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Outdated digital merchandise are the top will cause of electrical fires.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.
It may well be a person of the lesser rooms in your home, but that doesn’t suggest your bathroom just cannot be elegant. Irrespective of whether you are incorporating a wetroom, reconfiguring your bed room to incorporate an en suite, or simply just want to refresh your loved ones bathroom, we can enable. We have been generating lovely, practical bogs for our prospects for a lot more than 30 yrs, so you are in good hands with North Dublin Heating and Plumbing.
Acquiring ready in the morning or relaxing at the stop of a lengthy day, the bathroom desires to be each a realistic living place and a tranquil location to unwind. We can assistance you design a bespoke format that matches the way you use your bathroom, total with present day fixtures and fittings that enhance your design and style scheme.
Get in touch with the office for Details of Specific Summer months Presents!
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.
For inspiration see some of our site and Instagram pictures as these can really assistance with inspirational tips. If you would like a lot more thoughts or information, then, by all implies, fall in or send us a list of what you’d like to achieve, and we’ll recommend you as to how to make your finances extend as considerably as possible.
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
WATFORD – DOUBLE STOREY SIDE EXTENSION, REAR EXTENSION, LOFT CONVERSION & FULL HOUSE REFURBISHMENT
Richmond Loft Conversion, Double Storey Side and Rear House Extension
LEATHERHEAD DOUBLE STOREY EXTENSION AND HOME REFURBISHMENT
Twickenham Double Storey Rear Extension
Shepherd’s Bush Rear Double Storey Extension, Loft Conversion with Full House Refurb
All through the course of action of possessing a loft conversion, there is frequently the be concerned of it resulting in plenty of disruption. There need to be a minor disruption predicted, as there is with any construction undertaking, even so, we usually like to prepare our customers so they know when they can count on this.
Builders will be on-internet site day-to-day, but the first 50 % of the loft conversion will consider area outside with builders accessing the assets by means of scaffolding. This implies that the house will not normally be disturbed internally until eventually it will come to the next element of the task when the new staircase needs to be put in.
At this stage of the undertaking, builders will need to have to obtain the within of the house so that they are able to in good shape the new staircase. Much more generally than not, this is the ‘messiest’ portion of the loft conversion undertaking. It commonly normally takes concerning 1-2 days to be put in, and will also demand some plasterwork to be accomplished. To minimise disruption induced, our builders will constantly acquire care in making certain that the web page is cleaned on a day by day foundation before they depart to make confident that dust concentrations are kept to a least.
The only time shoppers should anticipate a bigger amount of disruption is when the ceilings on the very first ground have to have to be reduced in purchase to get the necessary headroom in the new loft room. The ceilings will not want to be reduced on all loft conversion jobs, and will entirely rely on the top of the current ceiling in your home. Decreasing the ceiling usually normally takes place within just the to start with two months of the undertaking, nonetheless, for more information on this you should see the segment beneath.
We will constantly be clear and upfront, so that our buyers are aware of the disruption they should expect while their loft conversion usually takes position. Interaction throughout the project is critical to ensure that the project is stored as pressure-free of charge as achievable.
Wood methods sanding and varnishing will improve the visual appeal and good quality of your home or office
Current picket techniques sanding and varnishing could make all the distinction to the physical appearance and exquisiteness of your home or work area. Normal wooden is a single of the finest building supplies and will never ever become out-of-date or undesired aspect of any home or business office. It requires only to be sanded and revarnished to instantly enhance the high-quality and raise the price of your property.
If area is at a premium in your property, then you may possibly want to look at finding a dormer loft conversion. Dormer lofts can be made use of for a variety of various functions, these kinds of as supplemental bedrooms, place of work spaces or even playrooms. Right here are some of the important considerations you need to have to make before likely ahead with your dormer loft conversion:
Test with Area Authorities
Every single borough and local council has their have exclusive established of guidelines when it comes to loft conversions, so you will need to have to check with them to see what form of preparing permission your venture necessitates. In basic, dormer loft conversions have pretty distinct necessities, this kind of as the offset from the base and at the best of the roof, a minimum amount inner ridge height of 2.3m and a few constraints on the elements applied. You’ll be capable to obtain out if your neighbours have dormer lofts by checking on Google maps, and if they do, this information will enable you get the job done out what restrictions are in place.
Entry
Pondering about how your dormer loft will be accessed is a little something that you’ll have to assume about from the outset, and in many situations, another staircase will have to be created. A well known selection in many fashionable houses is the open-plan appear, and you can achieve this by heading for a mezzanine, with no separate partitions or hearth doors needed. If your home has more than enough house, then you can build an additional 1 instantly around your existing staircase, or you could incorporate 1 in an present bed room. This is one thing that you will have to go in excess of with your architect, as the structure of each home can differ significantly.
Flooring & Partitions
Do not be deterred by the irregular condition of the sloped partitions and slanted ceilings in your dormer loft, as they can deliver you with a significant scope for creativity. In fact, slanted ceilings can give off a quite remarkable really feel, significantly if you spotlight them with colors, designs and lights. You could even pick out to go for an exposed framework in the roof, with wooden or steel beams, depending on the form of interior design and style you have. Sloped walls can also be applied for creative storage models, murals or items of art.
Layout & Paint
Quite a few loft spaces aren’t quite huge to start with, so a really practical suggestion is to use style and design things and paintwork to make them appear to be greater than what they are. Use gentle ethereal colors for the paint wherever you can, as this will make the home seem larger than what it is. The a lot more colors you use, the more compact the loft will feel, so test to select as couple colours as doable. When your dormer loft is complete, make sure that you retain the location decluttered and contain storage models that are intended to conserve on place, and generally hold window sills cleared as the purely natural mild makes an airy result.
The inside and outside of the home are spaces that are typically embellished to really feel physically and mentally isolated from every other. Fortunately this slender issue-of-see is slipping out of style and new home transforming tendencies are emerging. Instead, householders are embracing an “indoor-outside movement” approach to exterior style and design and transforming. This philosophy provides residing space outside, and the backyard into the dining region.
Want your home to come to feel bigger and far more inviting? Use these 5 strategies to make this home remodeling trend work for you!
Incorporate A Deck Or Patio
One of the simplest strategies to remodel your home to mirror an indoor-outside flow is by incorporating a deck or patio. You may favor a deck if you live on uneven terrain, as they would be easier to install than a patio. A deck can also drastically elevate the resale worth of your home. A patio operates greatest if it is built on relatively level floor. It is really also the far more economical of the two alternatives.
Whichever preference you go with, it will depict an suitable starting up level for building a dwelling house that easy flows jointly.
Embellish Utilizing A Popular Theme
In addition to employing dwelling area furnishings outside, why not use a comparable coloration theme? Color can be one particular of the least complicated techniques to psychologically sign up for two places collectively. Applying related furniture and colours would make it really feel as if an location of the house by natural means, instead than ending abruptly, when you head into the adjacent outside space.
Build An Outdoor Kitchen
A lot of property owners assume of cooking in the backyard as some thing confined to grilling during summertime months. But building an outside kitchen helps make this a simple exercise no make a difference what the celebration. Some of the far more effectively-considered-out additions do the job as a second kitchen area. Make sure to employ the service of an experienced space addition contractor for your home in purchase to make this “outside kitchen” a most loved place in your house.
Maintain Weather conditions In Brain
A person of the greatest explanations for an indoor-outside disconnect is 1 room requires weather fears the other commonly lacks. Nonetheless, it can be doable to remodel though generating the factors function in your favor. An east-experiencing deck will make breakfast a pleasantly heat affair and give a shady getaway for the duration of the considerably-hotter afternoon. It is also greatest to choose for indoor-looking furnishings that holds up to wind and rain.
Include Unique Doors To Bring The Exterior In
The most powerful tool for adding indoor-outdoor circulation is earning use of exclusive doors. While a common doorway additional divides outside the house and within areas, these doors are developed with this certain construction model intellect. Common options consist of bi or tri-fold doors, glass sliding doors, and also rolling blinds.
Think of your full home house as one particular unified residing place Indoor-outside move is most straightforward to achieve when you consider of the total home as a unified room. When preparing your new remodeling project, you really should look at choosing a contractor who has knowledge with this new trend. Lots of common contractors during the state are effectively educated in this new home transforming pattern and can respond to no matter what renovation considerations you could possibly have. Choose the a person who specializes in place additions for your construction requirements.
In the last 10-15 years, the industry of Residential General Contractors has taken a beating by the media. Television, maganizes and articles have waged war on the image, credibility and trust of General Contractors. This is something that as a Home Owner, you must first be aware of.
15 Years ago, there were 3 shows that dealt with residential construction:
-This Old House
-The New Yankee Work Shop
-Bob Villa’s Home again
These 3 shows gave Home Owners an “inside” look into construction techniques and methods, offering plenty of advice, knowledge and wisdom. I suppose they had a loyal following amongst hobbyists, contractors and weekend warriors. But it didn’t appeal much to the general masses. After all, not everyone is interested in learning how to cut Crown Moulding or how to select the best router bits.
Along came a show on HGTV called Holmes on Homes. The entire premise of the show was to unearth the misdeeds of shabby, unethical and unprofessional contractors while at the same time portraying the Home Owners as the innocent victims in a “deal gone bad”. Along comes our saviour, Mr. Holmes, to save the day and right the wrongs.
THE PROBLEM – Are there unqualified, unprofessional and unethical contractors out yet? YOU BET! At the same time, one could ask…are there unqualified, unprofessional and unethical Lawyers? Doctors? Police Officers? Real Estate Agents? Mortgage Brokers? Accountants? And so on? YOU BET there are! Every industry has the good, the bad, the mediocre, the excellent and the horrendous. That’s life, that’s people.
This show sent a subliminal message to Home Owners – Other contractors BAD…Mike Holmes GOOD. Mr. Holmes is a smart man. He knows how to make money and promote himself. Good for him! However, his show has unjustly tarnished the image of an entire industry, done a great deed in misleading home owners, and started a trend of “contractor bashing” that has prevailed since. For all of Mike’s talks about “License, Insurance and permits”, I find it ironic that Mike Holmes himself is not licensed to carry out the work that he performed on the show. The Ministry of Housing and Municipal Affairs has a clear mandate for licensing and Mr. Holmes himself is NOT a licensed Carpenter. Technically, every time he modified any structural wood element of the house or sold carpentry services he was doing so without the appropriate licensing, breaking the law and casting himself into the dim shadow with which he so readily labels so many other contractors. Hypocrite.
Furthermore, though it is true that many of the home owners on that show were essentially ripped off, misled or cheated, most of the time and most of those Home Owners brought it upon themselves. How do I know? I can guarantee that most of those Home Owners chose their contractor based on price. The ever so tempting taste of a “good deal”. Of course, they don’t tell you that on the show. It kills the “victimized” position.
Speaking of things they don’t mention on the show, ever notice how Mike Holmes usually ends up gutting almost all of the work and then not only building it back up the right way, but going way over and beyond to make it look that much better? Talk about misleading…all of that translates to dollar signs in real life. “GIVING” the home owners glass shower doors, custom cabinets, granite countertops, heated flooring, marble flooring and so on is all great, but what they fail to mention is that in real life somebody had to pay for that. In this case, it was most likely the production company and they received free material from sponsorships. But it’s misleading to take an original renovation where the Home Owners had a $20,000 budget, dump what would equal $150,000 in real life into the home and stand back and say “There…that’s how it should have been done” without telling the viewers about that nagging issue of $130,000.
An entire generation of TV shows continued on with this trend. What you have to know is that ALL of these shows receive sponsorships. A basic premise of most of these shows are “Look, we did all these renovations and it only cost us $X”. They conveniently forget to tell you “Oh yeah, we received 50-100% off on all the materials through our sponsors and we’re not calculating the labour realistically”. Never mind the fact that they probably never got permits for the work, nobody was insured by WSIB, nobody carried Liability Insurance and many other factors.
It’s television folks…it’s entertainment, and production companies and networks do not care about the accuracy of the information on a show that was intended to entertain and keep viewers.
So now that we have reiterated the bias of the media and the years of misleading information that Home Owners have been bombarded with, let’s get on with the meat of the topic at hand. How do you navigate your way towards finding a professional.
The good news is, there are plenty of highly professional contractors to choose from. They just don’t make the news. Unlike what the media would have you believe, the majority of contractors fall in the range of good to great. Your first step in finding one that fits your needs, begins with a broad search. The internet sounds like a decent start.
Start looking through the websites of the contractors out there. Remember, it’s YOUR JOB to find the right contractor and you have to be prepared to do some of the leg work. The right contractor will not just fall on your lap, and since most renovations represent a great investment on top of your greatest investment (your home), you are wise to take your time at every turn, beginning with the “broad search”. In looking through the various web sites, you will begin to get a feel for the level of work that each company represents by browsing through past projects. Not all contractors are the same, some deal with exclusively “High end” renovations, some upper middle, the middle and some have carved out a niche in the lower end, quick and fast types of renovations (bathrooms, floor installations) and other broad appeal types of renos.
You will inevitably narrow down your selection to maybe 5-10 contractors that appeal to the style/look you’re shooting for. In other words, they seem to offer the type of workmanship/quality you would like to see incorporated into your project.
BE REALISTIC- No point in walking into a Ferrari dealership with a Hyundai budget. Conversely, no point walking into a Hyundai dealership if you’re looking for a Ferrari. There is nothing wrong with either of those, but know what YOU want and be realistic about what you can AFFORD. If your gut says you have a small budget, don’t contact a renovator who looks like he/she works exclusively in the “High end” market of homes in Forrest Hill, Rosedale, Bridle Path, Lakeshore west and other affluent neighborhoods. Those homes are almost always in the $1 Million dollar + category (going as high as in the tens of Millions). A simple kitchen reno is almost always a $100,000 + type of project (with some exceptions). Most renovations are in line with the price/value of the home. For example, you’re not going to find IKEA cabinets in the main kitchen of a $20 Million dollar home. Nor will you find $150,000 custom cabinetry in the main kitchen of a $400,000 home.
Now that you think you’ve found the handful of contractors that “fit the bill”, start researching the contractors. Their website and a simple GOOGLE search of their company will offer up a great deal of information on it’s own. With this information, try to narrow your search down to around 3 contractors that look like they would be a good fit.
THE NEXT STEP…DESIGN- Every renovation needs a “plan”. A plan begins with a design and therein you have a few choices. You can design the space yourself if you feel you have enough knowledge or you can retain the services of a designer. A designer can be an interior designer, an Architect, an Engineer, a BCIN licensed designer or you can work with a Design/Build contractor. All of this will depend on the project itself. At some point, in most cases, you will need a building permit. Drawing for building permits are called Construction Drawings (CD’s) and they are different from general designs/drawings. The process usually begins with “concept drawings”, or a representation of the “concept” that is sought. Once the concept has been chosen, the drawings are refined, information is filled in, materials are sourced, the details are refined and you are well on your way towards having a completed set of CD’s. Each designer offers a different take on the project and each have their pros and cons. For example, if budget is a main concern for you then the best option is to work with a Design/Build company. A D/B company designs around your budget and since they are the builders, then can begin pricing the job and building a budget from the concept stage. As the builders, they have the “finger on the pulse” of the costs associated with the project. Working with an Architect on the other hand, is a far better bet if the over all design is the main criteria. An Architect is the master is design theory, knowledge and building methods. An interior designer, as the name suggests, is most concerned with the “look” of the interior finishings. Furniture, wall dressings, floor coverings, fixtures and other materials that blend together to make a startlingly beautiful visual impact custom tailored for each client. An engineer is the master of of durable, sustainable and rigid design and building materials. BCIN licensed designer are most likely the most efficient, cut to the chase A-B option offering competitive rates for budget minded clients who most likely are looking for just a building permit.
So as you can see, each offers a different take on the matter and each have their own strengths and weaknesses. It is up to you to decide which factor is most critical with you in choosing your design professional.
If you are working with a 3rd party designer (Interior designer, Architect, BCIN registered designer or Engineer), it is always a good idea to have your contractor involved as the design is progressing. Even if you have narrowed down your selection of contractors down to 3, keep them abreast of how the design is progressing. Most likely, they can begin pricing out the job for you and their feedback is always important.
Working with a Design/Build contractor on the other hand offers the flexibility in having a working budget concurrent with the design. Value engineering is a virtue of this option.
THE MYTH- That contractors can give you an “estimate” before you have working drawings. I hear this over and over again. “Make sure you have X number of estimates from contractors”. What estimates when there are no working drawings? Working drawings define the scope of work and the materials involved for the project. Asking someone for an estimate before having drawings is akin to calling a dealership and asking “How much for a car?”. Well, if you call Ford for example the answer may be anywhere from $15,000 – $100,000. You’re not doing yourself any service.
If a contractor that you call gives you a “price” before you have drawings, one of two things is happening A) He’s mis-leading you in an attempt to sell you B) He doesn’t know what he’s talking about and is not qualified.
Prices vary wildly in renovations. A bathroom reno could fall anywhere in the range of $5,000 to $100,000 +.
Now, if you don’t need working drawings and you don’t think that your project requires a building permit, what should your next approach be? Well…be honest. Tell the contractor how much of a budget you have set aside for the project and let him tell you what you can get for that. Most likely, and in most instances, the contractor can make a guest-timate of whether you have a realistic budget or not. But remember, this is still only a guest-timate. Every budget is comprised of details, and the more details and preparation you have going into it the far more likely you are to stay on budget at the end.
WHAT’S NEXT?- So you think you found 3 or so contractors, you have a realistic budget and regardless of whether you have drawings at this point or not…you would like to meet with them. If you already have drawings, you’re obviously more prepared, but if you don’t then don’t worry…it’s still OK to meet with contractors at this point. Some contractors will not even meet with you unless you do have drawings, but most will. This takes us to our next step.
FREE ESTIMATES vs PAID SITE VISITS/ESTIMATES- Some contractors charge a fee to visit you at your house for the first meeting but most will come out for free. Which is better? Well, that’s up in the air and for you to decide. Normally when you pay for a site visit, the contractor will come out and take measurements and pictures of your home. He will also take notes based on information you provided and provide you with a preliminary assessment of the project. This means that he went back to his office, designed one or two concepts for the renovation, built one or two budgets, assigning “allowances” for the unknown portions of the work that cannot be figured out yet at this point (for example, the finishes, fixtures, and other accessory materials), and then he will meet with you again at your home to review the preliminary appraisal. This is a far more realistic and accurate appraisal for the project than any FREE estimate could possibly be. Until the contractor sits down, designs the space and crunches all the numbers…any “Estimate” provided is hog wash and nothing more than a number pulled out of thin air, representing absolutely no details of the scope of work or allowances for materials and finishes. That is why so many “estimates” vary WILDLY. You’re wasting your time with these.
Your best best, is to always retain someone to perform “Pre-Construction” services on the project. This package includes preliminary design, scope of work, a schedule, budget, material selection, unlimited modifications, value engineering, refining the project to your budget, refining details, sourcing materials, selecting sub-contractors and tendering portions of the job, obtaining working drawings and obtaining all building permits, variances, committee of adjustment or zoning approvals required. This package (Pre-Construction), is the blue-print for the project and will serve for the duration of the project’s life cycle. A PLAN…your #1 key resource towards a successful renovation and the one thing NONE of the so called “experts” and “advice givers” that write article upon article, and preach on radio and TV EVER talk about. Yet, it is the ONE thing that Professionals that actually do the work LIVE BY. The more details, the better. This is also your #1 money saver right here, for though you may pay a fee “initially”…a solid plan that has been “tweeked” will save you tens, if not hundreds of thousands of dollars down the line. Sometimes, a job that takes 6 months took 2 years of planning. But it is the only way to deliver a job on time, on budget, and to spec.
REFERENCES- No doubt you’ve heard it over and over again. “Ask for references”. The notion of references gives a false sense of security to the public. No contractor will disclose unpleasant references, or the references on jobs that “went bad”. Let’s say a contractor had 100 projects under his belt, and he offers you 20 references…which ones do you think will make the list?
Past clients, as a general rule, don’t like to be contacted and they certainly don’t like people showing up at their homes to “inspect the work” previously done by the contractor. Most Home Owners, once the job is complete, want to move on with their lives and enjoy their home. As much of a pleasant experience as they may have had with their contractor, nobody likes to be hounded by phone calls, week after week, month after month, year after year by the contractor’s new prospective clients. Visiting their home is always awkward as well, nobody really likes to have strangers over in there home to “inspect” the work. People have lives and better things to do…there is a limit on satisfied customer’s good will and this should also be taken into consideration by both the contractor and the prospective clients.
Other things to think about is that we live in the day and age of technology. There is little you can’t find out about a company by using the internet. For example, there are a number of 3rd party websites where one can report and give reviews on contractors. These 3rd party websites are supposed to be un-biased and anyone with a grievance with the company can publicly state such on these sites. This is a far better barometer of a contractor’s reputation and reviews. Good contractors strive to maintain a spotless reputation, as reputation is the key to trust.
And lastly, don’t discount someone who cannot provide too many references of past clients. The contractors that can provide the greatest number of references are obviously the contractors that have been in business the longest. But what about the guys that are new to entrepeneurialship? There are plenty of contractors out there that have spent the last 10, 20, 30 years working for someone else at some other construction company. Everything from carpenters, to site supervisors, foremen and project managers who hold all kinds of certifications, accreditations, licenses along with a rich diversity of knowledge and experience who decided to finally take the plunge with their own company and sometimes the motivating factor was that they thought/knew they could offer the public a better service then what their past employer was providing. Discounting someone’s ACTUAL experience, knowledge, qualifications for a lack of personal past clients is thoughtless and allows the old dinosaurs of the industry to monopolize on all the jobs out there. Whereas, the new guys might be more eager and willing to offer you the greatest deals in the name of building up their portfolio. Just make sure that they really ARE qualified and just may not have too many personal past clients. Accreditation, licensess, past history and whatnot…ultimately, it’s up to the contractor to convey his qualifications. All I’m saying is, the dinosaurs in the industry kind of have a monopoly on the reference thing and it’s a far less accurate measure of someone’s qualifications and ability than most make it out to be.
ON THE ISSUE OF LICENSES/INSURANCE/WSIB – Contractors need a License to sell their work to the public. You can check with the Ministry if your contractor is licensed or not. DOES IT MATTER? Well, on the one hand…it’s the Law and if the contractor doesn’t have it…he’s technically breaking the Law and can be subject to fines or possibly criminal charges. On the other hand, it’s hardly a measure of qualification. The Exam/Qualifications for passing the requirements to obtain a license are no guarantee. Nor is having a Driver’s License a guarantee that you won’t find incompetent drivers on the road…it’s a minimal “check”. Some call it extortion from the Gov’t, because it’s never enforced. I’ve called the Ministry a number of times to report contractors that are operating without a license and nothing ever happens. So some Pro’s see it as an impotent force, that only taxes the REAL, honest, hardworking and Law abiding contractors while letting the guys that break the rules go for scot free and in essence…even help them out by making their prices even cheaper (Less carrying costs). Nonetheless, take it with a grain of salt. Contractors are supposed to have it, and if a contractors doesn’t care about the Law…well, that should tell you something right there about their principles/ethics. Kind of a red flag…but don’t assume that just because a guy DOES have a license that nothing could ever go wrong either. But, they also do a Police Background check prior to issuing licenses, and if a guy doesn’t have a license, even more questions as to who you are hiring. There is also some measure of accountability in that if the contractor is licensed…you could always file a complaint with the ministry in the event that something does go sideways and that individual may have his license revoked.
The contractors needs to have Liability Insurance to protect the workers and anyone coming and going out of your home. Without it, anyone injured on your premises could sue you.
WSIB protects the workers in the event that there is an injuy, once again protecting the health and safety of the workers on the house and freeing you and the contractor from liability. It is our duty as citizens to ensure that we promote a safe working environment for all workers.
THE PROS ARE ALMOST ALWAYS LESS EXPENSIVE…IN THE LONG RUN- No doubt, there are still what we call “hacks” in this line of work. Anyone can call themselves a “contractor” and many do. A guy could pick up a hammer today, print a business card tomorrow and run around calling himself a contractor but these guys don’t get very far. They damage themselves and everyone around them in a very short amount of time, and peter out quickly. Their main demographic are “cheap” Home Owners. They don’t pay taxes, they have no licenses, they have no training, no insurance, no WSIB liability coverage, don’t know what’s involved in a job, how much materials costs, how to calculate labour, they don’t hire professional subs…and so most of the time they drastically underbid a job. This appeals to the “cheap” home owners, who think they are getting a deal. But the fan will be hit sooner or later, and the cost to take down and re-do will ALWAYS cost more than to have hired a professional in the first place. Furthermore, not pulling permits, carrying proper insurance and other issues in addition to the actual work could leave the Home Owner facing tens of thousands of dollars in fines from the city and in some rare cases…homes have even been ordered to be demolished and the Home Owners had to pay to have their home demolished after being “condemnded” by the city. What a nightmare.
THE CONTRACT- Very…very important. Different contractors offer different contracts. Some are “Fixed Price”, “Cost-Plub”, “Time and Material”, “Project Management”, and a number of other variations. Some contractors deal exclusively in one method while some offer a number of options. Pick the one that best works for you. Research into them, and ask around, not all contracts are the same. Whatever you choose…the more details the better. A GOOD contract is one that leaves very little to interpretation should something not go right and an argument occurs. GET IT WRITTEN DOWN! is the rule. Good contractors are very detailed in their contracts, and maintain thorough documentation throughout the project that is transparent to both parties. Warranties are also essential.
IT’S A SYMBIOTIC RELATIONSHIP- The atomosphere of the false media has created an adversarial/hostile attitude toward contractors. People believe that contractors are something to guard oneself against, question, look down upon…because they’re ALL out to get you. This advesarial attitude does nobody any good. The contractor and client should be on EVEN KEEL with one another, both respecting the others time, needs, wants, and desires. A symbiotic relationship, where both parties emerge satisfied on having worked together on a successful project. The truth is, good contractors are VERY SELECTIVE in who they work with/for. The bad ones usually work with just about anybody that has the money. But the good ones realize that a project is a commitment on both sides, and 100% of everything actually required to deliver a successful project and get it from A to B occurs AFTER signing contracts, complimenting each other and making promises. Good contractors don’t SELL much, but they DELIVER all the time. Renovations can get very complicated, and most of the Pro’s have a rich background in the training required for the work. Some are Architects, Engineers, Project Managers, Licensed Plumbers, Electricians and many other related professions and their training varies. But all of the good ones understand the complexity of some projects. Gorgeous renovations don’t happen by accident, structures that last hundreds of years are not a fluke, and fine workmanship takes years and years of dedication. Great contractors have spent the greater parts of their lives in perfecting their trade, amassing priceless knowledge and wisdom that they bear upon every project.
So, find a good contractor…and work WITH him (or her). The #1 secret amongst contractors is that the clients that they appreciate the most, are the ones that understand what quality means, appreciate professionalism, appreciate quality workmanship, choose honesty and integrity in who they deal with and understand that working with a true professional is their #1 best bet in seeing a successful project through to completion. I also know, that contractors that have clients with the aforementioned qualities…bend over backwards for them.
This has been the greaest wisdom I could part with on the topic. The choice to follow my advice, or follow the advice of the plethora of so called “experts” who have probably never hired a contractor or taken on any REAL project themselves (painting your living room doesn’t count), people who know the price of everything and the value of nothing…the choice is yours. I know if I ever have to go to court, I want the best lawyer on my side. If I need a doctor, I want the best doctor to diagnose/heal me. If I need a mechanic, I’ll take it to a Pro. In this life, all you are is the choices you make. Godspeed.
Home renovations, especially all those involving abundant of demolition can be a very dusty affair. This nasty dust can very easily free flow by the air and into your house to variety a thick film on your complete household furniture, possessions and the floor. To save yourself from arising prospective wellbeing difficulties and hassles of cleansing, attempt the followings recommendations.
The quickest and the least complicated step to take are to keep all doors and home windows closed primarily although the get the job done is being undertaken. The rooms which do not require access throughout construction should really be locked absent. This would mitigate the spread of dust and particles in a big way. An additional productive suggestion to control construction dust is to cling plastic drop cloths recognised as zipwalls around the place of renovation. But surplus of motion should be avoided as it makes it possible for the dust to probably escape percent of total home benefit to get first rate returns.
Develop a list of priorities based on what sells in a kitchen and guarantee to meet up with them. With no compromising on architecture, decide for simplicity and add some wow features like more drawers, pull out pantry and so on. Now just enjoy the great cut price received for the house. One more productive idea to control construction dust is to dangle plastic fall cloths acknowledged as zipwalls around the location of renovation. But surplus of motion should be avoided as it permits the dust to perhaps escape.
