i-build June 2019

IN THIS ISSUE:

l SELF-BUILDS l RENOVATIONS l EXTENSIONS l CONVERSIONS June 19 Issue 59 Download the free app to your tablet or mobile. Search 'i-build'

ARE WE WINNING THE WAR AGAINST JAPANESE KNOTWEED?

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interior accessories that exude earthy, warm tones

YOUR STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE TO INSTALLING LAMINATE FLOORING

COVER STORY:

GOING UNDERGROUND Unearth additional space with a basement conversion

PROJECT TAKES FLIGHT

THE SOUND OF SILENCE

TRADITIONAL CRAFTSMANSHIP

Staircase from StairBox offers the perfect solution for new build

Why it’s essential to consider acoustics when specifying windows and doors

Oak frame specialist provides stunning and robust outhouse for unique project

+ SPECIAL FOCUS: l FLOORS, WALLS & CEILINGS l ELECTRICALS l RENDER

www.i-buildmagazine.com

Welcome

Editorial:

Hannah Woodger

hannah@crossplatformmedia.co.uk

to the June issue of i-build

Print & Digital Advertising:

Sam Ball

sam@crossplatformmedia.co.uk

Grant Jeffs

grant@crossplatformmedia.co.uk Print Design Manager:

Jack Witcomb

jack@crossplatformmedia.co.uk Digital Design Manager:

David Perry

david@crossplatformmedia.co.uk Production Assistant:

Philip Coyle

philip@crossplatformmedia.co.uk Accounts:

Jackie Dearman

jackie@crossplatformmedia.co.uk Managing Director:

Sam Ball

sam@crossplatformmedia.co.uk Barham Court, Teston, Maidstone, Kent ME18 5BZ 01622 232723

What do you do when you outgrow your existing home? For some homeowners, selling up and moving on is an option, but for others (you, perhaps?) there are more exciting avenues to explore.

One potential way to add extra space onto your property is to dig down. Yes, basement conversions are becoming increasingly popular in properties of all ages. Whilst doing your research, you may have come across underground cinema rooms, wine cellars, swimming pools and saunas. These examples are just some of the lavish ways you can utilise new-found floor space, but basement conversions are equally as suitable for additional bedrooms, bathrooms or a utility room perhaps.

In this month’s issue, we’ve invited a number of specialists to share what they think are the most important considerations before embarking on a basement conversion. Turn to page 10 to find out more.

www.crossplatformmedia.co.uk @ibuildmagazine

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Elsewhere in the issue, we have discovered that potential home buyers are more open to purchasing a property that has been or is currently being treated for Japanese knotweed than ever before. Turn to page 22 to read more about this invasive plant and why we could be winning the war. Meanwhile, if you’re happy to turn your hand to a bit of DIY we’ve teamed up with UK Flooring Direct to offer you a step-bystep guide on how to install laminate floor. Turn to page 24 to start your lesson.

I hope you enjoy this issue. Don’t forget, if you’re coming to the end of your self-build and would like us to feature your dream home as inspiration for other budding self-builders, then please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Alternatively, if you’re about to embark on your self-build journey and would be keen for us to document your progress, do get in contact.

Hannah

hannah@crossplatformmedia.co.uk

Editor’s picks Milbank Concrete Products launches revolutionary flooring range: See page 42 The Sash Window Workshop provides high quality timber windows and doors: See page 43 Schiedel Chimney Systems offers timeless appeal with ScandFire: See page 44

43 Cover story:

We’ve invited a panel of construction experts to share what they think are the top considerations for self-builders and renovators when approaching a basement conversion.

See page 10.

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Contents

i-build www.i-buildmagazine.com

June 2019

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In this issue: 10 12 18 22 24 28 4

Desired Designs

ON THE COVER

A look at the latest innovative products and styles for your new home.

Viewpoint

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ON THE COVER

We’ve invited a panel of construction experts to share what they think are the top considerations for self-builders and renovators when approaching a basement conversion.

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Impressive Innovation

To retain a vintage feel to their new build home, the Burgesses turned to Stedek for a contemporary but traditional solution.

Rural Retreat

ON THE COVER

The Oak Designs Co was recently called upon to provide a stunning one-bedroom ground level oak frame property in the place of an old dilapidated garage.

Contracts & Legalities

ON THE COVER

A third of Brits would now buy a property with Japanese knotweed, but at a reduced price – so does this mean we’re finally winning the war against this invasive plant?

i-DIY

ON THE COVER

Your step-by-step guide on how to install laminate flooring from a leading specialist in flooring solutions, UK Flooring Direct.

i-scape

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Italian render manufacturer, Fassa Bortolo, outlines how a lime-based render can offer the solution to bring a period building back to its original beauty.

38 40 42

IN THIS ISSUE:

i-build

Karen Curtin, Managing Director of Graven Hill, the UK’s largest self and custom build community, explores the minefield that is planning permission.

Acoustics

Download the free app to your tablet or mobile. Search 'i-build'

ARE WE WINNING THE WAR AGAINST JAPANESE KNOTWEED?

20+

interior accessories that exude earthy, warm tones

YOUR STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE TO INSTALLING LAMINATE FLOORING

ON THE COVER

Tom Wright, Managing Director of George Barnsdale, discusses what a self-builder should consider when specifying acoustic performance in windows and doors.

Staircases

l SELF-BUILDS l RENOVATIONS l EXTENSIONS l CONVERSIONS June 19 Issue 59

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ON THE COVER

For April Groen, a StairBox staircase was the right match for her self-build, offering both aesthetic and functional benefits that will last the test of time.

Electricals

Online electricals specialist, AO.com rounds up the top 5 kitchen appliances every self-builder and renovator should consider for their home.

Floors, Walls & Ceilings

Luxury Flooring offers advice on how to select the right flooring to suit your needs. From solid oak to engineered flooring and carpet, it can be hard to know where to start.

Product Spotlight

i-build rounds up the latest innovative products in the marketplace, designed with your self-build in mind.

COVER STORY:

GOING UNDERGROUND Unearth additional space with a basement conversion

PROJECT TAKES FLIGHT

THE SOUND OF SILENCE

TRADITIONAL CRAFTSMANSHIP

Staircase from StairBox offers the perfect solution for new build

Why it’s essential to consider acoustics when specifying windows and doors

Oak frame specialist provides stunning and robust outhouse for unique project

+ SPECIAL FOCUS: l FLOORS, WALLS & CEILINGS l ELECTRICALS l RENDER

Subscriptions: You can subscribe to receive i-build each month free of charge at i-buildmagazine.com/subscribe

The wood burning stove perfected STOCKISTS THROUGHOUT THE UK CLEARVIEW SHOWROOMS Ludlow, Stow-on-the-Wold & Whitchurch Manufactured at More Works, Bishops Castle, Shropshire SY9 5GB Brochure Line 01588 650123 www.clearviewstoves.com

Desired Designs

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Image ©AUDENZA

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Warm and welcoming all year round From desert sands to berry reds, warm hues have a place in the home all year round. Here i-build rounds up some stunning decorative accessories that will fill your home with an earthy style.

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ven in the height of summer, temperatures can drop demanding a cosier backdrop to one’s evenings.

Corals, forest browns and terracotta shades can immediately inject a sense of warmth into a room. From a subtle textile such as a cushion or an indulgent plum velvet armchair, you can incorporate this warming tone in varying degrees.

Coupled with an open fire and state-of-the-art woodburner, you’ll yearn for autumn nights all year round. The beauty of this palette of colours is they work excellently with neutrals or can be combined with a complementary shade to create a real statement. There are a host of suppliers on the market that can offer these essential accessories. If you’re on a budget or set to splurge on your dream home, you can implement this stylish scheme at both ends of the scale. Use sites such as Pinterest to gain further inspiration and design your own ‘lookbook’ to see what will work in your home’s environment.

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1. Lucy, Rug’Society, POA

2. Madam Stoltz – Imprinted Feathers Stoneware Vase, Hurn & Hurn, £225

3. Alfie Armchair in Alder Paprika,

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Content by Terence Conran, £795

4. NUI Stool, Covet House, POA

5. Montpellier Fire Pit, Lime Lace, £159.99

6. Westminster Paint, B&Q GoodHome, from £12

7. Coral Love Cushion, Beaumonde, £35

8. Tulum Indoor Bean Bag Ottoman in Tumeric, Lujo, $395

9. Saaga Uni Mohair Blanket in rust, Lapuan Kankurit, £138

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1. Paula Mug, £9.50 2. Living Coral Tasseled Cushion, £59 3. Phine Dressing Table, £895

Desired Designs

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4. North Wall Shelf, £39

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Beaumonde Established in 2003, Beaumonde offers distinctive style to its customers through its range of lighting, home accessories and gifts.

i-build loves...

Talking tables Functional and stylish, our selection of striking tables will complement the warms tones you have injected into your living space.

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1. Orich Brass Disc Coffee Table, Artisanti, £342 2. Konstantin Side Table, Essential Home, POA 3. Ansell Nesting Coffee Tables Set of 2, POA 4. SEQUOIA Side Table, Covet House, POA

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Desired Designs

Starry starry night Add a touch of the galaxy to your children’s bedroom scheme with these solar-inspired decorative accessories and wallcoverings.

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www.purlfrost.com

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Worlds away

A small step

This made-to-measure space wallpaper mural from Nasa at Wallsauce.com transports every member of the family to another world.

These decorative patterned floor tiles have a blue star shaped design with an aged vintage effect. They’re made from ceramic and are perfect for creating a statement floor in a bathroom, kitchen, hallway, lounge or bedroom.

(www.wallsauce.com)

(www.wallsandfloors.co.uk)

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Space to sleep

School of thought

Perfect for your little ones to dream of spacemen and a galaxy far far away, this Denver Bed from Furniture Choice is strong, durable and excellent value for money.

Hanging from the ceiling, this mobile is an impressive sight indeed. It brings our wide universe a little closer, and would make a great teaching tool. (www.yellowoctopus.com)

(www.furniturechoice.co.uk)

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Off the wall Featuring an inspiring Geometric recreation of our solar system, this quirky piece of wall decor is sure to expand both your mind and your living space. (www.redcandy.co.uk)

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Waiting for a star Easy to place a mixture of these stars around the house or group with tealights and other scandi style decorations. Create a statement tree top star or rustic door decoration by hanging with the twine supplied. (www.redlily.co.uk)

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Roofglaze

Lighting, by nature.™

Let the light into your home and living spaces with Roofglaze’s market-leading Flatglass rooflights

Roofglaze

Lighting, by nature.™

01480 474 797 rgrestimating@roofglaze.co.uk roofglaze.co.uk

Let the light into your home and living spaces with

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Viewpoint

Top tips for basement conversions Basement conversions are becoming a popular method to add floorspace and value to a property. However, the decision to tackle one should not be taken lightly.

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project that seems so simple can, if not executed properly, present complex challenges.

Mistakes made during the design and build process are extremely costly and the build will, no doubt, impact on your daily life. You only have to look at the recent court case revolving around a botched basement conversion to see the acrimony getting it wrong can cause.

As such, a clear plan of action from the outset and an acute understanding of the role your suppliers will play in the construction journey is essential.

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Where should you start? We asked a panel of construction experts to share what they think are the top considerations for selfbuilders and renovators when approaching this type of project:

Surveying the setting Before you start digging, you need to know what’s in the ground below. This could include public infrastructure. For example, any sewer on your property connected to a neighbouring property is considered public and you’ll need the local water company’s approval to build near it, which may mean reconfiguring your basement.

You need to take into account any nearby trees, as they’ll have radial root systems extending to a distance one to one-and-ahalf times their height. Building Control have regulations regarding how close to specific tree species you can build, so this has to be checked.

If you have neighbours adjoining you and a shared ‘party’ wall, a signed party wall agreement will be needed before work starts.

Jeremy Wiggins, Technical Director, gpad london ltd

Design for success Without a good structural engineering design, the works may devalue the property and prevent Building Regulations approval being granted.

This should be seen as a necessary requirement before the construction journey begins.

Furthermore, this design needs to take account of the working method, so that the structural safety of the property (or neighbouring properties) is not compromised in the temporary case, as well as the permanent case.

Viewpoint It’s also important to understand the different skills offered by professionals involved in the build. For example, do you know the difference between a structural engineer and a chartered surveyor, when they should be consulted and for what service? Do your research before the project commences to avoid potentially costly and stressful problems at a later stage.

John M Staves, CEng FIStructE, Fellow and Vice President of the Institution of Structural Engineers

Material values Looking at the finer details of thermal efficiency is crucial if you aspire to build to the best sustainability standards. This will save money on energy bills, as you can minimise how much ongoing heating or cooling your home requires.

Masonry products are highly reactive materials and deliver homes which are warm in the winter and cool in the summer, due to their inherent thermal mass properties.

Despite this, you should still look out for

thermal bridges; these are areas of a build with a higher thermal conductivity than the surrounding materials, typically breaks in insulation. They can account for roughly 30% of a building’s heat loss.

At the CBA, we offer a free and easy-to-use tool to help anyone involved in a building project determine the ideal materials for their project. The U-value calculator measures the thermal transmittance of a building’s exterior wall and enables its user to achieve optimal energy performance. The CBA website also has a wide variety of thermal bridging details available for free download.

Christopher Stanley, Housing Manager, Concrete Block Association

www.gpadlondonltd.com www.istructe.org www.cba-blocks.org.uk

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Impressive Innovation

A new vintage How do you make something new look like it’s been there for generations?

When one family decided to make a stunning piece of rural Shropshire their home, that’s exactly the challenge they faced.

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he plot was empty. They knew they’d have to build a property from the ground up. But they were adamant they wanted it to honour its leafy surroundings – and, preferably, look like it was decades old.

It was an ambitious ask. But the self-builders in question are no strangers to making grand designs a reality.

For years, the Burgess family have run RS Burgess & Sons, a Shropshire prestige builder with dozens of high-end developments under its belt – and on this very personal project, they turned to a frequent collaborator for help.

“Originally, the plan was to install windows made of oak, which would then be left to naturally silver as they aged, matching the building’s exposed oak frontage,” comments

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Richard Hammond of heritage glazing specialist Stedek. “It was a lovely idea. But we suggested an alternative.”

Timber alternative The family’s original instincts were very understandable. There’s a reason that people have been making doors, windows and even entire buildings out of timber for hundreds of years – it’s got a timeless elegance that conventional uPVC and aluminium products just can’t match.

But as stunning as they are when they’re first installed, timber products are far from easy to keep looking their best. They’re susceptible to rotting and warping if they’re not regularly maintained – something which can be complex, costly and time-consuming.

Impressive Innovation

Far left: Windows from the Residence Collection are virtually indistinguishable from timber Bottom far left: Fitting the front door is always a hugely symbolic moment in any build Left: The focus was simply on making great windows and doors that looked like they were made of wood Left centre: The windows were complemented with two elegant R² French doors with R² sidelights Left bottom: Stedek has quickly risen to become one of the country’s leading Residence Collection manufacturers

RESIDENCE COLLECTION Celebrated heritage windows that replicate the looks of Georgian-era flush sashes Designed to comply with Article 4 guidelines governing home improvements in conservation areas Three models available: Residence 9, the slimmer Residence 7, and the more contemporary Residence² Great energy efficiency: U-Values of 1.2 when double-glazed, and 0.8 when triple-glazed

In response, in recent years we’ve seen the continued rise of what are often called ‘timber-alternative’ windows and doors.

Manufacturers have invested a huge amount of time, effort and resources into making products that offer easy maintenance and exceptional thermal and acoustic performance, with incredibly authentic timber-like aesthetics.

Initially, the focus was simply on making great windows and doors that looked like they were made of wood. But once that milestone was reached, manufacturers began to get much more ambitious.

They started to examine the classic windows styles that grace thousands of Britain’s heritage buildings, aiming to precisely replicate their designs with products that delivered 21st century performance.

Eventually, their goal was to push the envelope even further – producing timberalternative windows that stood a real chance of being cleared for use in conservation areas.

And those efforts reached a pinnacle with the Residence Collection.

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Impressive Innovation

Impressive Innovation Versatility and authenticity “Windows from the Residence Collection are virtually indistinguishable from timber,” Richard explains. “But they’re made of modern materials that, unlike timber, are almost entirely maintenance free.

“Residence 9 was the first entry in the Residence Collection – and quickly became the benchmark by which all other heritage windows were judged.

“Designed to precisely meet the demands of Article 4, the guidelines that govern what home improvements can be made in conservation areas, it’s a perfectly faithful replica of a Georgian-era timber flush window.

“But it offers all that alongside exceptional thermal efficiency, achieving U-Values of 1.2 when double-glazed, and 0.8 when triple-glazed, enough to meet stringent Passivhaus standards.

“Residence 9 was shortly followed by Residence 7 and Residence². Both offer the same winning mix of traditional external looks and maintenance-free modern materials, the R7 in a slimmer 75mm frame package, and R² with a square inner rebate.

“In this case, the Burgesses were most excited about the bold, squared Residence², though. R² is the most contemporary of the three, but also the most versatile – able to look perfectly in-keeping with the property’s traditional exterior, while contributing to the sleeker, more modern aesthetic inside.

“And after we showed them the Residence Collection’s incredibly authentic silvered oak finish, it was decided – rather than timber, they’d fit a selection of outstanding Residence products instead.”

“Windows from the Residence Collection are virtually indistinguishable from timber”

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Impressive Innovation Residence Excellence Elsewhere on the property, the windows were complemented with two elegant R² French doors with R² sidelights, and, on the rear elevation (where the aesthetics could be entirely modern), an Origin premium aluminium bifold with gorgeous stainlesssteel handles and hinges.

“Fitting the front door is always a hugely symbolic moment in any build,” says Richard, “and David had chosen a Solidor composite door – a great product.

“None of the standard colours were inspiring him, though. The family wanted something a bit special, and so we painted it a rustic, homely cream colour for them, perfectly in keeping with the property as a whole.”

Stedek has quickly risen to become one of the country’s leading Residence Collection manufacturers, thanks to its uncompromising quality standards, and an outlook it calls ‘Residence Excellence’.

“R9, R7 and R² are phenomenal products,” Richard continues. “On their own, they’re already one of the finest timber-alternative window systems ever created.

“But the way we make them, they’re world-class.

We’re fanatical about quality, and bring a forensic attention to detail to everything we do.

“There’s a very simple principle we drill into everyone who works for us – if a product’s not good enough to put in your own home, it’s not good enough to leave the factory.”

www.stedek.co.uk

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Providing tailor made solutions for your project

Urban Sanctuary

RESTORING AND REPLACING TIMBER WINDOWS AND DOORS

Conservation Area and Period Property Specialists

01344 868 668

www.sashwindow.com 17

Rural Retreat

Traditional craftsmanship, engineered with precision For one family, a bespoke-designed oak frame from The Oak Designs Company ticked all the boxes in their quest to find a robust, elegant and spacious outhouse for an elderly family member.

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he brief was to design and build a spacious one-bedroom ground level property on the site where there was an old dilapidated garage within the gardens of the existing house. Within the design, it needed to incorporate front and rear gardens with separate areas that would allow the building’s occupants to sit outside or entertain with an undercover area to provide shade in the summer.

Utilising available space To do this on a very small plot size an L-shaped design approach was used to maximise the available space. This allowed the design team to create a well-proportioned living space internally that had a great flow through the house and an open living kitchen diner and living room.

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The first step involved the demolition of the pre-existing garage and slab. From there, new foundations where put in with brick courses above and below slab level.

The second step involved getting the oak frame on site and erected. A Hiab lorry was used by the expert assembly team from The Oak Designs Company who also ended up doing the groundworks, roofing, design work and erection of the building. The site was set out and measured again prior to getting the posts put into position.

Slotting into place The manually-controlled crane on the lorry really helped with the assembly time as massive lengths of oak beams were hoisted into position whereby, with almost German like precision, the assembly team put to work getting the structure secure.

Top left: Massive lengths of oak beams were hoisted into position Above centre: The Oak Designs Company is renown for its quality frames, built with precision Above: The beautiful locally-handmade joinery with all its full height French doors and cottage-style windows were supplied by The Oak Designs Company Top right: An L-shaped design approach was used to maximise the available space Right: The design needed to incorporate front and rear gardens with separate areas that would allow the building’s occupants to sit outside

Rural Retreat The third step was to get the other aspects of the frame together, so all the handmade oak trusses and softwood rafters were fixed into place. From here the aim was to get the building watertight.In order to get the building watertight, firstly the assembly team had to get all the glazing and joinery as well as the studwork and weatherboard all fitted.

From this point on, the building was ready for the felt, battening and roofing.

Finishing touches After the assembly, it came to fitting out the shell of the building so all the electrics, plumbing, insulation and decorating, including a new kitchen, bathroom and gas fire could be put in. After all of this the final step was applying the finishing touches to the outside such as painting all the weatherboard, putting paving slabs around the property, fixing all the external lights and landscaping the front and rear garden.

This build wasn’t just an ordinary outhouse or guest house project. It was undertaken to provide a home for an elderly family member so they could have a lovely quality of life and maintain their own independence yet also be on the same plot of land as the wider family and be cared for instead of having to be put into a nursing home.

According to a report by healthcare specialist Laing & Buisson, care homes can cost up to ÂŁ55,000 per year. From a financial point of view, this project made perfect sense. It would pay for itself in a matter of years and would also add value onto the existing property. It may have been a slightly larger cost short term but long term it was a no brainer.

†

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Rural Retreat

Right: The oak frame provides a home for an elderly family member so they can have a lovely quality of life Below right: This build wasn’t just an ordinary outhouse or guest house project Far right: The style of the building helped to bring the ridge height down whilst still having an open vaulted roof

Increased sense of space The plot size was quite small and tight for a one-bed detached property however the construction and beauty of the oak framed building allowed lofted ceilings to make the space feel a lot bigger than it actually was.

The beautiful locally-handmade joinery with all its full height French doors and cottage-style windows were supplied by The Oak Designs Company which helped to open up the space and allow lots of light into the building. This was extenuated by the use of large Velux window roof lights in the ceilings of the barn hip roof.

Planning wise, the issues encountered were that it was very close to the boundary and also next to a main road. What’s more, obtaining planning permission for a habitable dwelling when there is already a main house on the plot already is not always easy.

However, the planning process ended up being quite straightforward due to the use of eco-friendly materials with the oak frame and cladding. The style of the building also helped to bring the ridge height down whilst still having an open vaulted roof and an internal spacious layout helped vastly to attain planning permission.

Other factors such as the fact it was a low impact building and the use it was intended for again really helped in planning permission for this beautiful building being granted.

Speaking of their experience and the end result, the family comments: “It was a wonderful experience doing this project and a pleasure to work with The Oak Designs Company who were key throughout all the major stages of the build including design, planning groundworks, roofing and assembly.

We would certainly do it again and are now looking at doing an oak framed outdoor entertainment area.”

www.oak-designs.co.uk

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Rural Retreat

Contracts & Legalities

Left: Due to the stigma around Japanese knotweed the property value will almost certainly be impacted Above: In Environet’s experience, a 10% reduction in the purchase price is typical in cases where property has been affected by Japanese knotweed

Winning the fight against Japanese knotweed Japanese knotweed is no longer the deal-breaker it once was, with almost a third (32%) of British adults who are aware of Japanese knotweed prepared to go ahead and purchase an affected property, but at a reduced price, according to new YouGov research commissioned by Environet UK.

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s awareness grows of the UK’s most invasive plant (78% of British adults are now aware of Japanese knotweed compared to 76% in 2018 and 75% in 2017) and the treatments and guarantees available to deal with it, homebuyers have greater peace of mind that it’s a problem that can be solved. As long as there is a professional treatment plan in place with an insurance-backed guarantee, they may not need to walk away from their dream home.

While half (50%) of those who are aware of the plant would walk away from a property which had Japanese knotweed, this is significantly less than the 78% who stated they would not buy an affected property two years ago, suggesting people are becoming increasingly pragmatic in their approach to the UK’s most invasive plant.

Of those who said they would proceed with the purchase at a reduced price, the majority (26%) would expect a discount of between 6-10%, while 15% would expect to knock off between just 1-5%. A further 15% would seek to reduce the price by more than a quarter. In Environet’s experience, a 10% reduction in the purchase price is typical in cases where property has been affected by Japanese knotweed, dropping to around 2-5% if it has been professionally treated.

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Japanese knotweed can now be completely removed within a matter of days, at any time of the year, using a digging out method that sifts the earth to remove all viable rhizome roots from the infected soil. Once the problem has been tackled in this way or using a longerterm herbicide treatment and an insurance backed guarantee has been secured, almost all mortgage lenders will lend against the property and sales can proceed unhindered.

Nic Seal, Founder and MD of Environet, said: “With an estimated 5% of all UK properties now affected by Japanese knotweed, either directly or indirectly, it’s encouraging to see homebuyers becoming increasingly rational in their approach.

If left untreated, Japanese knotweed can cause considerable damage to a property which is why buyers and lenders are right to insist that there is a professional treatment plan in place before they agree to proceed.

“Due to the stigma around Japanese knotweed the property value will almost certainly be impacted, but all that’s required is a sensible renegotiation of the price. People are realising it doesn’t have to be a deal breaker.”

Chartered Surveyor Paul Raine, Director of Expert Surveyors Ltd, added: “The key to selling a property affected by knotweed is a Japanese Knotweed Management Plan from a reputable

specialist. Always be honest if the property you’re selling is or has been affected, or it could come back to bite you in the form of litigation from your buyer further down the line.”

Due to the spread of Japanese knotweed, neighbourly disputes are on the rise and the vast majority of homeowners see their local council as being the first port of call in a row over Japanese knotweed encroachment, which occurs when the plant has been left untreated and allowed to spread onto an adjacent property.

If the neighbour whose land was the source of the encroachment failed to act, 42% of homeowners would contact their local council in the first instance, while 16% would contact their building insurer and 13% would take immediate legal action through court proceedings.

This faith in the ability of local councils to help deal with the problem could be a result of a Bristol City Council’s successful use of ASBO legislation in December 2018 to prosecute a landowner who allowed Japanese knotweed to encroach into the gardens of seven neighbouring homes.

Japanese knotweed was first introduced into the UK from Japan in the 1850s as an ornamental plant, but it is now number one on the Environment Agency’s list of the UK’s most invasive plant species, described as “indisputably the UK’s most aggressive, destructive and invasive plant”. Growing up to 3m in height, it spreads rapidly between May and September and can push up through asphalt, cracks in concrete, driveways, cavity walls and drains.

Environet estimates that approximately 850,000 to 900,000 UK households are affected and suffering an average reduction in value of around 10%, knocking almost £20bn (£19.8bn) off property values.

www.environetuk.com

Impressive Innovation

Volcanic Pumice Chimney Systems An easy way to design a traditional chimney Volcanic Pumice in a new build or new luxury property Chimney Systems An easy way to design a traditional chimney in a new build or new luxury property

Isokern is made from natural pumice sourced from the Hekla Volcano in Iceland. Isokern is also lightweight, simple to install and highly resistant to temperature change. Isokern reduces the possibility of cracking and structural damage due to expansion and contraction.

Isokern is made from natural pumice sourced from the Hekla www.schiedel.com/uk Volcano in Iceland. Isokern is also lightweight, simple to install and highly resistant to temperature change. Isokern reduces the

Don't forget to register your installations and start earning Schiedel Installer Don't forget to Rewards register your installations and start earning Schiedel Installer Rewards

i-DIY

Acclimatising your new floor

How to install laminate flooring Thanks to a click together joint that requires no gluing and dimensional stability, laminate makes a great option for anyone looking to install their own floor. Suitable for most room refurbishment projects, laminate can be installed by anyone who has a little DIY experience.

Even though it is not a natural product, laminate flooring does feature a HDF core made from highly compressed wood fibres, so it is recommended that you let your new floor ‘settle’ into its new home. We recommend a minimum of 48 hours between receiving your floor and installing it.

Remember to store your planks in the room in which you are going to install them and do not stand the planks on their ends as this can cause them to bow causing permanent and irreversible damage.

Your floor will acclimatise fine if left in its packaging, with any wrapping removed!

Preparing your subfloor Laminate flooring can be laid on most types of subfloor that are clean, dry and level. Common types of subfloor include sand and cement screeds, timber floorboards, plywood or chipboard. On ground floors a sand or cement screed subfloor is most likely and these require special attention to make sure they are ready for your new laminate floor.

No matter what subfloor you have, it should provide a level and smooth surface for your new floor. Minor subfloor irregularities can be accommodated by specialist underlays which should always be used with laminate flooring.

Our recommended guidelines are that your subfloor should not deviate more than 5mm in any plane over a 3m length.

Your subfloor should also be dry, so if you have used a screed or finishing compound allow an absolute minimum of 2 days for every millimetre of screed - a new 150mm thick concrete subfloor could take over 200 days to dry out properly!

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BAD SUBFLOOR If you have access to a probing moisture meter, relative humidity should be no greater than 75%.

Any subfloor should not have excessive vertical movement because it will be transferred through the floor. If your existing floor drives you mad with its creaking and squeaking then you’ll need to fix your subfloor before you install your new laminate floor.

GOOD SUBFLOOR If you’re installing your laminate floor onto floorboards or plywood, make sure it is solid and free from vertical movement. Any nails or screws should be flush with the surface to ensure a flat surface that is ready to take your laminate floor.

www.ukflooringdirect.co.uk

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i-DIY

You will need: Jigsaw or hand saw Hammer Tape measure

Pencil Combination square Installation kit

While laminate flooring is fast and easy to install, you’ll still need some tools to do the job properly. Apart from a special fitting kit, most DIY enthusiasts should have everything they need in their toolbox or tool shed (if you are really lucky).

Selecting the right underlay All laminate floors must be installed with an underlay, even if your subfloor is brand new and buttery smooth!

Underlays can help to deal with moisture, disguise small lumps and bumps and help to reduce the sound of footsteps on top of your new floor.

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UNDERLAY FOR UNEVEN SUBFLOORS

UNDERLAY WITH DAMP PROOFING

UK Flooring Direct’s Fibre Board Underlay is ideal for eliminating many of the problems arising from uneven subfloors.

Cushion Ultra Silver Wood Underlay provides moisture protection as well as smoothing out uneven subfloors.

UNDERLAY FOR REDUCING SOUND

UNDERLAY WITH THERMAL INSULATION

UNDERLAY FOR UNDERFLOOR HEATING

With Cushion Acoustic Gold Underlay you can reduce sound by up to 22dB, essential for upper floors and flats.

UK Flooring Direct has underlays specially designed for its thermal insulation such as its Cushion Plus White Underlay.

Make sure you use an underlay that’s suitable otherwise you could risk overheating of the system.

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2

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1. Decide on the direction to lay your flooring. A

2. If possible, roll out your underlay in the opposite

3. Place your first plank in the corner of the

good general rule of thumb is in the direction of natural light, or along the longest wall. There’s no hard and fast rule.

direction, ensuring it runs from edge to edge and that seams are taped for a more impervious joint.

Ensure it is free from ripples or bumps.

room remembering to use your spacers to leave a 10mm ‘expansion’ gap between your floor and skirting. The ‘male’ part of the profile should face the skirting.

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i-DIY

Before you fix your laminate floor, loose lay the first two or three rows to ensure they look good together.

Installing your laminate flooring

5

6

10mm

4. Place your next plank and use the tapping

5. You’ll more than likely need to trim the last

6. Mark, rule and cut the final plank. Place to

block and hammer to bring the ends together.

Ensure your expansion gap remains consistent by using another spacer. Continue in this way until you reach the end of your room.

plank. So use your measure to calculate the gap between the top edge of the board and the wall. Don’t forget to take off 10mm for your expansion gap!

the end of the last and use your tapping block, tapping bar and hammer to bring the ends firmly together. Check the end of every plank to make sure the ends are tight.

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8

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7. Use the off-cut from the last plank of the first

8. Lay the next plank in the same way, using

9. Once you have completed laying your

row to begin the next, remembering to use a spacer at the end closest to the skirting. Angle the plank at approximately 45° into the ‘female’ of the first row.

Push down firmly and the planks will ‘click’ together.

your tapping block and hammer on the ends.

Continue in this way until you have laid your floor. Remember that the short edges of your floor should be staggered with the next row.

floor, you’ll need to install your scotia to hide the 10mm expansion gap you’ve left around the perimeter. Glue or nail this to the skirting only. Your floor needs room to breathe!

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i-scape

Preserving the past, protecting the future Dale Telling, Commercial Manager at one of the leading Italian render manufacturers, Fassa Bortolo, outlines how a lime-based render can offer the solution to bring a period building back to its original beauty.

R

estoration projects can be no small feat, with any number of problems lying below the surface. Rising damp is a common problem, causing cracking and decay on plaster and render.

Breathable space Lime-based renders are incredibly permeable, meaning vapour is able to easily pass through the porous material – making the building breathable. Ideal for regulating humidity, lime renders can hold excess moisture in humid conditions without becoming noticeably saturated, which will evaporate slowly as the temperature drops.

If painting over lime renders, a vapour permeable formula should be used, however, a wide array of coloured render options are available to offer a simple solution.

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i-scape Unrivalled flexibility

A formula perfected over time

Lime-based alternatives are designed to withstand light changes in settlement. As the ground moves over time, cracking is less evident and will help maintain the structure and stability of the wall. Mesh reinforcement can be added to give the system an adequate ability to withstand impact. Unmeshed render can crack if the coat is too thick, so mesh should be considered to absorb and contain tensions without transmitting them to the finishing plaster and counteract any stress.

The Romans used lime effectively for many major engineering projects such as bridges, domes, suspended floors and heated floor slabs. The earliest known use of lime is 4000 years ago, with the formula being built on and developed over time.

Lime-based renders are recommended for restoration and conservation projects as they have the ability to adhere to any former brickwork, stonework or medium dense blockwork. With no need for a board, lime render is perfect for use on listed buildings, where planners want to keep the renovation as original as possible to preserve heritage.

If you are rendering over an original surface, check the substrate is structurally sound with no hollows or gaps, free of any existing plaster, clean and dry. It’s important you consult a professional to be made aware of the load bearing capacity of the surface.

Climate resistance The difference between weather proof and water proof, lime-based renders protect the external surface of the building without sealing it. Not only is this kind of render resistant to harsh climates including ice, frost and heat, it is also resistant to the salts in sulphate resistant binders.

Top left: Lime-based renders protect the external surface of the building without sealing it Far left: Lime-based renders are incredibly permeable Top: Lime-based renders are recommended for restoration and conservation projects as they have the ability to adhere to any former brickwork

Hand application has the added benefit of allowing the renderer to work close to the substrate, checking for any cracks, but this process can be slow and labour intensive on larger scale projects, especially since lime renders are usually applied in two or three coats.

They are suitable for mechanical application with a spray machine, which effectively covers large surface areas in a shorter time frame, with the same professional finish.

www.fassabortolo.co.uk

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i-build

Left: The location of Graven Hill has the principle of development agreed on certain parts of the site through an outline planning permission Above: At Graven Hill, permission can be granted in 28 days, significantly faster than the eight weeks it can take for conventional applications

Casting a light on the shadow of planning permission Karen Curtin, Managing Director of Graven Hill, the UK’s largest self and custom build community, explores the minefield that is planning permission.

D

esigning a self-build should be an enjoyable process that takes people one step closer to their dream home. However, finding a suitable plot and applying for planning permission can sometimes feel like a jump into the great unknown. The stress of aligning the vision of the perfect home with local planning policies can quickly become a challenge. But could there be a solution?

There are multiple considerations that councils must take into account when they receive a planning application. Second to the principle of development itself, the structure is the most obvious aspect to be assessed, including size, layout and height.

However, there are other issues that often get forgotten during the design process. For example, in certain towns and villages, a specific aesthetic must be adhered to in order to ensure that the house complements its surroundings.

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There are many elements to think about when applying for self-build planning permission. Lots of things happen in a set sequence, meaning that if one is rejected, then the process can end up grinding to a halt. To avoid this, self-builders should aim to be aware of the guidelines they need to follow – having knowledge of the three main categories that rejection can come under can save a lot of time and money.

The first category relates to the principle of development; is the proposal located in an area where new housing will be acceptable, such as within an existing settlement or a designated development area, or is it a replacement property? Additionally, is the area near to potential environmental issues such as flooding, contamination or noise?

The second relates to the impact on heritage and the natural environment – tree conservation areas and existing wildlife, quite rightfully, have priority over houses, so the proposed plot must not negatively impact these.

Thirdly, it is important to review the proximity to immediate neighbours, including considerations such as property overshadowing, overlooking, and effects on amenity and privacy, as well as highways.

For self-building to become mainstream, the uncertainty associated with the planning process must be lessened. With this in mind, an innovative solution has been created at Graven Hill, a self and custom build development site in Bicester.

This location has the principle of development agreed on certain parts of the site through an outline planning permission. The local planning authority has confirmed a Local Development Order setting out guidelines which self-build houses must meet, such as the total size of the home and the maximum height, in order to avoid the necessity of planning permission.

These requirements are set out in a ‘plot passport’ for each self-build plot.

As long as the plot passport requirements are met, permission can be granted in 28 days, significantly faster than the eight weeks it can take for conventional applications. A pre-application advice service is also offered, allowing self-builders to discuss any queries or concerns they may have before the application process begins, providing them with further reassurance, and reducing the application time further.

Self-building is a concept which should be encouraged across the UK. As well as giving people control over their immediate environment, self-building provides individualism in house design, and cheaper housing for more people. The existence of Graven Hill proves that the tools are already there to help more people to take the selfbuild plunge, creating forever homes instead of stepping stones.

www.gravenhill.co.uk

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Acoustics

Acoustic performance in your self-build

Above: Acceptable levels of noise in reception rooms and other general living areas are below 50dB

Tom Wright, Managing Director of George Barnsdale, the window and door specialist, discusses what a self-builder should consider when specifying acoustic performance in windows and doors.

A

s a manufacturer of bespoke timber windows and doors, we are increasingly being asked about acoustic performance, but what do we mean by acoustics and what should a selfbuild customer or developer consider?

There are a number of things to consider. Firstly, what kind of noise do you want to stop? Where is it coming from? Where do you want to keep the noise out of? Often most sound will come through a window if it is single glazed, poorly fitted or has trickle vents. However, windows are only part of what you need to consider with walls, ceilings, the roof, air vents and fireplaces to take into account too.

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What is noise?

Acoustic noise can be anything from quiet but annoying to loud and harmful. This ranges from the annoying sounds coming from someone’s headphones on a train to a live rock concert or a jet engine at close quarters. Physically, sound is a longitudinal, mechanical wave and can travel through any medium, but cannot travel through a vacuum, which is why there is no sound in outer space! A normal conversation is 60dB, a lawn mower is about 90dB and a loud rock concert is about 120dB. In general sounds above 85dB are harmful, depending on how often you are exposed to them.

Why and when is acoustic performance an issue?

When building a home, it is important to consider the areas of your home that need to be quieter, for example, the bedrooms would need to be quieter than the kitchen and living areas. It sounds obvious but noise comes from inside and outside the building, with household appliances like refrigerators and televisions indoors and traffic noise, aeroplanes, even school children at play outdoors. Think about the location of your new home. Is it on a busy road? Is it next to a school and if so, does it matter if there is noise during the day time? Is there a pub or restaurant nearby that is likely to create a noise disturbance at night? Unreasonable levels of noise can have serious health consequences and it is important to consider this in your planning.

What do Building Regulations and Planning say?

Part E of the Building Regulations “resistance to the passage of sound” can be found online or is available from local planning authorities. It states: “Dwelling houses, flats and rooms for residential purposes shall be designed and constructed in such a way that they provide reasonable resistance to sound from other parts of the same building and from adjoining buildings.”

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Acoustics

How to reduce noise from outside?

Here: Double or triple glazing provides effective soundproofing and argon is preferable to air because it is a more dense gas

Mass is the best way of absorbing sound which means a thick concrete block wall stops more noise than one made of a light insulated block.

Therefore, with a window, the thicker the glass, the more sound will be absorbed. Windows and doors generally perform less well than walls and roofs.

Sound travels through any place there is air leakage which means that a window that performs well in an air test will also perform well in an acoustic test.

When selecting a window product, ensure that the whole window has been tested and not simply the glass unit.

The style of window also affects the acoustic performance and generally casement windows offer better performance because they form a tighter seal. However, our patented seal on our sliding sash windows means they are as good as most casement windows. Nevertheless, most other manufacturers struggle to provide a sliding sash window that performs as well acoustically as a casement.

Double or triple glazing provides effective soundproofing and argon is preferable to air because it is a more dense gas. If you want the optimal acoustic performance, krypton is an option but the difference in acoustic performance is marginal.

In terms of glass types, standard annealed glass is sufficient in most situations, but thicker glass is best and laminated glass gives optimal performance with an enhanced acoustic interlayer.

An acoustic sound engineer can be employed to advise on this, if required, and they will define the required Octave which we will refer to our detailed test data and accurately specify the best product.

Many glass manufacturers have their own data but it is important to bear in mind that this is for the centre pane only and will not take into account the frames and sashes. Pricewise, thicker glass is more expensive as is triple glazing and acoustic laminated glass.

Here: With a window, the thicker the glass, the more sound will be absorbed

It also states that construction of internal walls between a bedroom or a room containing a WC and other rooms should provide reasonable resistance to sound.

Extensive guidance is also given on the types of materials to use in the construction of external and internal walls and floors in a new build as well as guidance on conversions where there is a change of use, for example a large house being converted into flats. If an existing living room will become a bedroom, it could require wall and floor insulation treatment. For some historic buildings, it may not be entirely possible to improve the sound insulation to the standards

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set and guidance should be sought from your local planning office.

What levels of noise are acceptable inside a home?

World Health Organisation Guidelines state that a maximum of 40dB is recommended at night which corresponds to the sound from a quiet street in a residential area. People exposed to higher levels (55dB) similar to the noise from a busy street long term can trigger elevated blood pressure and heart attacks. Acceptable levels in reception rooms and other general living areas are below 50dB.

Correct installation is key The most optimally designed and manufactured window is only going to be effective if it is installed correctly. If there are gaps between the window and the wall, there is an opportunity for sound to enter the building. All possible entry points for noise should be sealed during and after installation, including gaps in and around the window frames and walls. It is essential to ensure the opening is level, free of debris and any gaps are filled to maximise performance.

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Staircases

Stairway to success When Suffolk-based April Groen embarked on a self-build project to create her own unique living space, she had very distinct ideas on how she envisaged the overall design of her property, both inside and out.

A

s with many self-builds, all had to be produced to a high specification and within a strict budget and time frame. This contemporary style building had a minimalist interior scheme. April wanted a simple and elegant staircase which would flow seamlessly into the main open plan

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living area without overpowering the general interior layout.

April said: “I didn’t want the staircase to ‘take over’ because it was coming off our main living area. I wanted an artistic design which would blend with my property’s design scheme, rather than dominate.”

She continued: “I managed the project and sourced everything on the internet and StairBox proved extremely competitive on price. I found the sales team responsive. If I phoned them I was able to speak to the same person each time which is important when you’re managing numerous different product purchases at the same time, as you are when you build a house.”

April first approached StairBox in December 2015 and once a quote was agreed, together with her architect, they began to collaborate with the StairBox team on a 3D design. She explained: “3D

Left: The staircase was constructed in a mix of light oak with a striking glass panelled mezzanine area Below left: The final design was a simple and elegant staircase

Staircases

Opposite: The staircase was constructed in a mix of light oak with a striking glass panelled mezzanine area

Below: The customer wanted oak and glass with carpeted MDF treads which is a popular choice to reduce noise

plans are always helpful because you can instantly visualise what the end product will look like. We had a gallery and a series of mono pitches and the stairs would follow the mono pitch of the double height ceiling above it. It was crucial to get this correct, so we worked together to get the measurements right.”

Throughout February 2016, April worked with Ian Wright from StairBox to steer the final staircase design. It was constructed in a mix of light oak with a striking glass panelled mezzanine area to create a light and spacious feel to the final construction.

April said: “Importantly, I didn’t want oak on the treads but just on the trims. To have oak throughout was an expense which wasn’t necessary – there was no point putting oak on the treads as I knew we were going to carpet them. StairBox was one of the few companies I approached which could offer exactly what I wanted in this respect.”

Ian commented: “The customer wanted oak and glass with carpeted MDF treads which is a popular choice to reduce noise and add an extra level of comfort underfoot. The final design was a simple and elegant staircase which worked well with the property. The mezzanine

area added to the grandeur of the opening to produce an airy, galleried area.”

By the end of February, the staircase was in situ and was a stunning addition to the new home.

April said: “A StairBox staircase is the right match for a self-build. It’s a good product for a competitive price. I’ve learnt a lot on this build and I would definitely use StairBox again. The product looks terrific and I am really pleased with it as it’s exactly how I envisaged it. And it came out at a price which was in my budget.”

www.stairbox.com

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Electricals

Top 5 electrical appliances for the kitchen Kitchen renovations are never a straight forward process and require meticulous planning. When thinking about which appliances to purchase, it’s important to consider what would be best suited to your kitchen design and the space available. These appliances will be used every day so it’s vital that they work on both a practical and aesthetic level. Here, online retailer ao.com unveils the top 5 must-have purchases for this hub of the home.

1. Washing Machines

3. Ovens

Traditionally, most UK houses have been built for washing machines to live in the kitchen, but with the recent debate over where to have the washing machine at home this has been brought to people’s attention.

You will need to think about whether to choose an integrated or freestanding model, or if you need a quieter model for an openplan layout. With a variety of drum capacities on offer, carefully consider what size washing machine is right for your space and lifestyle, with 10-13kg being a great choice for families and 7-9kg more suited to medium-sized households.

You should also consider what spin speed to opt for as some clothes benefit from being spun faster, such as towels, whereas you will want to turn the speed down to wash delicate clothing. Most washing machines now have a wide variety of wash programmes and some models even have built-in Wi-Fi, so you can control these smart washing machines when you’re out and about.

There are a lot of decisions to make when considering which oven to buy, from single, double, steam, built in or freestanding – it can be overwhelming! It’s important to think about the oven size, capacity and any specific features they have.

Single ovens are perfect for smaller spaces, while double ovens are multifunctional and built-in ovens can be installed at eye height, making it easier to keep an eye on what’s cooking. Most ovens offer many functions to make preparing meals nice and easy.

Fan ovens distribute heat across the whole cavity, cooking food evenly and consistently, while steam ovens lock in nutrients and flavours, perfect for cooking delicious and healthy meals.

2. Fridges Working around the clock, fridges are essential for keeping the weekly shop cool and food fresh. With a wide variety of integrated and freestanding fridges to pick from, it’s important to consider what space is available and how much food you need to store. Fridges that fit under the counter and larder fridges can store large amounts of food, ideal for busy households.

Fridges now come with lots of features including water dispensers, wine coolers and the latest frost-free technology, you’ll be spoilt for choice. There’s also plenty of colours and materials to help match your appliance to the colour scheme of your kitchen to create a stylish look.

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4. Cooker Hoods Cooker hoods are a kitchen must-have for getting rid of air, steam and cooking smells, which is especially important if you have an open plan layout. Extraction hoods, which are mounted to an external wall, filter the air by sending it outside.

If you can’t vent your cooker hood externally, you should go for a recirculating hood which can be installed anywhere in your kitchen. The extraction rate is also important to consider, as larger kitchens will require a higher extraction rate to ensure the air is changed quickly.

5. Kettle and Toaster Sets It’s also important to not forget about those smaller appliances – toasters and kettles are the key players in the morning breakfast routine. As they are out on display all the time, it’s worth investing in a matching set then you can easily complement the colour scheme of your kitchen.

ao.com

Floors, Walls & Ceilings

A first-time buyers guide to flooring Renovating your home is always an exciting time. But that isn’t to say that it doesn’t come with its own set of challenges. Whether you’re a new homeowner, an interiors novice, or already have experience in home design, it can be hard to know exactly where to start.

M

ost homeowners will begin with something small. Making changes to your furniture and other nonpermanent furnishings is certainly the easiest step to take. However, that doesn’t mean that it’s the most logical. If you’re looking to achieve the best results possible, you may have to look towards something more ambitious.

There’s one important rule that’s always best to keep in mind: Don’t forget about your flooring!

Flooring can often get overlooked during early renovation projects, but the effect it can have on your interior aesthetic is astonishing. Your flooring is the foundation upon which all good home improvements are made, so why don’t more homeowners start here?

The truth is, some people are intimidated by the flooring market. With a huge amount of options to choose from, it’s easy to get completely lost, and wind up back where you started, feeling confused and frustrated.

If this sounds like you, don’t worry, you’re not alone. We’re here to help get you on the right track. Here’s everything you need to know to get started:

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Solid vs engineered wood flooring There’s no doubt that you’ll have already come across hardwood flooring. As one of the most popular choices of flooring available, solid and engineered woods can be found in both residential and commercial properties across the globe. But knowing the difference between the two is vitally important.

Although solid and engineered boards look identical, they’re actually very different products.

Unlike solid boards – which are milled from a single piece of timber – engineered flooring utilises a compressed core of ply or HDF. The board is then finished with a layer of solid wood veneer for durability and appearances.

This separates the two materials for a number of reasons. Most prominently, engineered boards are less prone to warping and shrinkages when placed in the presence of moisture and humidity. This means that it’s the perfect alternative for those looking to get the classic look of wood flooring in their kitchens, conservatories, and areas of underfloor heating.

Laminate and LVT If you’re looking for the authentic charm of natural materials, but don’t want to spend a fortune on the initial costs, laminate and LVT are your next best choice.

Created with versatility in mind, both products are ideal for any area within your home, proving child friendly, water resistant, and easy to clean.

Whilst the two materials are similar in appearance, they differ in composition.

Laminate utilises a predominantly wood core, whereas most luxury vinyl tiles are manufactured using PVC. Both are finished with an aesthetic layer for heightened visual appearances, and a specially created finish to pacify scuffs and scratches.

Many homeowners worry that synthetic materials like laminate and LVT will look cheap, and offer less functionality than their natural counterparts. However, with recent advancements in flooring technology, this is no longer the case. Both offer photorealistic detail, and can be specially constructed to feature depth and texture on the surface.

Floors, Walls & Ceilings Know your carpets

Where to install

Finishing touches

Nothing beats the classic, cosy feeling of highquality carpeting. Whether installed in living rooms, hallways or bedrooms, carpet elevates your interior space, making it a welcoming and sophisticated place. But remember, not all carpets are created equally.

Carpets are available in a wide variety of materials, ranging from traditional wool to synthetic fibres. Both have their advantages, so it’s best to check which is most suited to your lifestyle. Whilst wool provides unparalleled softness and insulation, polypropylene is easy to clean, and therefore a better choice for busy, family households.

Carpet pile also varies, ranging from long and loose to short and dense. During the manufacturing process, the fabric may be cut to create a saxony finish, or looped for a durable berber design. Additionally, carpet backing is just as important as the pile, providing stability, flexibility, or a balance of the two. Always refer back to the type of room you’re looking to install in, and shop around for the most suitable product.

Now that you’re comfortable navigating the flooring marketplace, it’s imperative that you know where’s best to install your product. Whilst we’ve discussed this briefly in previous sections, it’s important that we explore this in further detail. This is because a room’s environmental properties can drastically affect the performance of your flooring.

Some choices are more obvious than others.

Damp areas, such as bathrooms, are not suitable for carpeting, and will reduce the lifespan of other natural products like solid and engineered wood. Remember to check for fluctuations in temperature when installing your flooring too.

Underfloor heating, direct sunlight, and heat from appliances will damage solid woods, but won’t affect their engineered counterparts.

Foot traffic is also a vital aspect to consider.

For areas of heavy footfall, you need to be sure that your flooring is up to the test, so choose a thicker plank or a denser pile. As mentioned above, laminate and LVT are the most versatile choice of flooring available. Consequently, they’ll always prove a safe bet, no matter where they’re installed.

The final embellishments to your flooring can often be the most effective. Whether it’s beading, skirting or stair nosing, each finishing touch will enhance your overall aesthetic. Accessories such as rugs can also add an extra dimension of texture and depth to your room, bringing your space to life.

For best results, keep your flooring clean, tidy, and free from debris. This will help prevent damages, and stop your flooring from fading over time.

www.luxuryflooringand furnishings.co.uk

Top far left: For areas of heavy footfall, you need to be sure that your flooring is up to the test Far left: Solid and engineered woods can be found in both residential and commercial properties across the globe Above left: Engineered boards are less prone to warping and shrinkages when placed in the presence of moisture and humidity Above: A room’s environmental properties can drastically affect the performance of your flooring

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Product Guide

Milbank Concrete Products launches revolutionary flooring: WarmFloor Pro Milbank Concrete Products is on a mission to change the way builders and developers think about flooring. With cost cutting, time saving and exceptional thermal efficiency in mind, Milbank has launched WarmFloor Pro – the new and improved insulated concrete flooring solution.

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educed initial construction costs and an increase in energy savings make WarmFloor Pro a compelling alternative to a standard beam and block floor. In combination with its certification and A+ Green Guide rating, WarmFloor Pro is proving to be a must-have addition to any new, eco-friendly development where keeping heating costs low is paramount.

WarmFloor Pro is suitable for almost any structure, but is most commonly used in housing, from single dwellings to complete housing developments. It offers a simple, cost effective, concrete insulated flooring solution to self-builders and construction professionals alike. Without the need for any specialist tools or skills, installation of WarmFloor Pro is efficient and streamlined whilst minimising waste and emission rates.

WarmFloor Pro works by combining rigid insulation modules (EPS panels) manufactured from lightweight closed cell expanded

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polystyrene which is laid in-between prestressed concrete beams – either 155 or 225mm deep – with an EPS top sheet, damp proof membrane and structural concrete topping. If required, underfloor heating can be incorporated with the pipework attaching to the EPS panels with plastic pegs before the concrete topping is applied.

WarmFloor Pro consists of six main EPS components that are available in two types of EPS; standard issue in white (0.038W/m²K) or alternative high-performance platinum in grey (0.031W/m²K). The six components are made up of Top Sheets – available in depths of 75 to 150mm, Infill Panels – available in 533mm for nominal 600mm beam centres and 343mm for reduced beam centres, and End Panels – available in both 178 and 300mm.

As every building is different, Milbank is well equipped to design your floor to achieve the specific targeted U-Values – reaching as low as

Above left: WarmFloor Pro is most commonly used in housing, from single dwellings to complete housing developments Above: Without the need for any specialist tools or skills, installation of WarmFloor Pro is efficient and streamlined

0.07W/m²K – together with the structural layout of the floor to suit. Milbank then manufactures the concrete components and supplies the materials – including the EPS panels – directly to your site.

WarmFloor Pro is currently available on a supply only or supply and installation basis using it vastly experienced installation teams.

WarmFloor Pro has many benefits including: Easy to install – does not require any specialist tools or skills Quick to install – each EPS panel is the equivalent length of five standard concrete blocks Cost effective – WarmFloor Pro is designed to save you money. Faster installation speeds combined with reduced waste and excavation removal allow for an increase in overall savings.

Bespoke – a wide range of EPS panel depths and grades are available to satisfy your U-value or budget requirements Sustainable – WarmFloor Pro is designed to last the lifetime of the building while maintaining its exceptional thermal performance Clean, safe and easy to handle – lightweight EPS panels only weigh around 2kg Underfloor heating compatible – heating pipework is simply held in place using plastic pegs that push into the EPS panels Proven technology – now in use for over 10 years Industry compliant – Milbank WarmFloor Pro is fully certified and has an A+ green guide rating

www.milbank.co.uk 01787 223931 info@milbank.co.uk

Product Guide

ZERO ACOUSTIC DOOR SEALS DESIGNED TO MEET THE "PART E" BUILDING REGULATIONS

THRESHOLDS

DROPSEALS

Energy efficient timber windows and doors Does your project require replacement windows or doors? The Sash Window Workshop specialises in manufacturing and installing high quality timber windows and doors. All of its new windows and doors are made to order at its workshop in Berkshire to meet your specific requirements.

Unless planning regulations prevent it, all of The Sash Window Workshop products are double glazed as standard. On installation, all new windows and doors are draught proofed to further improve the energy efficiency.

The company uses Accoya or durable hardwood for the external facing timber. These high quality timbers are stable and durable, allowing for minimum maintenance alongside maximum lifespan.

All work carried out by The Sash Window Workshop comes with extensive guarantees. New Accoya windows or doors come with a 50-year anti-rot guarantee, in addition to The Sash Window Workshop’s 20-year joinery guarantee. The aim is to be as environmentally friendly as possible.

Therefore, The Sash Window Workshop is FSC Certified, meaning that its timber comes from sustainable forests.

The company is also proud to be a Which? Trusted Trader and has a 5-star Trustpilot rating, highlighting its excellent customer satisfaction in both its product and customer service.

In addition to complete new windows and doors, The Sash Window Workshop also offers a wide range of services, including new sashes into existing window frames; draught proofing and overhaul; secondary glazing; and re-glazing existing timber windows.

To obtain a free, no obligation quotation contact The Sash Window Workshop today.

www.sashwindow.com info@sashwindow.com 01344 868668

FRAME SEALS

MEETING STILES

UK Buildings Regulations give minimum performance standards for acoustic door ratings in dwellings and public buildings.

Approved Document Part E, stipulates a performance requirement of 29 Rw. Furthermore schools and particularly music rooms in schools are covered in the regulations.

that we feel offers simple economic solutions to satisfying this sector.

Zero ‘Soundtrap Systems’ can easily meet these requirements, and with generous safety factors depending on the system chosen.

However to meet the basic 29Rw requirement we developed and tested a selection of sets

• Rabbeted thresholds for the floor

All sets independently tested to BS EN ISO 140-3: 1995 sound insulation tests by UKAS accredited laboratory.

• Frame seals for the door frame

• Automatic dropseals for the door bottom • Adjustable seals for the meeting stiles

ZERO SEAL SYSTEMS LTD UNITS 43-45 LADFORD COVERT SEIGHFORD STAFFORD ST18 9QG TEL - 01785 282910 E-MAIL - SALES@ZEROPLUS.CO.UK WWW.ZEROPLUS.CO.UK

Get i

nvolv If yo ed: produ u have a p c ro i-buil t that you’d ject or a d, we li k e ’d love to see you! S in to im edito ply email hear from r@mix o edme ur editor a diainfo or ad t du .c PR m s to your om ailing list.

Subscribe free to receive your invaluable self-build resource www.i-buildmagazine.com/subscriptions

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Product Guide

Left: The ScandFire can be freestanding or built into walls to save floor space Below left: The chimney and frame are made from pumice, which is sourced from the Hekla Volcano in Iceland

S Timeless appeal of ScandFire Introducing a ready-made DEFRA-approved and EcoDesign ready inset stove, with volcanic pumice building blocks – sourced from the Hekla Volcano in Iceland.

chiedel Chimney Systems, in collaboration with Firepower, has designed a new minimalist inset system featuring the Opus Tempo 70i stove within a highly insulating pumice-based frame and chimney. This one-stop solution for architects and designers allows a real fire to be specified for any new build, with the chimney and installation design work already done.

This design also won the Best Flueing and Ventilation category at Hearth and Home in Harrogate 2018.

Delivered as a complete package, the ScandFire is a timeless design which creates an eye-catching focal point for any home interior. While the wide viewing window fills the room with firelight, the stove’s natural convection spreads the warmth to every corner.

The ScandFire can be freestanding or built into walls to save floor space and keep that minimalist Scandinavian look. The chimney and frame are made from pumice, which is sourced from the Hekla Volcano in Iceland, and which not only keeps heat in, but prevents high temperatures on the surface, making it suitable for locations where a fireplace wouldn’t normally be recommended – perfect for timber-frame homes.

Features include: The complete solution – chimney breast, chimney and insert stove Designed with naturally insulating Pumice blocks Quick and simple to build Zero distance to combustibles DEFRA-approved for installation in Smoke Controlled Areas EcoDesign ready Choice of fire height Optional integrated log store

www.schiedel.com sales.uk@schiedel.com 0191 416 1150

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Perfect for making the most of a view out or for maximising the amount of light you let in, theEDGE2.0 sliding doors are a stunning addition to any project. Designed, manufactured and installed exclusively by IDSystems, theEDGE2.0 features 20mm intermediate sightlines and narrow frame depths, meaning the doors are incredibly slim whichever angle they are viewed from. Whether you’re in a rural location and wanting to make the most of the views or an urban spot looking to maximise the amount of light you let in, the large glass panels and slim frames are perfect for any type or style of project.

Product Guide

theEDGE2.0 by IDSystems: Minimal sightlines, maximum light

www.idsystems.co.uk/theedge 01603 408804 info@idsystems.co.uk

Extend your indoor-outdoor living area with Valverdi Valverdi Indoor-Out is a premium range of coordinating indoor and outdoor porcelain tiles.

Launched in 2013 and now a market leader in indoor-outdoor tiles, Valverdi provides an array of high quality porcelain tiles for both residential and commercial projects.

Creating an almost seamless transition from inside your home to your outdoor space, Valverdi Indoor-Out is able to extend your living area into your garden.

The Indoor-Out ranges of 20mm outdoor porcelain tiles are frost-proof with excellent slip resistance, and include a matching 10mm indoor porcelain tile range. Available to order in a wide range of colours, Valverdi Indoor-Out will transform your home, creating a stylish interior and coordinated exterior setting.

Natural stone, decking or paving slabs are prone to fading in the sun and often require regular sealing to prevent additional wear and tear. Valverdi outdoor tiles are fade proof, slip resistant and will not be affected by moss, mould or algae growth. With a high R11 anti-slip rating, the tiles can be used as patios, pathways, balconies, steps, terraces and swimming pool surrounds.

Valverdi offers a range of contemporary and traditional finishes including wood, stone and cement-effect designs. Various sizes are available to suit any project, from a small balcony space to large seating area.

www.valverdi.co.uk 0333 222 4024 info@valverdi.co.uk

Bring the outside in with Folding Doors 2 U Bifold doors or folding doors are high on the ‘must-have’ list for anyone improving their home or adding a new extension due to their ability to instantly change your living style by providing an unobstructed opening onto your patio or directly into your garden. FD2U timber bifold doors are manufactured from engineered timber to ensure structural stability and to help prevent twisting or warping. The range is available in standard Eucalyptus hardwood with European Oak also available to special order. All folding sliding doors are factory finished with either RAL colour paint finish or translucent stain finishes.

www.foldingdoors2u.co.uk 01621 834123 sales@foldingdoors2u.co.uk

The real difference in windows and doors The Genesis Collection of windows and doors has been created from a strong need for quality by design, which can make a real difference to a self-build or renovation project. Combining meticulous craftmanship with innovative manufacturing, the Genesis Collection delivers a range that really does stand out from the crowd. PVCu Vertical sliding and flush windows, sliding doors and patio doors and a range of aluminium options make up the Genesis Collection, featuring beautifully crafted joints that shows the difference really is in the detail. See the Genesis Collection in person at the National Self-Build and Renovation Centre in Swindon, open six days a week.

www.bisonframes.co.uk 0800 138 3838 sales@bisonframes.com

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Product Guide

Redefine your roof with Eternit slates Are you looking for stylish roof slates that are built to last? Eternit’s fibre cement slates help to create a unique exterior for your home, without compromising on performance. The Rivendale range is ideal for use on self build projects where a natural look is sought, as it combines modern technology with a traditional looking slate. Rivendale features a finely detailed surface with dressed edges and is available in striking Blue-Black and Cromleigh Graphite. The lightweight and easy installation of Rivendale makes it perfect for all refurbishment projects..

www.eternit.co.uk 01283 501555

A dedicated company

Kährs launches new LVT products Shown for the first time at BAU, Kährs Luxury Tiles is a comprehensive offering of over 170 high quality, non-repetitive, waterproof and phthalate-free luxury vinyl tile designs, finished with a highly durable and robust ceramic coating.

Kährs Luxury Tiles combine the beautiful and natural appearance of wood and stone with all the benefits of resilient flooring. The modern, highquality floors provide excellent durability even in areas with high traffic and are based on wood or stone designs in a variety of colours and looks, including stunning wood herringbone and patterned stone designs.

Kährs Luxury Tiles provide a wide range of vinyl flooring for all application areas, from the easy-to-install Click collection through to versatile Dry Back and flexible Loose Lay to the Marine collection, specially designed for the marine industry. A PVC-free range – Dry Back Enomer – is made from a unique material free from PVC, plasticizers, phthalates and halogens.

Kährs UK and IE Country Manager, Alex Davidson commented: “We have taken our core skills and knowledge from working with wood flooring for over 160 years with regards to innovation, product design, environmental supply chain and consumer considerations.

“The products have the highest specification and offer significant value when compared to what is currently on offer in the UK project market.”

Designs are available to view on the website, which are well suited and available to order for commercial and residential projects.

www.kahrsflooring.com

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0239 245 3045

sales@kahrs.com

Established in 1984, H.D. Services was initially set up as a cable percussion drilling and sewage treatment installation company, and now specialises in the niches of water supply, sewage treatment systems and heating solutions targeted predominantly at self-builders, developers and contractors. Attendance at a renewables conference in 2009 gave the company the necessary prod in a different direction, and it decided to turn its hand to the renewable heating market. Upon realising the potential for a water and heating solution of a singular nature, H.D. Services made the informed decision to start supplying open-loop ground source heat pumps (GSHP), which rely on groundwater as a heat source.

www.hdservicesltd.co.uk 01494 792000 enquiries@thehdgroup.co.uk

Carpentry firm is converted to Actis insulation after ScandiaHus project A home counties carpentry firm which has completed a project with Swedish timber frame specialist Scandia-Hus has become a convert to a range of insulation products which can eliminate thermal bridging. Reuben Sargent, Project Manager at RJS Carpentry Construction, has been singing the praises of insulating vapour control layer H’Control Hybrid, created by insulation specialist Actis, after using it on a new build in West Sussex. H’Control Hybrid is one of four specialist products in the Actis Hybrid range which also includes honeycomb insulation Hybris and two variants of an insulating breather membrane Boost’R Hybrid and Boost’R Hybrid Roof.

www.insulation-actis.com 01249 462888

GET IN TOUCH

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Welcome to the Genesis Collection.

CURITY PE R SE

We’d love to hear about your project!

We looked at the various window and door systems on the market and realised that none of them offer the style, quality and performance that we’d want in our own homes. It was the attention to detail that was missing, so we researched the market for New Build and Renovation – and selected the best products in each sector. And then we set about making them even better. The result is the Genesis Collection, a suite of windows and doors that includes:

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It’s the attention to detail that makes the difference www.genesiscollection.co.uk 0800 138 38 38

TheGenesisRange

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BIFOLD DOORS ADD THE WOW FACTOR Allow natural light to flood into your home with a contemporary aluminium roof lantern or bifold door from our range complete with solar control double glazing. Standard and bespoke sizes available at affordable prices.

Add the wow factor to your home extension or self-build.

sales@foldingdoors2u.co.uk

01621 834123

www.foldingdoors2u.co.uk