Category Archives: Building Surveys

Replacing Your Garage Door: A Step-by-Step Guide for Homeowners

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Most people only think about their garage door when it’s not working properly. If yours has reached that stage, it helps to have a plan before you call anyone about new garage doors. Decide What the Garage Is For If your garage is only being used to store a bicycle and some boxes, it is clearly not being used to its full potential. A workspace or home gym would be a better use of the space. Be honest when considering how you use your garage because that determines the value of insulation, security and convenience. Choose the Style Each door type has its own quirks. For example, roller doors and sectional doors take up less space on the outside of the building, but side-hinged doors suit a traditional look and... Read More »

Replacing the conservatory roof: building regulations, changing thermal ratings, and the switch from glass to tiles

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From the perspective of building regulations, replacing a conservatory roof is not a like-for-like change. The replacement of glass, plastic, or any other translucent material to a solid, tiled, or insulated roof is, in the eyes of the law, a change that requires some significant compliance. This is not a problem that can easily be remedied at the point of sale. Once your building becomes uninsurable, it can become problematic with your builder’s insurance, too; it can create serious issues. When does building regulations apply? There are conditions under which a conservatory can be exempt from building regulations. A conservatory can be exempt from building regulations if it is single-storey, separated from the main dwelling by quality external walls, doors, or windows, and has a clear or translucent roof. This... Read More »

Understanding Pressure Treatment Classes for External Timber — What UC3, UC4, and Others Mean

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When purchasing pressure treated timber, customers will notice a Use Class designation, usually UC3 or UC4 for exterior uses. Use Classes indicate timber protection and applicable conditions. This information can usually be found on product specifications or labels. Many customers disregard this detail, assuming the number impacts the value of the product. This is false. Many customers do not notice Use Class UC2, resulting in a significant loss of value. Class identifiers are listed in the BS EN 335 European standard for timber durability and preservative. Classes run from UC1 to UC5, and each describes a different exposure scenario. Most homeowners are primarily focused on the middle of the scale. UC1 includes timber that will be indoors and in dry conditions, and with no chance of being wetted, such as... Read More »

When it comes to fire doors and integral garages, what do the building regulations say?

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The door that connects the integral garage to the house must be a fire door, and it’s not a matter of opinion, or because a supplier suggested it. It’s a matter of law. Building regulations state that doors to integral garages must be fire doors, and more specifically, they must have at least an fd30 rating, meaning they provide 30 minutes of fire resistance. This is the case in the new build phase and also in the case when building work is done that requires a compliance check for the area being worked in, which is most often the case when a garage is converted. If you are simply doing an internal door replacement or like a door swap in an existing building, then the position is less clear and... Read More »

Comparison of flat rooftop membranes — GRP (Glass Reinforced Plastic), EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer), and TPO (Thermoplastic Polyolefin)

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All three materials that dominate the domestic flat roof market – GRP, EPDM and TPO – are subjected to BS EN 13956, the European testing standard for flexible waterproofing sheets for roofing, which covers issues like tensile strength, elongation, tearing and thermal cycle resistance. What this standard doesn’t provide is which of the three materials is more likely to last 20 years on the type of roof typically found on extensions and outbuildings in the UK. To answer that, you first need to understand the nature of each material, how it is likely to fail, and how much a contractor is likely to warrant against that failure. GRP — explanation and applications of it GRP is an acronym for glass reinforced plastic, which is more commonly known as fibreglass. The... Read More »

Security ratings for garage doors, and what LPS 1175 and Secured by Design mean in practice

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For less complex buildings, PAS 24 is used as a baseline for security engagement and risk measurement, and for buyers wanting more in-depth detail behind the certification, there are two more schemes to understand: LPS 1175 and Secured by Design. LPS 1175 — the scale for attack resistance LPS 1175 is Loss Prevention Standard, and is controlled by the Loss Prevention Certification Board/LPCB. Unlike PAS 24, which is a simplistic Pass or Fail system, LPS 1175 assigns an attack resistance rating in a range: A, B, C, D and E and SR1 to SR6, where SR6 is the most resistant. The attack resistance rating is based on a testing protocol that defines the number of tools, the duration allowed, and the level of assistance available to an attacker. If the... Read More »

Evaluating Garage Doors for Insurance Approval Before Purchase

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Most garage door manufacturers will indicate whether a product is insurance company approved. Very few suppliers, however, offer a guide or anything else for verification, leaving the claim without substantiation, creating challenges for buyers when an insurance claim gets filed. Wording from the Insurers U.K. home insurance providers will not share an approved products list. What each provider asks for differs. Most often, a minimum requirement is the PAS 24:2022. This is the UK’s standard for improved security performance for door sets. Some guidelines ask for Secured by Design approval, other guidelines reference LPS 1175. Insurance approval is product specific and can vary from one insurance policy approval to another. The first step is not to ask the supplier, but instead, read the policy document. In the section that describes... Read More »

The Benefits of External Wall Rendering: Why It’s a Smart Investment for Your Home

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External wall rendering is a cost-effective way to improve the look and feel of your home. The application of renders will add an attractive finish, while also protecting your property from the elements. Not only does it provide insulation, but it can also help reduce noise levels, protect against dampness and decay, and even increase the value of your property. When it comes to external wall rendering, there are many types to choose from such as acrylic render or polymer renders that have a high level of water resistance. These renders offer enhanced protection from weathering caused by rain and wind. Furthermore, with their excellent durability they require minimal maintenance over time. Additionally, when applied correctly these materials can retain their color for up to 10 years without fading, meaning... Read More »

House Survey Common Problems

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When buying a property a survey is a vital step in the process. Its purpose is to reveal any issues. Here are some of the most common issues and how you could deal with them should they arise.  Asbestos – Once praised for its durability, asbestos is now condemned. If asbestos is highlighted in your survey, you will need an appropriate specialist to contain or remove it.  Structural Movement – In extreme cases, parts of your home collapse. This can usually be spotted by cracks or other structural damage, and you would need to speak to a structural expert if flagged in your report.  Damp – This issue can vary in severity. You can instruct a specialist for a deeper specialist survey. This would give you more information on the... Read More »

How can an awning transform your garden?

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If you’re like most homeowners, you probably think of your backyard as an extension of your living space. Maybe you use it to relax in the sun, have a picnic or just hang out with friends and family. But what if you could do more with your backyard? What if you could use it to increase your home’s value and make it more comfortable and attractive? You can, with the help of an awning. Elegance An awning can add a touch of elegance and class to your home, no matter what style it is. If you have a modern home, a sleek and simple awning can complement its lines. If your home is more traditional, you can choose an awning with more ornate details. Either way, an awning can give... Read More »

What Room Is Oak Flooring Best Used For?

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Of all of the different types of flooring materials that you can use, authentic oak flooring may be the best choice. It is very sturdy, capable of withstanding even high traffic areas, and slight damage is not very noticeable even if it is there. The cost of oak wood flooring is the main drawback for most people that wanted. It can be extremely expensive. If you can afford the cost, or find someone that can offer you an exceptional deal, you may wonder where you should put this flooring material. Let’s discuss what room would be the best choice for placing oak flooring in your home. Why Oak Flooring Is So Popular There are so many things that can be said about oak flooring. First of all, it is extremely... Read More »

What are Smart Garage Doors and How Can you Use Them?

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Everything nowadays seems to be ‘smart’ – interlinked, internet enabled technology that serves to make your life easier. Garage doors are no exception and there are many options for smart garage doors that will integrated with your other smart home systems and will give you more freedom and more control. Smart garage doors are the convenient, modern way to improve your garage and improve your home, allowing you more control over the way you manage your time and your day to day life. It offers a fascinating array of benefits for the modern homeowner. If you are going to have a smart garage door installed, you need to know about the benefits it can bring and how it can help to improve your life. Of course, it won’t be the... Read More »