Following budgeting the initial construction charges of a loft conversion, there are a number of other expenditures you should really be conscious of as you could also have to have to price range for these as nicely.
Building Regulate Fee – €700 + VAT
The Building Control Fees are charged when programs are submitted to the Building Regulate Organization. They will check more than the doing work drawings and test the structural calculations and layout. When the do the job commences they go to the property throughout the build at key factors. Once the framework is crafted, when the insulation has been mounted, the staircase has been set up to name a couple. When the Work is completed they stop by the house a do what is regarded as a final inspection and, if every thing satisfies their needs, a Ultimate Certification is issued for your information. The fee is paid by the customer immediately to the nominated Building Handle Business.
Organizing Authorization Organizing Price – €206
On some events, Planning authorization could be demanded for a loft conversion. It is not usually essential for loft conversions in residences, however, if the roof needs to be prolonged and it exceeds the specified restrictions and problems, or the house is in just a conservation spot. it will be required. In which circumstance, a scheduling cost will need to have to be compensated to the neighborhood authority.
Certification of Lawfulness – €103
Nevertheless a Certificate of Lawfulness is not a authorized necessity, it is really encouraged that all clients receiving a loft conversion look at receiving just one. It presents the important proof to show that the work carried out to build the loft conversion is fully lawful.
In the case that the residence is currently being bought/acquired, the Certification of Lawfulness can be presented as a extremely practical document, in order to demonstrate the solicitors symbolizing purchasers that the perform carried out is lawful, for that reason, also helping with the sale.
They may well also come in handy if a neighbour has an enquiry or complaint about the do the job that has been carried out on the loft conversion.
Bash Wall Surveyor
A Party Wall Surveyor is an personal specialising in resolving disputes that arrive beneath the Social gathering Wall etcetera Act 1996.
Their purpose is to take care of any distinctions amongst neighbours when any construction function has been proposed to just take location on a get together wall for a loft conversion and within a specified distance from a neighbours house for a floor ground extension. The surveyor (if one particular unique is representing both equally parties) or surveyors (when each individual celebration has appointed their have surveyor) will take care of any disputes by producing a lawfully binding Award on both parties. The owner of the house getting the loft conversion is dependable for the charges of the get together wall surveyor(s).
Style and design Expenses
Not involved in the value of the loft conversion is the new bathroom suite, however the fitting of the suite is included as aspect of the package selling price. Therefore, the bathroom fittings will have to be budgeted for, as well as the wall/floor tiles and shower screen.
Decoration and the fitting of new flooring are also areas of a loft conversion that need to have to be viewed as when it arrives to budgeting.
Sustainability appears to be a critical variable in a lot of aspects of our lives. A lot of of us are wanting for ways that we can invest in, are living and run our houses without the need of obtaining too significantly of an impression on the setting around us.
There are lots of issues that we can do in our residences to try out and aid to make matters as sustainable as feasible. When it arrives to our homes, we are all imagining about what we can transform in the current parts and any new additions we may possibly have.
You may well consider a loft conversion to bring a lot more room into your home. If you are, then to help you do the job out the finest way to tactic this, we have place jointly some strategies to make sure that your loft conversion is as sustainable as probable.
Choose for organic insulation for your loft conversion
Insulation is a should-have in any present day home. It aids to be certain that the room is as heat as possible although maintaining electricity fees to a bare minimum. For the most component, insulation is produced from man-built supplies on the other hand, you may perhaps not realise that you can have them produced from organic elements way too.
One particular regular natural insulation alternative is sheep’s wool, which is just as successful as some of the created options you can have put in.
Select recycled and sustainable supplies
1 of the most effective means to make your loft conversion as sustainable as doable is to make sure that the supplies you use are sort to the environment. Recycled possibilities this kind of as woods can be recycled from elsewhere, and where you are not able to source recycled, you need to have to see where by they arrive from and whether or not they are sustainable.
It is also important to find out the elements used in factors these kinds of as paint, as you want to decide on a paint that is eco-helpful and as very low in contaminants as achievable.
Embrace the power of the sunshine
Solar electric power has observed an increase of late. About time it has turn into a very economical way to provide light and electrical power into your home and all even though obtaining a small environmental impact. Photo voltaic electric power also has the added reward of retaining your power bills as minimal as achievable, which may perhaps concern you relating to acquiring your loft transformed into a usable place.
End sustainably
We have previously pointed out the great importance of choosing sustainable components in your loft conversion. Not only is this critical in the building, but also the finishing touches. Long gone are the days when sustainable and recycled meant that your home would glance like an uncoordinated mess. Now you can decide on these possibilities and even now be capable to develop a modern and attractive room that you want to shell out time in.
Loft conversions can be a fantastic addition to your home, giving you the space you and your relatives need. Having said that, even much better is that they can be planned and designed in a way that will convey you all of these things. All although nonetheless staying as type to the natural environment as attainable, the very best of both of those worlds.
One particular of the finest things about winter season is being equipped to relaxation indoors and get cozy in the warmth, but there are many regular houses – generally Victorian – that really don’t safeguard versus the cold. Thankfully, there are approaches in which you can make your home the ideal sanctuary in the winter season, devoid of getting to go overboard with shelling out. In this article are some techniques that you can maintain your home heat this winter:
Wall Insulation
In most attributes devoid of insulation, you can expect to see about as a great deal as a 3rd of all the entire heat escaping by way of the walls. If your home was built in advance of the early 1990’s, then the likelihood are that your partitions aren’t insulated, which indicates that your rooms are most likely to drop warmth swiftly in the course of the coldest periods of winter season. Finding your partitions insulated not only is made up of the heat in your home, but it can also help you save you a significant sum of dollars on heating payments just about every yr.
Draught-Proofing
One more incredibly widespread way to get rid of warmth in a assets is via draughts, which commonly take place by way of the gaps of doors, windows, skirting boards and even chimneys. The greatest way around this is to draught-evidence just about every attainable location of the residence, including any cracks in the flooring. Draught-proofing is also a really powerful way to boost the strength-effectiveness in your home, as it will allow you to unwind in the wintertime without having closely relying on the thermostat.
Pipe & Drinking water Tank Insulation
Insulating your pipes throughout the wintertime is a surefire way to stop them from freezing, and as a result allows to minimize the reduction of warmth from the very hot drinking water. You’ll be equipped to cut back on your heating bills by undertaking this, as you won’t will need to use as a great deal warm drinking water, and it also stops the water from expanding and bursting the pipes. Equally, if you choose to insulate your scorching water tank, you’ll be ready to preserve among 25-45% of misplaced warmth, as perfectly as lessen your water invoice expenditure.
Loft Insulation
Through the wintertime period, around 25% of heat is misplaced via the roof, so the most effective way to fight this is to insulate the loft or attic area. Typically talking, the best way to insulate a loft is to elevate the ground level and in good shape mineral wool in beneath, while you can also have insulation all-around the rafters in the type of foam or an insulation board.
Underfloor Heating
Underfloor heating is a fantastic option to applying radiators, and can totally free up a important total of wall place in your home. This type of heating is also distributed in the course of the house a great deal extra evenly than common radiators, and doesn’t require to use as substantially very hot water possibly. While underfloor heating will incur some fees to begin with, your home will be a lot more power-successful with it in position, and will eventually save you cash in the extensive operate.
The ‘cost of living crisis’ is the expected to be most challenging event for families up and down the country as general price increases have now been coupled with exponential rises in energy costs.
With these tough times ahead we sat down TGA HQ the other day and thought long and hard how we can help the reader save on energy costs. The result: a 100 ways to save energy in the home! As far as we can tell, there are a few tips that seem to get recycled by every website and media outlet out there – so we decided to amalgamate them all together and create an exhaustive list.
In 2022 we’ve all experienced rapid increasing energy bills (80% rise in Oct 2022), and 2023 could be no exception – so this list should hopefully prevent you from paying out more in energy costs that you need to!
Have a read and let us know in the comments below if there are any other ways that we might have missed…
Install insulation in the loft, this will help prevent heat escaping up through the top of your property (ideally 100% natural sheep wool).
Install cavity wall insulation – again this is a cheap option (most energy companies offer it for free) and will help minimise heat loss through the walls of your home.
Install a heat pump and take advantage of the RHI. If you boiler has packed up, try installing a renewable heating technology and the best bit, you get paid to produce the hot water by the government!
Draught proof around your front door (including the letter box) to help prevent cold air rushing into your home during the winter months.
Shower – don’t bath! Baths tend to use a huge amount of hot water compared to a shower.
Limit the length of the aforementioned shower. We know that, sometimes, nothing beats a nice long shower; but if you can try and keep these extended stays to a minimum you are going to save energy and reduce your bills (especially if you have a water meter).
Shut windows during the winter. It may seem a bit obvious, but if the heating is on and you are letting all the hot air escape straight out of the window, then you are wasting energy and money!
Install heavy curtains and make sure you close them at night. This again acts as a barrier to prevent heat loss out of the home.
Install chimney balloons or a chimney sheep – both work in the same way to stop cold draughts come down the chimney, just remember they are up there before you relight the fire!
If you have a regular boiler, turn down the thermostat on the hot water tank. This will mean the water in the tank never gets too warm. There is little point producing scalding hot water in the tank if you then simply add cold water in your mixer shower or bath to get it to a nice comfortable temperature. Making sure it is heated to the right temperature (and stored at the right temperature too) in your hot water tank is a great way to save on your heating bill and this is done by turning down the thermostat on the tank.
Insulate your hot water cylinder . If you have a hot water tank in your house, it is worth a trip down to the local DIY store to pick up a jacket to help limit heat loss.
Install double or triple glazing – it is never that cheap to do, but it will improve the thermal comfort of your home and should save you a little bit on your energy bills every year.
Install magnetic secondary glazing – this is cheaper to do than number 12, and is more effective in terms of noise reduction.
Turn down the roomstat by a couple of degrees. 19 degrees is about the norm here in the Ireland. Some people do like their homes a bit warmer, but as a rule of thumb, for every degree you turn your thermostat down you will save about £50.
Open windows instead of relying on an extractor fan – no electricity used, no cost!
Set your fridge/freezer to a higher temperature so they don’t need to work so hard. If you are defrosting food, always defrost it in the fridge because then the frozen food will keep the fridge cooler!
Replace your lighting with low energy LED lights, they not only use 90% less energy but they also last 10-20 times longer so you will hardly ever have to replace them.
Take advantage of solar gain in the winter to keep your house warm (keep curtains open in the daytime to maximise direct light entering the house).
Only buy A-rated appliances, or above. They are marginally more expensive, but in most cases the additional energy savings will cover the additional expense in just a year or two.
Install motion detector lights. There is no point leaving lights on if no-one is there to benefit from them. Motion detector lights are also a good deterrent against unwanted visitors.
Use microwaves to reheat food as opposed to the oven – they heat up the food far quicker so are therefore more efficient.
Repair refrigerator door seals. If warm air is seeping into the fridge then it will need to work harder (and use more electricity in the process) to keep it at the set temperature.
Fill your freezer up. It uses less energy since the frozen food won’t warm up when the door is opened. If the freezer is empty, then all the space will fill up with warm air when the door is opened, which the freezer needs to work hard to cool down when the door is shut again.
Turn lights off when you leave the room. This is one that parents (who tend to pay the energy bills) forever tell their kids. It is definitely worth it, especially if you haven’t made the swap to LED lights (see no.17!)
Avoid using the dryer – hang clothes outside when you can. Dryers have big motors to spin the clothes and heaters to help the drying process which means they are expensive bits of kit to run. If you can hang clothes outside you can normally get away without ironing them too because the wind does the work for you!
If you do use a dryer, clean the lint filter after every couple of uses. This will help it run more efficiently, helping to save electricity.
Try and maximise the use of the BBQ during the summer months – and use waste wood! This means no electricity or gas used in the home. Everyone much prefers BBQ food anyway!!
Only boil as much water as you need – i.e. don’t boil a kettle full of water for one cup of tea.
Always use your washing machine on the lowest temperature settings – bio washing powder contains enzymes that are specifically chosen because they work at this temperature. If you crank the temperature up then it can actually make the washing powder ineffective.
Install tap aerators. These ‘inject’ air into the water as it comes out the tap, so while it looks like there is no impact on the flow rate, a fraction of the water is used. These are especially useful if you are on a water meter.
If your washing machine doesn’t have a half load setting – make sure you fill it with clothes
Plug things into a power strip and turn that off at the plug when not in use – to avoid leaving things in standby. Even though when things are in standby they use less energy, they do still use some! Turning everything off at the plug ensures that NO electricity is used.
Don’t leave your computer in standby – turn it off at the end of each day
Put Radflek (or other radiator reflectors) behind the radiators to reflect heat back into the room, the helps the radiators warm the room more effectively. GreenAge readers can get an exclusive 20% discount using offer code TGA20.
Unplug your phone from the charger (and the charger from the wall) when your phone is fully charged
Install a programmable thermostat – there is no point heating your home if you aren’t there. Better still, install a smart thermostat which you can control from outside your home. This will allow you to turn the heating on and off from wherever you are in the world, so if you suddenly realise you left the heating on while sitting on the sun bed in the Costa Del Sol you can turn it off to minimise wastage.
Try to avoid electric heating – electricity is 4x the price of gas. If you don’t have a choice opt for infrared or if funds allow, try and push for a heat pump – these two types of electric heating are by far the most efficient.
If you have tiled floors that get cold in the winter, cover the floor with a rug so your toes are kept nice and toasty warm!
Air conditioning in some case might be necessary, but strategically placing trees can cause shading to help provide some comfort from direct sunlight.
Install a new energy saving condensing boiler. If you have an old boiler in your house, it might be time to swap it to a new condensing version. This will recycle the heat in the waste exhaust gases making it run far more efficiently.
If you can access the back of the refrigerator – try and vacuum the coils once a year to ensure the fridge runs at maximum efficiency
Put lids on pots and pans to reduce cooking times.
Try and match the size of the burner to the right pot or pan – putting a small pan on a huge burner or electric hob will just waste electricity.
Don’t position the thermostat near the front door – any cold air entering the home will manipulate the temperature being recorded near the thermostat, forcing the boiler to fire up unnecessarily.
Decorate with pale colours – soft tones reflect more light and therefore you should get away with using lower wattage bulbs and still achieve the same levels of illumination
Keep the garage door shut at all times – normally garages in some way share a party wall / floor with the main house and therefore the warmer they are, the less heat will escape from the rooms adjacent to them
Unplug any device that is not being used.
Don’t oversize your appliances – a massive American style fridge is (normally!) unnecessary for a household of 1.
Charge things at night if you are on an Economy 7 tariff, the night time tariff tends to be half the price of the day time tariff.
Install insulation in the floor – this is not the cheapest thing to do, but if done when replacing the floor anyway then it is certainly worth doing. If the floor can be accessed from underneath, you can attach net ‘hammock’s underneath the joists which can be filled with insulation. Expect to save about 5-10% on your energy bills if you can insulate the entire floor.
Make sure you use the dishwasher – these tend to use far less water than washing by hand – but be sure to put them on ECO mode to help minimise the energy used in the process (they use less water and heat it up to a slightly lower temperature).
Turn your tap off while brushing your teeth – this is only really going to save on your water bills if you are metered, but is still good practise!
Fill the sink with hot water before you shave – the same as above here although people tend to shave using hot water, so using a sink full rather than a running tap is better because you will use significantly less hot water.
Watch less television – read a book instead! Reading a book is proven to be more relaxing than watching TV and a book doesn’t require electricity to run!
Open a window instead of firing up the air conditioning unit – these are real energy guzzlers, so if do have the option of opening a window then you are going to save significantly on your electricity bills.
Use glass and ceramic dishes if cooking in the oven, they hold heat better and mean that you can use a slightly lower temperature to cook food.
Don’t open the oven to look at the food inside – peep through the window to help prevent the expensive hot air inside escaping.
Avoid opening the fridge or freezer to browse – every time you do, the appliance will need to fire up to cool down the air again.
Recycle your cardboard and old newspapers into logs using the ‘Logmaker’ – if you don’t have a fire to burn your paper logs on, then make sure you recycle paper rather than throwing it in the bin.
Avoid drying clothes directly on your radiators as it lowers the room temperature, which means the boiler will need to work harder.
Allow cooked food to cool before putting it in the fridge / freezer, otherwise the fridge / freezer will have to work harder to cool it down.
If there are rooms that you rarely use – ensure that thermostatic valves are installed on the radiators – since these can be set to zero if the room is not in use so the space is not unnecessarily heated.
Avoid blocking radiators with furniture – allowing convection currents to flow around the room as the hot air will be felt across the room quicker.
Plant a tree in a south-facing garden to lower solar gain during the summer – the leaves should limit the amount of direct sunlight hitting your home (and in particular windows). This will limit the amount of cooling you need to do in your home e.g. air conditioning or a fan.
If you have a ceiling fan, it should blow down in the winter and up in the summer, so you will need to turn the blades around to achieve this.
On the loft hatch, ensure you attach insulation to the top of it, and then create a seal with draught proofing around the perimeter. So many people spend a huge amount insulating their lofts, but neglect the loft hatch completely meaning lots of heat escapes up through the hatch. If you are looking for a really simple way to save energy in the home, then ensuring the loft hatch is adequately insulated and draught proofed is a great way to get started!
Keep curtains and blinds closed at night to keep cold air out – if you have especially cold rooms, you can get thick curtain linings to help increase their energy saving ability even further.
Install solid wall insulation
Use microwaves to cook food – they use only 20% of the energy required to run a full size oven.
Recharge batteries instead of buying throw away ones.
Recycle whatever you can – think plastic, paper and even food stuff (in a composter).
Get a gas safe engineer to come and inspect your heating system once a year to make sure it is working at maximum efficiency. It is worth doing this just before the winter months because then hopefully they will be able to spot any potential issues before they actually materialise.
Move in with your partner – save on heating and electricity!
Carpooling saves fuel – find people at work who live close to you and take it in turns driving to work, someone to chat to on the way and you halve your fuel bill
Holiday in Britain if possible (surfing in Cornwall is excellent!). As you might expect as we write this it is absolutely bucketing outside our office, but honestly the Ireland is a nice holiday destination just remember to take your raincoat!
Grow your own fruit and veg in your garden – it not only saves you money, but you can save on fuel since you don’t need to go down to the shops so often. Also (and this is from first hand experience) home grown produce tastes better!
Take a mug into work instead of using a new polystyrene cup each time.
Althought price comparison sites like USwitch became a bit irrelevant in 2022, do still follow updates and compare energy costs from time-to-time. Should energy costs rapidly decrease in 2023 and 2024, then cheaper energy tariffs in theory should come back.
Dim your smart phone, it will use less energy so you won’t need to charge it so frequently (especially important if you have an iphone!!)
Likewise, turn off 3G/4G /Bluetooth where possible since they use more energy in this mode – it will save you money on charging
When you go on holiday, turn all plugs off unless absolutely necessary – you don’t use a radio alarm if you aren’t at home!
If you store things in your loft, make sure it doesn’t compress the insulation since it will lose some of its thermal insulating properties. Use loft lifters to raise the height of the joists – this allows you to make a solid storage platform in the loft while still allowing you to install the 300mm of insulation to maximise the energy savings.
Inflate your tires car tyres – this lowers resistance on the road and saves on fuel.
If the shops are a 10 minute walk away, don’t use the car!
Fix leaking taps or toilets.
Don’t store things permanently in the boot of the car – the extra weight needs to be shifted and this requires extra fuel
Make sure the wireless thermostat is not above another a heating source like a wood burner or radiator – since it will give a false representation of the temperature. Likewise, if it is by a window or the front door, every time that is opened during the winter it will basically cool the air temperature down in the immediate vicinity of the thermostat. The thermostat will take this as a sign that the house is cold and will therefore instruct the boiler to fire up and for the heating to come on.
Install a combi boiler instead of a regular boiler – combi boilers don’t require you to store hot water in hot water tanks and also you don’t need pumps to power showers
Flush the toilet less often! A bit gross, but ‘if it’s yellow, let it mellow’. Not to the extent that your toilet smells though!
Print on both sides of paper.
Fill an old bottle up with water and store it in the fridge rather than running the tap cold every time you want a glass of water.
Water the lawn first thing in the morning when temperature and wind speed are at the lowest – this will slow down evaporation, meaning less water will go further.
Regularly defrost your freezer – ice building up in the freezer reduces its effectiveness.
Leave food out to thaw before trying to cook it – this means less energy is required to cook it.
Shower at work – let them pick up the bill! A naughty one, but useful especially if you get sweaty cycling to work or you go to the gym in the mornings.
Get a thicker duvet for the winter
Put on an extra jumper!
Get a LCD or LED TV, they are more efficient than plasmas and way more efficient that old CRTs
Hire an environmental consultant to get a tailor made view of where to achieve energy savings in your property.
If you can think of any other ways to save energy in the home – feel free to comment below!
For lots of opportunity customers, kitchen is generally a determining component before purcha sing or declining a house. For this reason it is a intelligent go to renovate the Kitchen right before placing your house for sale. Additional generally than not, it can make you about 70 % return on investment after the sale is by. It have to have not be pricey. Small changes can go a very long way.
Whilst remodeling, opt for products with mass attractiveness like stainless metal appliances of high good quality fairly than the skilled-grades ones. Fix or exchange cupboards to make them glimpse neat and totally specialist. Repaint partitions with hues that would attraction to people today in normal. All taps, sinks and so forth and light-weight fix tures ought to be fully useful with no broken sections. Try to lend optimum performing area to the kitchen.
But just one wants to bear in mind that the complete expense incurred for transforming by you ought to by no means exceed the value that your home value can support. Its recommended to limit it to everything concerning 6-10 % of total home price to get first rate returns. Produce a list of priorities centered on what sells in a kitchen and ensure to fulfill them. Without having compromising on architecture, opt for simplicity and include some wow features like more drawers, pull out pantry etc. Now just appreciate the great bargain acquired for the house.
Did you know that a drought can have an affect on your drainage procedure? It’s accurate. Trees trying to cope with lengthy durations without rain can destruction your drain pipes in two means. As roots attract drinking water from clay soils, the earth contracts, from time to time top to compact-scale subsidence. This can consequence in faults these kinds of as misaligned joints. Trees also consider benefit of even the smallest of pipe leaks, as they put more vitality into root growth where they can reach the humidity they want. In this article, we look at the good reasons driving tree root drain injury (which can really transpire at any time of calendar year), why a drought can pace up tree root ingress, and what you can do to secure from hurt of a more substantial scale.
Is my house at possibility from tree root problems?
If there is a tree, or several trees, in the vicinity of your house, then root expansion could influence your drainage procedure – but it all is dependent on the state of your drainage pipework. Tree roots won’t induce the first harm, but they will exploit an current fault, this sort of as a crack or free relationship. If there’s water leaking from a fault in a pipe, close by trees will by natural means improve roots in that direction. Roots will also locate their way within.
As soon as root devices enter your pipe, they’ll open cracks additional and create a lot more destruction. Debris will collect about them and reduce the circulation fee, and this ultimately stops squander from achieving the principal sewers. If significant portions of drinking water leak underground, this can generate a sinkhole and result in subsidence in severe circumstances.
Busting the myth: Some people assume tree roots often increase deep into the soil, even achieving the h2o desk. That only isn’t genuine. According to the Arboricultural Affiliation, tree roots have a tendency to be shallow, with about 90 for every cent of them resting in the top 60cm of soil. They in its place mature horizontally, nicely past the branch unfold – so they’re reliant on rainwater. It also indicates they’ll exploit leaks in destroyed pipes when conditions are dry.
Which trees pose the greatest risk to my drains?
Sycamore trees are the most preferred in Dublin, and their roots can unfold additional than 50 toes from the trunk. English oak normally takes the selection two location, and just like the sycamore, its roots increase much further outward than downward. Silver birch will come in at quantity 3, and when its roots aren’t identified to be really as intense, they can still trigger difficulties when positioned in close proximity to a drain pipe in clay soil. Weeping willows in unique need a great deal of h2o, which is why they’re a staple about rivers, lakes and ponds.
Beware of bamboo! Functioning bamboo is recognised to be remarkably invasive. These roots move laterally, forming shoots in all instructions to build a ‘bamboo grove’, and this tends to make them a problem in constructed-up and suburban areas. Clumping bamboo does not spread like the functioning type, so it’s a lot less likely to assault your drainage program.
If you are thinking about planting trees in your backyard garden, make confident they are far plenty of absent from structures and pipes to pose a small chance. The even further absent they are, the considerably less likelihood there’ll be of tree root drain problems.
Soil ailments and living in the South East
Clay soil can trigger troubles throughout a drought, mainly due the way it expands and contracts primarily based on dampness stages. At the time tree roots absorb what minimal moisture’s left, clay soils will shrink or ‘compact’. This can guide to a minimal variety of subsidence, which won’t have an affect on your home’s foundations but could bring about your pipes to misalign, raising the chance of root-related damage.
The issues with clay: Clay soil functions a great deal like a sponge. The more h2o it holds, the greater its quantity. When you get that h2o absent, it shrinks down. This is known as ‘shrink-swell capacity’, and it’s why clay soils are also referred to as ‘expansive soils’. Soil only requirements to have five for every cent clay information to have some diploma of shrink-swell ability.
Lots of homes in Dublin and the South East are constructed on clay soils, which suggests they’re at a bigger possibility of subsidence when there is a drought. For this motive, property owners in this spot must think about what they can do to keep away from tree root drain harm, specifically right after quite a few months without having rain.
What if roots have destroyed my drainage program?
When your drains start off to block up, you are going to usually notice that your sink or basin drains slowly but surely. Which is not always the situation with root ingress, simply because all of the h2o could be escaping underground. Negative smells may well be a indication of hurt, but the only sure-hearth way to know is to get a skilled in to examine your drainage technique.
If your system’s affected by tree root drain hurt, really do not stress. Catching the difficulty early suggests the fault could be isolated. Now you can repair the issue right before it has a possibility to get worse!
About no-dig repairs: H2o jetting is a comparatively swift way to very clear the pipe of roots and other crafted-up particles. Any cracks or faults the roots have exploited can be repaired from the inside of with a patch. This avoids excavation work, saving you from the value and problem of digging up the landscape.
Our advice…
Aside from staying conscious of the trees all over your home, we advocate arranging a CCTV drain inspection. This simple study allows an engineer check out your process for tree roots, small cracks, misalignments and a lot more. If there is an concern, your engineer will be able to give a trusted take care of to stop roots from coming into the procedure.
Our CCTV drain inspections are priced at £250 in addition VAT, offering you peace of brain at an affordable expense. Alternatively, you can talk to us to get the job done at an hourly amount if you’d specifically like us to research for tree root ingress.
In July 2022, the Eire saw temperatures increase to 40-degrees C for the quite first time. If this modify in temperature is a signal of items to appear, it’ll make tree root drain injury all the extra likely. Why not get in contact for experienced information? Alternatively, you can simply book a survey to assure your drains are ready for regardless of what the climate has in store.
When it arrives to electricity and electrical units, protection is an vital element. Are living electrical wires can induce shocks, fires, and even death if handled incorrectly. While these are extraordinary situations that we hope never ever come about, electric power may well continue to be fatal, and you should really normally take the required methods to guarantee your protection.
Hearth is a widespread outcome of misusing electrical items. Some electrical fires are due to faults in house wiring or equipment failure but a lot of of them arise thanks to problems designed by home owners, these types of as overloading electrical outlets or extension cables. The fault might arise because of to the leniency of house and workplace refurbishment corporations. One have to check out their history right before choosing.
So, the pursuing are some easy and helpful procedures for reducing danger and protecting against an electrical hearth.
Do Not Go away Electrical Units Unattended
One should really never ever leave an electrical heater or house heater operating when no just one is in the place. It also applies to the electrical appliances in the kitchen, together with toasters and ovens. The kitchen is most possible the area wherever the fireplace commences.
Never ever Go away Flammable Supplies Around Electrical Sockets And Outlets
Hold an eye on any curtains, drapes, or rugs that may well be close to your electrical gizmos. Electrical energy generates heat, and even though the volume is typically insignificant, even constant heat can burn off flammables if still left by itself for too prolonged.
Hardly ever Overload An Outlet
Circuits are only created to tackle a selected quantity of present-day. An overloaded outlet can simply bring about a fire. Use safe overflow safety machines or simply just put in additional retailers if you require better electrical accessibility.
Get Rid Of Previous Appliances
Outdated digital merchandise are the top will cause of electrical fires. We need to never use an appliance with a frayed or broken cable since it can lead to a hearth by sending heat to flammable surfaces which include wood floors, curtains, and rugs. Any appliance with a frayed or harmed cord should really be discarded.
Verify Your Gentle Fixtures
Electrical fires are also routinely prompted by light-weight fixtures, lamps, and gentle bulbs. A common induce of electrical fires is applying a bulb with a wattage that is also significant for the lamp or mild fixture. Check the maximum prompt bulb wattage on any lighting fixture ahead of employing it, and in no way exceed it, as it may well result in fire.
Really don’t Use Extension Cords Forever
Just one of the most commonplace sources of electrical challenges is extension cables. This is the most frequent and conveniently prevented variety of electrical fire. To minimise electric fires brought on by extension cables, make confident the extension cord’s ability matches the capacity of the appliances you’re working with. The whole wattage of all related gadgets should in no way exceed the potential of the extension cord.
If you’re heading to use an extension wire, be guaranteed it is not cracked or damaged. More mature extension cables may possibly start to tumble apart, exposing wires. Electrical fires can get started wherever there are uncovered metal cables. All ruined or frayed wires and plugs need to be discarded.
Program Routine Basic safety Inspections
Trained electricians are authorities with the capabilities and understanding to inspect all of your home’s electrical methods. You can retain your house and spouse and children protected by looking for a plan electrical basic safety inspection.
Electrical Fire Avoidance Suggestion
An strategy to decrease the risk of an electrical hearth is to use only non-flammable components all around your home. If some thing flammable is next to your stove, hearth, very hot h2o heater, dryer, or other appliances, they could catch hearth. Hold flammable supplies at least four feet absent from anything at all that could capture hearth. Also, do not go away candles burning unattended extinguish them as soon as possible. Preserve children away from something that appears to be on the issue of exploding.
Closing Text
It is important to keep a test on your electrical homes and power outlets to stay absent from any hearth incident. You can also phone specialists for inspections and electrical installations.
We at Os Holding have a staff of qualified electricians to do these work for your home and workplace. You can get our fire restoration solutions if your house has been impacted by an electrical hearth.
Call Os Holding for all the electrical employment. We are 1 of the top house and office refurbishment firms in Dublin.
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If you are preparing to do perform in your home including wooden flooring replacements, installations or repair, our group can support your with arranging and a free of charge quotation.
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Double storey extensions are a great way to add more living space to your property without compromising quality or style.
Double storey extensions can provide more space, light, and privacy than single-storey extensions. They can also be more energy-efficient, taking advantage of natural light and ventilation, and a cost-effective solution to give you more inside space without taking up precious square footage of your garden.
If you are considering a double storey home extension, this guide is for you. We will cover everything you need to know about planning, designing and building a double storey extension, including the benefits and things to be aware of.
So, whether you’re looking to add an extra bedroom and bathroom, double the living space, or simply extend your home upwards, read on for our ultimate guide to double storey extensions.
A double storey extension is an extension which covers two floors. They typically add a significant amount of livable space per square metre of extension to your home.
The two storeys usually feature a ground floor extension and expansion of the first floor. However, this depends on the configuration and interior layout of the existing building, any prior extensions, and your own vision for the project.
Why invest in a double storey extension?
A double storey extension can be a great addition to your home for various reasons.
From adding valuable space and making your existing building more flexible to helping your home’s kerb appeal, here are some of the most attractive benefits of adding a double storey extension to your home.
Add space to your home
A double storey extension will provide you with much more space than a single storey extension. You can use this extra space on the ground and first floors for anything from an extra bedroom to a home office or playroom.
Many assume that a double storey extension will take up too much space in a small garden. However, a double storey extension will provide more space than a single storey extension. This means that it can be smaller than a single storey extension and allow you more outdoor space.
Your extension can also be designed to maximise space. By working with an experienced building contractor and architect, you will be able to carefully plan the layout and utilise clever storage solutions. With the right team, a double storey extension adds significant space without reducing your outdoor space.
If you’re looking to add more living space to your home without sacrificing your green space, a double storey extension might be the perfect solution.
Get a flexible addition to your home
With a double storey extension, you have much more flexibility in terms of layout and design than with a single storey extension.
From adding a home office or a separate utility room to building a double height living room, a double storey extension offers a much larger choice for home improvements to your existing rooms and space.
Many homeowners find that this flexibility and customisability allows them to make their house feel like more their home.
Increase your home’s energy efficiency
A common question is whether a double storey extension will make it more expensive to heat your home.
The extra floor space will indeed increase the surface area of your existing roof, making it harder to keep warm in winter. In addition, the additional height could allow heat to escape more easily.
However, a double storey extension can allow you to improve the energy efficiency of your property. The extra layer of insulation provided by the upper floor, can help keep your home warmer in winter and cooler in summer.
A popular way to maximise the energy efficiency of a double storey extension is to use high-performance insulation. This will keep the heat in during winter and out during summer, reducing your energy bills. Another way to make your extension more energy efficient is to install double-glazed windows. These will help to keep heat loss to a minimum. While these measures may cost slightly more upfront, they will save you money in the long run.
For those especially concerned about natural, efficient ways of insulating their new extension, a green roof could be a great fit. A grass-covered roof will act as excellent insulation in both summer and winter.
An energy-efficient double storey extension can be a wise investment for your home.
Add value to your home
A two storey extension can add significant value to your property. It is vital to make your home stand out in today’s competitive property market. Here are some top ways some of our clients have made the most of their extensions and added significant value to their homes.
Increase your kerb appeal
A double storey extension will also give your home greater kerb appeal. Double storey extensions which make a visible difference to the external appearance of your home are particularly valuable. This is because they will make your home look bigger and more impressive from the outside, making it more likely to attract buyers when you come to sell.
Depending on the age and style of your existing home, choosing an overall contemporary design scheme for your double storey extension can maximise your home’s value.
Add bi-folding doors
Installing bi-folding or even sliding doors add significant value to any home, and a double storey extension is a perfect opportunity to benefit from them.
Bifold doors will create a feeling of larger, light filled space both inside and out, as they create a seamless transition between your home and garden. This means that even if you are using garden space to extend your home, it will not feel like you have reduced your outdoor space.
Bifolds are also perfect for increasing accessibility, as they can be opened up to give a very wide entrance space and often have very flat thresholds. This can add significant value to your home.
Open up your kitchen
If you arere extending or replacing your kitchen, reconfiguring your space to introduce an open-plan kitchen and dining area is a great way to easily add value to your property.
A kitchen is the heart of the home, so it’s a great idea to use your two storey extension to open it up to create a social space where family and friends can gather.
An open-plan layout also makes the most of natural light and can make a small kitchen feel much larger. This is particularly important for a double storey extension, as building restrictions can mean that the space added is smaller than ideal.
Choosing an open-plan layout will make the most of the space you have.
Add a master suite
The flexibility of a two storey extension means that you can even use your space to create a secluded retreat by adding a master bedroom with its own en-suite bathroom or shower room. This will add a luxurious feel to your home and make it even more appealing to prospective buyers.
Extending your home to make it a three bedroom house or larger can significantly increase its value, especially in urban areas.
Add a home office
More and more people are working from home or in a hybrid arrangement, meaning that a dedicated workspace is now a must-have for many buyers. Increase your home’s market appeal by including a home office in your two storey extension.
Extend your living space
Extending your living space is one of the most effective ways of increasing the value of your home. Increased living space will make your property more attractive as a spacious family home. This is particularly important in urban areas such as around Dublin, where family homes are often smaller and lack spacious living areas.
Increase your home’s potential
A double storey extension is incredibly appealing to buyers, as it highlights your property’s potential for expansion and the possibilities available to extend existing rooms. By making the most of your ground floor level and upper storey, you can make it clear to buyers that your home has potential as a larger family home.
What are the most popular choices for double storey extensions?
A double storey extension is an incredibly popular choice thanks to its flexibility and the range of ways in which they can be used to extend your home.
Below are some of the most common choices for double storey extensions. For inspiration and examples of previous clients have chosen to extend their homes, take a look at our case studies.
Rear extensions
This is one of the most common types of double storey extension. A two storey rear extension involves extending the back of your property.
This can give you additional space for a kitchen, dining room or living room.
Side return extensions
If you have a narrow property, then a side extension can give you some much-needed extra space.
It involves extending the side of your property into the narrow space beside it, and it’s often used to create a bedroom or additional bathroom.
Wrap-around extensions
A wrap-around extension is an excellent option if you want to create a more open-plan feel in your home.
It extends both the back and the side of your property, making your home feel spacious.
Front extension
A front extension, which extends a property out from its front, is the least common type of two storey extension. This is because it has the most significant impact on the appearance of a house, and is subject to stricter rules on its design.
However, double storey front extensions are an excellent choice for detached houses or semi detached houses with large front gardens.
What are the most significant costs involved in building a double storey extension?
Extending your home can be a significant investment, and a new two storey extension will likely be more expensive than other options. Unlike more a minor renovation such as a loft conversion, building a two storey extension can come at a cost.
However, since it can seamlessly link new and old spaces and make your home feel much more spacious than a small extension, a double storey addition is a very cost effective extension.
While the final price tag will vary depending on the size and specification of your new extension, it helps to have an idea of your potential double storey extension cost before embarking on it.
This is why it is crucial to consider how your budget will be split between different areas of your renovation.
If you choose to work with us, we can offer you a fast, free quotation for our services to help you plan your spending.
Materials
The cost for interior and exterior materials will vary depending on the type of materials you use. However, it is essential to factor in both the initial cost and the cost of any ongoing maintenance or repairs that your extension may require.
Labour
Labour costs represent the workers involved in your construction cost. These will include both the cost of any extension builders or tradespeople you hire to work on your new extension, as well as any fees for architects, structural engineers fees or other professionals involved in your building project.
Planning permission
If your extension requires permission, you will need to budget for the cost of submitting an application and any associated fees to be included in your two storey extension cost.
Building Regulations approval fees
Even if your extension doesn’t require planning permission, you will still need to obtain Building Regulations approval from your local authority before starting work. There is usually a fee for this, so it’s important to factor this into your overall expenditure.
Planning and building rules and regulation fees can range from a few hundred pounds to a couple of thousand, depending on the project’s complexity.
Rewiring, replumbing and redecorating
Building an extension onto your house can cause significant disruption, and you may need to rewire and replumb areas of your property to increase the convenience of your extension.
Redecorating is also a significant cost to consider, as well as furnishing your new two storey extension. If you’re looking to maximise the value of your home, consider high-quality fittings and small touches that will make your home feel up to date and luxurious such as hardwood floors and quality door furnishings.
How long will it take to add a two storey extension to my home?
Many external factors affect the completion time of an extension, such as planning and party wall agreements. However, it is possible to estimate the average time for each preparation phase.
Design, planning and regulations
These processes are the least predictable and can take more or less time than expected. However, the design and planning processes for a two-storey extension will usually take around sixteen weeks.
Obtaining planning permission and party wall agreements can take two weeks to months, depending on how complicated the negotiation is.
Technical or planning drawings, building regs, and structural design usually take four to eight weeks.
Construction
The construction phase is usually much more predictable than the earlier processes.
It takes an average of fourteen to sixteen weeks to construct a double storey extension, depending on the size. Each construction phase has a different duration, and it is crucial to give each phase the appropriate amount of time for the best results.
Building Regulations and Planning Permission
For many homeowners, one of the most daunting parts of planning an extension is the extensive amount of regulations and permission processes typically associated with them.
If you choose to work with us to plan your extension, our team will help you through the planning permission process.
What building regulations do I need to be aware of before planning to build a double storey extension?
Any building work carried out on your home, including a double storey extension, is subject to building regulations. These regulations are designed to ensure that the work is carried out to a safe standard and does not pose a risk to the occupants or the general public.
Regulations specific to double storey extensions include:
The proposed extension must be within seven metres of any boundary opposite the rear wall of the house;
The roof pitch of the extension must be as close in style to the existing house as possible; it should be noted that a flat roof will not usually be accepted, and the best option is a more traditional pitched roof;
Even when making an extension tall, it must not extend beyond the rear wall of the original house by more than three metres;
Any upper-floor window in a side elevation must be obscure glazed and non-opening, unless the window is 1.7 metres above the floor.
Failure to comply with building regulations can result in considerable fines, so it is always best to work with an architect well-versed in local regulations.
Can I build a double storey extension without permission?
You may be able to complete a double storey extension without planning permission.
Permitted development rights allow limited modifications to a property as lawful development. This could save you time and money on planning, but can put significant restrictions on renovations to your existing house.
To be able to construct a double storey extension under permitted development rights, you must have plans which fulfil the following criteria:
It must not be wider than half the width of the original house;
It cannot be taller than the eaves of your existing building
If it is within two meters of the land boundary, the eaves cannot be taller than three meters;
It also cannot extend forwards if the house faces a street;
It cannot include any balconies, verandas, raised platforms, microwave antenna, chimneys, or alterations to the existing roof of the existing building;
The materials used should match those on the existing property.
Why might I need to apply for planning permission?
If your renovations do not fall under that which is permitted as Permitted Development, you will need to apply for planning permission.
Even if your renovations do fall under Permitted Development, depending on the nature of your planned extension and the existing building, you may still need to apply for planning permission.
This process can feel complicated, but if you choose to build your extension with The Market Design and Build, we can help you through the planning permission process.
Below are some of the most common reasons you may need to apply for planning permission.
Your double storey extension will alter the outward appearance of your property.
One of the main criteria for granting planning permission is whether the proposed development will significantly impact the property’s appearance.
Whether your home is a terraced house or a semi detached property with plenty of space, if your double storey extension is likely to change the look of your home, it’s likely you’ll need to get permission from the local authority.
Your double storey extension will be built on land that has strict planning regulations
Another reason you might need planning permission is if the land your double storey extension will be built on has strict planning rules.
This is often the case with a conservation area or land that has been designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. If you live in or near a conservation area or an AONB, it is essential that you check with the local authority before starting work.
Your home is a listed building
If your property is a listed building of significant architectural merit or if neighbouring properties are listed, there are additional restrictions you will need to follow.
It’s important to find an experienced and qualified architect to work with to ensure that your plans fall within what is permitted by your local planning authority.
Your application is more likely to be accepted by your local council if it seems in keeping with the appearance of the original house. Check out our portfolio for ideas of how a modern double storey extension can work seamlessly with a period building.
What should I do if my double storey extension affects a shared wall?
If you are building or altering a wall on a boundary with another property, you will need a Party Wall Agreement. You will also need one when excavating the foundations for your double storey extension, depending on their depth.
If your proposed two storey extension project affects a shared wall, such as in a terraced house, you should make sure to notify your neighbouring properties before starting work, as per the Party Wall Act.
Any disputes should be settled before starting the project. If necessary, it is possible to consult with a Party Wall Surveyor.
How can I ensure my double storey extension will be successful?
With any major renovation to your home, it is best to be aware of any risks involved that could cause structural issues to your home.
A double storey extension is unlikely to cause structural issues if you hire a qualified architect and construction team to build it.
However, from the design and layout of the new space to the building materials and construction methods, there are countless details to work out. Without the proper expertise, issues could arise, making your entire project longer, more expensive or compromising an important part of it.
There are two key things to consider before starting your build to ensure a successful double storey extension.
Hire an architect
Hiring an architect or even a team of architects for bigger projects is a good idea to ensure everything goes smoothly.
An architect can help you make the most of your money per square metre. They’ll be able to assess your site and come up with a design that makes the best use of the available space.
They can also offer expert advice on building materials and construction methods. With their knowledge of the latest products and techniques, they can help you choose the right exterior materials and build your double extension in the most efficient way possible.
Architects also have much experience in dealing with planning applications and building regulations. This means they can help ensure your double storey extension meets all the necessary requirements. An architect’s expertise will allow you peace of mind.
If you’re planning a double storey extension, consider hiring an architect to help make your dream a reality.
Ensure your foundation is solid
A two storey extension is a significant investment and adds significant area to your home, so a solid foundation is essential.
Stability
Your foundation keeps your two storey extension from shifting or settling over time. A strong foundation will ensure that your extension remains stable for years to come.
Load-bearing
The foundation bears the weight of the entire structure, so it is important that it is designed to support the load. A weak foundation could cause the extension to collapse.
Waterproofing
A good foundation will help keep water out of the structure, preventing mould and rot. Waterproofing the foundation will also help keep the extension’s interior dry and comfortable.
Investing in a quality foundation will pay off in the long run, so it is worth taking the time to get it right.
How can The Market Design and Build help me realise my dream extension?
A double storey extension is a great way to make the most of your indoor and outdoor spaces and brings added value to your home without moving house.
It can be a more cost-effective way to add an extra bedroom or bathroom, compared to building a one storey extension and can also add value to your home, making it a wise investment for the future. If you choose to sell your home in the future, a double storey extension can make it more attractive to buyers.
There are a few things to consider before building a double storey extension. If you do your research and work with a reputable architect and builder, a double storey extension can be a great way to allow for extra room per square metre of space and value to your home.
At The Market Design and Build, we have years of experience helping people build stunning extensions.
Let our design and build company handle the design, regulations and construction of your project and rest easy knowing that your home renovation is in capable hands.
Contact us today for a free quotation
Double Storey Extension Ideas
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