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.