Joinery Experts Make Troublesome Staircases a Thing of the Past

If you live in an old house or one with a certain amount of character, you may well have a staircase that seems to have a life of its own. Creaks, cracks and wobbles are common in staircases throughout the country, yet when did you ever actually have a serious think about doing something about them? Wouldn’t it be nice to be able to walk down the stairs without wobbly handrails making it a white knuckle ride? Or how about making a real feature of your staircase to highlight and enhance your home?

A professional joinery company is the trade to call upon if you are considering doing just this.

Renovating an Old Staircase

Wobbly, worn out handrails that no longer fit the essence of the home or broken and missing spindles can easily be replaced by a joinery expert, as can individual steps. No matter what type of wood you desire, the joinery professional will be able to meet all your requirements and of course will be on hand to advise on the best type of material and finish to go for in your situation.

New Designs

Perhaps your staircase doesn’t really work with the rest of the home’s layout? Maybe you’d benefit from relocating it? Or bringing it up to date to match your current décor.

A joinery expert will make detailed plans and present you with a solution that will be attractive and practical. The sign of a good joiner is that he will be able to create bespoke designs that are sensitive to the character of your home but at the same time long lasting and practical, making good use of the materials available. It is also a good sign if the staircase is designed and pre-fitted in a special workshop before installation to reduce the risk of problems arising onsite.

Choose a joiner with a good reputation; one that places emphasis on using quality materials and producing a pristine finish. And then enjoy your new staircase!

The Appeal of Handmade Bespoke Kitchens

Knowing something is unique and crafted by hand is a special feeling. Whether a piece of jewellery or a made to measure suit, this uniqueness and craftsmanship adds real personal value because you know it has been made exclusively by experts to suit you.

The same goes for your house; something that has been made especially to fit your living space always feels special, whether it’s upholstery or a piece of furniture. And this is the very reason a bespoke, handmade kitchen can bring so much pleasure to family life.

And not only that, because these unique kitchens are not standard off the shelf fitments, that means they can be made to fit even the most awkward and odd shaped surroundings! So that uneven wall, ceiling or floor no longer poses a problem.

Work with the Space You Have Got

Does your kitchen currently have walls that protrude out into the kitchen, areas where space is being wasted as the ceiling is too low or drawers and cupboards that have been fitted but are too small or awkward to access? If so then a handmade bespoke kitchen will address all these issues. Handmade kitchens can be designed to fit any space by using the area provided to its full potential. All cupboards and appliances will be designed to fit into your specific space, meaning a large well laid out kitchen is no longer just a dream.

No Need to Compromise

When you previously had your kitchen refurbished or designed, did you find that you had to compromise on certain things? Perhaps you had to go without a large work surface so as to allow for extra cupboard units? Such compromises are common in one size fits all designs. But with handmade bespoke kitchens this is a thing of the past. Your kitchen designer will work with you to find out what you really want and then do everything he can to make it a reality.

Bespoke kitchen specialists are skilled tradesmen with specific expertise in making the most of any space. So if you have always wanted a kitchen to be proud of, one that is practical yet attractive, then consider a handmade bespoke kitchen.  

What to Look for in a Commercial Building Company

Are you a business owner? Do you own a shop, factory or office? Do you need urgent or long term improvements to the property but are unsure what building company should complete the work? Many business owners face the same problem. Whilst there is an abundance of quality builders, it is important the building company you choose is a specialist commercial property building company.

But why is this important? What qualities should a commercial building company have?

Large Project Management Experience

Domestic building work is of course complex and requires a lot of detailed planning and design. However, a residential property can differ greatly compared to commercial properties such as warehouses and factories. In these builds, the commercial building company will be required to undertake large scale design and site surveys, and it is imperative that they have experience in doing so. It is also more than likely that a factory will require stringent health and safety guidelines to be followed and may involve working around hazardous materials.

Make sure that the building company you employ is fully insured, accredited, qualified and health and safety compliant to work in industrial surroundings.

Understanding Commercial Needs

Any building company will be able to build a new office. However, do not settle for just a new build. A commercial builder will not only be able to build new office space, they will also be able to redesign current builds with the employees who will be using it in mind. This means the company should be specialists in improving work productivity in the office, working closely with the client to redesign the workspace to maximise natural light, position workstations with health and safety in mind and enhance available space.

Redesign Skills

Are you the owner of a shop? Are you planning on changing the layout or direction of your retail premises? A commercial builder will be able to totally refurbish shop floors to fit any idea, no matter how different it maybe. This could involve removing or fitting new kitchens, changing rooms or service areas. Commercial building companies will understand the commercial market and therefore the results will be customer friendly as well as a place where employees will enjoy working.

Commercial builds do differ to residential works. Try to identify the factors outlined when looking at potential building companies and remember that in an ideal world, a company that can offer both residential and commercial projects would mean that the builders would well rounded skills that will result in a top class commercial build, refit or refurbishment. 

How to Get Your Building Project Approved

Your building company has just finished a building alteration in your home. Your new loft conversion looks as good as you hoped and you have paid the company. You have contacted a local authority building inspector to get approval. On arrival he finds numerous building regulation irregularities resulting in a large fine and the threat of demolishing the new build.

To avoid this scenario happening to you, it is important to understand building regulations and whose responsibility it is to enforce them.

What Are Building Regulations?

In essence, building regulations set out certain standards ensuring that the health and safety aspects of a new build are met. By following these guidelines, building inspectors can determine whether or not a construction is safe for those living in or around it.

What Do These Regulations Cover?

Building regulations are quite complex. There are fourteen sections which building regulations cover. These include fire safety, ventilation, access issues, sanitation and electrical safety amongst others. Depending on the type of work your home has had done, one or more of these fourteen parts may not apply to you. Your recommended building company should be experts in this and will know which regulations they must comply with. Only by choosing an accredited building company can you rest easy knowing everything is being built accordingly.

What Types of Buildings Do Not Have to Follow These Regulations?

Conservatories and garage extensions do not usually require building regulation approval. However, these types of builds, along with a number of others, may require planning permission. Ask your builder for advice on this issue, as they will know what regulations and permissions are required for each job.

Whose Responsibility Is It?

The responsibility falls on the shoulders of the homeowner. However, by employing a recommended Federation of Master Builders accredited builder the responsibility will automatically be taken up by them. They will know that the homeowner has little or no knowledge in this area and understand that they are expected to act on your behalf. 

Do not run the risk of a hefty fine or put your personal safety at risk. Choose only the best building company to complete the work and take advantage of their expertise and advice on the issue of building regulations.

  

How Extending a Home Can Help a Growing Family

Many people buy a house with their current situation in mind. But over the years, situations change and what started out as the perfect house soon becomes outgrown. With many people being priced out of moving, one way this can be rectified is to explore the option of a home extension. They can be more economical than moving home and if completed by a professional building company will normally add a good amount of value.

But in what circumstances are extensions useful and how can they help the average homeowner improve their property?

Toddler’s Play-Room

Is your baby beginning to explore more of your home? One option would be to contact a local builder to design and build an extension that can be turned into a play-room for the kids. By doing so, there will a designated play area that means the rest of the home can be left in relative peace and quiet. The interior and function of the room can always be changed as your child grows older.

Family Kitchen Area

Is your kitchen just too small to cater for all members of your family? Are you forced to eat in front of the television due to a lack of room? An extension can open up even the smallest of kitchens and create a brand new kitchen and dining area that will transform the whole home. A kitchen refurbishment combined with an extension could finally allow for a large dining table where the whole family can gather at dinner times.

Office or Study Space

Have you started working from home? Perhaps you have teenagers who need study space? An extension can create excellent work space that simply is not available in other areas of the home. An experienced building company will be able to design and build the extension with the eventual use of the room in mind, meaning sockets and power points can be installed so that a computer can easily be positioned. Simply inform the builder of your plans for the room and he can adjust the designs accordingly.

Contact a local building company in your area to find out more about home extensions. They are very versatile and can be built with any idea in mind. Do not outgrow your home, simply grow the home as the family does.

A Guide to Planning a New Kitchen

One of the key elements in any building or renovation project is planning. This stage should involve both the homeowner and the building company undertaking the project as communication between the two is vital, and good communication will lead to an end result that is pleasing for all.

But how do you plan a kitchen renovation? What should you do yourself and what should you leave in the capable hands of your local kitchen refurbishment team?

Establish a Budget

So you have decided to revamp or refurbish your kitchen: what is the first step? Start by setting your budget. It is pointless looking at certain types of designs if they are not realistic. Work out a practical budget so that the kitchen renovation team will know how much they have to work with.

Seek advice from a kitchen professional on what can be achieved with your budget. They will be happy to help you at this stage if they are the helpful kind of company you want to work with.

Contact a Locally Recommended Kitchen Refurbishment Company  

It is worth trying to find a kitchen refurbishment specialist that puts a great deal of emphasis on customer service and actively seeks to provide helpful guidance. The key to identifying a reliable kitchen company is their commitment to making their customers feel comfortable and in the know at all stages.

Design Plans

The next step is to agree the kitchen design. Do you want a fitted or integrated kitchen? What appliances do you need? What materials will work best for your lifestyle? Remember to listen to any advice your kitchen refit company will provide as they are professionals and know from experience what works best, and what will serve you best according to your precise requirements.

A beautiful new kitchen will add pleasure and value to your home. Work with a reliable kitchen refurbishment specialist who is locally recommended and you’ll have peace of mind knowing that the finished product will serve you and your family well long term.