If you have recently built a conservatory, or if you are thinking about doing so, you may want to pay close attention to the type of roofing material that you use. There are many choices to choose from, some of which are much better than others, and it all depends on where you live and how much money you have to spend. In many cases, people will choose between tiled, glass or polycarbonate roofs. All of these have benefits and drawbacks. Here is an overview of why you should choose any of these, as well as things to look out for, when you are deciding on the best roof for your conservatory. What Is A Tiled Roof? Tiled conservatory roofs are similar to what you would put on a regular... Read More »
In most cases, loft conversions can be done without requiring planning permissions but you will still need to satisfy building regulations and it is always best to consult with a builder or architect to confirm this. You shouldn’t need planning permission if: • The total area of additional space doesn’t exceed 40 cubic metres for terraced houses or 50 cubic metres for detached/semi-detached houses • The extension does not go beyond the outermost edge of the existing roof sloop at the front of the house • The extension does not reach higher than the highest part of the existing roof • Materials are similar in appearance to existing property • It does not include a veranda, balcony or raised platform • Side-facing windows are obscured or glazed and 1.7m or... Read More »
Home surveys are not a legal requirement to have and are completely optional but it is always recommended to have one carried out. If you decide not to have one carried out you could be in for a few nasty surprises. The cost of a home survey will be considerably cheaper than finding issues that could cost you thousands to repair or replace. A home survey could bring problems to the surface which no one knew was currently there which could save you money on the purchase. If you find any serious problems such as faulty wiring or roof damage you would be able to negotiate the cost of fixing these problems of the overall value of the property. Or you could ask the seller to fix these problems before... Read More »
Throughout the past decade, a growing number of house owners are choosing to exchange their dated conservatory roofs. If you feel like you need to be bidding farewell to your old glazing and replace them with modern roof tiles, you may be able to increase the value of your home. It’s important to note that this is also an attempt to make a ‘warm roof’, which supposedly provides superior thermal efficiency and unrivalled longevity. In this blog post, we’ll be answering some of the main questions about tiled conservatory roofs. From the advantages they provide to the most popular tiles, these are the questions you’ll want to have answered before you plan a conservatory roof replacement. In This Blog We’ll Reveal: The pros and cons of a warm roof conservatory... Read More »
When it comes to investing in a property, there are many different options available. Buying a property to then rent out is a popular way to build a property investment. It is usually best to choose a set rate or tracker mortgage. Many buy-to-let landlords prefer the steadiness of a set rate mortgage, so outgoings are steady and predictable for an extended period. Buy-to-let mortgages became more competitive recently as lenders lower interest rates to keep the market moving. Unlike homeowner mortgages that look into salary and expenditure, buy-to-let mortgages estimate affordability based on potential income from rent. You’ll have to show that you can collect rent amounting to a minimum of 125% of your annual mortgage interest payments. Using an independent broker to seek out the buy-to-let mortgage that’s... Read More »
We are often asked about the qualities of oak in a home setting, but the truth is, oak is one of very few materials that can look great in a diverse mix of environments. But what makes it so special? Here are 7 reasons why we love oak. 1. Oak may be a hardwood, and this will sound like an obvious point; however, it is ridiculously hard for a natural material. It’s been used for hundreds of years now within the building trade and has established extreme credibility for durability. For example, it’s well known that 200-year-old reclaimed oak can still be purchased and appears beautiful. 2. Oak improves with age sort of a like a good wine. We’re sure you’ve heard this saying before, but the character you get... Read More »
If you’re looking for a reliable roofing solution, you won’t find a better option than GRP flat roofs. These roofs offer a number of advantages over other types of roof. If you take a closer look at the benefits it offers, you can decide if this is the right choice for you. It’s Weather Resistant One of the biggest threats to your roof is poor weather. While there’s no way to completely weatherproof your roof, a GRP flat roof can help to keep your roof and home in excellent shape even during a storm. This is a roofing material that’s highly resistant to weathering, especially when the right kind of topcoat is applied. This roofing material is both seamless and waterproof, which means it’s ideal for stormy weather. You shouldn’t... Read More »
A terrace is a great addition to your home as it provides you with an outdoor space with easy access to the house. Most terraces do not come with a roof or cover, but this is something you should consider adding. If you are unsure about this, there are many reasons why a cover is a good idea and worth the additional investment. Sun Protection You are most likely to use your terrace in the summer months when the weather is good and you want to enjoy it before winter. The only problem is the sun can become overwhelming as you sit there. While it is possible to purchase a large umbrella, a terrace cover will work better. Terrance covers come in a range of designs and many will have... Read More »
In this article, we answer one of the many questions that we get asked by many. What exactly is a louvred system. A louvred roof system is any horizontal slat that can be adjusted in angle to admit both light and air. Louvres originated as crude wooden constructions in centuries gone by and were very commonly used in plantation shutters in tropical countries to provide the needed ventilation that could yet keep out the rain. Modern-day louvres are made of many materials ranging from aluminium, plastic, cloth, and glass, besides the wood they were traditionally made from. They are very commonly found in window blinds and shutters. Louvres can be adjustable or fixed. Louvred roofs used over places that are exposed to the atmosphere will be fixed, as these roofs... Read More »
It feels delightful to enjoy a cup of hot coffee in front of your fireplace during winter. The cracking sound of fire burning slowly and its warmth spreading in the room makes for a heavenly evening. But what type of wood burner should you use? What kind of wood burner logs should you burn? There are so many questions that you need to answer before fully committing to purchasing your first wood burner. We’ve taken some to answer one of the most frequently asked questions we get. What type of wood should I burn and does different wood burn actually burn differently? 1.Ash Ash is one of the most versatile woods for burning. Most people prefer ash because they don’t need to combine it with any other burner. It produces... Read More »
If you’ve owned a conservatory in the past, or perhaps still do, you will probably know of the common problems associated with conservatories. One of the biggest disadvantages is that they can be incredibly cold in the winter and too hot in the summer. That said, in recent years, thanks to new technology, conservatories are being redesigned somewhat, and it’s not uncommon to now choose a tiled conservatory roof. Okay, so you don’t have supreme sky view. But because the entire roof structure is not made of glass, it can be insulated, making a huge difference.
We are all concerned about the safety of our home. We value our locks and doors, but we overlook our garages. It’s such a place that can easily be raided. In addition, it is built to keep our cars in complete safety, so it really needs special attention. This is why you should install garage doors that have enough power to restrict both bad weather outside and the act of theft. Taking all these facts into consideration, today’s engineers demonstrated this is possible when you combine garage doors with remote control.
