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The Benefits of Choosing a Local Professional Builder for a House Extension in Guildford.

When planning a house extension in Guildford, the choice of builder can make a significant difference to the success of the project. The benefits of using local professional builders cannot be overstated.

 

Understanding of Local Building Regulations

Local professional builders have a thorough understanding of the local building regulations and codes. This is of utmost importance in ensuring that your extension is built to code, preventing potential legal issues in future.

 

Familiarity with Local Suppliers

Local builders have established relationships with local suppliers, allowing them to secure the best quality materials at competitive prices. This often results in cost savings that can be passed on to the client.

 

Local Reputation

A local builder’s reputation is directly tied to the community they serve. A professional local builder will strive to deliver excellent results to uphold their reputation within the community.

 

Swift Project Completion

Local builders are more accessible, allowing for frequent on-site meetings and swift resolution of any issues that might arise. This can lead to a smoother building process and quicker project completion.

 

Economic Benefits to the Local Community

By hiring a local builder, you are supporting the local economy. The builder will likely employ local workers and purchase materials from local suppliers, resulting in a positive economic impact on the community.

 

In conclusion, when considering a house extension in Guildford, it is both beneficial and wise to hire a local professional builder. Not only will you benefit from their extensive local knowledge and professional expertise, but you will also be contributing to the local economy, choose ABC building for your House Extensions in Guildford.

 

The Advantages Of Solar Panels

Solar panels can be beneficial to your property for various reasons, such as the value of the house getting a boost, due to the energy saving benefits they bring. The independence off grid it brings can be a selling point, due to not having to worry about the electrical source. In turn this will lower your energy bills and save you money on the long run, potentially generating more energy than you actually use and giving you something back financially. Another benefit is how environmentally friendly it is, due to reducing the carbon footprint. This renewable energy doesn’t release CO2, unlike other generators.

 

So if you’re interested in getting eco-friendly, energy saving solar panels installed, then contact a professional. They will be able to advise you on the best thing to do, whilst ensuring the job is done safely and efficiently. Call us today for advice if you are considering solar panel fitting to your Flat roof or any property renovations in Cranleigh.

 

Unlocking the Value of Your Home With a Loft Conversion

If you’re looking to add value to your home without breaking the bank, consider a loft conversion. This is a great way to increase the usable space in your home and boost its overall value. In this blog post, we’ll discuss why loft conversions are so valuable and how they can help you get the most out of your home.

What is a Loft Conversion?
A loft conversion is the process of transforming an existing attic or unused space into livable space. You can turn your attic into an extra bedroom or office, or even create an entire floor with multiple rooms. Depending on the size and condition of your attic, there are several different types of loft conversions to choose from.

The Benefits of Loft Conversions
There are many benefits to converting your attic into livable space. One benefit is that it increases the overall value of your home. Studies have shown that homes with loft conversions can be worth up to 20% more than those without them. This makes it an incredibly cost-effective way to add value to your home without spending too much money upfront. Additionally, you won’t need planning permission for most loft conversions as they usually don’t involve major structural changes.

Another benefit is that it can save you money in the long run by reducing energy costs. Since lofts tend to be well insulated, they tend to stay warmer in winter and cooler in summer—meaning less energy will be needed for heating or cooling the house as a whole. Additionally, since lofts are typically not included in regular cleaning services, they tend to stay cleaner longer than other areas of the house which means less time spent cleaning!
Loft conversions offer homeowners a great way to unlock added value without spending too much money upfront. They can increase your home’s worth by up to 20%, as well as reduce energy costs over time and keep other parts of the house cleaner for longer periods of time. All this adds up to make loft conversions one of the smartest investments when it comes to adding value and convenience to your home. Call us for a free quotation on your next Loft Conversions in Cranleigh or Guildford.

 

Pick Professional Kitchen Fitters!

Thinking about sprucing up the kitchen and making a change can seem daunting, but it can be the uplift it needs. A kitchen is one of the rooms most accessed, so having it both practical and freshly designed is important. However it is best to get a professional involved to ensure a smooth and safe project. They will be able to keep issues at bay during the fitting process and will know how to solve them if any should arise. A professional will also cut down the installation time, which is a priority due to how often this room is used. If you try to do the work yourself, you could have interruptions and delays for weeks.

 

YUsing a professional is beneficial as they will make sure the right tools are used. Quite often we don’t have the right tools needed at home. It’s important not to use alternative tools as they might not do the job efficiently. A professional will fit the kitchen properly with the right tools, therefore ensuring the kitchen lasts a long time. An amateur installation and tools can cut down the lifespan of your kitchen, which over time can be expensive. If you are interested in a free quotation to update your kitchen with a House extension in Guildford, call us today.

 

The Importance Of Fire Safety In Loft Conversions

For older houses and their lofts, sometimes there is a higher risk of fire than a modern day conversion. These days loft conversions are carefully thought of, during the initial design process. This is because fire safety is a crucial aspect of your home. Luckily this can be preventable, with the correct fire alarms and safety planning. Of course, fire safety applies to the whole house, not just the loft. Having a fire alarm is compulsory and you should have them throughout the house. Once linked, if one goes off then they should all go off to warn everyone, no matter what room you’re in, which includes the loft.

 

You need to ensure the way out of the loft is easily accessible with an escape route. Plaster boarding should be used within the staircase, ceilings and even floors to ensure protection from fire for at least 30 minutes. You could even consider a sprinkler system. If the only route you have is a window, then you should make sure it can open to 450mm with fire-proof glass. Fire containment should be important, including on your neighbours side. Containing the fire will lower the chance of it spreading across and causing more damage. ABC Building make sure all regulations are followed when fitting new loft conversions in Guildford, call for a free quote on your property.

 

The Benefits Of Project Management

When you have a big building project ahead of you it is wise to manage it properly, so by having a project manager to oversee the process, it will make sure things go smoothly. It will help to get the results you need, whilst giving you a fresh outlook on your project plans.

 

By using project management, you can ensure that your budget is accurately worked around, as well as resources being used efficiently in order to boost productivity during the project. Communication will be encouraged amongst colleagues and clients, which will lower the risk of anything going wrong within the project. This in turn will boost customer experience and trust.

 

Overall, by using project management there is less chance of losing time or wasting finances. There won’t be unpredictable issues thrown in or disappointing performance, due to work being carefully monitored and professionally worked out properly before any building work even goes ahead. If you need a project Manager for your Loft Conversion in Crawley, call ABC Building today.

 

The Benefits Of Carpentry

Taking care of your property is important, so keeping an eye on potential issues is part of maintenance. The foundation, architecture and structure of the building needs to be carefully looked after. Due to being a complex situation, DIY projects shouldn’t be taken lightly. Therefore, a professional company that deals with carpentry should be your next step.

 

Carpenters have a range of experience with a variation of projects in this field, that can help with jobs around the house. There are several advantages to hiring an expert, due to the skill you wouldn’t have with a DIY project. They can also give you advice on any further projects you may have. A carpenter will know what to look out for and how to recognise signs of issues like mould or decay. An expert will be able to give you advice on how to spot the risks of damage to wood and stop it happening again later on.

 

Another beneficial factor of carpentry is timekeeping, as they will get the job done efficiently and won’t waste time. If you’re doing DIY it can take you a long time. An expert will be skilled and can lower the chance of any delays happening, getting the work done in the time frame. You will also get the quality work that will last for a long time. Even if you’re tempted to do DIY, on the long run you could make a mistake that is costly. It is best to get professional carpentry to ensure a thorough and safe job. Call us for all carpentry work, including Loft Conversions in Crawley.

 

Single Storey Extensions and Their Benefits

If you feel your house could do with a boost, then getting an extension could be the way to do it. A single storey extension needs to be budgeted and planned properly, as well as the design. You need to make sure it’s what you envision before you start out. This type of extension is highly popular, due to the extra space giving your home an upgrade, as well as the introduction of more sunlight.

 

If moving home isn’t what you want, then an extension will benefit you financially. However, you will need to consider your budget and whether or not you can afford it. The price depends on which part of the house you wish to have extended. You also need to think about the overall look of the property, as you want an extension that looks good with the rest of the building.

 

You need to think properly about how you want things to look before beginning a project, as there are things to consider. If you want to extend the kitchen, for instance, would you want an open-planned room, or several smaller areas? Do you want the natural light to come through, or have a lovely view of the greenery outside? By having the correct sized windows and doors, it can help to let light through. If you’re on a tight budget, this can make the room seem even bigger. Put all this with the right furniture and décor and it’ll really benefit the overall look. Call us for a no obligation free quotation on your new House Extension in Guildford.
The Advantages of Fitted Wardrobes

One of the important aspects of a home is the space. If you’re moving into a new place or upgrading a room, you should think about the furniture and whether or not it is space saving. Fitted wardrobes take this into account, as they can improve and use the space in your house.

 

They can be measured, therefore fitting properly and with precision. This also means you will have excess storage space, which is a plus! with more space your possessions will be tidy and arranged properly.

 

A fitted wardrobe means less chance of dust gathering, due to the lack of gaps. This will keep them looking neat and clean, with a potential to increase value due to the aesthetic and practical attribute to the room. This also makes it a great investment and financially efficient, for both the space and the feel of your home. Call ABC Building today to discuss fitted wardrobes in your Loft Conversion in Guildford.

 

What You Should Know About Barn Conversions
Barn conversions are when a farm property is turned into a residential or a work place. It is not a modern idea, as even since the 50s uses for these buildings were considered due to the lack of farming. It became more frequent during the 70s and 80s due to being converted into residential buildings, as it gave better income.

 

Nowadays these are highly favoured due to their ceilings being high, spacious interiors with uncovered beams and their rustic look. With their interiors usually being modernised, it makes a great contrast aesthetically. These features can be mezzanine flooring, the use of glazing, and underfloor insulation. There is also a chance to create a spacious open plan living area.

 

If you’re going on location, then these buildings provide amazing views as they are usually in the charming countryside. With this in mind, if you are planning on converting a barn, it is integral you make sure of any legal agreements that exist, such as the right to enter your land (as farmers nearby may have rights for their vehicles).

 

So, as converting a barn gives a wide scale of design choices, you can consider it to be a blank canvas to make your own. Call today for a free quotation for any Barn or Loft conversion in Guildford or Cranleigh.

 

Creating Your Dream Home
Knowing where to begin with renovation can be difficult, particularly if you’re not sure where to look. But if you want to find a fixer upper to claim as your own and create a new home, then make sure you plan it properly, with a professional evaluation of the building, making sure it’s structure can be changed.

 

If you know where you want to live, then you should go to the estate agents to find renovation potentials. You can’t always find these buildings easily as they’re not highly advertised by agents, but it’s always worth asking. As an alternative, you could look through the paper at the property pages and adverts, or have a look around on a walk. You may end up seeing a decent house with blocked up windows, a messy garden and generally looking rundown, which could potentially be your new dream home. For details on renovations and house extensions in Crawley, call us today.

 

Green Light for larger extensions in England
Earlier this year, temporary rules allowing larger single-storey rear extensions to be made without planning permission, were made permanent.

 

The rules have been temporary since 2013 and 110,000 people have taken advantage of them. Now that the rules have become permanent, homeowners just inform the council of the work beforehand and then council officials contact neighbours who can still raise concerns, and possibly block the plans. Homeowners no longer need to wait months for approval.

 

With the permanent rules, Detached houses can now add structures up to 8m long, and terraced as well as semi-detached, up to 6m.

 

Good news for homeowners wishing to extend
Since 2013, 110,000 people have taken advantage of temporary rules which allow them to build larger extensions without planning permission. These rules are being made permanent allowing extensions to semi-detached and terraced homes to extend up to 6m. Detached houses can extend with even larger structures which can be up to 8m long.

 

Families do not now have to fight their way through lots of red tape, but neighbours can still be consulted and raise objections. If you would like more information on how to do a House Extension in Guildford, call us today for a free consultation.

 

Things to consider when planning the practicalities of converting your attic space.

  • Is there enough space in your loft?
  • Will you be able to create a suitable access to the attic conversion?
  • Are there any modifications needed to be made to the roof?
  • How will you be supporting the floor in the loft?
  • How do you go about meeting building regulations?

Get in contact with A B C Building in Cranleigh on 01403 823258, where they will be happy to answer all your queries.

 

Permitted Development Cranleigh
Under the current permitted developments guidelines it is possible to extend and alter your property without applying for planning permission subject to certain criteria. Although the rules seem straightforward they can be ambiguous so it is recommended that you discuss your plans with your preferred Builder in Cranleighwho will have a good relationship with the Local Planning Department and will have a complete understanding of the legislation and what is and isn’t allowed.

 

Although Permitted Development is designed to give homeowners more freedom to improve their home without planning permission there may be local planning restrictions that apply. If you live in a listed building or a green belt the rules may not apply and you will have to submit an application to the planning department for any work.

 

It’s always a good idea to work with a local builder like ABC Building, Builders in Guildford who understand the area and can offer a whole range of building services

 

Tips to start your own Property Renovation
Property renovation has become big business in the UK so if you too are undertaking your own renovation, here are some tips for the first few stages.

 

1. Buying the right property
Ensuring the property you buy is the right one for you is the number one factor to a successful property renovation. Choose a property you have viewed, assessed and is in a viable location for you to undertake the work before committing to the purchase.

 

2. Insure your renovation
Once the project contract is yours, you become responsible for the site and require insurance. If you have a mortgage to fund the project, proof of insurance may be necessary before funds are released to you.

 

3. Designing a schedule as well as a home
To ensure your design is carried out smoothly, building a renovation schedule to order the work undertaken on site is as vital as the design itself. The order of your schedule can help fix crucial building errors early before they become a bigger issue later in the project.

 

4. Restore existing features
Charming original features are often uncovered when a property is stripped back. Repairing and restoring these can add extra value to a home as well as add a beautiful and often unique design feature.

 

If you are considering undertaking your own property renovation in Cranleigh, talk to the experts at ABC Building.

 

Getting your house in order
Wintertime is often the season that shows up all those little flaws in your property that you’ve been trying hard to ignore. You don’t always have to invest huge amounts of money to make significant improvements to your home. It’s easy to get distracted by superficial problems but turning your attention to real issues such as improving the plumbing or repairing and updating the electrics will be more beneficial in the long term, could add value to your house and potentially make it more saleable if that is one of your aims. Finding a local experienced builder that specialises in House Extensions in Crawley is a good first step.

 

Making the most of your space
A survey carried out in America by the government census bureau found that around 20% of Americans live in multi generational households. Two of the reasons given for this are the cost of accommodation and the cost of healthcare.

 

It’s not unusual to have several generations of one family living in the same property, Grandparents, parents, children and grandchildren.

 

The same housing and cost issues face families in the UK and multi generation households are becoming more commonplace. The high cost of accommodation, particularly in London, mean that both parents often need to work full time, the cost of childcare is very expensive resulting in families living together to save cost. The shortage of good healthcare for elderly parents is another reason why families may need more accommodation or adaptations.

 

Making the most of the available space has never been more important and one way people are doing this is by extending their home, either by building an extension or with a loft conversion. Talking to an experienced professional about your plans and ideas is the first step towards a loft conversion or extension in Guildford. ABC Building are experienced and established builders specialising in extensions and loft conversions.

 

New Housing funding Announced 
The UK is still failing to build enough new homes to meet the needs of the people and now, following the referendum and with a new Chancellor in place the Government looks set to try and encourage more building by setting up a £3 billion housing fund to offer cheap loans to small and medium sized developers.

 

In the Queen’s Speech in May 2016 the government set out their intention to build 1,000,000 new homes by 2020. It must hope that by introducing this new loan scheme the construction industry will be able to achieve that target.

 

Interest rates appear are still low and look likely to continue that way for some time yet, so perhaps now there will be some movement in the housing market with new houses becoming available. This should encourage existing home owners to perhaps improve their current home to attract a buyer or just extend and enlarge their

 

With interest rates still at an all time low, with not much sign of them increasing it may be a good time to dust off your plans for the new kitchen or office extension or renovation you’ve been dreaming about. If you require property advice from Builders in Guildford call ABC Building.

 

New plaster Introduced
Knauf has developed a new ready mixed spray plaster, which is easier to apply, can be used for most situations, is cleaner and safer to use and has good environmental credentials.

 

The new product has been designed to provide a premium finish on most surfaces. It is quick to apply and large areas can be skimmed to the required standard, up to 1000 m2 per week can be achieved by a team of 2 or 3 skilled workers with less scaffolding and fewer trades required.

 

Manufactured from crushed and milled marble with polymer and organic binders the plaster is flexible and resistant to cracking, flaking or chipping. The plaster holds less water than traditional plasters so has a faster drying time. This means projects can be completed more quickly as other trades can get started on their part of the job. It can also be sprayed on most surfaces from plaster board to concrete, generally without the need for any bonding or priming agent.

 

One significant benefit from the product is improved working conditions. As the product is sprayed onto the surface, it needs less physical effort so has less impact on the health of the plasterer, with fewer work related injuries likely. It is cleaner to use than traditional plasters, producing less silica dust which can be dangerous to workers.

 

If you are involved in tendering for work, the product has a BREEAM rating of ‘Excellent’ as it uses less water and produces less waste. Speak to us today to use the latest products on your new development or property renovations in Guildford.

 

Further measures to increase house building 
Only 141,000 new homes were built last year, showing an actual fall of 5.8% in new homes built, even though it is widely acknowledged that a minimum of 250,000 homes are needed just to fill the current demand.

 

The Government has announced a further relaxation in the planning regulations to try to speed up the process. Part of the proposed changes are automatic planning permission to build on disused industrial sites, fast tracking for major housing projects and planning rules on extensions could be relaxed in London. Call today for a free quotation on any Building work in Cranleigh.

 

Loft Conversions
One of the unexpected benefits from installing a loft conversion is the extra natural light that will be available. Natural daylight has a profound effect on our wellbeing and some people are more susceptible to this than others and for some the prospect of spending long periods in a room with no windows and only artificial light strikes terror in their heart.

 

When you are planning your loft conversion, make sure you add enough roof windows into your plans. Obviously the light will benefit the room that is being added but it will filter down through the rest of your home and improve all your living spaces.

 

Imagine waking up in a room filled with natural light, this natural boost will set you up for the day and give you a good start to enjoy the day ahead. In an office environment, natural light can reduce eyestrain, give you a sense of space and just make you feel more connected to the outdoors. Studies have shown it increases productivity and creativity and helps to keep and clear and focussed mind. If you would like a free site visit and quotation to extend your present home with a
Loft Conversion in Guildford or Cranleigh Please call us to arrange a convenient time.

 

New Home builds near the 2011 High
Latest figures by the National House Building Council have shown that during October 2014 the number of new homes being registered around the UK has soared to 2011 highs.

 

The NHBC stats say the public sector contributed nearly 2800 and the private sector made up for over 11000. The continued re-development of Battersea power station in London, accounted for 540 additional units on its’ own. A rise of 20% in private sector building has been recorded over the previous quarter.

 

Most of the UK has reported a positive growth in nearly all areas with the exception of the North West, during the quarter from August to October. Scotland recorded the greatest rise in new home builds, reaching over 1,000.

 

Chief Executive at NHBC, Mike Quinton made the following comments:

 

“Reports from October confirm that the home-building industry in the UK is progressing well from 2013 figures. This is a positive indicator for 2014 being a successful year, with increases seen over the majority of the UK. It is still early days since the industry has recovered from a low slump but this is still very encouraging for the future of the British construction industry”

 

A big challenge ahead for Galliford Try 
Galliford Try, one of the UKs largest Construction firms, has highlighted managing the supply chain risks and inflation over the next 4 years will be by far the biggest challenge they face according to their Chief Executive, he also expects their construction margins to remain below 2 per cent until 2018.

 

Surveyors across the country are reporting house prices lifting to an 10 year high, mainly due to the Government’s new Help to Buy scheme. The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (Rics), which released the findings for October, said urgent action must be taken to tackle the problem of demand outstripping the supply of homes for sale, which is “nowhere near” the levels needed to cope. Sales are running at their highest levels in more than five and a half years as more people flood back into the market.

 

Rics said that nearly three-fifths (57%) of surveyors reported price rises during the month, the highest percentage since June 2002, reflecting the imbalance between supply and demand.,over the three months to October, surveyors sold just over 20 homes typically, the highest average since February 2008. Looking ahead, surveyors said they expect house prices and sales volumes to edge higher in the next three months. While Rics said that while the new phase of Help to Buy, to give borrowers with deposits as low as 5% a helping hand to buy a new-build or existing home – is “widening the net” of people who can get mortgage access, surveyors across the UK are reporting a “problematic” lack of new instructions from sellers. It said that as “soaring demand” pushes prices higher, almost every region is reporting an increase in sales, demonstrating that recovery is “spreading beyond the traditional economic powerhouses of London and the South East”.

 

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