Loft space could be better utilised from an empty storage space to a functional room which can vary in usage from master bedroom to kids playroom to an extra bedroom with storage cupboards, offices and guest quarters to entertainment centre the possibilities are endless and for this reason is considered to be the most popular form of home improvement rather then moving to a bigger house. Loft conversions are a relatively quick and inexpensive way to add living space to your home and increase its value.
The installation of a loft conversion is a complicated process, and whilst it may be possible to attempt a ‘DIY’ loft conversion, the large amount of work involved often results in many people choosing to contract a specialist loft conversion company to undertake the task.
Due to the slope of the roof and the required access headroom, the feasibility of a loft conversion is dependant upon a minimum height of approximately 2.3 m measured from the joist to the apex, 2.3m headroom is required to allow for enough headroom and 2.1m headroom is required above the stairs providing that this requirement is met most properties will likely possess the potential to have the loft space converted.
An architect may be required to submit drawings for local authority approval to see what could be achieved, the drawings also contain structural works which may be required to carry extra weight onto existing structure walls.
External part of loft needs to blend locally with external materials used , if external part of existing house is rendered then the new build needs to match with that, sometimes roof tiles are used and this also needs to match existing roof coverings as well as facias, soffits, gutters and downpipes.
All works are carried out as per approved drawings and at certain stage of build, works are inspected and certified by building control prior to moving to next stage as some structural works are critical to the whole build its in our interest that works are inspected at each stage.
Access to loft conversion needs to be practical so a new made-to measure staircase needs to be made and slotted into space, important things to consider is that its made to conform to current regulations, handrail and balustrade can also be incorporated to match lower level staircase or upgraded throughout clients requirement and input are important at this stage.
All electrical & mechanical services needs to be extended from lower floor to service new loft floor , mechanical services can be extended from existing central heating system to heat up new floor and electrics needs to be extended from fuse-box and labelled accordingly, other services which may be required are t.v. points and telephone points depending on usage useful for offices or bedroom.
Internal finishes that needs to be considered are wall and floor coverings.
As a one stop building services company complete package undertaken for all aspects off refurbishment works, refurbishment works are undertaken to suit individual needs ranging from converting loft storage space into useable addition to main house, useful for extra bedroom, master bedroom, offices to entertainment room and also kids playroom, this type of work is useful for creating and utilising space which sometimes is never fully used.
Some works will require inspection by building control during build works includes following works:- foundations, drainage, walls, roof, flooring, ventilation, energy efficiency and structural works.
Other internal works which may require approval are doors & windows, internal walls construction, electrics generally within kitchen and bathroom which needs to be certified.
Other refurbishment works undertaken ranges from changing house layout ranging from open-plan, by supporting and removing structural walls to adding a new cloakroom downstairs which can sometimes be slotted under staircase depending on headroom and location of stack-pipe, this addition is very useful for children, elderly family members and guests and avoids stairs to use main bathroom.
Perhaps you want a new bathroom in a different part of the house, this is sometimes possible once property is surveyed, main things to consider is location of stack-pipe and if possible to run services to new location, other things to consider is daylight to new bathroom, this can be achieved by adding, altering size of current windows or centralising to new locations to suit layout.
Other refurbishments works undertaken are complete property up-dating, this type of works are normally done when property are purchased and lay-out doesn’t suit requirement, as property are vacant major works are easier to carry out ranging from removing structural walls to running new services under floorboards for Mechanical and Electrical services.
For other works undertaken please see list of works we can offer as individual or complete project.
All aspects of bathroom installations works ie shower rooms, cloakrooms, en-suite undertaken ranging from straight updating of sanitary ware to redesigning complete layout together with all associated works.
As bathroom are a major investment care and attention to details is required when designing layout off suite, fittings and fixtures, as a one stop building services company we undertake complete projects with works carried out by our skilled tradesmen and women from initial start to finish and project managed by our in-house project manager.
Due to clients choice and budget all required fittings and fixtures, tiles and lighting can be sourced by clients and matched to suit their taste, due to our wealth of experience sourcing can also be assisted.
Sometimes layout can be completely changed due to requirement but it’s not always possible due to some services which may not be possible to extend or alter, as a one stop company all required trades are dealt and managed by us from start to finish for smooth installation of bathrooms.
Types of associated works also carried out during fit out range from building works to plasterers, electrical, tiling, altering stack pipes to accommodate new layout, floor coverings and decorations, w.c. and bathroom can also be combined to one unit with new openings and all associated structural works carried out which may be required.
All aspects of floor coverings also undertaken ranging from vinyl, wooden to tiled floor to complement wall tiles and fittings and fixtures.
Tiling works also undertaken during fit-outs to walls be it complete wall to wall or just splash-back tiles (certain height above appliances to cover splash area height), or just within shower cubicle which with right tile design can complement cubicle, whilst tiling on wooden floorboard it's advisable to fix 18mm ply fixed by suitable screws to floorboards and using flexible adhesive to allow for floor movement and traffic.
Extensions can add valuable habitable room to existing building, this can also add value to property providing all necessary building regulations are conformed to during build.
An architect may be required to submit drawings for local authority approval to see what could be achieved, the drawings may also contain structural works which may be required to form new openings or to join to existing house or removing walls to have a open plan layout.
External part of extension needs to blend locally with external materials used , if external part of existing house is rendered then the new build needs to match with that, sometimes roof tiles are used and this also needs to match existing roof coverings as well as facias, soffits, gutters and downpipes.
All works are carried out as per approved drawings and at certain stage of build, works are inspected and certified by building control prior to moving to next stage as some structural works are critical to the whole build its in our interest that works are inspected at each stage.
Some works which will require inspection by building control during build works includes following works:- foundations, drainage, walls, roof, flooring, ventilation, energy efficiency and structural works where new and existing building are joined ranging from structural openings.
Other internal works which may required approval are doors & windows, internal walls construction, electrics generally within kitchen and bathroom which needs to be certified.
An extension can eliminate all the expense of moving house by adding extra habitable space with layout to suit. Whether it's a study, office or even an en-suite depending on size and layout, these can add considerable value to your property. There are different types of extension ranging from single to double storeys which can also be built with a single side extension to continue to return to rear face of house ( L shaped). The construction of the build will match the finish of house externally eg brickwork, render plastering or even pebble dashing.
Extensions are built from approved drawings with on-going works certified with Building Controls and liaison with structural engineers, party wall surveyors and architects.
All electrical & mechanical services needs to be extended from existing services, mechanical services can be extended from existing central heating system to heat up new floor and electrics needs to be extended from fuse-box and labelled accordingly, other services which may be required are t.v. points and telephone points depending on usage useful for offices or bedroom.
Internal finishes that needs to be considered are wall and floor coverings which can range from wallpapers to paint and wooden flooring to carpet coverings, electrical sockets and other services can also vary from white finishes to different metal finishes.
All aspects of wooden floorings works undertaken ranging from engineered, solidwood and laminate flooring.
Laminate floorings can be laid onto concrete or wooden subfloor, the only difference is that different underlay is required depending on the subfloor. Laminate floors are laid onto underlay and not fixed onto subfloor. They have a tongue and groove system and just click into place. The advantage of this type of flooring is that it can be removed and relaid elsewhere if required.
Engineered and solidwood flooring can also be laid on concrete or wooden subfloor with underlay to suit subfloor. This type of flooring has a tongue and groove system which needs to be glued and nailed onto a wooden subfloor or laid with a floating floor technique on concrete. The advantage of engineering flooring is that it doesn't shrink or expand due to its construction.
The disadvantage with solidwood flooring is that in winter due to moisture evaporating, the planks can contract leaving unsightly gaps. Equally, it expands during the summer, closing the gaps. Because of this occurring, due care has to be taken when laying and allowance for gaps as advised by manufacturer must be strictly adhered to.
Engineered and solidwood flooring cannot be reused as the floor is glued and nailed.
Ensuring property are regularly maintained is valuable and saves times and money as some defects left attended can lead to more costly repairs, as a one stop building services company all aspects of works undertake within residential home-owners, landlords and commercial works ranging from tidying up to major complete maintenance.
As a one stop London home maintenance family run building services registered limited company, all aspects of building works carried out by our skilled tradesmen and women from initial start to finish and project managed by our in-house project manager.
The majority of our work comes from satisfied clients within domestic and commercial sector on repeat works and recommendations to new clients. All our staff are trade related with some multi-trade, all operators are polite and trustworthy. As specialist in occupied property all necessary care and precaution are taken to minimise disruptions and all clients receive the same level of care and workmanship.
We offer our clients complete package for all aspects of building works with free no obligation consultation with written fixed price estimates and confirmed start date, majority of works undertaken are for updating off property be it complete refurbishments with major alterations to services and layout or individual part of property, due to nature of trade its not possible to list everything and all building related works considered and undertaken.
Types of works undertaken:-
For our clients peace of mind and security all our company registration and trade membership details are available and displayed with genuine contactable feedback.
Converting garage into habitable room are increasingly popular due to valuable space not been utilised wisely, some garages are used for storage spaces and some cannot even be used for its intended use mainly due to bigger sized cars.
Converting garage space can increase value of property and gain extra living space without the need to move house, this option is cheaper then other options like loft conversions and extensions as existing structure only requires alterations and upgrading to comply with building regulations rather then starting from scratch.
All garages can be converted be it attached to existing house, detached garage or even double garage which can be converted for duel purpose by splitting into required sizes to maximise different use.
Converting garage into habitable room will require approval under Building Regulations, this conversion requires approval due to some elements of work involved to satisfy requirements of Regulations to cover :-
Conversion can be used all year round as structure is completely insulated and can be heated and will retain heat, some useful use can be:-
Sometimes permitted development rights have been removed from some properties with regard to garage conversions and therefore local planning authority advise can be useful, for works to listed building, listed building consent is required.
All materials sourced needs to blend with main house and following materials needs careful considerations:-
Internal finish and services can vary depending on requirement, all services can be connected from main house from fuse-box, telephone, tv aerial and also broadband connection, other internal floor finishes can vary from carpet, laminate flooring or tiled flooring are other options, other useful addition is external lights with sensors.
As a one stop building services company we undertake complete projects with works carried out by our skilled tradesmen and women from initial start to finish and project managed by our in-house project manager, all our staff are trade related with some multi-trade, all operators are polite and trustworthy. As specialist in occupied property all necessary care and precaution are taken to minimise disruptions and all clients receive the same level of care and workmanship.
Garden offices are increasingly common and popular due to flexibility of working from home and maximising garden space and keeping work space independent of living space. Why not make use of garden space to build a stand alone office fully usable all year even through extreme weather. All walls, floor and ceiling are fully insulated throughout to retain heat. Some larger constructions may require building regulations. Electrical services can be incorporated if of a solid construction to mains fuse-box within house .
Regulations which came into effect in October 2008 , which covers outbuildings and considers this type of works as permitted development which does not require planning permission, things to consider as follows:-
The external face of a garden office can be constructed of facing brickwork, facing concrete block, thermal block with external render. All solid constructions have to be clad in slab insulation and plasterboards internally for all year use.
All out building are individual and constructed depending on clients input and requirement, as garden office are an extension to main house all materials sourced needs to blend with main house and following materials needs careful considerations:-
Internal finish and services can vary depending on requirement, all services can be connected from main house from fuse-box, telephone, tv aerial and also broadband connection, other internal floor finishes can vary from carpet, laminate flooring or tiled flooring are other options, other useful addition is external lights with sensors very useful for dark nights exiting.
As a one stop building services company we undertake complete with works carried out by our skilled tradesmen and women from initial start to finish and project managed by our in-house project manager, all our staff are trade related with some multi-trade, all operators are polite and trustworthy. As specialist in occupied property all necessary care and precaution are taken to minimise disruptions and all clients receive the same level of care and workmanship.
We can undertake removal of and replacement of existing ironmongery. We can also fit new ironmongery on blank doors. If additional locks are required on main exit doors due to your insurance company's requirements, these can also be carried out.
All aspects of renovations carried out from minor to major works. As we cover all aspect of works we manage all tradesmen to carry out their part of works as works progresses
Other works include relocating / upgrading bathrooms and kitchens. As we have many preferred partners we can also assist with sourcing fittings and fixtures as most of our partners have show-room facilities.
Carpentry works also undertaken ranging from renewing door frames, dated doors to architraves and door stops (timber surrounds around doors), skirtings and picture rails can also be renewed to match new doors and surround. Handrails can also be updated with new rails, balustrades and associated timber renewed to match. Ironmongery works can also be included to complement new doors or just renewing to new style.
All types of flooring can also be renewed to complement new surroundings be it carpets, laminated or tiled floor.
Complete installation - we disconnect and remove existing installation from main fuse coming into property onwards, old cables are removed where appropriate.
New installation will take into considerations for siting off sockets (all sockets used are switched for ease of switching individual appliances) and light fittings only be it single fittings to recess low voltage light fitting , all above point determines size off fuse-box with 2 surplus for future use and fusebox labelled
All complete installation are commissioned and certified
Complete heating systems designed, installed, commissioned and certified. All rooms are measured and appropriately sized radiators installed in a position to suit for maximum efficiency. Boilers installed and vented externally to suitable point. Bathroom towel-rail may be incorporated (client's choice and requirement is taken into consideration). We can also install client-sourced towel rails into your system.
We can also replace faulty boilers with new efficiency boilers. All brands installed and all operating instructions are handed to clients on completion.
All aspects off porch works considered and undertaken, porches are considered as permitted development for houses and do not require planning permission providing external floor area is less then 3metre square and height does not exceed 3m from ground level, for flats, maisonettes or other buildings this permitted development allowances does not apply.
Porches can be useful for storage of coats, shoes storage rack or just a second exit door for added security.
All porches are individual and constructed depending on clients input and requirement, porches can vary from stand alone utilising existing canopy or complete new stand alone porch, as porch is an extension to main house all materials sourced needs to blend with main house and following materials needs careful considerations:-
Internal floor finish can be finished to match existing hallway finish not suitable if covering is carpet, laminate flooring or tiled flooring are other options, other useful addition is lighting within internal ceiling internally or external lights with sensors very useful and wel-come for dark nights looking for keys.
As a one stop building services company we undertake complete with works carried out by our skilled tradesmen and women from initial start to finish and project managed by our in-house project manager, all our staff are trade related with some multi-trade, all operators are polite and trustworthy. As specialist in occupied property all necessary care and precaution are taken to minimise disruptions and all clients receive the same level of care and workmanship.
All aspects off brickwork and bricklaying undertaken from garden wall to new build brick works for extensions and out buildings. New works can be built to match existing surroundings with bricks sourced to match and approved prior to laying with mortar.
Joint sizes and mortar can be matched with surrounding brickwork. Some walls can also be built with concrete blocks - this option is cheaper as blocks can be laid faster due to size.
Internal and external rendering from sand & cement, bonding, browning and finishing to match surrounding areas.
Internal plastering is made up of two coats of plaster (also known as wet plastering or two-coat). First coat applied is normally levelled and finished off with top coat to achieve smooth surface, which once dry is ready for decorating. Advantage off this type of plaster is that as well as being fire-proof it can also retain heat and sound.
External plastering is known as rendering (sand and cement mix) which can be applied onto most masonry. This is applied in two coats consisting of scratch and top coat. The top coat can be smoothed off or pebble dashed depending on surrounding structure. Smooth coats can also be left natural once sealed with clear sealant, or painted with a suitable external paint.
All painting and decorating works covered from a small area to complete house, from top to bottom. Works carried out to client's requirement and choices of colours, with removal of wall and ceiling coverings to achieve a blank canvas prior to preparation and painting with the required number of coats as per manufacturer recommendation.
All new timber with timber knots needs to be treated to stop knots from bleeding, and primed, with undercoat applied prior to top coat. We can also stain new timber to required colour.
Building Regulation consent is required for all aspects off structural alterations ranging from removing structural walls whether internal to external walls or removing chimney breast, services of structural engineer would be required to submit drawing to local authority for approval together with support required and support calculations, non-load bearing walls can be removed without consent but needs to be determined prior to removal, all structural work requiring consent needs to be submitted in writing to building control department and inspection requested prior to commencement of works.
Removing dividing wall between two separate living space can create open plan layout and brighten up space by utilising day-light spreading throughout the day, this can also be useful for creating different spaces within open plan.
Chimney breast removal will also require approval from local authority and structural engineer may be required to submit requirement in writing together with support details, chimney breast are normally supported with gallow brackets within roof void and all ceilings and floor are patched up locally and made good, all above works requires approval from building control as works progresses.
Gallow brackets will not acceptable if adjacent property has had chimney breast removed whether fully or partial and chimneys breast are back to back and supported by gallow brackets if this is the case then steel beams will be required to be supported on flank wall.
Tips to determine if walls are load bearing if removing wall on ground floor is to check if directly above wall there is another wall, if there is then the wall is definitely load bearing and this wall will also be supporting roof structure within roof void, this wall can also be load bearing if there are no walls directly above as this could be supporting floor joists for first floor this can be checked visually by looking at direction of floorboards and joists will be opposite to floorboards layout, if the wall is supporting joist then this is definitely load-bearing and caution is definately required.
All structural steel beams are required to be cased in fire proof plasterboards and skimmed to comply with building control requirement.
All alterations are carried out in a controlled and safe manner due to loadings on walls, and all necessary temporary supports and precautions are taken prior to demolition.
Kitchens can be fully upgraded with new layout to clients requirements or just renewing doors and appliances. We also undertake structural alterations from removing dividing walls to creating new openings or just changing layout to maximise space.
If complete new layout is required then we could completely strip out existing layout to bare walls and alter all services prior to fitting new units and appliances.
Other works associated with upgrading can also be undertaken to include floor tiling, wall tiling, other floor coverings options also undertaken together with decorations throughout.
Removing dividing wall between two separate living space can create open plan layout and brighten up space by utilising day-light spreading throughout the day, this can also be useful for creating different spaces within open plan.
Building Regulation consent is required for all aspects off structural alterations ranging from removing structural walls whether internal to external walls or removing chimney breast, services of structural engineer would be required to submit drawing to local authority for approval together with support sizes required and support calculations, non-load bearing walls can be removed without consent but needs to be determined prior to removal.
Chimney breast removal will also require approval from local authority and structural engineer may be required to submit requirement in writing together with support details, chimney breast are normally supported with gallow brackets within roof void and all ceilings and floor are patched up locally and made good, all above works requires approval from building control as works progresses.
Gallow brackets will not acceptable if adjacent property has had chimney breast removed whether fully or partial and chimneys breast are back to back and supported by gallow brackets if this is the case then steel beams will be required to be supported on flank wall.
Tips to determine if walls are load bearing if removing wall on ground floor is to check if directly above wall there is another wall, if there is then the wall is definitely load bearing and this wall will also be supporting roof structure within roof void, this wall can also be load bearing if there are no walls directly above as this could be supporting floor joists for first floor this can be checked visually by looking at direction of floorboards and joists will be opposite to floorboards layout, if the wall is supporting joist then this is definitely load-bearing and caution is definately required.
All structural steel beams are required to be cased in fire proof plasterboards and all disturbed works will be made good and painted.
All structural work requiring consent needs to be submitted in writing to building control department and inspection requested prior to commencement of works.
All aspect of carpentry and associated works undertaken as a complete package within domestic and commercial sector.
All aspects of carpenters works undertaken from small to large projects ranging from putting up curtain rails, fixing shelves, doors and ironmongery, skirting, architraves to all aspect off floorings other aspects of carpentry works undertaken range from removing old doors and patching up frames to fitting new doors to existing frames by trimming new doors to suit old frame openings, or replacing complete frame with surrounding timberworks and fixing new frames with surrounding architraves and hanging new doors together with ironmongery and doorstops.
Following works also undertaken:-
As with all choice fittings & fixtures clients can source their requirements locally or we can assist in sourcing from our suppliers, as with choice goods our supplier stock goods to cater for all budgets.
We can undertake all types of tiling from ceramic, porcelain and clay tiles fitted in bathrooms, kitchens, hallways and entrances. Floor tiles can be layed on concrete or wooden sub-floors. Sealants are applied to solid floors prior to tiling while on wooden floors it's advisable to fix 18mm ply using flexible adhesive to allow for floor movement and traffic.
Tiles can also be fixed to bathroom walls, either splashback or full wall to wall. Tiles can also be laid onto floor within kitchen and bathroom.
© Copyright RKB & Son,
Builders, Wembley, Middlesex, Harrow, Ealing, Brent, Barnet. Hillingdon
Design & Developed by Vital Concept.
