pitched roof extensions are also
EXISTING EXTENSION? very versatile, and with multiple
“Changing a flat roof to a pitched roof shouldn’t change the roof material options from clay,
structural loading on the existing extension foundations (but slate, shingles and zinc there is
IMAGE: GETTY IMAGES
this should be confirmed by construction professionals)” says an aesthetic to suit any property,”
the Federation of Master Builders. adds George.
“This is subject to the detail of the host building, local ● “Another benefit is that pitched
planning constraints and a structural survey.” roofs can help you overcome
planning constraints,” adds Yaniv
DESIGN
Peer, director at Iguana Architects. pitched roof extension might not be
DETAILS
“Traditional extensions under suitable for every project: [Right]
a householder application will ● They can cost more than a flat Designed by
normally be allowed to a depth roof, although this isn’t always CDC Studio,
of 3.5m under the planner’s the case. the bold black
vertical timber
discretion. However, if you’re ● The design, roof slope and
cladding and
planning to extend further, then angle, and materials are key to a dark zinc
you will need a little ace up your successful pitched roof extension roof really
sleeve and that comes in the form — get any wrong and the finished elevate and
of pitching the roof eaves height product will look inappropriate to accentuate
the pitched
down to 2m at your neighbours’ the existing house.
roof on
boundary. Permitted Development ● The composition of the structure this side
(PD) rights allow you to build a means there is increased burden extension,
IMAGES: (RIGHT) RICHARD CHIVERS; (BOTTOM) EMANUELIS STASAITIS
fence up to a height of 2m and placed on the foundations, which contrasting

as such, the position made to may impact the depth of the old with new.
planning officers is that there is no required footings for the extension.
[Below] A full-
more impact to the outlook from ● Pitched roofs can often look height vaulted
the neighbours’ side than a regular quite traditional, so they don’t ceiling was
garden fence.” always work well with a more incorporated
● In a similar way to hipped roof contemporary property. into this
replacement
extensions, pitched roofs are more ● Some planning permission
kitchen
stable than flat roofs when dealing departments might prefer a extension,
with snow or heavy rain. completely different style of designed
extension to that of an existing by YARD
The disadvantages house so as to clearly demarcate Architects,
to create an
of choosing a the old and new structures.
airy, light and
pitched roof design ● You can’t have a green roof on a bright room.
There are some aspects in which a pitched extension.
E X T E N S I O N E S S E N T I A L S
“Pitched roof extensions are versatile – with multiple

roof material options from clay, slate, shingles and
zinc, there is an aesthetic to suit any property”
E X T E N S I O N E S S E N T I A L S
What are the costs? out the type of glazing you intend “Pitched roof garden rooms
“Estimating jobs like a pitched roof to use. In other words, you must can be in a similar region in terms
extension in the current market decide whether it will follow the of cost, however, most clients
has its difficulties,” explains form of the geometry or whether opt for a flat roof with lantern
Brian Berry, chief executive of you will keep it rectilinear for the if they don’t have the sufficient
the Federation of Master Builders sake of costs. The same logic can height from ground to first floor to
(FMB). “We are seeing material also apply when considering accommodate the pitched roof. So
costs at all-time highs. This increase external cladding on angled it is more of a personal preference
is driven by a range of issues such façades — it is easier for external or for practical reasons than cost,”
as inflation, export duties, the war bricks to be applied to a flat surface adds Oakrights’ regional design
in Ukraine and energy costs. than to cut bricks to an angle.” consultant Zoe Grey.
“This is putting immense pressure “Pitched roof extensions can turn
on the bottom lines of small, local out to be a cheaper alternative,”
builders. This rise in costs, may according to Oakwrights’ George
understandably push customers to Allen. “This is primarily due to
DESIGN IDEAS existing home; a
look for cheap and quick solutions. the cost of tiling compared to flat The roof to wall ratio pitched glass roof
However, I urge extreme caution roof membrane roofing and the and the angle of the extension has given
when looking for quotes — a lantern cost. pitch are important this house the best of
good builder is a busy builder and “Tiling is also a much more design considerations both worlds (top right);
when ensuring and the pitched roof of
may not come cheap. We would common building practice,
the new extension the extension (bottom)
recommend collecting at least three therefore it doesn’t carry as much complements the mirrors the angle of the
quotes and using a service like the of a premium. The wall space existing structure. adjacent existing barn.
FMB’s ‘Find a Builder’ tool to ensure available on the existing exterior These were all factors Modern extension
you are getting a quality builder. can govern your ridge height. If considered in the ideas, such as the grey
design of the pitch on zinc roof and cladding,
“Consumers may also find first-floor windows are at a low
this linked extension serve to reflect the grey
that builders are using flexible level then a flat roof with lantern (top left), which is hues of the stone and
contracts, this is to cope with the may be the best option.” in keeping with the original roof tiles.
volatility of material costs, which
ensures builders aren’t left out
of pocket and keep jobs viable.
The last thing you want half way
through a job is a builder going
bust. Therefore, in the current
market, you need to factor into your
budget that the initial quote may
end up being higher”.
IS IT MORE EXPENSIVE
THAN A FLAT ROOF?
“I believe pitched roofs and flat
IMAGES: (TOP LEFT) MARK ASHBEE; (TOP RIGHT) IQ GLASS; (BOTTOM) MATTHEW SMITH
roofs are of a similar cost, subject

to design,” says a member of
Federation of Master Builders.
“A simple pitched roof is probably
cheaper but a more complex one
would likely be more expensive.
An added benefit of a pitched roof
is that you may be able to have a
vaulted ceiling (one that follows
the profile of the roof above rather
than being flat) to add interest to the
interior space.”
“Technically, there is more
consideration that needs to be
given by the contractor to the
works and, as such, it demands
a contractor with good carpentry
skills,” explains Iguana Architects’
Yaniv Peer. “You must also balance
D ES I GN MA STER CLA S S
Guide to
renovating
a 1970s house
What 1970s houses lack in aesthetics, they
can make up for in design potential. Our
guide explains how to turn drab into fab
T
he popularity of 1970s house renovations some of the estate houses built during the 1970s might not
is on the rise — and it isn’t hard to see immediately stimulate your design senses, but now is the time
why. Houses built during this era have so to put your creative hat on — there is often much more to these
much going for them that many styles of than first meets the eye. Although not all houses built during
period homes haven’t — plus they tend to this decade will be exactly the same, it is safe to say that there
be easier to get hold of. Around this time, are many features and building techniques that were popular
carpeted bathrooms, sludge-coloured during this time — some more desirable than others.
bathroom suites, concrete roof tiles and In this guide, we take a look at the top 10 features and issues
cheap uPVC windows were all the rage, but look past these and you’re likely to encounter if you decide to snap up a house built
there are some brilliant aspect to these homes. at this time. We explain how to make the most of what’s there to
As traditional-style homes go, a quick scout around at ensure you end up with the hippest house on the block.
WORDS: NATASHA BRINSMEAD IMAGE: JONATHAN GOOCH
ENJOY THE LARGE WINDOW OPENINGS When renovating original 1970s windows, it is a good idea
One of the advantages of 1970s houses is their large windows — to upgrade windows to double or triple glazing, advises Simon
meaning the interiors tend to feel really light and airy. On the Graham, director at Yard Architects. “Dark window frames can
downside, if these windows are the originals, the frames are look good on 1970s houses, but try take account of the original
likely to be made from either single-glazed aluminium or timber. window design in terms of opening sections and proportion.”
The aluminium frames used in the 1970s were nothing like the Retaining the same-sized window openings will not only help
stylish and super-efficient ones available now. They were thin keep the house in proportion but it will also cut costs. “Making
and usually single glazed with no polyamide thermal breaks, the most of a property comes from working with its shape
meaning they were cold to live with. And if these windows were and fitting a style of window that’s appropriate to this shape,”
updated in the 1980s, they are likely to have been fitted with explains Alexandra Hull, managing director of Back to Front
cheap and chunky uPVC. Exterior Design Consultancy.
LIGHT AND RETAIN THE BEST FEATURES be the most immediately attractive feature, there are
SPACE Some of the trends of the 1970s have become the interesting ways to bring them up to date. “They can
These houses
object of derision because they were downright provide the opportunity to introduce new rooflights
have retained
some of their awful, and avocado and ‘champagne’ bathroom or add solar panels,” says Simon Graham.
the best original suites, carpeted bathrooms and kitchens and Artex You could also consider swapping the roof
features. ceilings are all best consigned to history’s decoration covering on a 1970s flat roof, not only to upgrade
Although the dustbin. But it’s not all bad — if you’re renovating a its performance, but also to add to its appearance.
cladding has
1970s property, it really can pay to embrace some of Green roofs can transform a house, but you might
been replaced
(top right the more desirable interior features and, where they also consider single-ply membrane or a zinc roof
and left), the are missing, even reinstate modern versions of them. covering. You’ll probably also want to look at
abundance This will really bring out the best in the spaces. upgrading the insulation.
of windows Some of the more desirable features from this “A big drawback of 1970s houses can be the large
remains. The
period are internal timber cladding on ceilings expanses of unattractive flat-roofed garages,” says
open-plan,
split-level layout and walls, split-level layouts and sunken areas in Alexandra Hull. “But these can offer scope to extend
(bottom) still living spaces, all of which can add warmth, interest over, subject to planning permission.”
looks edgy and and character. “1970s architectural features like
modern. wood ceilings and original floor finishes are worth PLAY WITH OPEN-PLAN LAYOUTS
preserving to retain the style of the era when you’re Two great things about this period of property – and
considering refurbishment,” agrees Simon Graham. something often lacking in Victorian and Edwardian
houses, or older cottages – are their generous room
ENHANCE THE FLAT ROOF sizes and open-plan layouts. “Generally, layouts were
Many examples of 1970s architecture feature large quite open plan and when this is the case it is a good
flat-roofed areas. Although these might not always idea to retain the sense of openness as far as possible,”
D E S I G N M A S T E R C L A S S
A flat roof can be

the ideal way to add
says Simon Graham. “Avoid splitting provide the comfort levels required
extra space, inside and
the house into small cellular rooms.” out. You could reinforce by modern-day homeowners.
That said, separate dining rooms the roof and turn it into “1970s houses are usually
were still a popular feature of a balcony, or extend of a fairly simple, lightweight
1970s house layouts and kitchens upwards. construction, with masonry party
were rarely the size we want today. walls and lightweight timber infill at
Although serving hatches between these the front and rear,” says Simon Graham.
two rooms seemed to be a firm favourite during “Often they are lacking in any insulation,
this era, these days, knocking down internal walls so can be very cold and it is worth introducing
IMAGES: (LEFT) JONATHAN GOOCH / REIMAGINATION; (BELOW) BACK TO FRONT EXTERIOR DESIGN CONSULTANCY
that separate these spaces will really open up and insulation wherever possible into the walls, roof
modernise the interior. and windows.”
It is not just external walls that may need
EMBRACE INTEGRATED GARAGES updating — the interior walls may well need your
House designers of the 1970s loved to include large attention, too. “Internally you may find that the
integral garages and these offer huge potential to walls and doors are of very thin construction and it
renovators. Extending over a garage can add space to was not uncommon for walls to be built of a type of
your home without increasing its overall footprint, cardboard waffle, so they are not always very good
plus it’s a really cost-effective way to add rooms given acoustically or capable of taking much weight,” says
that, in many cases, foundations can be left alone and Simon. “Many of the mechanical systems typical of
UPWARDS AND
the lower walls will already be in place. the era may need reconsidering for more efficient
OUTWARDS
You will need to call in a structural engineer to modern technologies, too, such as electric warm As well as
check the walls and foundations are up to the job of air heating, which was commonly used as the main updating the
providing adequate support for a structure above source of heating.” brickwork with
and, if you plan on using the garage itself as extra render, the
owners of this
living space, you will need to take into account UPDATE THE CLADDING 1970s property
everything from insulation and fire regulations There were several different types of house cladding have increased
to damp-proofing. Garage conversions can add as materials used for the exterior of 1970s houses, with the footprint and
much as 15% to the value of a house and, in many some of the most popular being uPVC cladding, extended the
cases, planning permission won’t be required as concrete tile hanging and just plain old boring bricks. existing garage
to add extra
most will fall under Permitted Development. It really will pay to update the cladding, but aim to
living space.
honour the 1970s aesthetics of the building and mix
STRENGTHEN FLIMSY WALLS and match the claddings you use — for example,
Despite their sturdy appearance, the walls of 1970s timber cladding on the upper storey with render or
houses might require a little attention in order to stone beneath.
IMAGE: ANDY MATTHEWS C/O SOUP ARCHITECTS
D E S I G N M A S T E R C L A S S
BEWARE OF DEADLY
MATERIALS
One of the most unwelcome features
of 1970s properties is the fact that
many of them incorporate asbestos
somewhere within. “It is fairly
common to find some asbestos in
the construction of 1970s houses,”
IMAGE: FRASER MARR
confirms Simon Graham. “A

specialist can carry out a survey to
check for this.”
Common areas to find asbestos
include insulation boards, lagging
around pipes and boilers, in roofing
and wall cladding and even in
textured plaster finishes, such
as Artex.
Find out how to deal with asbestos
and get to grips with the guidelines
and regulations for disposing of it
safely on the government website
www.hse.gov.uk/asbestos/.
RETAINING “There are many different cladding options on be pretty straightforward. If they are located apart,
THE SHAPE the market that work well with 1970s houses, such you might like to consider some shower room ideas
The essential as timber, fibre cement and tile hanging,” advises that involve converting the WC or, if space allows,
shape of this
1970s detached
Simon Graham. “Try to choose something that you could combine it with a smaller box room to
was kept while blends well with any surrounding architecture create a large family bathroom — work with the
rear glazing and retains the lines and proportions of the layout to update it for your needs.
was added to original building. If your house is part of a terrace,
accentuate the try to think about how the cladding will look against EXPLOIT THE PLOT SIZE
new double-
height living
the other houses.” Houses built during the 1970s were not only really
area with generous in size compared to the houses that had
mezzanine. COMBINE TOILETS AND preceded them (as well as those that came after in
BATHROOMS the 1980s and beyond) but they were often built
Although ground-floor bathrooms had become on good sized plots compared to many of the new
a thing of the past by the time the 1970s rolled houses being built today. As a result they offer plenty
around, the larger, luxury bathrooms we enjoy of potential when it comes to building an extension.
today were still some way off. “Bathrooms in houses The strong horizontal lines of many 1970s properties
that were built in the 1970s were often quite small, really lend themselves to very striking contemporary
or sometimes the WC was split off from the main extension design.
bathroom,” explains Simon Graham. While flat roof extensions can work well with
“Original 1970s bathrooms can still be quite small the form of many 1970s houses, so too can those
IMAGES: JEREMY PHILLIPS
for a busy modern family and often have a separate that offer more height vertically internally. Many
loo, which makes the rooms feel smaller still,” houses built during this era had relatively low
agrees Alexandra Hull. If the bathroom and WC are ceilings, so creating an extension that is more
adjacent to one another, simply removing the wall generous vertically will really help to open up and
between the two to create one larger space should enhance the spaces.
The
5
vaulted
ceiling
Add some architectural drama to your home with an
exposed ceiling. Here’s how to achieve the look
3 4
IMAGE: FISHER & PAYKEL; CASEY DUNN
IMAGE: CDC STUDIO / RICHARD CHIVERS
2
IMAGE: MARK ASHBEE
IMAGE: MAKE MY BLIND
V
7
-
aulted ceilings are a great vaulted ceilings often showcase exposed
way to bring height, roof trusses. However, you can introduce
1 drama and the feeling of exposed trusses into a contemporary
space to a room. And as build to help add character and warmth
a design concept, it can to the space.
work in both new builds, extensions and “Exposed trusses are the structural
renovations. “A sense of openness is high element of a roof, most typically
on the wish list for homeowners and a triangular but they do also come in other
IMAGE: FISHER & PAYKEL; BETH DAVIS
vaulted ceiling is a way of answering that shapes and sizes,” says architectural
request,” explains Richard Gill, director designer and MD of PJT Design Ltd, Pete
of Paul Archer Design. “Clients often ask Tonks. “Exposed trusses can be made
WORDS: MICHELLE GUY
for ‘wow’ or character. Especially in a from many types of timber including

domestic setting, having a tall space that Douglas fir, glulam (glued laminated
draws your eye up can provide the ‘wow’ timber) or oak; steel can also be used.”
with relative ease.” But vaulted ceilings don’t have to
Synonymous with barn conversions, feature exposed trusses or rafters —
1. A bank of rooflights opens up this semi-vaulted ceiling 2. Exposed trusses add character to this new extension 3.This full-height pitched
T H E R O O M P L A N N E R
IMAGE: MEREWAY KITCHENS

6
spaces, too. “We’ve had quite a few occasions

where we’ve removed a flat ceiling, exposing
some existing roof structure, and introduced a
rooflight above it,” says Matt. “It dramatically
changes the feel of a space, and can make what
is an ordinary space really wonderful.”
2How to light the space

“Lighting must be customised to the specific
space — without careful curation you might find
that the space isn’t showcased properly and
you’re left with shadowy areas at the top where
you want full impact,” explains Amy Reeves.
“Use spotlights and downlights to highlight the
pitch or exposed trusses, pendants to really
show off the height, and wall lights to wash the
walls below with light.” Introducing rooflights
will aid with natural lighting.
3Consider insulation
“Insulation is an important consideration
in vaulted spaces; you need to be as focused on
the potential for heat gain as well as heat loss,”
explains Oakwrights’ Craig Alexander.
“If your extension [or self-build] is orientated
towards the sun, there is a possibility for
overheating in the summer, so you must make
sure the insulation system you use is up to the
job. As you are introducing more surface area
into the build (rather than having ‘loft insulation’
[a cold roof] at ceiling level, like in most houses)
ceilings can be opened up to the roof line scales. There’s also a lot to consider from a build the building fabric might need to be made a little
but trusses/rafters can be boarded over perspective; this is a feature that needs planning better performing to compensate.”
to create a full-height pitch instead — from the outset.”
a great option if you want to incorporate
a mezzanine level or a bank of rooflights.
Here are some design ideas and
Matt Loader, director of Loader Monteith
Architects, agrees: “There are so many different
considerations on how you make your ceiling, but
4Zone areas
If you’re incorporating a vaulted ceiling in
an extension, then thinking about how the old and
considerations to make when it comes to we generally start with how we want the inside new space connect is important to ensure there’s
creating a ‘wow-factor’ vaulted ceiling. to look and feel. Then we get into the technical a natural flow. “Consider the layout of the spaces
considerations. There are a variety of different in terms of what happens at the transition between
1Plan from the start

“Vaulted ceilings can be a fairly tricky thing
to pull off, especially while extending or opening
ways of making the structural build-up of the roof,
many of which can be left exposed inside. Different
roofing materials can be used at different roof
the vaulted space and that of the existing ceiling
level,” begins Craig Alexander. “Here you will
have a bulkhead, between the vault and the lower
up an existing space,” says Homebuilding & pitches, and this is a fundamental consideration on ceiling height — so they will potentially feel like
Renovating assistant editor Amy Reeves. “If done how a vaulted ceiling would be formed.” different ‘zones’ or spaces. Try and have distinct
incorrectly, the sense of visual interest will be Vaulted ceilings aren’t exclusive to extensions spaces rather than, for example, a dining table or
hampered by dark corners and inappropriate or self-builds and can be created in some existing kitchen running between the two if possible.”
vaulted ceiling adds volume 4. A tall vaulted ceiling emphasises the vast height in this room 5. Exposed trusses add charm to this beautiful barn conversion 6. A glazed vaulted ceiling adds a contemporary twist.
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
OLIVER CHRIS LUKE ARTHUR-

BENNETT LONGHURST WELLS
Has written for Is a builder with Is an interior
many homes 40 years of stylist, award-
magazine and experience in winning blogger
newspapers. construction. and DIY expert.
IAN ROCK
Is a chartered
surveyor and
author of eight
popular Haynes
Home Manuals.
STEVE JENKINS
Is a journalist
and a painter
and decorator
with all-round
building skills.
Q HEALTHY HOME
How do I best irrigate a living

wall system?
A
A living wall – sometimes
called a vertical garden
or plant wall – is a system
that creates a planted area on a
vertical surface. These structures
the wall via a pump. The water is
stored with nutrient supplements in
a feed tank.
“With the direct system, the
water often comes from a city water
line and is given to the plant with
the help of water pressure,” adds
Henry. “It can come with a fertiliser
injection and water filter.” The
water is removed either directly
usually comprise individual pockets (using a drain) or via a drip tray
or planters up the wall, with the diverted to your drainage system.
plants in the soil or other planting Most professional installers offer
mediums. They’re attached to solid a maintenance contract for regular
walls which are often fitted with upkeep, either monthly or quarterly.
irrigation systems. This includes plant replacement,
“There are two primary types of servicing the irrigation system
JON JENNIFER
BUTTERWORTH GRIMBLE irrigation system: direct irrigation and checking the overall structural
Is Director at Is a property and recirculating irrigation,” says integrity. Set aside 10% of the
IMAGE: GETTY
Arada Stoves – writer who loves Henry Scott from Pehrrson Scott. cost of your plant wall per year for
British-made fires, mid-century Recirculating systems – as the name maintenance to keep it looking its
est. 1966. modern design.
suggests – recirculate water through best. Luke Arthur-Wells
The Tranquil 500 shown
here in brushed brass
is compatible with
1.0bar water pressure
and requires two outlet
shower valves to work. Q WATER PRESSURE
Should I check my water pressure before

choosing a new shower?
A
Are you considering an immersive
rainfall shower with body jets or
steam functionality? “To get the
maximum performance out of your shower,
you must check the water pressure before
making a purchase,” says Ben Bryden, sales
and marketing director at RAK Ceramics.
“If they fail to match up, you run the risk of
taps running slowly, or the hot and cold water
running at different flow rates.”
Your home’s water pressure will depend
on whether you have a gravity-fed boiler,
combi or pumped system. So, before buying
a shower system, it’s very important that you
liaise with a plumber to establish whether your
boiler or water tank needs to be upgraded.
Typically, period properties won’t have
suitable plumbing to give enough pressure for
a powerful shower.
“Mixer showers are a popular option. They
use hot water from your boiler and can be
fitted with a pump to ensure high-pressure
flow rates,” suggests Barrie Cutchie, design
director at BC Designs. “They look fantastic
and can be matched to your brassware.”
Jennifer Grimble
DIY advice you have the correct fixings.

WHAT ARE THE MOST COMMON It is possible to use 15mm
PLASTERBOARD SIZES AND plasterboard for better heat
HOW DO I CHOOSE WHICH and soundproofing benefits,
THICKNESS TO OPT FOR? but this is not as easy to find.
There are two common Typically, if selecting moisture
plasterboard sizes used for board instead of plasterboard,
residential jobs — 9.5mm and for moisture-rich areas, this is
12.5mm thickness. usually 12.5mm rather than
Plasterboard at 12.5mm 9.5mm in thickness.
thickness is the most commonly
used plasterboard size and is a CHOOSING THE RIGHT
popular choice for dot and dab THICKNESS
style plasterboarding and walls Gary Blackburn, Plaster Support
in general. Manager at Saint Gobain common option.
The benefit of the thinner reveals what you should do first Gary adds that, “additional
9.5mm plasterboard means it’s when it comes to choice: “The performance” is a
slightly lighter than the 12.5mm first choice is based on the space consideration as well. By this
so it tends to be a more common between the joists.” he means fire resistance and
choice for ceilings. If using 400mm spaced studs sound insulation. So if you
If you are looking for 9.5mm plasterboard is the need improved sound isolation
more insulation and better common choice. If working with and fire resistance, a 15mm
IMAGE: GETTY
soundproofing, you can use 600mm spaced studs, 12.5mm board is better than 12.5mm
12.5mm on ceilings, assuming plasterboard is the most plasterboard. STEVE JENKINS
A S K T H E E X P E R T S Q & A
Q
IMAGE: GETTY
R E L O C AT I N G A K I T C H E N
How easy is it to relocate a kitchen outlets. If there’s no obvious way of design aspects when re-purposing a
from one room to another? connecting to the existing system, seek kitchen. Existing windows might require
professional advice for excavating enlarging or you might envisage bi-fold
A
A well-equipped kitchen with a trenches. New underground drainage doors opening up to a garden. If the
spacious integral dining area is pipework will significantly add to the cost. room is single storey, new roof lights can
a desirable feature for any home. be a cost-effective means of brightening
If your existing kitchen is a bit pokey, it Electrics Kitchens require a generous the space. However, new windows and
may be possible to relocate it under the number of sockets at worktop level as doors can add significantly to the cost,
same roof without extending. But because well as power supplies for extractors, particularly if new structural openings
kitchens require more service connections dishwashers, microwaves, fridges and are required. So this needs careful
than any other room, it’s essential to plan freezers. You will also need a separate consideration at the design stage.
the move carefully. 32amp circuit for ovens and electric hobs.
The first consideration is the size of Fortunately it’s usually possible to extend Fitted units Once the new service
the new space. If you need to remove existing circuits. If new circuits need connections are in place, installing new
walls, then the cost and hassle will be to be run from the consumer unit, your base and wall units is normally an easy
significantly greater. The following factors electrician should assess whether it has task. Recycling existing carcasses is often
are key to a successful internal move. sufficient capacity or will need replacing; possible, but the newly enlarged layout
a newly enlarged kitchen is likely to will normally require additional units and
Plumbing Extending the existing hot put increased demands on the system. new worktops. When fitting kitchens, it
and cold water supply pipework to the Lighting will also require upgrading — for greatly helps if the walls and floors are all
new kitchen shouldn’t be too taxing. example, new ceiling light recesses. perfectly level — which of course, is rare.
New surface-run pipes can be discreetly So a certain amount of replastering or floor
boxed in with minimal disruption. Existing Gas If gas cooking is required, existing levelling will be beneficial.
radiators in the new space will likely supply pipes will need professionally An unexpected cost to consider where
require relocating to create space for re-routing by a ‘Gas Safe’ registered kitchens are transplanted to existing
the new base units. Alternatively, you engineer. This is normally straightforward, additions, such as former storage areas,
could take the opportunity to install a new with pipework usually run externally. is the need to reinforce thin external walls
‘feature rad’ or even underfloor heating. with a new fully insulated inner leaf. These
Connecting to the existing foul waste Extraction Kitchen extractor fans expel will require lining with a new fully insulated
system is often the most restrictive factor stale humid air and cooking smells — inner wall. The floors and ceilings in such
for a kitchen relocation. If the new room commonly fitted within cooker hoods. areas may also need insulating too.
is close to the old kitchen, a toilet, utility, When the new cooker positioning has To finish the job, the new kitchen will
or has a above bathroom above, this is been determined, the extractor’s external need water-resistant floor coverings to be
a bonus. Waste pipes serving kitchen ducting path can be planned. This may laid. Decorative wall finishes – such as
sinks commonly project through external simply involve cutting a small vent through emulsioning and tiling – are fairly easy to
walls to a nearby gulley or SVP (Soil and an external wall, or alternatively, running plan and cost.
Vent Pipe). The layout of the new kitchen ducting to vent through roof eaves. Finally, remember to allow for the cost
units can then be designed around the of redecoration and making good the
positioning of sinks and dishwashers so Light and glazing Ensuring sufficient repurposing of the old kitchen space
they’re within reach of existing waste natural light is one of the most challenging that’s been vacated. Ian Rock
Q CEILING CRACKS
What can cause cracks in newly plastered ceilings?
A
You wouldn’t normally expect to find cracks in a
professionally constructed new ceiling. Unlike
blockwork walls – which are prone to shrinkage –
the plasterboard substrate on new ceilings provides a stable
base for plastering. However it’s essential that the joints are
carefully taped and sealed.
filling and taping joints, then sealing drywall screw heads, is
even more important.
Where new plasterwork is applied to old ceilings, there’s
usually a greater risk of cracks appearing. This is especially
true where modern plasters are applied to historic lath and
plaster ceilings because rigid modern gypsum plasters aren’t
good at accommodating movement in old houses and are
therefore prone to developing hairline cracks. Specifying
traditional lime plaster for older ceilings should normally
provide the necessary flexibility. However existing surfaces
Newbuild ceilings are sometimes decorated direct to to be plastered over must be sound, and there should be no
plasterboard without any skim plaster finish. In which case signs of deflection to the ceiling structure. Ian Rock
?
Did you
know…..
Weather
damaged bricks
are called
‘spalled’ bricks.
Water enters the
masonry through
rain and during
winter frosts. The
moisture expands
the masonry and
over time, the
face of the brick
blows off.
This usually
happens on
walls due to
their constant
exposure to the
elements. Also,
softer standard
bricks break
Q
down more
than the semi-
engineered type.
Another issue
with masonry
water ingress is
“efflorescence”.
A white residue BASEMENTS window wells in a basement, or four other types of
that appears on ventilation such as extractor fans with background
walls and houses,
Are there Building Regulations for basement vents; mechanical extract ventilation (MEV);
it’s often caused
when moisture ventilation? mechanical extract ventilation with heat recovery
evaporates from (MVHR) or passive stack ventilation.
A
the masonry, Yes, the Building Regulations Approved Either way, adequate ventilation must be part of
leaving salt Document F: Volume 1 (Dwellings) all basement plans whether the basement be new
crystals on the
demands that in domestic properties, or retrofitted, heated or unheated — so even if it’s
brick face.
IMAGE: GETTY
sufficient ventilation should circulate through the just an occasional space, ventilation should be a
Chris
building efficiently and quietly. This could be the priority. The ideal indoor humidity level is 55%RH.
Longhurst
presence of windows with vents, added using Oliver Bennett
A S K T H E E X P E R T S Q & A
IMAGE: ARADA STOVES
WORDS OF WISDOM Unlike a woodburning, multifuel or gas stove, electric fires

don’t need a chimney or flue for installation. Which means they can often be installed
faster without the need to meet stricter safety requirements. The fire will need a plinth
into which it can be recessed – TV media walls tend to work perfectly for an inset style,
like that pictured above – and an electricity source to operate. Jon Butterworth
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
IMAGES: GETTY, MARK ASHBEE, GETTY
How much does it cost to install Interior design trends for 2023: How much does it cost to plaster a
central heating? 11 of the best new ideas to include room? Cost up a plasterer or learn
There are now more options than ever to in your home how to tackle it yourself
heat your home. Have a look through our Looking for the next big interior design trends When it comes to finishing off a self-build or
extensive guide to all the costs that are for 2023? These are the trends that interior renovation, budgets can be tight. Here’s how
involved with installing central heating in designers and architects say are defining our much to plaster a room so you can factor it
your property. homes this year and beyond. into your project costs.
A D V ER TORIA L
Self-build
ınsurance
Here’s why getting the right
insurance from the start is critical
The moment you purchase a plot you are responsible for

it and, more importantly, responsible for anyone getting
hurt, whether visiting as a guest or trespassing. So, make
sure you are protected with a public liability policy. When
you’re ready to start your build you need to make sure you’re
fully covered with an all-risk policy. This will protect your
site from theft, fire, storm, anyone you bring on site and any
existing structure and more. Your site insurance is unique
to your build and covers the whole cost of the build, public
liability and employers’ liability.
BUT MY BUILDER HAS INSURANCE

You may think your builder has insurance but often this isn’t
enough to cover the whole build and includes exclusions
for when they aren’t on site. If you end up needing to prove
they are at fault, a claim can take years. Appropriate site
insurance takes the stress of this away. because for a structural warranty to be issued on completion
your project will need to have been signed off by an approved
WHY A STRUCTURAL WARRANTY IS IMPORTANT inspector for technical inspections required by the insurer.
Many people build their homes fully intending to stay in them The first visit is often when foundations are excavated. If you
and then find themselves needing to move and unable to do not arrange your warranty before you start, you will end
because they didn’t arrange a structural warranty. A structural up paying more as surveys will be retrospective.
warranty is an insurance policy that protects new works
against defects in design, workmanship and materials for HOW TO CHOOSE YOUR WARRANTY PROVIDER
10 years. More importantly it is a lender requirement in the You need to make sure your provider is ‘A’ Rated. A
UK, meaning if you wish to use a mortgage or need to sell the structural warranty isn’t the same as your average annual
property to someone using a lender you will need to have one. insurance policy. You need to be confident that your
provider will still be running come the end of the 10 years,
WHEN TO ARRANGE A WARRANTY or your home could end up uninsured and in breach of
A structural warranty should always be arranged before you mortgage conditions.
start (usually when you arrange your site insurance). This is For more information visit www.selfbuildzone.com.
A R C HI T EC T U R A L MOOD BOA R D
Lighting
trends for
2023
We’ve pulled together some super-stylish lighting trends to
incorporate into your interior design scheme for the year ahead,
including invaluable advice and tips from our experts
TAKE CHARGE OF YOUR LIGHTING Harvey, senior designer at John Cullen
Lighting technology that allows you to Lighting. “Expect to see a greater presence
change the look and ambience of the of tuneable products, such our AmbiDim
room at the touch of a button has come on range, which offers warm solutions that
in leaps and bounds in recent years and cater for both daytime and evening
2023 looks set to see homeowners really scenarios. There has been popular demand
embracing the new products that offer you for this type of technology, particularly in
complete control. commercial/hospitality markets, which
“I see a continued development of could potentially filter more through to
human-centric lighting,” says Fiona residential environments.”
C
IMAGE: JOHN CULLEN LIGHTING
hoose the right lighting and it will help increase your house’s security levels looking for quick and easy ways to update
transform the look and feel of and even help to lower your energy bills. their existing spaces, lighting you can
your home — with new products We’ve tracked down the biggest trends easily retrofit. We’ve also included some
and ideas emerging all the time, it pays to emerging in the world of lighting design of our favourite new light fittings — ideal
keep up to date with the latest offerings so you know what to expect from the year for giving your home an instant glow-up.
for 2023 and beyond. Not only does your ahead. These ideas cover products that Read on to discover the latest lighting
lighting design scheme play an important can either be designed into your home trends you should be considering for your
role in the way you use your home, it can during the build process, or, for those project in 2023.
M O O D B O A R D
IMAGE: DETAIL LIGHTING
GO FOR DISCREET lighting, is an efficient use of space that also offers useful
“We’ve noticed a move away from downlighting to LED and ambient lighting across your room, if handled well.
hidden lighting and believe this will continue to be a prevalent The big trend with these sorts of lights is to look at plaster-in
trend throughout next year,” says Piero de Marchis, director at fixtures. These are primarily designs where the light fixture
Detail Lighting. “Track lighting is also becoming an increasingly itself can be plastered over, creating a light that is flush with the
popular choice, enabling homeowners to adapt and discreetly ceiling, meaning no outer rims and ensuring a more minimalist
move their lighting scheme from one area to the next with ease.” finish to your design. With some LED strip lighting, you may find
Recessed lighting, whether that’s downlighting or LED strip this is designed to sit flush when fitted at the plasterboard stage.
KEEP BATHROOM
LIGHTING SOFT
AND SUBTLE
If you’re looking for
bathroom ideas, lighting
is one of the best ways to
ensure your bathing space is
soothing and restful. “When
it comes to bathroom
lighting in particular, there
has been a shift towards
softer, more considered
lighting solutions,” says
Piero de Marchis of Detail
Lighting. “With the trend for
spa bathrooms set to remain
popular for many years,
we will continue to see
more low-level lighting on
either side of WCs and also
behind freestanding baths.
This kind of well-placed and
considered lighting allows
homeowners to achieve the
perfect balance between

practicality and the desired
spa sanctuary feel.”
FOR A FEELING
OF WELLBEING…
Over the last few years,
you may have noticed
the concept of biophilic
design crop up on the
interior design trends list,
and this concept can be
applied to lighting, too.
Biodynamic lighting is
a concept by which light
is adapted throughout
the day to meet the
requirements of a healthy
circadian rhythm. To put
it in simple terms, whiter
light is required in the
morning and during the
day, while a warmer,
softer light is used in the
evening to help stimulate
the hormones that allow
for healthy sleep cycles.
While true biodynamic
lighting can only be
achieved with specialist
systems installed, you can
IMAGE: JOHN CULLEN LIGHTING

certainly mimic some of
the effects using colour-
changing bulbs controlled
by your smartphone,
which allow for your lights
to emit both cool white
and warm white light.
USE ACCENT LIGHTING

Another trend for 2023 is a greater
focus on ambient lighting. “Accent
lighting allows you to set the mood
and change the ambience in a
room,” says Detail Lighting’s Piero de
Marchis. “Homeowners are paying
heed to the way spaces in the home
make us feel, as well as their function.
From dim-to-warm technology to
hidden accent and spotlighting,
mood-enhancing lighting will be
a key consideration for 2023 and
beyond, in particular in bathrooms,
bedrooms and multifunctional spaces
such as open-plan kitchens.”
Uplights are a great way to bring
a space to life, too. By illuminating

ceilings, roofs and beams, you can
draw the eye up at night and ensure
your architecture is well defined, no
matter what time of day.
M O O D B O A R D
GO BIG FOR THE

WOW FACTOR
Maximalist lighting is
most certainly still in, and
oversized and highly
decorative pendant lights
and chandeliers are set
to continue as a big trend
in 2023. While ornate
chandeliers with lots
of arms are a lighting
trend that endures, look
towards bold, round
designs as the next big
thing in lighting styles. You
might consider swapping
IMAGE: IN-ES.ARTDESIGN
rows of three smaller

pendants over dining
tables and kitchen islands
for one large statement
fitting instead.
MAKE EVERYDAY
LIFE EASIER
Thanks to leaps in
technology, and an
increasing desire for
full controllability in
our homes, Bluetooth-
controlled lighting will
eventually become the
norm throughout the
home, including
the kitchen.
Advances in LED
lighting, both in
appearance and
technology, mean that
complete connectivity
is more possible than
ever before. Bluetooth
controls and receivers
can now work in
tandem with standard
switches, so one
touch of a fingertip on
your smartphone can
gently transform the
ambience and mood
of any specific area.
This Phantom Frame
recirculation island
hood from Novy
features a dimmable
LED strip that can
IMAGE: NOVY
be controlled and
adjusted with the aid
of a remote control.
M O O D B O A R D
IMAGE: HIGHAM FURNITURE

ZONING AN OPEN-PLAN LAYOUT plan space, without actually creating physical divides.
You may have heard about ways to zone an open-plan space Kitchen-cum-dining spaces need well-planned lighting to zone
with lighting before, but the idea for 2023 extends beyond just successfully — from task spot lighting over practical areas to
using the physical fixtures to help demarcate areas from one dimmable, mood-enhancing pendants over dining tables and
another and create zones in the space. Directional lighting, soft mood lighting in areas meant for relaxing. “It is due to this
whether that’s spotlights or downlights, can be used to draw the desire to achieve ultimate multifunctionality that we anticipate
eye to a certain area, while grouping a different style, colour or homeowners integrating transformative multipurpose lighting
luminosity of lighting can also create a ‘zone’ within your open- solutions into their homes as a priority,” says Piero de Marchis.
LIGHTING THAT’S
ARCHITECTURAL
There are certain lighting
trends you can only adopt
if you’re designing a
new space, or seriously
renovating a property.
These are often bold,
architectural lighting
interventions that ingrain
your lighting scheme into
the fabric of your building.
As more and more people
look to self-build and
improve their existing
homes, we envisage seeing
more clever schemes,
with lighting that reflects
the adventurousness of
IMAGE: SNOOK PHOTOGRAPHY
their owners. This room is

illuminated by a selection
of different light sources,
and taking centre stage is
a sculptural pendant that is
designed to be as practical
as it is architectural.
EX PER T A D V ICE
Beginner’s
guide
IMAGES: GETTY; *HBR SELF & CUSTOM BUILD MARKET REPORT 2017
to
self-build T
here are many benefits to building your
own house. 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
O
nce you have purchased your Building Regulations 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
self-build plot
FIND A PLOT
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 big
It’s the starting point to any self-build dream. plots that have a large side
garden or infill land.
Here’s what to consider when plot hunting
2 USE PLOTFINDER.NET
Register with plot services
like www.plotfinder.net, which
Y
ou may be fortunate enough more closely resembles your dream collects information from those
selling land (including some
to have a plot already at your home. That said, the existing design and who are not selling elsewhere)
disposal — a large side garden, planning history of the plot will provide a and makes it available through
for instance. However, for many self- good clue about what is and isn’t likely to a subscription.
builders, their journey begins with finding be approved.
a suitable plot.
It’s important to keep an open mind What to pay
3 CONTACT EXPERTS Some
package companies, such
as Potton and Border Oak, hold
when looking for a plot. Typical plot The price of your plot will reflect the lists of available plots online.
types do include greenfield sites as local housing market. Ideally, the real
well as fully serviced plots offered by
developers with self-builders in mind,
value of a plot should equal the end value
of house minus the total build cost (visit 4 VISIT LOCAL AUCTIONS
Many opportunities are
sold via auction, so find out the
but plots may also be brownfield land, or www.homebuilding.co.uk/calculator). key agents in your area and get
old buildings that can be replaced. You should also try to factor in any on their lists for catalogues. If
In these latter cases, it’s important ‘additional’ costs and put aside 10-30% of you’ve not been to an auction,
to consider potential pitfalls such as your build cost as a contingency to cover go and experience one first
contamination, which can be costly, but any unexpected expenses. hand to familiarise yourself
with the process.
provided you’re careful, there are hidden Typically, self-builders pay between
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. 5 CHECK YOUR LOCAL
AUTHORITY’S WEBSITE
Check recent planning
of a building plot — once you get into this
mindset, opportunities begin to present applications on your local
authority’s website. The details
themselves all over the place. of the owner are often included
WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR on the application, and there is
What makes a WHEN ASSESSING PLOTS nothing to stop you contacting
building plot? ● Ensure planning permission has them directly.
not expired and is not about to
A piece of land is not a building plot until
planning permission is granted. Access is
another key requirement (see right).
expire. There is no guarantee that
reapplications will succeed.
● Keep an eye out for access. If it
6 READ OUR IN-DEPTH PLOT
FINDING ADVICE ONLINE
We have plenty of advice on
If you do identify land with the doesn’t extend directly up to the how to find a plot, details on the
hallmarks of a potential building plot, adopted highway, there should at least different types and ideas for
then as long as it doesn’t fall outside be a legal right to cross third party land what can be built on all sites:
to access the plot in perpetuity. www.homebuilding.co.uk
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, storm damage and more.
purchased a plot with outline or full Get cover in place as soon as
and 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 like how much time you can devote to the
plumbers and electricians to complete project and how capable you are at
the build, as well as buying most of the carrying out jobs yourself, for starters.
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 manager 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 UILD ES SENTIA LS
Building on
a sloping site Here are the five key things you need to know before
you start building on a tilted trajectory
GRADIENTS AND retaining walls and will easily

ANGLES provide a usable garden USE AN EXPERIENCED
Firstly, let’s clarify what without much cut and fill. At CONTRACTOR
ALLAN CORFIELD
Is a chartered we mean by gentle and this gradient, you won’t be Steeper sloping sites can be
architect who steep slopes. To give some able to build in a basement a challenge. Most don’t have
has overseen the additional context, in the level, but there is the potential a convenient flat area large
design of over construction industry, to create split-level living. enough to use as a contractor’s
450 low-energy
gradients and angles are When we start getting into compound. Therefore, workers
homes.
regularly referred to as slope sites (or hills/cliffs!) that either have to build something
ratios. For example, a 1:12 have a slope approaching 27º or continually work on a slope,
slope means one that takes a (1:2), then retaining walls are which can be dangerous and
distance of 12m horizontally a must. If you opt for such a takes up additional time. If you
to ascend by 1m vertically. site, then building your new have chosen an inexperienced
I would class anything home will have added costs contractor who’s only worked
between 5-10º (1:12 to 1:6) as and challenges. However, on on flat, open sites, then this
a gentle slope. These slopes the positive side, the design could be a huge mistake.
don’t require expensive opportunities are numerous.
TEST THE SOIL

Get a soil investigation completed — ideally before you purchase the site.
This could be as simple as digging trial pits with an engineer on hand
to assess the ground condition, or it could be an extensive bore hole
intrusive site survey. This is one of the most crucial surveys you will get
carried out. It will guide the design of your foundation system and allow
you to estimate a big and previously uncertain part of your budget. This
information is especially important for your engineer.
POSITIONING YOUR HOME

FOUNDATION OPTIONS Appraising a site at the initial design stage is a
The foundation options for a home are largely balancing act. It might be that choosing the best
dictated by the load bearing capacity of the site location for access would involve cutting or filling
at different depths of excavation across its site. too much land.
If the soil has good bearing capacity at a shallow If your designer is using topographical survey
level then a traditional strip foundation may data (a must-have for any project) they should
suffice. If you have to dig deeper then you may be able to recreate the site as a 3D computer
need to look at mass fill or piled solutions. model, which will help determine the best, most
economical location.
CAPTION HEAD
caption text futura
std bold 8 on 10
De-risk your self-build

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warranty product from Homebuilding & Renovating with Self Build Zone
“Here at Homebuilding & Renovating we wanted to provide Sign up today for

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● Competitive prices
We know all too well that this is likely to be the biggest
investment you’ll ever make. Insurance and ● Comprehensive, tailored cover
warranties are things you hope you will never have to call ● A worry-free build.
JASON ORME
Managing
upon, but are an essential part of de-risking what can be a Contact us at
Director, very difficult process — and mean you can sleep at night!
www.homebuilding.co.uk/
Homebuilding &
Renovating hbrinsurance
“We wanted to partner with a provider who had been
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genuinely understand the ups and downs of building and
SELF BUILD
INSURANCE
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G R E E N
HOMES
ECO SOFA RANGE

This statement velvet sofa (from £1,695) is part of a range
made and manufactured by Rockett St George in the UK.
It’s made 100% foam-free using fibre made up of 70%
recycled plastic bottles. The pillows are formed from
recycled, reused plastic bottles, too, that are woven into
soft fabrics. The seat cushions use 50% recycled fibres from
collected waste materials that are then made into high
quality filling.
THIS
MONTH
● Installing solar panels
● Underfloor heating
and heat pumps
● Insulating a
developer home
R EAL PROJECT
B A R N CO NVER S I O N
From the
ground
up
Keen to find out more about Passivhaus
building, Paul and Sonny Shepherd booked
into a two-day course — and started their
own remarkable self-build journey
AWARDS
AWARDS 2022
WINNER BEST GREEN HOME
2020
SPONSORED BY
t i me l i ne
Plot purchased Started Watertight shell Second fix Final decoration

JULY 2019
S
MAY 2010 OCTOBER 2018 DECEMBER 2018 AUGUST 2020
Planning approved Foundations completed First fix Date completed EnerPhit certification date
AUGUST 2018 NOVEMBER 2018 MARCH 2019 APRIL 2020 AUGUST 2020
HOMEOWNERS ome of the best projects can be years in the making. That
Paul and Sonny Shepherd was certainly what Paul and Sonny Shepherd found, having
bought two hectares of land, along with two barns, 12 years
PROJECT Barn conversion
ago. They converted one barn, learning valuable lessons as
LOCATION Lanchester, County first-time self-builders along the way. The other, a south-facing
Durham structure, became the focus of their ambitious green vision.
“We were becoming increasingly concerned about climate
TIMESCALE October 2018 - April 2020
change so we started to find out about converting our second
PLOT COST £155,000 barn as a Passivhaus project,” explains Paul, a retired GP.
“We went along to see Steel Farm [a Passivhaus project led by
COST £2,275 per m2 (based on gross
architect Mark Siddall] and realised we didn’t know what we
internal area)
were doing! So we decided to appoint Mark and take ourselves
CONSTRUCTION Existing masonry on a two-day training course with Passivhaus Training.”
with timber frame internally Fired with enthusiasm, the couple decided to take on the
project management themselves. “We were two people with
WORDS Alison Wall no building experience and we learnt enough to convert our
PHOTOGRAPHY Jeremy Phillips barn to Passivhaus certification — it isn’t rocket science,”
says Paul. “But it does need attention to detail, and not many
tradespeople know about this approach.”
REBUILDING FROM THE GROUND UP

With the stone-built barn in danger of falling down, around
70 per cent of the structure had to be removed. “It looked like
a medieval ruin,” says Paul. “Some stone walls had to be taken
down to the ground, while others could be partly retained. One
or two windows were moved but otherwise all the windows and
doors stayed the same size and shape. We had to put the building
back to look like the original barn, as stipulated by the planners.”
“We had no building experience and we learnt

enough to convert to Passivhaus certification”
R E A L P R O J E C T B A R N C O N V E R S I O N
The original structure houses

an airtight and highly insulated
timber frame structure. A local
stonemason worked from old
photographs to rebuild the stone
walls to reflect the old barn.
MODERN CRAFTSMANSHIP
The joinery throughout the house,
including the kitchen, is made from
The planners insistedbirch ply designed by Jake and
the barn be
put back together tofabricated
reflect theusing
style CNC machines. The
bespoke pieces are so precise that no
of the original building.
adhesive was required and the pieces
simply pushed together.
The Redwood windows and external
doors are triple glazed; they’re from
Green Building Store’s Passivhaus-
certified Ultra range.
To create a habitable structure, an airtight timber frame, while lots of the interior fittings, such as the kitchen island and
prefabricated in a factory and pre-filled with cellulose a desk in the office, are made from an old Monkey Puzzle tree.”
insulation, was craned in, lowered into position, and sealed Keeping building and ongoing energy costs down was another
with airtightness products to seal it completely. “The frame key goal for Paul and Sonny. “Our architect designed carefully
was erected in just five days,” recalls Paul. to ensure that the building cost no more to convert than using
Along with project managing, the couple took on around 40 conventional building methods,” says Paul. Savings included
per cent of the physical work, preparing the site, removing the foregoing underfloor heating – not needed as the structure was so
roof, putting in the insulation, tackling the internal decor and airtight and well insulated – and installing only three radiators in
even fitting all the airtightness membranes, tapes and grommets the entire building (with the ones upstairs never switched on).
themselves — one of the most critical elements of any Passivhaus
project. “It took us exactly one year, working eight to 10 hours a ZERO ENERGY BILLS
day, six days a week,” says Paul. “It was stressful at times — doing That, plus the PV solar panels and battery storage, mean the
a Passivhaus retrofit is harder than building from scratch as you couple pay nothing for their energy. In fact, the home produces
have to work with an irregularly shaped external shell.” more energy than it uses, earning it the rare EnerPhit Plus
Remarkably, the pair managed to build without needing standard from the Passivhaus Institute.
a single skip. Any scraps of wood were used for noggins or Not content with that, the couple created a community
fences and original stones were reassembled and repointed. orchard on one hectare of their land, with the other hectare
“We had to arrange for the asbestos roof to be taken off for keeping sheep and an allotment with beehives. They are
site but apart from that, we only took away one vanload of also growing a miyawaki forest, a method of growing trees
plasterboard,” says Paul. intensively that sequesters carbon far faster than normal.
The practical pair also considered their current and future Now that the couple are settled in their converted barn and
needs in line with their green values. “We wanted our new land, how does it feel to be living in a Passivhaus?
home to be light, airy and open plan — it’s all on one level “The house has more than lived up to expectations,” says
downstairs so when we are older we can live on one level,” says Paul. “A particular surprise was having a constant comfortable
Paul. Upstairs comprises two bedrooms, one en suite, and a temperature with high-quality air [via the MVHR system], and
family bathroom. “It’s not a big house but it has plenty of room no need or desire for any extra heating.”
for us. We also wanted the interiors to have a modern look, with To find out more about the project watch the documentary at:
lots of natural and recycled materials. So we used clay paints PassivhausSecrets.co.uk
RECYCLED OPTIONS
Keen to use as many
recycled materials as
possible, Paul and Sonny
used recycled parquet
flooring, sourced from a
school. They spent three
months scraping off the
tar to bring it back to its
original condition.
t h e p l a ns SUPPLIERS
ARCHITECT/PASSIVHAUS
DESIGNER LEAP: Lovingly Engineered
FIRST FLOOR Architectural Process: www.leap4.it
STRUCTURAL ENGINEER Jackson

Church: www.jackson-church.co.uk
HEALTH AND SAFETY

CONSULTANT
True North Construction:
www.truenorthconstruction.co.uk
BEDROOM KITCHEN Wood and Wire:

www.woodandwire.co.uk
ROOFER Reflex Roofing:

GROUND FLOOR www.reflexroofing.co.uk
BATHROOM
RECLAIMED FLOORING O’Brien
Architectural Salvage:
www.obrien-architectural.com
HOME ENTERTAINMENT RM TV
EN SUITE
BEDROOM
Solutions: www.rmtvsolutions.co.uk
BEDROOM
HEAT PUMP ENGINEER
Renewable Energy Network:
www.renewableenergynetwork.co.uk
UNDER SLAB INSULATION

SITTING Jackon: www.jackon.co.uk
ROOM WC
INSULATION (wood fibre) Gutex:
www.gutex.co.uk; (recycled cellulose):
Isofloc: www.isofloc.com
EXTERNAL WINDOWS AND

DOORS Green Building Store:
www.greenbuildingstore.co.uk
UTILITY
ROOM FOLDING SLIDING DOOR Lacuna:
www.lacunaofdenmark.com
DINING ROOM
PAINT Earthborn Paints:
www.earthbornpaints.co.uk
KITCHEN MVHR Paul Novus:
www.paulheatrecovery.co.uk
SNUG
PHOTOVOLTAICS SunPowerUK:
www.sunpower.maxeon.com
SELECTED COSTS MVHR £8,000 PLUMBING/ELECTRICS/

JOINERY £40,000
PROFESSIONAL FEES £50,000 GROUND SOURCE HEAT PUMP
INCL INSTALLATION £30,000 FLOORING/PLASTERING/
STONE MASONRY £100,000
DECORATION £20,000
ROOFING £25,000
DOORS AND WINDOWS
LANDSCAPING AND EXTERNAL
£20,000 DEMOLITION £3,000
WORKS (SERVICES) £35,000
KITCHEN £17,000 FOUNDATIONS WITH
SOLAR AND BATTERY £30,000
INSULATION £20,000
TIMBER FRAME £84,000
A D V ER TORIA L
Durable all-weather
composite decking
Opt for composite decking for the natural wood. And there is often a range of colours available
warmth and character of timber but so you can choose a shade to suit your garden.
without the maintenance issues so DURABLE AND TOUGH

often associated with real wood Millboard decking boards are solid not hollow and are a
blend of natural minerals bonded in a polymer resin that is
L
ooking to add decking to your garden but are put off by supple like rubber but is rigid and hard-wearing, designed
the maintenance of timber? Then composite decking to better withstand demanding outdoor environments.
could provide you with the longevity and durability Plus, there is no wood content in the boards, which means
you’re after. the boards won’t rot or split.
With the distinguished look of real wood coupled with the
credentials of composite — Millboard composite decking is EASY TO MAINTAIN
slip-resistant, won’t warp, rot or splinter and is lightweight One of the biggest benefits of composite decking is how
but strong to the core; your decking will thrive all year little maintenance it needs. You won’t need to sand, paint,
round, whatever the weather. stain or oil it like you have to with timber decking. To keep
Hand moulded for an unrivalled wood-grain appearance, the boards looking good, simply wipe clean with warm
Millboard composite decking has the warmth and character soapy water every so often.
of timber and is available in a number of colourways.
DESIGN FLEXIBILITY
UNRIVALLED WOOD-GRAIN APPEARANCE Using composite decking as a traditional deck means you
If you have your heart set on timber decking but the upkeep can create a room outside to entertain and relax in. Plus, its
is putting you off, a composite variety offers a fantastic versatility means you can use it to create seating, steps and
alternative. planters. Fascias and edging accessories also mean you can
A good composite has the unrivalled appearance of maintain the look around edge profiles to create a uniform
timber, capturing the grains and knots synonymous with and consistent look and design in your garden.
INTERESTED IN COMPOSITE DECKING?

Order free sample boards from the Millboard website www.millboard.co.uk. You can also follow Millboard on
social media www.facebook.com/MillboardFlooring/ Instagram @millboardflooring and Twitter @millboard_UK
Q
G REEN CLINIC
Installing
solar panels Our energy expert advises on installing solar
panels, including how to, costs and timescales —
plus a step-by-step guide to the process
I
nstalling solar panels can increase your home’s also an important factor. “Depending on where you
capacity for renewable energy and save money are in the country the average pitch of the roof is
on your energy bills. While existing homes may optimised at around 30º towards the south of the
require assessing for their suitability of solar panel country, but closer to 40º in the north.” Flat roof
installation (based on size and orientation of the mounting systems are slightly different and can
roof ), new builds can be designed with it in mind. include a triangle ‘ballast’ box to support the panels.
Recent debate has explored whether solar panels Solar thermal panels – cells that use the sun’s heat
are worth the initial investment, but we’re seeing a to warm water in a house – are a little different. “The
definitive increase in interest as a result of our preferred orientation is a south-facing roof with
rising energy bills. panels at a 30º angle to the horizontal (up to 65º
“When the very generous Feed-in Tariff was will still work in the UK),” adds John Gilham, group
introduced on 1 April 2010 there was a massive technical manager at Green Building Renewables.
uptake and we started seeing them appear on many “However, it isn’t just south-facing roofs that can
UK homes. This got the industry off to a flying start be utilised; considerable gain can be made from roofs
but was unsustainable and as the incentives reduced facing east or west. Ideally, keep the panels away from
(ending on 1 April 2019) there was a reduction in shadows like trees, buildings and chimneys and do
the number of installations,” says energy efficiency consider the additional weight on your roof. As well as
expert David Hilton. flat and sloping roofs, solar thermal panels can also be
Now that energy costs have rapidly increased ground installed if you have the space.”
and solar installation costs have levelled out, the Solar batteries are a good investment alongside an
potential return on investment is very good. But array, allowing you to store electricity generated in
what’s involved in installing both solar thermal and the summer months for use at night.
solar PV panels?
HOW ARE THEY INSTALLED?
IS MY HOME SUITABLE? “The first task is to prepare a survey and quote,”
Many factors influence your home’s suitability for explains David. “This should not take more than
installation, including the type of panels as well as the about an hour or so. Aim to get three quotes from
orientation and pitch of the roof. different installers to compare prices and service.”
“Solar PV (photovoltaic) panels generate electricity Then establish whether the installation will
from sunlight and will normally be installed on fall under Permitted Development or if you need
the roof of the building facing the most southerly planning permission.
direction. If your roof faces east or west, expect “Solar panels are usually installed under a
WORDS: DAVID HILTON / AMY REEVES
a generation yield of around 20% less annually,” General Permitted Development Order (GPDO),
explains David Hilton, who points out that pitch is which means that you would not need a separate
“Installing 10 panels shouldn’t take more than a

day, or two in more challenging circumstances”
G R E E N C L I N I C I N S TA L L I N G S O L A R PA N E L S
HOW MANY
PANELS DO I NEED?
planning permission CAN I DO IT MYSELF?
“4kWp (kiloWatt peak)
application,” says David. “Installing solar PV panels is not a
is the average power
“That said, it is up to you generated on a hot day, DIY job,” David Hilton warns. “It’s
as the homeowner to be sure for which you need 10 possible to buy your own materials
that you do indeed have GPDO PV panels to power the then hire an installer but it’s at
rights on your property and that average house.” your risk if it doesn’t fit. Additional
the installation will comply. If DAVID HILTON installer visits for remedial materials
in doubt, it is worth checking the or removal for a warranty claim will also
GPDO rules on the Planning Portal be an extra cost. In the case of PV panel
and having a word with your local planning wiring, this requires a suitably qualified installer
department, if possible. familiar with the workings of PV installations
“Once you’ve accepted a quote for the roof, space because they’ll be working with Alternating Current
for inverters, cables routes and outside access, the (AC) as well as high-voltage Direct Current (DC).”
space needs checking to confirm everything will
fit. This survey takes an hour on site, depending on
access and obstructions.
“In most cases the installers will supply the
materials and install the system,” advises David.
“This way you know that the system will fit and that
the warranty is with one supplier.
“Solar panels require mounting by roofers and
will require scaffolding erecting. Roof hooks will
need to be secured to the roof and tiles may need to
be moved and partially trimmed so that they don’t
let dust, wind or rain in. Different roof coverings
require different fixing solutions.”
It’s worth noting that not all solar installations
are the same:
• Roof-mounted panel with the tiles in situ — this
means accommodating a two- to three-inch gap
between tiles and panels.
• Installation in line with the tiles — tiles are
removed and panels are either fitted over a new
backing tray, or panels have waterproof strips in
between to form the roof cladding. HOW TO INSTALL SOLAR PANELS:
“Installers are responsible for designing the A STEP-BY-STEP SUMMARY
system to ensure the panels fit on the roof with
adequate margins and that everything is secure,
correctly installed and approved. Panels should last
1 Fill out a desktop survey
and obtain three quotes
from different suppliers.
5 Erect the scaffolding (this
can be done by your
supplier or by a company
more than 25 years so it’s important that the fixings This would be a good point you organise).
have the same lifespan,” says David. to get the roof surveyed for
“For a new build, panels may need installing
as the roof is being clad, then possibly remaining
structural stability and find
out if any maintenance is
needed before installation.
6 The solar panel mounts
will be installed.
system elements, such as cables, isolators and

inverter at a later stage. Discuss this with your
installer — you could make savings if the scaffolding 2 Choose a supplier and
establish if the installation
7 The professionals will
install the solar panels.
is already in situ and the installer may be able to

work with your roofer,” continues David.
will fall under Permitted
Development or whether
full planning permission
8 The solar panels will then
be wired in (the house’s
electricity will be turned off
“An installation of 10 panels should not take is required. at this point).
more than a day to complete, possibly two in more
challenging circumstances.”
3 Make space for the solar
panel accessories (solar
inverter, cables and solar
9 The solar panels will be
connected to the solar
inverter and solar batteries
COSTS batteries, if desired), for (optional).
“Installation cost will depend on panel quality, instance in a plant room.
IMAGE: GETTY IMAGES
inverters and roof-fixing materials. Overall, cost will

be mostly influenced by the type of roof, cladding
4 Plan a day for
the installation.
10 The solar inverter will
be connected to the
consumer unit/grid.
and the access — both for ease of installation but
also routing the wiring from the distribution board
and inverter position to the roof,” explains David.
G REEN A D V ICE
Getting the
most fromUFH
with heat pumps
If you’re considering installing a heat pump, take David Hilton’s advice
on designing an underfloor heating system that incorporates specific
features to operate at maximum efficiency
U
nderfloor heating (UFH) partners well But heat pumps also operate with a low flow
with heat pumps — a combination that temperature, making underfloor heating with a heat
can be considered ideal when it comes to pump an ideal combination.
heating new homes or homes that are built to higher
insulation standards. HOW TO MAXIMISE YOUR
We’ve become accustomed to our central heating SYSTEM’S EFFICIENCY
systems producing high temperatures and delivering If you are switching from a boiler with underfloor
DAVID such heat to quick-reacting radiators. However, the heating to a heat pump, you might find your
HILTON heat generated by a heat pump is not as high as that underfloor heating system is not as energy efficient
Is an expert in produced by a boiler. This means emitters with a as it could be. When underfloor heating is used
sustainable larger surface area are required to achieve similar with a heat pump – whether it is a ground source
building and
temperatures in your home. heat pump or an air source heat pump – it needs to
energy efficiency
and a director of As a result, existing radiators may need to be have certain design features to help the heat pump
Heat and Energy replaced with those that have a greater surface area. operate efficiently. For example, with a boiler, the flow
Ltd. He has over Alternatively, wet underfloor heating works well temperature can be a lot higher and the difference
35 years’ — pipes are installed in the floor so the entire floor between the flow and the return can also be higher, as
experience.
in effect becomes the emitter. This means it can a lot of heat is generated. But with a heat pump, the
operate efficiently at lower temperatures while still flow temperature is lower and the return temperature
adequately heating the room. must also not be more than around 5˚C-7˚C cooler
So if you’re thinking of designing an underfloor than the flow — so design is absolutely crucial.
heating system with a heat pump, here’s how you can Larger piping and closer spacing – and a design that
ensure it will operate at maximum efficiency… also warms the return – are therefore important to
regulate an even temperature throughout.
WHY UFH AND HEAT PUMPS WORK
SO WELL TOGETHER DESIGNING FOR A HEAT
Underfloor heating is discreet, frees up wall space PUMP SYSTEM
and is easy to maintain. But it can be slow to react and When designing and installing an underfloor heating
does not produce the same radiant high temperature system for a heat pump, there are a couple of things to
heat that you may be used to with a regular radiator. bear in mind to maximise efficiency.
“The heat generated by a heat pump is not as

high as that produced by a boiler”
G R E E N A D V I C E
Choosing the right pipes

and layout FUTUREPROOFING YOUR UFH SYSTEM
When you design underfloor heating for low If you don’t currently have a heat pump but want to make
sure your underfloor heating installation will be suitable for a
temperatures – such as those delivered by a heat
heat pump in the future, there are a couple of design details it
pump – it is best to use wider bore pipes (between would be wise to include.
15mm and 16mm). You should also ensure that they
are installed with the centres of the pipes as close USE LARGER UFH PIPES
together as possible. There should never be more The pipes should ideally be the larger ones at around 16mm
diameter.
than 150mm separating the pipe centres — ideally
they should be closer if possible. SPACE UFH PIPES CLOSE TOGETHER
It’s also prudent to try and design all the pipe The spacing of the pipes should be no more than 150mm
loops to be of similar lengths. Creating more loops between centres, but if you can feasibly get them closer
is preferable to only a few loops of a longer length. together, that is even better.
This creates less resistance in the pipe and the water
MATCH YOUR FLOW AND RETURN TEMPERATURES
is only in the floor for a short time before returning It is also important to get the designer to arrange the
to the heat source. underfloor heating so that the flow temperature is only 5
A ‘spiral’ shape design – although harder to plan – degrees warmer than the return temperature. A boiler system,
can often be more balanced than a straight up-and- however, would have a higher flow temperature and an 8-10
degree temperature difference.
down layout across the room.
ALWAYS DESIGN WITH A HEAT PUMP IN MIND
Installing underfloor heating Even if you have no intention of installing a heat pump, given
on a hard ground floor that UFH systems can last decades, it is still worth designing
There are a number of different methods you can your UFH for a heat pump. That’s because a boiler will work on
a heat pump design but a heat pump could be less efficient on
use to install the underfloor heating pipes in the
a boiler design.
floor — depending on whether it is a hard ground
floor or a suspended floor. The first method is to
clip the pipes to the floor insulation and then bury
the pipes in the floor screed. This is a common
installation method for new ground floor rooms and from the floor level, so this type of solution must
is similar in UFH systems for a boiler as well as a be specified before you finalise the stair design or
heat pump. choose the floor finish — so that the floors are all
level and the stairs are even.
Installing underfloor heating Overlay boards can be quicker to react than a
on a suspended floor screed solution as there is less dense material to
With suspended floors, the options are to either heat up. It will also cool down quicker.
install the pipes under the floorboards by notching
the joists, or to use overlay boards. Overlay boards CHOOSING THE RIGHT TYPE
are around 20mm thick and are placed on top of the OF INSULATION
floorboards. The overlay boards are usually made When designing underfloor heating with a heat
of polystyrene, wood fibre boards, or composite pump, it’s important to have insulation under the
materials. Grooves are created in the boards to hold pipes. Without insulation, your heat pump will
the pipes. The floor finish is then installed directly need to work harder to generate more heat rather
over the boards. than recycling it. This will, of course, reduce the
You usually cannot fit carpets directly onto efficiency of your heat pump.
overlay boards. If you want to install underfloor Having said that, the type of insulation you’ll
heating with carpet, then a further deck board will use for underfloor heating is no different with
be required. There will be an increased build-up a heat pump than it is with a boiler. You can use
XPS insulation boards, preformed boards with
“The amount
channels, wood fibre boards, and even sheep’s wool
(depending on the floor construction) as long as it
is thick enough (which can be a challenge with this
of heat loss will kind of insulation).

Some underfloor heating systems exist with
depend on the pipes installed in the floor without insulation –

particularly with retrofit underfloor heating – but
temperature there will be conductive heat loss. The amount of

heat loss will depend on the temperature under the
under the home”

home. Damp ground will transfer heat away quicker
than dry ground, so do take this into account.
HO W GR EE N IS Y OU R HOME?
How to insulate
a modern
developer home
If you’re living in a developer home built between the 1960s and 1980s,
what can you do to slash your energy bills this year — and for many years
to come? Our experts offer invaluable advice
W
e continue our efficiency improvements in his FIRST STEPS
WORDS: ALISON WALL ALL IMAGES: GETTY IMAGES
series on insulation own mid-century home; Paul The good news is that improving
with a look at Ciniglio, refurbishment lead with the energy efficiency of
developer homes that were built the National Energy Foundation; these homes is a relatively
between the 1960s and 1980s. David Hilton, an expert in straightforward process and is low
Four experts share their advice sustainable buildings and energy risk compared to tackling older
on the various steps you can efficiency; and Tim Pullen, an homes that have solid brick walls,
take to insulate this type of home expert in sustainable building says Paul Testa. “While many of
on different budgets — from methods and energy efficiency. these homes would have been built
£200 to £20,000+. Our experts We’ve asked them to assume with no insulation in them, the
are architect Paul Testa, who that the house has cavity walls and windows are often double glazed,
carried out extensive energy an electric storage heating system. so the building standards are
not very far off what we see in new builds,” look at ways of cutting out draughts, such
C AV I T Y WA L L he explains. as by installing window seals and other
IN SUL ATI ON “That means the risks associated with draughtproofing measures on a DIY
initiatives like cavity wall insulation and basis,” Paul continues.
adding ventilation are less of a problem “Buy some sealant or, for around £1 to
than with older houses.” £2 per metre, airtightness tape, and use
them around key junctions and windows.
BUDGET: £200 That will make a massive difference to
For this modest budget, all of our experts your comfort levels as well as reducing
agree that it’s best to start by insulating your heating bills.”
the loft. “Doing this will give you the
biggest bang for your buck,” according BUDGET: £2,000
to Paul Testa. Paul Ciniglio agrees: Insulation still remains the watchword if
“Loft insulation is generally the easiest you have up to £2,000 to spend — allocate
type of insulation to deal with, and it is £500 of that pot to pay for installers to
one of the measures that makes the most come and insulate the loft if you’d rather
difference in terms of warmth, comfort, not do it yourself.
energy bill savings and reducing your “Once that’s done, it’s time to focus on
carbon emissions.” cavity wall insulation,” says Paul Ciniglio.
Installing the insulation yourself could “Walls account for a hefty 25% to 35% of
be done for around £200, estimates all heat lost from an uninsulated house
Paul Testa. “Most people tend to go and properties from this era are likely to
for mineral wool, which is the cheapest have empty cavities.”
type of insulation they can buy. I’d aim Adds Paul Testa: “Some care is needed.
for 300-400mm insulation, but be Use an approved cavity wall insulation
very careful about your eaves, as you installer and aim for decent quality
don’t want to block ventilation to your graphite enhanced EPS beads.”
attic space. You should also make sure Expect to pay around £2,500 to
that the loft hatch has some form of insulate your cavity walls, with annual
If you’re opting for cavity wall insulation and draughtproofing.” savings of £480, based on fuel prices in
insulation, it’s important to use If you already have loft insulation, April 2022.
an approved and reputable You should also consider installing
installer. “All the normal rules
some decent ventilation fans to kitchens
of finding a good installer “If you’re on a budget and bathrooms to expel humid, warm
apply, checking reputation,
references and length of time in of £200, all our experts air from the house, suggests Paul Testa.
the business,” says Tim Pullen.
“In addition there is the Cavity
agree that it’s best to start by “Moist air takes much more energy to
heat than dry air, so it’s worth aiming
Insulation Guarantee Agency insulating the loft” for a humidity of approximately 40-60%
— an installer registered with
this agency is highly likely to inside the property.
provide a good service because
there are legally enforceable it’s worth checking to see if you need BUDGET: £20,000
financial implications of fixing any more. “Often the insulation under For budgets of up to £20,000, we start to
any failures.
The key issue is, perhaps,
boards is not enough,” he says. look at more significant interventions,
the lengths the installer goes After adding insulation, payback can including floor insulation, advises
to in order to establish if the be very quick. “If you consider that an Paul Ciniglio. “That’s a good option for
house is suitable for cavity wall uninsulated roof accounts for 40% of a suspended timber floors where cold
insulation. As a minimum it home’s heat loss and that this can drop draughts can be very evident.
should involve an inspection
of the external brickwork to
down to 5% of heat loss after insulation, “In this type of house, though, you
establish that the pointing as that’s a huge saving. What’s more, are more likely to have a concrete floor.
well as the bricks themselves payback periods have halved or gone This could be more difficult to insulate
are in good order and properly down by two-thirds recently,” says because you would either need to raise
resisting rainwater penetration. Paul Testa. the level of the floor or carry out costly
It should also involve an
inspection of the cavity to
“The other benefit offered by adding and disruptive works to break up the
establish that it is clean enough insulation is that of comfort and health. concrete floor before insulating.”
for cavity wall insulation to be Bedrooms especially will not lose heat Solar PV panels and battery storage
effective. In short, if the installer at the speed they did before and it will could also be installed for less than
does not do these inspections also feel warmer in the morning when £20,000. You can expect to pay around
then do not use them.”
you wake up. £6,500 to install solar panels, with
“Once the loft insulation is completed, savings of up to £500 a year, and £5,500
H O W G R E E N I S Y O U R H O M E
than £20,000, it’s well worth getting

professional impartial advice before
you start. The National Energy
Foundation (NEF) will carry out an
energy-efficiency assessment for around
£500. “That will help you prioritise your
budget and set out a phased plan that you
can follow as time and budget allows,”
says Paul Ciniglio.
Within this budget, homeowners
could consider installing an air source
heat pump, advises David Hilton. A home
with electric storage heating will require
a new radiator system and new pipework
that could cost £20,000 or more (for a
home with gas central heating the costs
are considerably less).
Those costs could be offset by
government funding. “Homeowners can
access a £5,000 grant towards the cost
of installing an air source heat pump,
through the Boiler Upgrade Scheme,”
explains David Hilton. “Bear in mind
that the scheme only lasts three years
and it’s capped at 90,000 households.”
Once the heat pump is installed,
you can expect to save between £1,000
to £11,000 for battery storage — ask your appliances at once. “If you are out at and £1,900 on heating bills each year,
battery storage installer for projected work all day, I’d suggest fitting wireless depending on the age of the electric
cost savings. controls onto your appliances so that storage heating system, according to the
David Hilton, who installed solar they can be turned on as soon as the Energy Saving Trust.
panels on his own 1980s house, sun comes out.” “What’s more, installing an air
recommends using the energy generated source heat pump would protect you
by the panels gradually during the day BUDGET: £20,000+ significantly from future energy price
rather than switching on energy-hungry If you’re looking to spend more rises,” says Paul Testa.
UNDERF L O O R I NS U L ATI O N
“A suspended timber floor tends to be cold and greater sense of comfort and that, in turn, allows the
draughty because of the air that’s circulating beneath homeowner to turn the thermostat down. You can
it,” says Tim Pullen. “Installing any amount of insulation retrofit floor insulation on top of a solid concrete base,
will warm the floorboards and go a long way towards too, but this will have an impact on floor height build-
eliminating draughts. up. And it’s only really worth digging out the floor if
“The effect of this underfloor insulation is a you’re undertaking a major renovation.”
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N EXT MONTH
How to fund your Creative ideas

extension project for small bathrooms
Design masterclass: How to find

Creating a home for the right architect
IMAGE: JEREMY PHILLIPS
a young family
A P R I L 2 0 2 2 I S S U E AVA I L A B L E F R O M 2 M A R C H 2 0 2 3
A MA ZING HOMES
Urban infill
The tricky proportions of a narrow plot didn’t stop Selencky Parsons from
creating a stunning bespoke home on the site, that sits harmoniously
alongside its Victorian neighbours, as writer Rebecca Foster explains
D
esigned by Selencky Parsons, this slim self- The brick piers of the coach house were reclaimed
build home occupies the 3.4m gap between and incorporated into the façade of the new house. The
two Victorian terraced homes. The slender front elevation also responds to the variations of the
frontage of the property belies the spacious, open- cornices and ledges along the traditional street. “Three
plan area at the rear of the house; upon stepping horizontal bands demarcate the storeys of the house
inside, the floorplan unfolds into an L-shaped and progressively protrude into the street as they
kitchen-diner that leads seamlessly into descend, helping to mediate the step in the terrace and
a light-filled sunken living room. provide shelter to the entrance,” says Sam.
The narrow infill plot comes with an interesting One of the main design challenges was achieving a
back story — it originally served as a space for parking good level of natural light inside the property. To get
carriages, and at one point was even the site of a around this, a large rooflight was positioned above the
paper bag factory. This history, plus the design of the staircase that sits at the heart of the floorplan.
IMAGE: RICHARD CHIVERS
surrounding period properties, formed the starting In the living room at the back of the house, a high-
point for designing the exterior. level clerestory window was the solution to bathing
“Infill houses can create a number of design the space in natural light. “Sinking the living space
challenges, but can also lead to interesting and enabled us to insert a high-level ribbon window,
unusual houses with a unique character,” says Sam bringing in extra light and extending the view out
Selencky, a director at the practice. towards the trees and sky,” says Sam.
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