Staircases: the Basics

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Installing a new staircase can transform a home, but what are the practicalities and requirements involved?   There are lots of different reasons why a new staircase might be required. Obviously, if you are building a house from scratch then you will be specifying a new staircase, while those renovating or remodelling an older property […]

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A Typical Loft Conversion Schedule

loft conversion with office space

A step-by-step showing what to expect when your loft is converted   This step-by-step guide shows how the roof space in a 1950s bungalow was converted to provide two bedrooms and a shower room — all at a cost of $35,000 (which, according to a recent valuation, has added $55,000 in value). Most of the […]

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Loft Conversion Beginner’s Guide

loft conversion with office space

Depending on the roof structure and planning constraints, a loft conversion is one of the most straightforward ways of getting extra space. Almost all houses can benefit from this extension with a bit of basic planning   This feature explains everything you need to know about planning your loft conversion project and, by way of […]

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How to Get Rid of Rubble

Rubble House

Building projects equal mess — usually in large quantities. But what is the best way to dispose of it all and how much will it cost you? Thirteen percent of construction products are sent to landfill without ever being used on site. There are several options when it comes to disposing of building waste: Recycling […]

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Guide to Demolition

demolition
Looks at the implications of building a new home on a previously developed site. An increasing number of self-build plots are what are known as ‘knock-downs’: occupied by an existing dwelling that is, for one reason or another, not worth restoring or extending and so lends itself to demolition and replacement. The existing house might [...]

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Extension Beginner’s Guide

angular timber clad extension

Extending is a popular way to add space without having to move. We explain everything you need to know from planning permission to costs, design work and much more It is said that for every person who self builds there are 15 that add extensions to their homes. The reasons for all this are easy to see. […]

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A Guide to Airtightness

Airtight Guide Yellow Brick House

It’s a key ingredient in creating an energy-efficient home with low heat demand, but what exactly does ‘airtightness’ mean in practice? Tips for achieving an airtight home Airtightness is a word oft bounded about when it comes to building a new home. But what does ‘airtightness’ actually mean and how do you go about creating […]

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A Guide to Insulation

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Find all of the information and advice you need to insulate your home   Find all of the information and advice you need to insulate your home Whether self building or renovating, the thermal efficiency of your home should be a prime concern — both for environmental reasons and the savings you could make on […]

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How to Assess a Home for Renovation

renovated 1960s house with timber cladding

Tips on assessing the potential of a home so that you can avoid taking on a costly renovation project When it comes to renovating old buildings, knowledge is king. Knowing that the cracks in the walls that have put most other buyers off can be fixed easily may mean you get hold of a money-spinning bargain. […]

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Complete Guide to Renovating a House

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We guide your through each step of renovating with handy downloadable guides to print off and keep Taking on an old property can be exciting for those looking to create their dream home, but knowing how to go about doing it up can be challenging. This series guides you through every stage of the renovation process, from […]

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