Homebuilding &Renovating BRITAIN’S NO.1 FOR SELF-BUILDERS AND HOME EXTENDERS
InsideBritain's best new homes ● An eco home built for just £115k ● Inspiring extension projects ● Amazing budget renovations
12 WAYS TO BOOST YOUR HOME'S KERB APPEAL
UNDERFLOOR HEATING THE ULTIMATE BUYING GUIDE
EXPERT ADVICE What to do if your builder goes bust Building control explained DIY dos and don'ts Renovation solutions
2022's
BEST HOME INNOVATIONS
HOW TO BUILD A
GREEN HOME ● Natural materials ● Green roofs ● Heat pump grants
C ONTENTS
ON THE COVER HOME OF THE YEAR REVEALED! Find out the winners of The Daily Telegraph Homebuilding & Renovating Awards 2021
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ESCAPE TO THE COUNTRY One couple converts a series of outbuildings in Shropshire into a home and holiday lets
BEYOND THE SEA An elegant new home masterfully integrates itself within the stunning Devonshire coast
A MODERN MAKEOVER A large, modern extension gives new life to a dated and inefficient cottage in Oxfordshire
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ON THE COVER 12 HOME ESSENTIALS FOR 2022 Discover the latest architectural features predicted by our self-build, renovation and extension experts
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INSIGHT The latest news, products, virtual events and ideas for self-builders, extenders and renovators
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ON THE COVER RENOVATION DIARY: TO DIY OR NOT TO DIY? Natasha Brinsmead explores the highs and lows of a hands-on project
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THE RENOVATION FILES: THIN BRICK WALLS Chartered surveyor Ian Rock explains the consequences of an inaccurate building survey and what to do to rectify an unstable house
THE LATEST FRONT DOORS Achieve the perfect finish with an efficient and stylish entrance door
ON THE COVER ASK THE EXPERTS Our experts answer your self-build and home improvement questions, including bathroom flooring, secondary glazing, planning applications and changing design plans
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ON THE COVER BEHIND THE DESIGN: GREEN ROOFS Architect Charlie Luxton details how a green roof can be included during the design phase and the costs involved
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ON THE COVER WHAT TO DO IF YOUR BUILDER GOES BUST Chartered surveyor Bob Branscombe advises on how to stay afloat if your project runs into tumultuous times
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ON THE COVER BUILDING CONTROL AND YOU Master builder Andy Stevens explains the role of building inspectors and why finding the right one for your project is essential for success
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ON THE COVER HOW TO CREATE KERB APPEAL From windows and doors to cladding and driveways — find out the best ways to boost your home’s first impression
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CONTRASTING EXTENSIONS Add space and architectural interest to any home with this architectural moodboard full of ideas for extensions which pack a punch
THE ULTIMATE BUYER’S GUIDE TO UNDERFLOOR HEATING Find out how to choose the right underfloor heating system to warm your home efficiently and cost-effectively
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A BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO SELF-BUILD Discover what you need to know about building your home from start to finish
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GREEN HOMES ECO IDEAS EVERY ISSUE
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GREEN NEWS From cutting-edge designs to innovative inventions, discover the latest in sustainability news and products
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REAL PROJECTS ON SITE A self-builder shares her experiences building an all-electric home for her retirement
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HOW GREEN IS YOUR HOME: IS PVC ALWAYS BAD? Expert Tim Pullen explores this commonly used material
ON THE COVER HEALTHY HOMES: NATURAL MATERIALS An explanation of the benefits and characteristics of non-synthetic materials
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ON THE COVER GREEN OPINION Energy-efficiency expert David Hilton debates the recent Heat and Building Strategy
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AMAZING HOME Delve into the design story of a striking self-build on a hillside
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AWARDS AWARDS 2021
2020
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AWARDS 2021 AWARDS
IMAGE: MARK ASHBEE
2020
WINNER B EST EXT ENS I O N SPONSORED BY
PROJECT House extension and renovation HOMEOWNERS Rachel and Matt Partridge ARCHITECT Miller & Howard Workshop Architects and Rachel Partridge from Design Decoded LOCATION Gloucestershire BUILD COST £700,000 (for extension and total renovation of original house)
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achel had a strong vision of how this family home should look and work and worked closely with the architects to ensure this was achieved. Her passion for biophilic design is evident throughout the house, with the glass extension allowing the internal spaces to feel firmly connected to the attractive surroundings that the house sits within. Despite the original building being built in the 1700s, the house still has impressive green credentials, thanks to a range of eco features.
JUDGE NATASHA BRINSMEAD SAYS When faced with a beautiful old building like this, it can be hard to know how to design an extension that does it justice — yet Rachel’s attention to detail and extensive research has meant that the old and new sections of the house work as one. The extension makes the very most of the views and garden without stripping any of the character from the original house. The split level layout creates an interesting, yet practical, broken plan layout.
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AWARDS 2021 AWARDS
IMAGES: JULIET MURPHY
2020
HI GHLY COMMEND ED B EST CO NVER S I O N PROJECT Extension and conversion of chapel HOMEOWNER Anastasya Martynova ARCHITECT Nikjoo LOCATION London BUILD COST £450,000
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nastasya approached the conversion of this previously neglected Victorian chapel with playful confidence. From the new mezzanine level, which creates an airy workspace overlooking the kitchen, to the gothic dark-grey render on the exterior, the chapel’s reinvigoration is an extraordinary triumph. JUDGE DARREN BRAY SAYS The chapel is an exquisite demonstration of how to add a new,
sleek, contemporary interior shell to an existing building. Once forgotten and mundane, the building now has beautiful natural finishes, with sunlight streaming into the mezzanine level. This is an example of how to carefully and sensitively deal with an existing structure. Work like this takes skill, care and attention to detail — but the reward is the special moments where features and quirks are revealed, and where you have to respond to existing conditions within the building.
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AWARDS 2021 AWARDS
2020
WINNER B E S T VA L U E H O M E SPONSORED BY
PROJECT Green self-build
IMAGES: MARK ASHBEE
HOMEOWNERS Ian and Justine Jones ARCHITECT Self-designed with Passiframe LOCATION Gloucestershire BUILD COST £115,000
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his incredible energy-efficient home was a true labour of love for Ian and Justine. Ian took on a vast amount of work himself to keep costs within the impressive budget of just under £680/m2. The high quality and stylish finish of the house’s interiors is testament to Ian’s dedication and motivation. The Passivhaus design also features renewable technology.
JUDGE AMY REEVES SAYS Building a stylish new family home from scratch for less than £120,000 is a fantastic feat in itself, but for that property to be airtight and efficient enough to be currently testing for Passivhaus certification beggars belief! The self-build is a testament to the couple’s hard work and dedication and is a real inspiration.
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spotlight on: retrofitting an old cottage A goal for a sustainable home drove Henry and Jacqueline’s decision to extend the cottage, rather than replace it entirely. “New builds don’t attract VAT whereas extensions and refurbs do,” says architect Fred Guttfield. “The Victorian part of the house was a handsome, well-built functioning structure. It needed some upgrades, including insulation, but we felt it would have been wrong to knock it down and start again.” It was therefore decided that the bolt-on extensions from the 1960s and 1990s, which weren’t as well built as the original cottage, would be demolished to make way for a new, large addition. “An internal lining system was applied to the masonry walls and a lightweight metal frame was installed, with insulation between the framing and plasterboard over the inside,” explains Fred. “The cottage needed to be re-plastered internally anyway, so this turned out to be a two-in-one solution.” The entire build-up of the system only added about 80mm to the inner face of the walls, so it hasn’t had a detrimental effect on overall floor area within the cottage. Upgrades to the thermal performance of the cottage allowed for another ecologically forward-looking addition, in the form of a ground source heat pump. “The initial outlay for this type of tech can seem a bit daunting, but it was very important to us and we knew it would benefit us going forward,” says Henry.
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AWA R D S
LIVING ROOM Henry and Jacqueline spent a long time deliberating over what type of glazing they would install in the living room. Though bifold doors would have provided an unbroken link with the garden when the doors
S H O RT L I S T E D
were drawn back, in the end they couldn’t ignore the super-slim framing offered by sliders, providing excellent views all year round without the thicker vertical mullions of a bifold setup. All the glazing in the extension is triple glazed.
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B UI L D ING
WIS D OM
WHAT TO DO IF YOUR BUILDER GOES BUST It’s a scenario that has many of us waking up in a cold sweat, but your self-build dream needn’t become a nightmare
BOB BRANSCOMBE is a chartered surveyor with 30 years’ experience running residential and commercial projects
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Prepare well
Before you appoint your builder or tradesperson, consider these precautions: Choose your builder wisely — research not just the previous projects they have worked on, but also how long they have been in business, their turnover, and the number of projects they currently have. You are looking to ensure they have the experience, supply chain and robust financial resources to manage your project.
Be wary if your builder is a lot cheaper than the competition. This can often indicate that they are struggling, and are ‘buying work’ to get cash into their firm as quickly as possible, without considering the profit requirement or need to cover costs — short term bandages over a larger problem. Set up your contract documents to ensure that work is priced per item rather than in single stage payments, and then value and pay for the work as it is done. Paying for work in arrears ensures that if the worst happens the cost to complete is the same as the amount of money left in the budget. Before appointing your builder, make sure they understand and are happy to work to this ‘accrual’ method, where for each valuation period the works are measured against the cost plan, and the amount to be paid accurately
reflects the work carried out on site. Get any upfront payments out the way before you start. If your kitchen requires a deposit, consider making this payment directly, rather than putting it through the builder’s books. That way, if the builder goes bust, the kitchen is still yours, paid for and waiting for you to collect. Agree payment terms and timings. This protects you from ‘front loading’ (payments for items not yet built) and allows the builder to plan their cashflow, supplies and any supplier credit facilities around an accurate understanding of the timings of payments.
Stay vigilant
Once works are up and running, there is much more risk, because you will have a lot less control over your builder when they are building your project. A close
IMAGE: GETTY IMAGES
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blade hanging over the heads of all self-builders, a nightmare, the end of days! Or is it? I don’t wish to downplay the seriousness of this scenario, but preparation, vigilance and calm are all low cost, high value ways to minimise the impact of this occurrence. Here’s how this translates into action:
watching brief is key here; you cannot prevent a firm going under, but you can try to spot early warning signs, which might help mitigate the problem. Be wary of frequent requests for money that fall outside your planned sequence of payments. If the payment cycles are monthly, and your builder is chasing additional payments a week into the process, underlying cashflow issues might be in play. Cashflow problems can slow down work, especially when it requires expensive kit, finishes or materials. They can also lead a builder to seek to minimise their expenditure while trying to still get valuations to release cash. If a builder isn’t answering their phone, or is generally hard to get hold of, this might indicate problems. The more a builder encounters cash and resourcing issues, the harder it is for them to respond to questions and challenges from their client, so there is a tendency to hide away. If you think your builder is struggling to resource and carry out the works, you need to discuss your concerns with them. It is possible that you can assist with direct payments for materials, which may ease cash pressure on the builder, while putting the ownership of the materials with you rather than them. This is not ideal ordinarily, but does enable you to help your builder without exposing yourself to excessive risk by paying for works that may not be delivered, or materials that can’t be procured because merchants will no longer advance the builder credit. Try to avoid making single payments out of pressure to be helpful, as this increases your risk — when you pay out money that is not based on actual work done, you are putting that cash on the line if your builder goes bust. Better to offer to decrease the intervals between payments, for instance moving to weekly valuations to assist the builder’s cashflow. Obviously they would still have to
do the work before you pay for it (paying in arrears is the golden rule, remember!), but they won’t have to wait a month. If you must make an advance payment, for instance if you’re ordering a manufactured item, look into vesting arrangements and insurance for the goods when the payment is made. If your builder does go out of business, the vesting certificate will give you the right to collect your kit directly from the factory, where it should be labelled and set aside for your job.
Calm heads prevail
Let’s assume that your builder has gone bust, and they can’t finish your project. If you have paid in arrears, and only for the works that have been finished, then the money left in your budget will still be available to finish the scheme (though there are always some costs that become apparent when re-procuring). In addition: Make sure you have all the paperwork that goes along with construction — test and completion certificates, drain test results, installation drawings for wiring, and so on. If a tradesperson has gone out of business, it is tempting to think you don’t have to pay them any more, but exercise caution and make sure you can get the records and information to guarantee that any work already completed is fit for purpose. It is good risk management (and good ethics) to consider the money owed to the builder, and whether you should pay this in return for all the pertinent documents, records and information they have amassed. You’re not paying for anything that has not been built or installed, just securing your investment. Visit the site and ensure it’s secure. Locks and codes should be changed, and all tools, including the builder’s own equipment, should be kept safe and secure. For the latter, the insolvency specialists will want to understand the scale and scope of it. Avoid side deals with the builder such as ad hoc cash payments to
get them to finish the work. Firstly their insurance may well be invalid as they are insolvent, secondly they will have people who have not been paid and will consider you a source of cash. They may also be devoting as much time to their resurgence as they are to your job. In practice, a new team is almost always the best way forward. Schedule out the works remaining, even if this adds a week or so of delay. While the work is halted, clean up the site, take stock, revisit your specification and works schedule, and write down everything left to be completed. This will shape the new schedule when you re-procure the works. Don’t be impatient, don’t panic, and don’t necessarily go with the first builder you approach after the insolvency. You don’t want to be seen as desperate or in trouble, otherwise you could attract ‘ransom’ costs. The phrase ‘sharks in the water’ springs to mind! Get in touch with any builders or trades who were due to be next on site, and tell them what’s going on, including the need for delay. You don’t want the windows turning up on site when the walls are still only 500mm above ground level! Be open and frank with the supply chain, rather than hoping everything will be fine and trying to catch up. As soon as finding someone becomes urgent, you open yourself up to having to pay a premium for your impatience! View the situation as a setback, not a crash. If you have set up your scheme correctly, you’ll know your cost to complete for every single day to date, and will have been managing work (and value engineering where necessary) to ensure that it is covered by your remaining budget. In this case, builders disappearing is a challenge to timing and production schedules rather than a cost problem. In conclusion, having a builder or contractor become insolvent is not a game stopper. There are always more builders, and always more than one option when the worst happens!
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D ES I GN
MA STER CLA S S
How to create
kerb appeal
Never underestimate the importance of kerb appeal — it sets the tone for all that lies beyond and affects how you and visitors view your home
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NOTE NEIGHBOURING PROPERTIES If your new home is to be in close proximity to other properties, whether set between them or just next door, it is worth noting their proportions when developing your own design. “Responding to the context of a site does not mean that you have to copy the dwelling next door,” says architect David Nossiter of David Nossiter Architects. “However, when elevational elements align across buildings, such as eaves heights, roof ridges, cill, window and door heights, generally a more satisfying and unifying composition results.” There is nothing to say that your home’s style, materials or overall design has to mimic that of surrounding dwellings, but a subtle nod to the vernacular in general will often help a house settle well into its setting.
WORDS: NATASHA BRINSMEAD; IMAGE: JEREMY PHILLIPS * REHAU
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he term ‘kerb appeal’ refers to the attractiveness of a home’s external appearance, particularly the way it looks when viewed from the street — that all-important first impression that moulds the opinion of every visitor. A recent study* found that 68% of house-hunters would offer more money for a home with kerb appeal, showing just how crucial external appearance is. Designing a home with universally aesthetic appeal is a tall order. Here, we offer some golden rules for creating kerb appeal, talking to architects to pull in some of the best advice around for ensuring your house looks perfect.
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A R C HI T EC T U R A L
MOOD BOA R D
Contrasting
extensions
IMAGE: RICHARD DOWNER
Want to add space and visual interest to your home? Take a look at this inspiring selection of extension projects, all of which shun the idea that a new addition should match the old building
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eople used to feel that extensions should, as closely as possible, match the building they were being added to. While this undoubtedly produces some seamless and sympathetic additions, it can also create spectacularly bad results. The worst ‘matching’ extensions feature ugly seams between old and new, materials that almost, but don’t quite, look the same and rooflines that sit awkwardly together. In many cases it is a far better idea to design the extension to sit in complete contrast to the original house in order that both sections can shine in equal measure.
There is no reason why a contrasting extension has to be whacky or ‘out there’ either. Sometimes, just a selection of different materials or a shift in the shapes and forms used in the design are enough. Finally, remember, even when designing an extension that is distinctly different from the original building, it is important to take into account what you already have, to reflect it and creating subtle nods to certain angles, colours, shapes or architectural details. Do a good job of this, and no matter how different the two sections of the house are, they will sit harmoniously together.
THE GLASS BOX EXTENSION This stunning glass extension was designed by van Ellen + Sheryn. It links the 19th-century farmhouse to an adjacent barn and provides unbroken views over the Dartmoor National Park that it sits within.
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I N PA R T N E R S H I P W I T H W W W. P R O F I X PA N E L . C O . U K
Underfloor heatıng
WORDS: MICHELLE GUY IMAGE: JEREMY PHILLIPS
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Efficient, space-saving, warm underfoot and affordable — underfloor heating is an effective heat solution for self-builds and retrofits alike. Here’s how to choose which option is right for your home
LOW PROFILE Nu-Heat LoProRMax system being installed in a renovation project.
C O M MON U ND ERFLOOR HEATING QU ES T I O NS, A NS WERED ! HOW EFFICIENT IS UFH COMPARED TO RADIATORS?
A typical wet UFH installation can provide the same heat output as a radiator system, despite running at lower temperatures, making it an efficient heating system. UFH systems put less demand on your boiler than a traditional radiator system because they can operate at a lower temperature, around 40˚C compared to 65˚C respectively.
IS UFH CHEAPER TO RUN THAN A RADIATOR SYSTEM?
The initial outlay of UFH is higher than what you’d pay to put radiators in but the running costs are generally lower for wet underfloor heating. It’s a slightly different story with electric UFH. Electric systems can cost around three times more to run than warm water UFH paired with a gas boiler. “Despite running at lower temperatures, a typical UFH installation can provide the same heat output as a radiator system with running costs typically around 15% lower. For every one degree reduction in temperature, it’s calculated that you can save 10% off your heating bills,” explains Ian Rock.
IMAGE: NU-HEAT
SHOULD I LEAVE THE SYSTEM ON ALL YEAR ROUND?
“No, you don’t have to keep (wet) underfloor heating on throughout the summer when you’re unlikely to need heating,” says Jo Snell, self-build manager at Nu-Heat. “Once winter approaches, it is more efficient to keep it on, particularly if the underfloor heating is buried in a screed. This is because the
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screed acts as a thermal store, so it takes time and energy to heat it but once up to temperature it holds that heat. By keeping the underfloor heating on, using a set back temperature, your home will stay perfectly warm and use little energy to maintain that temperature.” And what about an electric system? “Electric underfloor heating is mostly left on all the time but will not be actually active as the thermostatic controller will manage the times that heat is required as well as the amount of heat that is required,” says David Hilton. “You can also put timers on the system so that the controller does not call for heat when the room is not going to be occupied.”
WILL UFH RAISE THE FLOOR LEVELS?
“Underfloor heating will usually raise the profile of the floor,” says Tim Pullen. “The amount it is raised by will depend on a number of factors such as how much insulation you need to add, pipe size, and whether you need a screed plus the floor finish. “There are also some products that get ‘carved’ into an existing screed, in which case there would be no additional build up other than the final floor finish. “If you want to retrofit a warm water system, then lowprofile systems are a good option.”
HOW FLEXIBLE IS UFH?
“UFH is incredibly flexible,” says Jo Snell from Nu-Heat. “You can choose from a bespoke design for an entire house, no matter the size; have just the ground floor with underfloor heating and radiators upstairs; or choose to have underfloor heating in one space (typically a kitchen/living area).”
T HE
HEA LTHY
HOME
Natural materials explored Versatile, healthy and sustainable: there are many good reasons to choose natural materials for your build, says Hugh Metcalf
hugh metcalf Is Digital Editor of Homebuilding and has worked on a range of home and design magazines
IMAGE: CLAYWORKS
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atural building materials are widely used in construction already, and while some, like timber, are commonplace for selfbuilders and the housebuilding industry alike, other construction methods and natural materials in building are more niche — the preserve (at present, anyway) of those looking to create an eco house with holistic green credentials. However, as interest in building a healthy, greener home grows, so do the reasons to look at natural materials.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?
There are many reasons for using natural building materials in your self-build or
extension scheme. To name but a few: ● Natural building materials on the whole have less embodied carbon and less embodied energy used in their production. ● They’re less likely to emit toxic VOCs than non-natural materials, ensuring indoor air quality is preserved. ● Natural building materials are more likely to be recyclable, re-usable or even biodegradable at their end of life. ● Using natural materials for internal and external finishes can help foster a connection to nature, one of the key principles of biophilic design, that is linked to myriad health benefits, including improved mental health.
A NATURAL FINISH Manufactured in Cornwall, Clayworks produce unfired clays mixed with minerals and pigments to provide healthy, breathable finishes for internal walls and ceilings.
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IMAGE: OSKAR PROCTOR
HOME-GROWN Practice Architecture’s Flat House, built on a hemp farm, uses hempcrete within a timber frame, left exposed in the interior.
WHAT NATURAL BUILDING MATERIALS CAN YOU BUILD A HOME WITH?
Sustainable timber is, by far, the most commonly used natural building material in construction. From prefabricated and stick built timber frame, oak frame to cross-laminated timber, the options for self-builders and home extenders are numerous. Timber is also incredibly versatile — it can be used for cladding and joinery, as well as all kinds of internal finishes. It is durable, structurally strong and surprisingly fire-resistant as a material. Carefully specifying the timber for your build will ensure it’s sustainably sourced from responsibly managed forests — look out for Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification, for instance. Also bear in mind that some timber is treated with toxic preservatives that can off-gas, but this is less of an issue with modern timber than it has been in the past. Cob building is, in essence, building a home with mud. Cob is a type of sub-soil that contains clay and straw, binding it together into a material that can be used to sculpt a home. It’s an incredibly labour-intensive process, but it can be used to create eco-friendly, highly individual builds. What’s more, it can be a virtually a zero-carbon home build,
with the only emissions coming from fuel for plant such as diggers. Cob walls are super thick, meaning it’s not an ideal build method for a small plot, but it does yield a thermally efficient home, especially where passive solar gain is taken into consideration. “Cob is the most comfortable of any material I have ever lived in, is well insulated and regulates humidity as well as temperature,” says Kevin McCabe of Build Something Beautiful, a specialist in building homes with cob. Straw bale is a surprisingly versatile natural building material. It is typically used as infill material working alongside a timber frame to provide an efficient insulation and a wall surface for the build. Straw bale buildings are generally finished with lime render and lime or clay interior finishes, creating a breathable fabric that regulates the internal air quality and keeps damp at bay. According to Straw-bale Building UK, the UK produces enough straw to build 600,000 houses each year, but much of this goes to waste. “Whatever size and complexity you are aiming for, the mantra for straw bale design is the same as for all natural buildings: ‘a good hat, a good pair of boots, and an overcoat,’” explains Barbara Jones, one of the UK’s leading
expert in building homes with straw bales. Ensuring the material is protected from the elements is key. Finally, companies such as ModCell have also developed low-carbon modern method of construction using panel timber walls insulated with straw bale. Cork is a naturally occurring material that is sustainably produced, cork is already used for many internal applications, such as flooring, as well as cladding. However, its applications as a building material are just starting to be explored. Matthew Barnett Howland’s award-winning Cork House, built in 2019, shows how cork could be used as a single material to build solid walls and a roof as an alternative to the layered building envelope (inner and outer walls, plus cladding) typical of modern house building. The cork blocks used for the structure were completely dry-jointed, meaning no mortars or adhesive were used. This ensures that the cork can be reclaimed and repurposed at the end of the building’s life. In addition to natural building materials that can be used to build the superstructure, there is an abundance of choice when choosing other key components of your build — from cladding, render, and interior finishes, to natural insulation (see over the page).
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