This was our biggest project to date and as such we needed to approach it in a different manner.
At Hampton Court Homes, we pride ourself on the service we offer and one of the features that sets us apart is the fact that most of the work is carried out by our in house team. On this job it required additional specialists to assist. The site included an existing bungalow which, it was decided, we would demolish. So we instructed a specialist demolition team to dismantle and remove the existing structures. They also carried out the ground works. The ground works being digging the foundations, or “footings” as they are know in the industry, and the drainage required for the new house. When the right machinery or “plant” is used, the job is fairly quick. The concert is supplied via a cement mixer lorry and pump which makes during the foundations a few hours job.
As with many modern houses, the architect had specified a timber fame structure. This can often confuse people as when they see a seemingly brick built house it can be confusing to understand. A brief explainer: The main structure or frame of the building is built from structural timber. This structure is then insulated and then basically “clad” in whatever facing or finishing material is required. In this case we used bricks which are connected to the timber via brick “ties.”
We installed “Posi joists” which are timber and aluminium allow easy access for pipe work and cabling and are lighter than solid timber. It makes for a much simpler job for the electricians and plumbers!
We installed a “wet” under floor heating system (as opposed to electric) thought the house. The easiest way to explain how it works is to imagine a long, snaking pipe under the floors which is basically just a big radiator. It takes a bit of getting used to how it heats up and cools down but it has a few benefits. The first being, no radiators required, thus freeing up valuable wall space for furniture. The second is efficiency. Although more expensive to install, the wet system, coming directly from the boiler, is far cheaper to run. And finally, it does feel very luxurious when walking around in bare feet, especially on tiled floors.
Our client for this build was a wheel chair user so extra consideration was required. Modern building regulations dictate door thresholds and socket heights have to bee fitted for disabled access. In this instance we fitted “pocket doors’ i.e. sliding doors that go into the wall cavity. This gives far better access and is also a bit fancy too!
The downstairs ensuite bathroom include a walk in shower with wet room floor. With no shower tray lip to consider it gives both easy access and a vert smart modern look. With a fixed panel, glass shower screen it really did look the business!
The kitchen was fairly standard, with just a height consideration. As with most work we carry out these days, the open plan look with kitchen island is pretty standard. With a composite, quartz or stone work top, it’s really where the “wow” factor comes in. A few other non-standard items included a boiling tap, which I personally am a big fan of. Instant boiling water and not having to wait for kettles to boil. What’s not to love?
An important thin to remember as the project progresses, is to make sure the builder is getting the required visits from Building Control. Specific things they want to inspect are as follows: the foundations or “footings” to check they are deep and wide enough. Usually dug with a digger and filled with pre-mixed, pared concrete; the steel work, both how it is connected and clad in the correct plasterboard; the below ground drainage; air extraction, both kitchen and bathrooms; insulation, to insure it meets current thermal requirements; electrical certification; and final sign off visit. It is the responsibility of your builder to ensure these things are inspected (best to take photos as you go) at the right time, but good idea for clients to have a note of. Always speak to them about what they are expecting to see and when, and if in doubt, call them out! Always ensure the final visit and certification has been carried out before you settle the final invoice!
When choosing glazing there are a few things to consider. I would always recommend local suppliers so you can go and try them out and discuss the process of fitting. Glazing is a very expensive part of a build and it is something you will using and looking at a lot, so take some time to investigate. I personally prefer sliding doors to bi-fold doors as they spend more time closed than open and the more glass, the better! It dies rather depend on the size of opening, less than there meters and you may find bi-folds better.
Another consideration for larger projects and builds is the landscaping. The cost to re-do a garden or front driveway is surprisingly high so will need to be priced in. Having said that, I would also advise making sure the inside is as you want it as the exterior can always be done at a later date.
The drive way we had laid was a “resin bond” drive. It looks like gravel but acts like a permeable tarmac. If you lay a hard standing like block paving, you have to ensure the rainwater will drain back into the ground and not the drains. The “soft landscaping” i.e. the planting was carried out by gardeners as they were better equipped to cultivate, lay turf and recommend the best plants.
As with many projects, the time frame is always slightly difficult to ascertain, but if planning to rent during the works, plan in six month blocks as a short term let is very expensive!
42 Hurst Rd, Molesey,
East Molesey KT8 9AG,
United Kingdom
Phone: +447947040890