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Build Your Dream Home!

May 11th, 2023 | London Building Contractors

5 Key things to Consider when building your dream home!

Are you in intense pursuit for the construction of your perfect dream home? You might need to re-consider your pace if these factors have not yet been considered!

1. Plot and property size

Your use of space always plays a big role in determining the style, shape and general outlook of your home. Are you interested in the personal nature of a cozier space or you want it simple and accommodative? Know this, when building your home, you definitely have a say in its final look, so always think exhaustively! This makes it easy your planners or construction team to meet your expectations!

One of the biggest initial factors to consider is, of course, the size you want. Most property owners are quick to dictate the size of the house, number of rooms and external appearance of their building. This is definitely a good place to start, however always remember, your plot size and dimension too will either back you up or push you back to the drawing board. Always have these transparent enough at the planning phase to avoid on-site changes that might suffocate the originality of your design.

2. Location

While many go for construction in convenient or available places, sometimes a good location will undoubtedly give your house the perfect breath. This is the perfect time and reason to be picky in choosing what you really want, so don’t be afraid sit back and identify some potential locations.

Location not only adds up to the exterior of a house, it is most likely to shake up your pockets too. Building a similar house on a hill top, beach, swampy area or in the middle of a city will have different budgets by virtue of location.

3. External features/ Landscaping

Commonly, many get tossed up with the interior details of their property in plan and totally forget to consider exterior of house.

Well, construction when in planning, requires that your mind tours the building while in conception. Part of this might require considering your area or neighborhood you believe will fit your lifestyle and be a good place to call home

This is where an architect’s input might be of great help drafting your dream home into a reality before it is put on ground. Whether you want a pool or a green grassy playground for the kids, have these in mind so that we can help you realize them.

4. Materials to be used

Materials used in the construction of your home will greatly affect its acoustics and are therefore crucial in design. This definitely interrupts the estimated project cost while applying finishes on a building if not considered at initial planning phase . However, it might solely call for an artistic mind or rather an interior designer. You can opt for ceramics, concrete, wood or glass. You may also use a majority of prefabricated elements which can to save time and reduce on expected costs if otherwise.

5. Cost

Count your cost before you build, a common phrase from old. You don’t want to start building and half way the achievement of your dream home becomes its end.

The cost and budget are major considerations but remember, these are not limiting factors. Knowing your financial capacity early enough will guide in prioritizing major areas of focus during the planning and construction of your dream home.

London Building Contractors

As you keep your mind focused on these different key factors, remain excited and expectant about your project as you focus on finally moving in. The making always comes before the planning, we are is your solution when it comes to planning your dream home!

We’re here to help!

Why should you not DIY? How improvement projects you should never do yourself

May 11th, 2023 | London Building Contractors

We all love some DIY and in the right circumstances, doing it yourself can help you achieve a brand-new look for your home without breaking the bank. But before you get ahead of yourself, it’s best to assess what you can actually handle on your own, and which projects you should NOT DIY.

We don’t mean to hurt your ego, but we’ve witnessed some home projects that didn’t turn out for the best, just because a homeowner bit off more than they could chew.

When DIY goes wrong, it can not only incur huge costs to reverse the damage, it can even compromise your safety and land you with some pretty big fines from your local authority. To help you avoid these pitfalls, here are 10 home improvement projects we recommend you NEVER DIY.

Removing a wall

If you’re looking to create a more open layout, you may have decided there’s a wall that just needs to go. However, if you’ve not had an expert assess this wall beforehand, we strongly recommend you avoid going the DIY route.

Some walls are load-bearing and if this is the case, you’ll put at risk the structural integrity of your home. If you’re working with an architect, they should be able to assess your existing home designs and advise on this matter. Otherwise, you can get a structural engineer for a consultation.

Fixing up your roof

Pretty obvious when you think about what repairing your roof involves: you balancing precariously over a very steep drop. However, you may be tempted to take the risk when some sort of leak or broken tile crops up.

If your roof does need repairing, you’ll need a contractor to come and assess your home. Roofs are a lot more complicated than they seem and those working on them need to consider both wind resistance, waterproofing, insulation and, not to mention, the legal standards set out in UK building regulations.

Removing a chimney

A lot of the projects we’ll discuss here aren’t suitable for DIY because they fall under UK building regulations. These set of health and safety standards are applied to all homes and you’ll need a professional on board to make sure you’re compliant.

When removing a chimney, it’s recommended you get a structural engineer on board, who will be able to assess your project in six key areas…

Structural strength
Fire safety
Sound insulation
Maintenance of neighbour’s chimney
Damp prevention
Ventilation to rooms

Demolition

As part of your home improvement project, you may need to demolish either a part of your home or an outbuilding. There’s a common misconception that tearing something down is as simple as grabbing a sledgehammer and going smash, smash, smash. In reality, demolishing any large structure is complicated.

You should never attempt to demolish any part of your home, as it takes special structural knowledge to carry this out safely. Likewise, should any wires or plumbing be involved, it’s best to leave it to the professionals.

Altering a party wall

A party wall is a wall, boundary, or outbuilding that you share with another household. These are common between terraced and semi-detached houses but can also affect detached properties if you share a garden wall or invisible boundary line.

If you wish to make any alterations to these areas, you’ll need to first gain written permission from the affected third parties. If they refuse, a party wall surveyor will need to be brought on board (if you don’t have one already) to put together a legal agreement.

Installing new lighting

As a general rule, you should never attempt to DIY any electrical project, unless you have experience in that area. While changing bulbs is one thing, actually tampering with your mains is risky on so many levels. Not only could you mess up your fuses, if you’re not careful, but you may also end up getting a very literal shock.

Becoming your own plumber

Whether you want to install your own wet room or just a new dishwasher, plumbing has pretty much the same rules as electricals – namely, you shouldn’t do it yourself.

Fiddling with your pipes can cause a lot of damage to your property if things go wrong. Without expert knowledge, pipes can burst, your waterproofing might not be up to scratch, and this will leave you with a very soggy house (and a very big repair bill).

Removing asbestos

Amphibole type asbestos was banned in 1985, while all varieties were outlawed in 1999. However, despite the ban, older homes might still find asbestos lingering in their property. Naturally, you’ll want to remove this harmful material as soon as it’s found but you should never attempt this yourself.

If you end up breathing in the fibres, it can result in a form of cancer. Therefore, leave the material alone, keep children far away from it, and get an expert in as soon as possible to replace it.

Painting the exterior of your home

Painting the exterior of your home is dangerous for the same reasons fixing your roof can be – there’s a lot of height involved. Not only this, if you don’t choose the right material for the job, you can end up exposing your home to the elements. This can damage your property and, once again, require the need for some expensive repairs.

Removing unwanted wildlife

Bats in your loft? Foxes hiding under your garage? If you’ve got yourself some unexpected visitors, you’ll need to stop yourself from showing them the door. Why? Because some species in the UK are protected and if you remove them from your property yourself, you could land yourself with some pretty big fines.

Contact Wildlife Management and Licensing at Natural England for advice on dealing with birds and animals on your land.

Conclusion

When in doubt about your DIY options, avoid any projects which involve…

Structural alterations
Electricals
Plumbing
Heights
Wildlife
Legal regulation

Not sure if your home improvement project is affected by these issues? No problem. London Building Contractors provides consultations to allow homeowners to safely explore their property options.

For more inquiries, Contact us today.

Email: info@londonbuildingcontractors.co.uk
Tel: +44 20 8935 5159

Hatfield Hertfordshire

May 5th, 2023 | Case Studies

Hatfield Hertfordshire

PROJECT DESCRIPTIONS

This property was purchased at the auction and the owner wanted to convert it to a decent family home environment. The project encompassed a significant renovation effort, touching every aspect of the property to create a comfortable, modern, and functional living space. Our team displayed their expertise and attention to detail, ensuring a seamless renovation experience and outstanding results for our client.

We began by removing the old wallpaper and preparing the surfaces for a fresh, new look. The walls and ceilings were carefully repaired, addressing any cracks and gaps to create a flawless foundation. Our team also skilfully renovated the bedrooms and staircases, giving them a refreshed appearance and improved structural integrity.

The render work and woodwork repairs further enhanced the property’s aesthetics and durability, while a fresh coat of paint brought a sense of unity and elegance to the space. In the kitchen, we removed the old flooring and replaced it with modern laminate flooring, elevating both the functionality and style of the area.

The bathroom floors were also updated, with old materials removed and replaced by sleek, durable tiles. Our team expertly handled the kitchen fittings and cabinetry installation, ensuring a cohesive design and efficient use of space. The addition of a new radiator provided enhanced comfort and energy efficiency.

We carried out a comprehensive bathroom renovation, removing the old base unit and fitting a new one, creating a more functional and visually appealing space. Our team also installed new insulation and pipework, ensuring the property’s long-term efficiency and comfort.

One of the project’s key challenges was repairing and plastering an unstable, fragmented wall. Our team applied their expertise and adhered to British Standards, ensuring the highest level of quality and safety for the client.

West Hampstead London

May 5th, 2023 | Case Studies

West Hampstead London

PROJECT DESCRIPTIONS

This was another exciting project where classic look meets modern touch. The previous owner lived in the building for decades, then passed this on to her Granddaughter before she passed away. The very first thing the granddaughter told us was that; much work needed here, stripe out everything but don’t change everything in order to maintain my Grandmother memories.

This project was a major Interior-renovation-Makeover; covered ceilings, walls, flooring and more… Stripped out old kitchen, bathroom and laundry room, designed layout space and arranged new fittings. All tiled wall sections within the building were upgraded using new tiles in the renovation process. New hardwood door fitted and large timber sliding sash windows upgrades. New sliding wardrobe, etc. Structural work element, plaster-boards fitted in accordance to BS standard, rendered.

All peeled wall sections repaired in accordance to BS standard, broken tiles repaired/replaced where applicable. Repaired and redecorated walls and ceiling minor and major defects. Stripped wallpaper and corrected uneven surfaces.

Application of damp treatment and paint job. Underfloor heating system arrangement. New plumbing and radiator installed.

Established new electric wiring and connection; wall lights, downlights and spotlights features. Application of paint colour theme in gold, cream blue and mahogany across the board.

Hampstead London

May 5th, 2023 | Case Studies

Hampstead London

PROJECT DESCRIPTIONS

This project presented a fantastic opportunity for us to exhibit our diverse skill set and attention to detail in creating a stunning and functional living environment. From start to finish, our team poured their expertise into every aspect of this comprehensive renovation.

Our journey began with the general interior décor, where we applied a modern touch to the space while preserving its original charm. We inspected and repaired the flooring, ensuring a solid foundation for the new carpets that were supplied and fitted with precision. To enhance the natural lighting and energy efficiency, we supplied and fitted new windows throughout the property, complementing them with elegant curtains and blinds.

The skirting boards were replaced to add a fresh and polished look, while the electric drop lights were installed to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. In the bedroom, we carried out essential repairs and installed bespoke a wardrobe, providing ample storage without compromising on style.

Our team addressed any cracks in the walls and ceilings, repairing them to the highest standards before applying a fresh coat of paint to breathe new life into the space. Recognising the need for additional living space, we designed and executed a seamless home extension, blending it effortlessly with the existing structure.

The bathroom was given a complete makeover, with new fittings such as a modern showerhead and other fixtures, elevating the space’s functionality and aesthetics. Finally, we performed minor touch-ups throughout the property, ensuring every corner was attended to with care and precision.

Vale Road Hertfordshire

May 5th, 2023 | Case Studies

Vale Road Hertfordshire

PROJECT DESCRIPTIONS

Sherriff Road London

May 5th, 2023 | Case Studies

Sherriff Road London

PROJECT DESCRIPTIONS

Prince Consort Road London

May 5th, 2023 | Case Studies

Prince Consort Road London

LBC PROJECT DESCRIPTIONS

A transformation of an old kitchen space inside a Listed Building. We focused on a complete kitchen renovation, transforming the space into a functional and stylish culinary haven. Our team worked diligently to address every aspect of the renovation, from design to execution, ensuring a seamless process and exceptional results.

The project began with the development of a well-thought-out kitchen layout plan, catering to the client’s needs and preferences. Our team then proceeded with the full renovation, starting with the removal of damaged wallpaper and preparing the walls for a fresh start. Given the extent of the wall damage, we applied skim coating and filled gaps and cracks to create a smooth and pristine surface.

With the walls prepared, we removed the old electrical wiring and installed a new fire alarm detector for enhanced safety. Our team also took care of the wiring throughout the kitchen, ensuring a reliable and efficient electrical system. The addition of spotlights created a well-lit and inviting atmosphere, perfect for cooking and entertaining.

To further enhance the kitchen’s aesthetics, we installed elegant cornices and applied a fresh coat of paint throughout the space, breathing new life into the room. Our team also revived the old commercial extractor fan, restoring its functionality and ensuring a comfortable cooking environment.

The base units and shelves were installed with precision, offering ample storage and workspace. We fitted wall cabinets and top-quality kitchen fittings, ensuring a cohesive and modern design. Finally, our team put the finishing touches on the project with a thorough clean, leaving the kitchen in pristine condition and ready for the client to enjoy.

This full kitchen renovation showcases our ability to transform even the most challenging spaces into beautiful and functional areas, demonstrating the expertise and craftsmanship that London Building Contractors is renowned for.

London Putney Hill

May 5th, 2023 | Case Studies

London Putney Hill

PROJECT DESCRIPTIONS

This project allowed us to demonstrate our versatility and expertise in tackling various aspects of home renovation, combining functionality and style to create a harmonious living space for our client.

Our team began by addressing the general repairs required for both the walls and ceilings, ensuring a solid foundation for the rest of the improvements. We then installed modern ceiling lighting to enhance the ambiance and fitted a gigantic fan to provide optimal airflow and temperature control. New window blinds were added, complementing the fresh aesthetics of the renovated space.

In the bedroom, we designed and installed a contemporary wardrobe with sleek mirror doors, offering ample storage while adding a touch of sophistication. The woodwork throughout the property was carefully varnished, preserving its natural beauty and enhancing durability.

The bathroom underwent a complete transformation, with meticulous repairs and the installation of high-quality fittings such as a bathtub, mirror, tiles, and a modern shower system. The electrical installations were updated to include new wall sockets, ensuring convenience and safety for the occupants.

A fresh coat of paint was applied throughout the property, creating a bright and welcoming atmosphere. We also installed translucent glass in doors and a skylight, allowing natural light to flood the space while maintaining privacy.

Our team expertly repaired the existing staircase, ensuring stability and safety for years to come. In the kitchen, we fitted a tiled floor and installed new kitchen fittings, seamlessly combining practicality with style.

Fitzroy Square London

May 5th, 2023 | Case Studies

Fitzroy Square London

PROJECT DESCRIPTIONS

This was another great opportunity for us to demonstrate craftmanship at the heart of the London city. Like all our projects within this area, Fitzroy Square project was a success and timing couldn’t be any perfect for us to revive this lovely Victorian Grade II Listed Building.

Roofing Works: We had to adopt completely new roofing arrangement in order to reinstate or restore heritage status of this building. The team stripped out the roof completely to prevent further defect, carried out inspection, replaced rotten timber structure and supported weak joists & rafter cross section. Replaced and accommodated new insulation system accordingly, whilst keeping a keen eye on roof slope. Improved complete arrangement of valley gutter, new roof-board, new batten etc…

Fitted new Welsh slates with 77mm head lap, fixed with broad shanked copper or ring stainless steel nails with head diameter not less than 10mm.

All leadworks were carried out to last at least 25 Year Guarantee Scheme, using rolled lead sheet code 4 roofing flashing to BSEN 12588 installed in accordance with BS 6915 and Rolled Lead Sheet – The Complete Manual (published by the Lead Sheet Association). And then treated with patination oil on completion of installation

Dormer: covered with code 6 lead, cheeks – up to 600mm panel widths with vertical welts and side gutters, top – up to 600mm centres with wood rolls and 75-100mm turned downs at edges, back gutter and tilting fillet min 150mm up the roof slop.

Internal Works: Renovation / Restoration / Construction of 17 internal rooms Victoria built property. Internal structural support for each room where applicable. Series of new walls cconstructed with sound proofing and fire rated partition walls. Offsetting the timber to allow sound proof & fire rated plasterboard. Ensure perfect right angles around corners and screwed down a length of structural timber to the floorboards and repeated process before you know it we built straight partition walls and ceilings. We used good quality insulation to improve acoustic performance and fire resistance within this space. Then masked-tape everywhere, rendered paint job etc…

New WC fittings (bespoke design arrangement). New kitchen fittings (bespoke design arrangement). New floorboard. Tiling. Underlayment and Elegant carpet

New staircase constructed for the building. Window woodwork restoration and making good…

Electrics / Switches / Socket. General plumbing-work. Painting and Many more…