Oct/110
Reasons to consider a loft conversion
You could choose any one of a number of reasons as to why you have decided to give the green light for loft conversion in Birmingham. We will be suing this article to look at some of the factors which have contributed towards people deciding on this kind of home improvement work.
Most appropriate improvements and renovations done in good taste will work towards increasing the property value of a home. It is true that as long as the work has been carried out to a certain standard, you should find this to be the case. Loft conversions are able to add value to a property of up to 20 percent.
If you need extra space in your home but have considered that the cost of moving would be prohibitive, this is another thing which often leads to a homeowner choosing to improve what they have already got. This is a cost effective solution as it can save on removal costs, stamp duty and fees for all the people involved in the process.
In addition to the costs usually associated with moving properties, this major upheaval can prove to be rather stressful and so may deter you from going ahead with this at the moment. The decision to build a loft conversion which gives you another bathroom and bedroom can therefore make for a suitable alternative.
However, not every attic is suitable for conversion so it is necessary to have a survey carried out on your property to determine whether it is a viable option for you. As long as the results are positive, you could soon have created another decent-sized room in your home, at an affordable cost.
So bear in mind all the points above and work out whether this makes sense for you and your home. If you do decide to convert your existing loft or extend the space, then make sure you only consider a specialist loft conversion company for the job.
Do you require a reliable service for a loft conversion in Nottingham? You will find all the information and contacts you need at touchstonelofts.co.uk.
Oct/110
Ensuring a loft conversion is compliant with build regulations
Once you decide to go ahead and make big changes to your home, like a loft conversion for instance, it is important to be aware from the start about the building standards and regulations in place for this kind of project. The following post will concentrate on the key areas requiring compliance.
This is important if you wish to have the work carried out on your home as building regulations are a must and not something you can choose to adhere to. By having the project overseen by a specialist company offering loft conversions in Birmingham, you can ensure that a building regulation certificate will be granted upon completion.
It is also important to make sure that the conversion takes into consideration all relevant safety standards too. If you want to be adding value to your home then this is a must because it needs to be viewed as part of the build by organisations such as estate agents.
Aspects which need to be taken into consideration in relation to building regulations include; planning, design, ventilation, insulation, structural stability and safety factors like electrical safety and fire protection. These are important at every part of the build process and can all have a bearing on the provision of the relevant certificate.
Ideally, you would want to get a professional survey done on your property and speak to them to find out more about the building regulations required by law. This avoids having to pay any money out unnecessarily before the loft conversion project gets underway.
Plan your loft conversion project in the right way and benefit from know-how about the building regulations necessary for the project. A structural engineer should be able to inform you as to what is involved with this.
Do you require a reliable service for a loft conversion in Cambridge? You will find all the information and contacts you need at touchstonelofts.co.uk.
Oct/110
The cost of converting a loft
People look to convert their lofts for different reasons. It might be that they want to expand their living space for a growing family or perhaps it is simply an investment. An extra bedroom generally increases the value of a house significantly. It's important to have a budget, no matter what the reason for a loft conversion.
Obviously, prices for loft conversions vary. Each project will be different and the total cost will depend on your home and the scale of the work being done. It may be that you can keep costs down to some degree by doing smaller elements yourself, but professionals will almost certainly be needed at some point.
Cost is greatly affected by the type of house you live in. Two bedroom and five bedroom houses are hugely different sizes and beyond that there are other factors affecting cost, such as the condition of the roof, unusual layouts and issues with chimneys or plumbing.
The scale of the project also influences how much it will cost. Get carried away with a loft conversion and complex plans and layouts will add to the final bill. One of the major outlays is likely to be furniture and so forth, so depending on the eventual purpose of the room, this might be a major cost, whether it will become a bedroom, a gym or whatever.
The nature of the loft conversion has an impact on cost. Velux roof windows will be cheaper than a dormer conversion. Less construction work is involved. Other factors to bear in mind when budgeting are electrics, flooring and furniture.
If you're considering a loft conversion in Nottingham, these are the various elements you should bear in mind. Weigh up the costs and see what you can afford, but remember that an extra bedroom often adds more value to a house than its cost.
Do you require a reliable service for a loft conversion in Nottingham? You will find all the information and contacts you need at touchstonelofts.co.uk.
Oct/110
Do you plan to convert your loft?
Have you been considering a loft conversion project recently? If so, and you have been unsure about its suitability, you might be interested to hear that most lofts can be converted in this manner. Irrespective of whether your roof is purlin or trussed, loft height is what matters in terms of feasibility.
When you can be sure that the distance between the loft floor and the highest point is 2.1 or greater, then you know that the room is suitable for this type of project. For those looking to add value to their Cambridgeshire home, this is certainly good news.
Most lofts which are converted have trussed roofs. These make the job so much easier as these trussed loft conversions in Cambridge give you plenty of room to deal with, once the work has been carried out. You can be sure that the design of your loft will be so that the space is fully maximised.
Be sure to only use a company with the right credentials to undertake such renovation work on your home. This is because you will need to put your trust in structural engineers with the expertise and know-how to create such clever loft designs.
Make sure you look for a loft conversion specialist in Cambridge to offer you with a free, no-obligation feasibility survey on your existing loft provision. This will give you an idea on what is possible for your home and if it is feasible for this proposed work to go ahead.
If you are hoping to have a loft conversion done in the near future, remember that your choice of company is crucial to its success. Make sure to only consider those who can demonstrate a high standard of work.
If you require a loft conversion in East London, then you should definitely contact the professionals at the Touchstone Lofts website.
Oct/110
The advantages of getting a loft conversion
There are different reasons why we improve our homes. We might do so simply to make it nicer or better suited to our needs, or we might do it as an investment. One of the best ways to add value to a home is to add extra rooms. You can do this via an extension or a loft conversion.
If you move from a three bedroom house to a four bedroom house, it can cost you as much as 100,000. This seems out of proportion, but it is simply the market. There are far more three bedroom houses than four bedroom ones, so larger homes are in demand. As a result of this, if you add fourth bedroom, you can increase the value of a house significantly.
Adding another room can also mean not having to move house. You get the extra space you need without having to pay an estate agent and solicitor and nor do you have to sort out all the various things that add to the stress and upheaval of a move.
Not every loft or attic is suitable for a conversion. If the space is too low, it cannot be converted, nor can it be converted when the pitch of the roof is too steep. If there is 2.3m of head room at the apex of the roof and 2m over the stairs, it is normally okay however.
For those looking to get their loft converted in Surrey, there are other things to consider. Structural changes, in the form of dormer windows or similar, will require planning permission and any work that involves an adjacent property's wall, floor or ceiling will need a party-wall agreement.
When considering cost, you can expect a fairly conventional loft conversion involving the addition of a bedroom and shower room to cost between 30,000 and 40,000, although more should be set aside. If you also decide that you might as well have some solar panels put in at the same time.
Are you searching for a company specialising in loft conversions in Oxford? Look no further than touchstonelofts.co.uk where you will find the market leaders for the industry.
Oct/110
Choosing the right type of loft conversion
With a sufficiently high loft, you can have it converted. Provided the highest point is 2.1m or higher, the area is suitable for conversion. Having this done has two particular benefits. First of all, it provides additional living space. Secondly, it increases the value of your home.
A rooflight conversion is one common type. With a rooflight conversion, there are no extensions or dormers. Instead, rooflights are added to provide a natural light source. In some areas, dormer windows are not permitted, so a rooflight conversion is the only option. Velux are a popular brand when it comes to rooflights, offering centre pivoting and top opening products.
A loft conversion may involve the addition of dormer windows. A dormer window can have a flat or pitched roof. People who have a hipped roof or who want additional space from their loft conversion tend to go for dormer conversions as they provide additional head space.
It is common for people to add an en suite bathroom as part of their loft conversion if most of the space is being converted into a bedroom. To conserve space, this will usually feature a shower, not a bath.
A Mansard loft conversion is a rear type flat roof conversion that is very popular in inner London, although it is less commonly seen in the suburbs where flat roof dormers are more popular. It is also preferred by many local authorities. It is a type of dormer conversion, but the front slopes at around 70 degrees.
If you're in Surrey and you're thinking about getting your loft converted, these are your main options. Your choice will be partly decided by the building and beyond that, it's up to you. However, it is worth noting that you may need planning permission should you be altering the shape of the roof in any way.
Are you searching for a company specialising in loft conversions in Cambridge? Look no further than touchstonelofts.co.uk where you will find the market leaders for the industry.
Oct/110
What can you expect when you get a loft conversion?
What happens when you have decided to get a loft conversion in Nottingham? There are various steps and they remain much the same no matter what specific type of conversion you're having done, be it a dormer loft conversion or one with rooflights.
The erection of scaffolding is often the first step, where it is necessary. It is normally put up a day or so before the main work begins. When it is in place, you can expect the various materials needed for the work to be delivered.
When the construction work begins, the first job will be the floor. When this has been put in, you will have more of a feel for how the finished conversion will look and you might want to make a couple of amendments to your plans. You will be able to see where the stairs are going to go and you might feel differently compared to when the plans were just on paper.
When the stairs are ordered, internal construction continues with the dormer windows, if these are being put in. This work will only go ahead when the weather allows, so there may need to be a little flexibility with this. Velux windows can be installed slightly quicker, so this work is not so weather dependent.
Insulation needs to be put in and it is at this point that this work begins. Plumbing and electrical work can also commence and the general design will be starting to take shape. You will need to settle on locations for light switches and sockets and a shaft will be cut for the stairs, which should be fitted the day after.
The work is approaching completion now. The insulation is finished, the building inspector arrives for the first time and plasterboard is put in. The plastering itself will take two to four days and then the electrician, plumber and carpenter can finish their work, after which the inspector can pass the job.
Are you searching for a company specialising in loft conversions in Surrey? Look no further than Touchstone Lofts website where you will find the market leaders for the industry.
Sep/090
Skills you Need to Rehab a Home
Drywall/ Plaster Repair When rehabbing old houses, cracks and holes in the plaster are common. Often, holes in ceiling plaster are the result of water infiltrating either from the roof, or from a split plumbing line. Holes in walls are often the result of vandalism, but could be the sign of more serious foundation issues. Once the root cause is fixed (see basic water repair section) cut a square area and replace with inch drywall. Once your piece is cut, secure it with multiple drywall screws, mud the gaps, tape, re-mud then sand to a smooth finish.
Basic Water Pipe Repair Many of the foreclosed homes that I encounter have sat over the winter and the cold weather has burst water pipes in the basement and walls. Usually the hardest part of the repair is finding all the leaks. You do this by turning on the water, listening for falling water, then visually inspecting where the water is coming from. Once you find the leak, cut out the old section of pipe and cut a section of new pipe to replace it. Rough up the end of the old and new sections of pipe with your sandpaper. Apply flux to each section of pipe and to a coupler that will be used to join the pieces. Put the new section in place. Heat the coupler with your butane torch and apply solder around the edges of the coupler. The flux will melt creating a vacuum inside the coupler and drawing the solder inside. Once it is sealed all the way around, allow the solder to dry and move on to the next leak. If you are worried about using a butane torch on this project, ask your hardware professional about Shark-Bite fixtures.
Drain Repair Clogged drains are a very common problem. When a working drain gets clogged, Draino or a quick snake will often do the trick. If that doesn't work, unscrew the drainpipe and inspected for clogs. In a vacant house, a clog can become impenetrable. If you encounter such a clog, you need to cut it out and replace that section of drain. Once the clog is cut out, cut a similar length of PVC pipe to replace it. Either connect the new pipe to the old with PVC connectors or with a fernco connector. If you use the PVC connectors make sure that you clean the old pipe thoroughly and apply PVC cement to ensure a proper seal. Many plumbers apply pvc cement or pipe dope even if the pieces they are putting together are threaded.
Replacing Light Fixtures When I am working on electrical fixtures, I like to turn off all power to the house. If this is not feasible or if other people need power to perform other work, I just turn off the circuits one by one as needed. Be sure to check the wires with a voltage meter to insure the power is off. Remove the old fixture by unscrewing the wire nuts or by cutting the wires. Strip off a section of the wire casing and attach you new fixture with wire nuts. Be sure to tape off any exposed wire with electrical tape. Since each fixture will come with its own set of instructions, be sure to read those instructions thoroughly to insure proper installation. Electricity can cause severe injury if you do not follow instruction implicitly.
Window Installation Carefully remove the old window. Be sure not to damage the old wood frame and the window sill. Once the window is removed place wood shims on the exterior of the sill and level the shims. Secure the shims. Place the new window in the opening. Place more wood shims along the sides at the top, middle and the bottom. Once the sides are secure, make sure you can easily open and close the window. Fill the gaps around the window with expanding foam insulation or fiberglass insulation.
Refinishing Wood Floors I rent a lot of the homes that I rehab. If I re-carpet, I will probably have to o it again after the first tenant moves out. If I refinish the hardwood floors, I can re-rent it over and over without much hassle. Remove all of the tack strips, staples, nails and quarter round molding. Once the floor is clean, run your drum sander with the grain of the wood. Working a drum sander is a lot like working a self-propelled lawn mower. It is very important that you keep the drum sander moving at all times though. If you leave it sit it will quickly eat into the floor. I start with 36-grit sandpaper, then 80-grit, and then 100-grit. Once the main body of the floor is sanded, do the edges with an edge sander using the same grits of sandpaper that you used on the main floor. When all the sanding is complete, sweep the floor, and then vacuum the floor. After vacuuming, I like to lightly mop the entire floor. Allow the floor to dry then apply a stain of your choice. Allow to dry then coat with 2 - 3 layers of polyurethane. Replace the molding.
Laying Tile The key to a good tile project is a good foundation. Whether you are tiling a wall or floor, the foundation must be plumb or level and the surface must be flat. Once the old covering has been removed lay a product like Hardi-Backer, an extremely durable cement-based product. Begin tile installation by troweling on a thin application of mastic over a three to four foot area. Set the tile in place and push gently to secure the position. Place a spacer next to the tile and position the next piece. Continue in this fashion until the tiles are all in place. Allow the mastic to dry for 24-hours before grouting. If you are laying a natural stone tile (travertine, slate, marble) be sure to seal the tile prior to grouting. If you don't, the tile will appear hazy. Remove all tile spacers. Mix a grout color of your choice, push the grout between the tiles with a rubber float and clean up all excess grout.
Texturing a Ceiling Texturing a ceiling is one of the simplest jobs you will do on a home, yet it gives the room a finished look. Dip a texturing brush with a long (4 foot) handle into a bucket of top-coating mud. Push the brush into the ceiling in a random pattern. After it dries finish by painting with a white ceiling paint. (Note: This project can be messy. Either do it before you put your floors in or cover them completely. )
Painting a Room Be sure to prep the wall surface prior to painting. Do this by applying a thin coat of spackle to any pin holes or cracks, then sand to a smooth finish. Next, apply one coat of latex primer to the surface of the walls using a roller. After the primer dries apply your paint. Two coats of a flat paint will generally provide complete coverage. To edge the walls, apply painter's tape to the trim, and brush the paint onto the edges. After you have painted the edges, remove the painter's tape and you're done.
Landscaping Most foreclosed houses have neglected exteriors. This is a key area in reselling or renting out your house. The exterior is the first impression people will get of your house. Most of the time, I remove all the overgrown 1950's era plants and replace them. If there are any good plants in the landscape, I try to remove them in a way that they can be re-used in the landscape. If they are too large to remove, prune them to improve their appearance. After removing the old shrubs, cultivate the bed and mix in organic materials like manure, compost or peat moss. Arrange your new plants on top of the beds. Once you are happy with the arrangement, remove any burlap or plastic and plant them. Be sure not to bury the root balls of shrubs. You want to plant the shrub with just a little of the ball showing above the ground surface. Follow spacing instruction on the containers so that your new landscape doesn't look like overgrown in two years.