Did you know that the cost of building is going up, with the rapidly increasing cost of materials putting the squeeze on building contractors’ margins to the point where they are no longer able to be competitive. So how can you cut costs without compromising your renovations plans? UK market analysis by Turner & Townsend earlier this year found that contractors expect tender prices to increase by 2.9% in 2019, compared to increasing materials costs of 5.3% and rising labour
Many houses in our area of Surrey date from the 19th Century and often much older, and while it’s very possible to build beautiful extensions and additions to older buildings, there are some key points you need to consider to get the best results… Structural safety Ensure the services of a structural engineer when doing anything remotely structural, from knocking down an internal wall to building a single storey kitchen extension. Planning:Always get professional planning adv
First impressions count and your entrance hall is your home’s first reception room for welcoming guests. All too often, however, entrance halls are barely given a moment’s thought in renovation plans. Here are my top tips to making the most of your hall to give the best first impression possible. Hallways can be dark depending on the natural light they might have, so bring in natural light by opening up stairways to allow for light to come down from upstairs windows. If you’
As architectural designers, we are lucky to see people’s home dreams turn into reality and we know that with modern day living, space and light are key. Even if you have limited space, there are a few tricks to help you deliver maximum light and room that you can consider when coming up with your renovation plans. Here are a few of them… Increasing natural light Allow for as much natural light as possible. Remember, light coming in from an angle, such as a Velux on a pitched
As Architectural Designers, Bliss Interiors manages all aspects of extensions, home improvements and additions, as well as interior design. This conversion, extension and update of a gorgeous cottage in Tandridge required Julie Bliss to work closely with the planners at Tandridge District Council due to the project's complex planning scenario. The side extension was dealt with under 'permitted development', while a separate 'full plans application' was submitted for the erec