The Building & Renovating Guide 2020

BUILDING & RENOVATING GUIDE PLAN I MANAGE I COST I CONVERT | EXTEND | HEAT

Included within the September & October 2020 issue of

BUILDING & RENOVATING GUIDE 2020

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BUILDING & RENOVATING GUIDE 2020

PLANNING

A bright state-of-the-art home stands out in its lush, green setting.[Below] The simple geometry of lines and right angles belie the physics involved in staircase design

Before you embark on a home project, start researching.

A brand-new house, an extension or a kitchen conversion, the scale and size of the job doesn’t matter, but the quality does. This year’s Building & Renovating guide continues to be the definitive source for those who want expert advice from the best in the business...

FINANCE A SELF-BUILD You might think that you have to be well off to build your own home, but it’s possible for anyone to successfully fund a project. The combined cost of land purchase, materials and labour will generally be less than buying an equivalent pre-built property. The best place to start is with your budget – normally the total of your savings, equity in your existing home and borrowing capacity. It’s easy to overspend on a self-build project, often as a result of a kitchen upgrade or unexpected costs. It’s essential that you include a contingency fund within your budget of at least 10 per cent. After that,

the most important thing to consider is cash flow – will there be sufficient funds available to meet financial obligations over the course of the build? If a builder is carrying out the entire project and is registered with the National House Building Council you will benefit from an NHBC Buildmark Warranty.

This is a 10-year residential warranty and insurance cover for newly-built houses and conversions. You can check if your builder is registered with the NHBC at www.nhbc.co.uk.

If the home won’t be NHBC registered, you must employ an architect or an RICS qualified surveyor before the foundations are in place. ៉ They’ll need professional indemnity

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PLANNING

insurance to supervise the construction, and will need to provide the certification confirming the standard of construction.

Without any of this documentation, future resale potential may be affected. With a Scottish Building Society Self-Build Mortgage you can borrow up to 80 per cent of the total cost of the land and construction costs or valuation, whichever is the lower, making the whole build process more flexible. A self-build mortgage may also be suitable if you are taking on a renovation, conversion or extending your existing property. A self-build mortgage differs from a regular house purchase mortgage in that the money is released in stages as the build progresses, rather than in one single amount. Your mortgage provider can help you put a plan together and should keep you informed on the benefits of self-build – such as the treatment of VAT on building work.

You’ll find further details in the HM Revenue & Customs leaflet ‘VAT refunds for ‘do it yourself’ builders and converters’. Several things can impact on your build, not least the Scottish weather. Scottish Building Society

SELF-BUILD’S MOST COMMON MISTAKE An architect’s service doesn’t stop at gaining Planning & Building Warrant. The construction phase is where the money is being spent and overseeing this work is a large part of the service. Some contractors will persuade you that you don’t need this input (to save money!) creating potential for

“Creating a beautiful building that works brilliantly takes many years of training and experiecnce”

projects to go badly wrong.

Colin Potter, Principal, Architeco

WHAT SHOULD YOU PREEMPT AT PLANNING It’s one thing to find a builder and quite another to find the right builder. Seek out building firms that are accredited and have the right insurances and experience of the specific type of work you need doing, who can deliver your project for the right price, and whom you feel you can trust and get along with. Our Find A Builder tool is free-to use and enables you to search for Master Builders in your area.

Gordon Nelson, Federation of Master Builders, FMB Scotland Director

REASONS TO COMMISSION AN ARCHITECT To save hassle – if you choose wisely, your architect will have built up relationships with many of the people, companies and local authority who will play a role in your project, and will understand the limitations and possibilities for your project and how to best exploit these to your maximum gain.

This gives you access to a vast amount of knowledge and expertise in just one person.

The biggest self-build failures occur when people underestimate how difficult and time consuming the building process can be

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To save money – sounds counter intuitive but by appointing an architect you will save money because they will be able to advise

you on how and when to wisely spend your budget, give you tips and tricks as to how to make it look like you’ve spent loads of money when you haven’t. Furthermore they’ll help you avoid spending money unnecessarily by considering an overview of the project right from the outset.

To save time – your architect knows the stages of the project and will be able to explain the order of battle to help you understand the sequencing of the building works. Your architect can provide a programme for the project, to keep builders on track, and chase suppliers.

To avoid mistakes being made – your architect is the one individual among the building team that has a complete project overview. Working in collaboration with the builder will help ensure that what has been designed for you is actually what is built on site. An architect will check complex fabrication drawings and understands how every item fits together.

For the beauty – it sounds like a cliché but creating a beautiful building that works brilliantly takes many years of training and experience. It’s not easy to balance all the competing interests. Your architect is uniquely placed to be able to do this for you.

Marie-Louise Dunk, Director on behalf of JAMStudio Ltd

Make your dream home a reality With a specialist Self-Build Mortgage from the Scottish Building your dream home can be incredibly rewarding. But it takes plenty of hard work too.

That’s why it’s important to choose a mortgage provider who’ll support you every step of the way.

With a Self-Build Mortgage from the Scottish, funds are released in stages as the work progresses. And, we can help you with your plans, budgeting, and offer advice on many aspects of the process.

Flexible staged release mortgage Borrow up to 80% of the total land and construction costs or valuation (whichever is lower) Expert assistance and underwriting

To find out more, call us today on 0345 600 4085 or visit scottishbs.co.uk

Rewarding Membership Scottish Building Society is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority (Register No. 206034).

Member of the Building Societies Association and UK Finance. Scottish Building Society, SBS House, 193 Dalry Rd, Edinburgh EH11 2EF.

YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE.

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7470 wall hung stove, £2,199, Morsø

EXPERT ADVICE The latest economic and environmentally friendly options for heating your abode...

Many brands are experimenting with new, innovative materials that make your radiator far more energy efficient and eco-friendly. For example, Bisque offers a range of radiators crafted from recycled aluminium, which is incredibly lightweight, meaning they heat up and cool down far quicker than traditional steel radiators.

High heat outputs allow for slimmer profiles, meaning they are great spacesaving options as well.

Andy Keeley, Head of Marketing, Bisque

Come 2022, all new wood-burning stoves sold will need to meet with new Ecodesign regulations that requires much higher efficiencies and very low emissions.

Alex Dolby, Managing Director, Bonk & Co

Lissett LI-60-100 radiator, from £628, Bisque

An Ecodesign-ready wood burner produces up to 90 per cent fewer emissions than an open fire and up to 80 per cent fewer than a stove manufactured over 10 years ago.

Homes within Smoke Control Areas also need a stove that is Defra approved. A Defra-approved design isn’t necessarily Ecodesign ready and vice versa, so it’s important to choose a stove that complies with both.

Chris Baines, MD, Mendip Stoves

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BUILDING & RENOVATING GUIDE 2020

Charnwood Aire 3, from £996, Bonk & Co

HEATING

Feel the heat HEATING YOUR HOME WILL generally be the most expensive of all your utilities, especially if you’re living in Scottish climes... so, it’s certainly worth taking some time to weigh up your options and see which method of heating is right for you and your house.

If environmental factors aren’t high on your list of considerations, you might be living in the past. There are clean energy incentives in place (some people make extra cash by selling their solar energy back to the grid) and, as of 2022, certain wood-burning stoves will legally be under fire. From January 2022 new air quality controls are being introduced which state any stove sold must meet the new, lower Defra (Department of Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs)

levels. A Defra-aproved stove will produce less smoke, therefore complying with the Clean Air Act. Planning to heat your home with a wood-burning stove?

You’ll need to make sure any appliance you buy complies with these standards or face a hefty fine. Luckily, there are plenty of stoves which meet Defra’s standards, which means you can still have the charming, traditional look without any of the headaches.

With access to outdoor space, a heat pump could be a great option. It’s very common in Sweden and relies on a process of bringing heat in from the outside and pumping it through the house. There are four different types, including a hybrid version which works alongside a standard gas boiler. And yes,

Mendip Christon 750 inset burning stove, £1,675, Eurostoves

Ellesmere EC5, £1,275, AGA

they even work when it’s cold outside.

Active solar heating is another ecofriendly option. The approach is similar to oil central heating (now considered a little outdated). Flat ‘collectors’ are placed somewhere sunny – usually the roof or the ground – and these absorb solar energy. This energy is used to heat a water system which in turn pumps hot air through the home.

“A Defra approved design isn’t necessarily Ecodesign ready and vice versa, so it’s important to choose a stove that complies with both” There are many more systems out there, so do your research and speak to an expert about your options if you’re looking at a self-build. One resounding piece of advice? Go smart. Most heating systems will come with a way to remotely control temperature and see how much energy you’re using. Not only is this better for the environment (no more accidentally leaving the heating on while you’re out at work), it’s much kinder on your bank balance.

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BUSINESS PROFILE

THE BATHROOM COMPANY WHO IS YOUR TYPICAL CUSTOMER? Our clients are discerning people who appreciate attention to detail and want to work with a company with a strong reputation who’ll take care of every point from start to finish.

Projects are managed in-house to ensure they run as smoothly as possible.

We contact the client every morning to confirm who will be with them that day and what time they will arrive, and we conduct regular site visits.

WHAT SHOULD WE KNOW ABOUT THE COMPANY THAT WE DON’T? The Bathroom Company designs, supplies and installs rooms from start to finish using fully employed teams.

HOW DO YOUR DESIGNS IMPROVE CUSTOMERS’ LIVES? Our designs are as individual as the clients themselves and can change how the household uses the room – and

in some cases the whole property.

Often, we adjust partitions and relocate products in a way that reinvents what the property offered before.

HOW DO YOU MEASURE SUCCESS? We measure our success by the number of delighted clients we have and by the recommendations we receive. Often, when a client moves to a new house, they will return to use our services for their new property or second home.

ESSENTIAL TIPS 1 When you’re deciding who will install your new project, go for a company offering in-house installation. You also want a firm with a good reputation and years of experience.

2 Consider who will be using the room and for what purpose (for example, you’ll need a bath if there are young children in the house; elderly people might want support bars; two basins and storage will aid a busy couple).

3 Have a clear, realistic budget and understand that sometimes a small increase in your funds can give your stunning project an extra wow factor.

4 Make sure you are 100% happy with the design and product selection before your project starts. An experienced design team can guide you gently through all the details.

5 Think outside the box and let yourself be led by experienced designers who know how to make the best of your space and funds.

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BUILDING & RENOVATING GUIDE 2020

Classic bathroom design with solid marble worktop and wet floor shower area and bespoke Matki Eauzone shower enclosure

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PROFESSIONAL TRUSTWORTHY PRESTIGIOUS

[Above] Matki smoked glass shower enclosure with bespoke cut glass to the combed ceiling. The solid wood vanity unit is topped with an Italian Domiziani handmade bowl. [Below] Matki Eauzone double curved shower enclosure with Dansani basin and vanity unit

THE KEY TO GREAT DESIGN IS… Considering the best bespoke solution for each individual client or home, as well as meeting all requirements and exceeding expectations.

32 Leonard Street Perth PH2 8ER 01738 440333

8 Kew Terrace Edinburgh EH12 5JE 0131 337 3355

www.thebathroomcompany.co.uk BUILDING & RENOVATING GUIDE 2020

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BUSINESS PROFILE

KITCHENS INTERNATIONAL

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INNOVATIVE Q U A L I T Y PROFESSIONAL WHO IS YOUR TYPICAL CUSTOMER? Over the past 25 years, Kitchens International has built an unrivalled reputation for providing innovative design, outstanding quality and exceptional service to both the retail and contract markets.

WHAT SHOULD WE KNOW ABOUT THE COMPANY THAT WE DON’T? As well as supplying kitchens throughout Scotland and the UK, we have recently supplied and installed kitchens to clients across Europe including Spain, France and Portugal.

HOW DO YOUR DESIGNS IMPROVE CUSTOMERS’ LIVES? At Kitchens International we can help you create a new way of living. At the home’s heart lies the kitchen, beautifully designed to function as a space where families gather, where plans are made and life is shared. Every kitchen, every new space we create, is designed to the unique characteristics of your home and your personal taste. Every detail is

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This page and opposite: There is no such thing as “one size fits all” at Kitchens International.

You start with the finest British and German kitchens in a choice of styles, finishes, accessories, colours and much more, with bespoke elements that are easily incorporated

impeccably planned, designed, crafted and finished with seamless efficiency to create your dream kitchen – something that will add another dimension to your home and to your life.

HOW DO YOU MEASURE SUCCESS? By knowing the client and providing total customer care. It is the foundation of our company and the principle that has built us an unrivalled, award-winning

reputation. We believe that the only way to guarantee satisfaction to every customer, from concept to completion, is through our team of selected professionals. From the initial design, through the co-ordination of the project to the final completion, each stage is carefully handled by our passionate team. Getting to know you is important: we look forward to meeting you.

THE KEY TO GREAT DESIGN IS… Functionality. At Kitchens International we believe that your kitchen should perform as well as it looks. A kitchen should be efficient and hardworking, but it can also be elegant, welcoming, beautiful and inspiring – a place you and the whole family want to spend time in.

ESSENTIAL TIPS Preparation is essential when embarking on a new kitchen project, so before you begin bear the following advice in mind: 1 It’s never too early to appoint a designer/supplier. The sooner the team are in place, the more easily a plan can be formed, meaning less stress all round.

2 Work out what you want.

Putting together a list of key requirements (in order of importance, if possible) will really help to formulate a clear brief.

3 Think about how your kitchen functions for everyday living, not just for big occasions such as Christmas. Acknowledge the positives and the negatives, as again this will help to give the brief clarity.

4 Consider storage. Which items are to be left out on display?

Which are to be put away after use? (And how easily do you want to access these?)

5 Space planning. Make sure there are good, clear walkways and that the major appliances, sink and hob are positioned in a way that will be easy and efficient for you to use them.

Showrooms in Glasgow, Tillicoultry, Aberdeen, Edinburgh (Dundas Street and Fort Kinnaird) and Broxburn 0845 074 0022

www.kitchensinternational.co.uk BUILDING & RENOVATING GUIDE 2020

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BUSINESS PROFILE

OAKWRIGHTS

WHO IS YOUR TYPICAL CUSTOMER? Oakwrights’ customers are determined individuals looking to build an oak-frame home, extension or outbuilding that meets their exact needs, suits their lifestyle and is unique to them. Whether they would like to design a family home for the future, create additional space that complements their existing home, or downsize to their perfect property, our customers appreciate the beauty and benefits of building with oak and choose to work with our teams to turn their plans into reality.

WHAT SHOULD WE KNOW ABOUT OAKWRIGHTS THAT WE DON’T? With most people’s lives becoming busier than ever, juggling both family and work commitments means you may not have the time to manage your homebuilding project. So, here at Oakwrights, we offer a full-build, turnkey service, which gives you the flexibility to create your dream oak-frame home with the support of an experienced project manager. From sourcing and managing trades, to handpicking those allimportant final finishes for you to select

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BUILDING & RENOVATING GUIDE 2020

from, we can look after every aspect of your oak-frame build on your behalf.

HOW DO YOUR DESIGNS IMPROVE CUSTOMERS’ LIVES? While everyone’s plans and requirements for their designs naturally vary, what unites our customers’ decisions to build with us is the intrinsic characteristics of oak – its structural stability and sustainability, versatility and organic beauty. With years of experience and a history of awardwinning architecture, our team listen to our customers and translate their wishes into beautifully bespoke builds, framed by natural oak, which meet their needs not just for today but for many years to come.

HOW DO YOU MEASURE SUCCESS? Success is measured by our customers and the reward of their happiness. We always aim to achieve and exceed their expectations through the design and construction of an oak-frame home, extension or outbuilding that inspires them and is finished in every detail to the most exacting standards.

ESSENTIAL TIPS 1 Thorough research: Arrange an online design consultation with our team and arrange to stay at our show home, The Woodhouse, where you can experience living in an oak-frame home.

2 Good design: Use the services of an architect you trust. Decor and furnishings can be updated but the design and layout of your home will last a lifetime.

3 Establish a realistic budget: Give this information to your designer from the outset and have a 10% contingency fund for unforeseen circumstances.

4 Communication: This is vital at the beginning between yourself and your architect, through to the construction process when managing tradesmen, contractors and service providers.

5 Attention to detail: Maintain this right to the end of your project and the results will speak for themselves.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY RICKY FREW

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INNOVATIVE PA S S I O N AT E KNOWLEDGEABLE

THE KEY TO GREAT DESIGN IS… Just like the relationships we have with our customers, each oak-frame home we design and construct is built on trust, quality and professionalism. Our team of architects will ensure that the design of your oak-frame home, extension or outbuilding truly captures your aspirations, works in harmony with your site, and is delivered on budget and to the highest standards.

This page and opposite: Carmichael Lodge in Elie has two wings, with a turret as the hinge. The postand-beam oak frame allows a series of external porches to be created, while inside the house the frame is dramatically expressed in the vaulted ceilings of the upper floor and in the double-height living areas

21 Portland Road, Kilmarnock KA1 2BT enquiries@oakwrights.co.uk 0141 309 9237

www.oakwrights.co.uk BUILDING & RENOVATING GUIDE 2020

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BUSINESS PROFILE

VELUX ESSENTIAL TIPS 1 If you’re looking to increase daylight in your home, VELUX is the way to do it. Our roof windows bring in up to twice the amount of daylight as vertical windows of an equivalent size, helping make the space feel light, bright and airy.

VELUX INTEGRA® electric centrepivot roof windows, shown here with white polyurethane frames in an extended living space

2 Be confident you are installing the right number, type and size of roof windows in your new space to help you get the daylight just right. Our certified installers are trained to help home owners achieve this.

3 Make sure you choose the right windows for your space. For example, if you are converting your loft and are looking to take in panoramic views but you’re on a budget, we recommend considering a VELUX STUDIO roof window. With three window sashes in one frame, it offers more daylight where space for multiple windows is often limited. Or if you’re really hoping to bring the outside in, a VELUX CABRIO® Balcony will open up a loft conversion and provide an abundance of extra space.

4 The positioning of your roof windows is just as important as the number and size of the windows.

We always recommend that they should take up to around 15 to 20% of the floor space so you can maximise the amount of daylight coming in.

5 Complete your roof windows by installing a VELUX ACTIVE climate control kit. This innovative system is compatible with VELUX INTEGRA® roof windows and monitors the temperature and CO2 levels in your home so it can automatically adjust your roof windows to improve your indoor environment.

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THE KEY TO GREAT DESIGN IS… Constantly innovating and adapting your product offering to meet your customers’ needs.

VELUX CABRIO® balcony in a loft conversion kitchen with white polyurethane frames

VELUX INTEGRA® window in an extended kitchen-diner with a white polyurethane frame

WHO IS YOUR TYPICAL CUSTOMER? Our customer is anyone aspiring to increase the amount of natural daylight and ventilation in their home, specifically by adding high quality roof windows developed with creative and thoughtful design. They may be looking to convert their loft into an extra bedroom or study, extend their family living space with a single storey extension or incorporate roof windows as part of a self-build project. Our customers want their homes to be daylight-filled and provide them with a sense of space.

WHAT SHOULD WE KNOW ABOUT THE COMPANY THAT WE DON’T? It would probably be the origin of our company name. VELUX was founded in 1941 by entrepreneur and inventor Villum Kann Rasmussen, who came up with an idea that would transform dark attics into liveable spaces full of daylight and fresh air. By 1942 his first roof window was patented, and he came up with a distinctive name that brought out the key benefits of his solution. ‘VE’, short for ventilation, and ‘LUX’, Latin for light – VELUX.

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TRANSFORMATIVE

HOW DO YOUR DESIGNS IMPROVE CUSTOMERS’ LIVES? At VELUX we put ventilation and daylight at the heart of everything we do, which are two of the things that are key to creating healthy indoor environments for our customers. Natural daylight and fresh air not only improve our mood and make us more productive, they also instantly make an indoor space much more pleasant to spend time in. Our roof window range is designed to address this, while at the same time ensuring we bring stunning views and the latest technology to our customers’ homes.

HOW DO YOU MEASURE SUCCESS? Success means more than just selling products. We love that VELUX is a market-leading brand and is often the first name that springs to mind when people think of roof windows. But that can only be reinforced through recommendations, and we love seeing our customers share stunning images of their living spaces enhanced by our products. For us, success is measured by how happy our customers are and how willing they are to recommend us to their family and friends.

VELUX roof windows with moistureresistant polyurethane – perfect for humid kitchens and bathrooms

Q U A L I T Y D E S I G N

Woodside Way, Glenrothes, Fife KY7 4ND 01592 778225

www.velux.co.uk BUILDING & RENOVATING GUIDE 2020201 15 BUILDING & RENOVATING GUIDE 2020

BUSINESS PROFILE

R.HOUSE [Above] This striking R.House model R2F is located in Milovaig on the Isle of Skye. [Below] A bespoke R.House built on the shores of Loch Duich.

It features a completely glazed gable end and has locally felled larch cladding and a zinc roof. There’s also a glazed roof section where the house joins the garage. [Opposite] A contemporary open-plan kitchenliving area within a RS3 in Wester Ross

WHO IS YOUR TYPICAL CUSTOMER? Our customers are from all over the world. They come to us looking for architecturally designed, sustainable housing, with clearly defined pricing, no hidden costs and an effortless turnkey service from plot to finished home.

Sustainability, efficiency and simplicity are at the heart of what our customers are looking for. We make sure their builds are hassle-free every step of the way.

They love the sleek simplicity of our designs and the way the R.House sits so naturally and discreetly within the landscape. They are concerned about the environment and want a

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sustainable build with economical running costs. Personalised service, and the opportunity to customise their house to make it their home, is also very important to our clients.

WHAT SHOULD WE KNOW ABOUT R.HOUSE THAT WE DON’T? R.House was born out of a conversation between Alan Dickson of award-winning architects Rural Design, and James MacQueen, of James MacQueen Building Contractors on the Isle of Skye. Alan was interested in a designled, modular-build house, and James was looking for a house that could be prefabricated and quickly erected

on-site, withstanding the rigours of the Highland weather. “The house can be up on-site, wind and watertight, within seven hours.” The construction business is in the blood of James MacQueen Building Contractors, who have been operating for over 45 years and are still a family-run business. Together with Rural Design, they have a combined 60 years experience and are experts in construction and architectural design.

HOW DO YOUR DESIGNS IMPROVE CUSTOMERS’ LIVES? Our houses are designed to maximise the light and views from any plot. We fit high-performance Nordan double

glazing, and our vast floor-to-ceiling windows not only allow new owners to enjoy uninterrupted views over the mesmeric Highland landscape, they also provide huge amounts of solar gain and free heating from the sun, further reducing our customers’ costs and carbon footprint.

R.Houses boast extremely high levels of thermal and acoustic insulation and airtightness, making them exceptionally economical to run, cutting fuel costs by 50% while helping the environment.

They are fitted with the latest in mechanical heat exchange technology. This works by extracting the used air from kitchens, bathrooms, toilets and utility rooms, retaining the heat from this air and then expelling the stale air outside. The retained heat is then reintroduced to a fresh, filtered air supply and fed to the living rooms. This makes the interior a consistent, stable temperature while keeping the air clean and fresh. This is especially important for anyone with allergies, and it can have profound health benefits.

Constructed to withstand the rigours of even the wildest of weather, with aluminium-framed windows, zinc gutters and larch cladding that has a 60-year lifespan, means our buildings need very little in the way of maintenance, leaving our customers free to do the things they enjoy with their spare time.

HOW DO YOU MEASURE SUCCESS? Our success is measured by how happy our customers are. Over half of our new business comes from referrals and we now have the grownup children of existing R.House owners signing up for new R.Houses! We offer 12 months’ after-sale service to make sure everything is perfect, as well as a ten-year guarantee.

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ESSENTIAL TIPS 1 Get expert advice Before purchasing your plot, get advice on whether your plans can be achieved. We can help you. We’ll let you know if there will be any unknown costs and what the likelihood is of achieving planning permission, so you won’t be disappointed.

2 Try before you buy Visit us at one of our open days, or stay in The Eyrie, our show home on Skye (for availability see https://r-escape. co.uk/the-eyrie/). It’s the ideal way to discover how easy it is to live in an R.House.

3 Establish a realistic budget Provide our sales team with a realistic budget and include a 10% contingency fund for any unforeseen circumstances – such as the building plot having excessive amounts of rock or clay.

4 Go for the best quality kitchen, appliances, bathroom and furnishings you can afford at the time. You can take advantage of the VAT-free aspect when budgeting and designing your kitchen and bathroom.

5 Spend time on the details Choose the best position for your home on your plot to maximise views and solar gain, while taking advantage of natural shelter. Consider everything, right down to the position of furniture, light switches and power points.

THE KEY TO GREAT DESIGN IS… WORDS TO SUM UP THE BUSINESS

C R E AT I V E SUSTAINABLE C L I E N T– L E D

For the team at R.House, the key to great design is always simplicity. This ethos underlies everything we do. Behind the scenes we are constantly refining our processes, our systems and our construction methods to be as efficient and green as possible. The underlying beauty within each R.House comes from the attention to detail. For example, each nail on the cladding is perfectly positioned and only ever hammered in by hand to avoid damaging the face of the timber. This ensures the locally grown larch will look its best, weathering evenly to a subtle silver and lasting for many decades.

6A Drynoch, Carbost IV47 8SP, Skye 01478 612899

www.ruralhouse.co.uk BUILDING & RENOVATING GUIDE 2020

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An open-plan kitchen-living area within a contemporary garden room extension with canopy, Mozolowski & Murray

Easy on the eye What you view from the outside is just as important as what you experience when you’re inside. A garden room extension with floor-to-ceiling glazing is impactful, but devote time to how a seamless openplan kitchen, sitting and dining area will work visually from outdoors, too.

If you have a driveway, think of it as an introduction to your home and not just the space to walk up to get to it. When the door opens, the staircase will set the tone for its overall look and feel – a huge detail that comes top of the list.

HOW DO YOU PLAN A GARDEN EXTENSION In many cases planning permission and

a building warrant are required, so it is important to factor time in for this when planning. It can take between six and 12 weeks for permission to be granted.

Identify purpose early to determine how much space is needed and what position suits to achieve the right design and placement of your extension. It’s important to have an idea of your budget so you know what can be achieved from the outset. Cost can sometimes make you feel options are limited; however, there are companies that offer a bespoke service so you can achieve a multipurpose space that’s designed at the right size. Position can influence design.

If it’s positioned to enjoy the sunrise ៉

Define a driveway, entrance, or a grass verge (to deter vehicles from parking) with a ball and base pier cap, Haddonstone

“External work can sometimes be left to the end of a homebuilding project, by which time budget is spent” BUILDING & RENOVATING GUIDE 2020

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or sunset, then a canopy or overhang may help prevent glare. If exposed to weather, then patio doors may suit over French doors. If you are looking for privacy then a solid combination roof design may be more effective than glass, for example.

To ensure your extension is protected from flooding, you may need to consult your local environment agency for advice depending on how close your extension is to the river/stream/waterfront. Some trees are protected by Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs). Even if house extensions don’t require planning permission you cannot alter or even prune a tree that has a TPO on it without planning permission.

All trees within a conservation area are protected by legislation and effectively have a TPO on them providing they have a trunk of diameter greater than 75mm.

If your building is listed or in a conservation area: You probably won’t need listed building consent if you’re replacing old materials for new on a ‘like-for-like’ basis and the repair work doesn’t affect the character of the building. Permitted development rights

are restricted in conservation areas. Each local authority has its own policy for areas like this, but generally the basis of the policy is to prevent the loss of character of the area. So, if you’re thinking about a house extension, always contact your local planning and conservation officer first or enlist a company who can project manage this for you. This can influence or dictate the size and position of your design, so please seek early advice.

Size of your extension: Often extenders get preoccupied with only thinking of the project in terms of square metres, not in terms of what that size is adding to the house. Bigger is not always better when it comes to house extensions, and there are often ways of creating the feeling of more space, without adding a large extension. This can be achieved through clever design, not only of the new space, but also what is already there. This could make your project more compliant in terms of planning and may speed up the planning process.

Pre-planning considerations: If your extension will only have one storey, you

don’t need planning permission as long as: it’s located at the back of the house; it doesn’t go back further than three metres if it’s a terraced house, or four metres if the height of the eaves (where the wall meets the roof) is no higher than three metres; it’s not higher than four metres, including sloping roofs; it doesn’t cover more floor area than your house does; it doesn’t take up half the ‘curtilage’; the ground behind your home isn’t within a conservation area.

Virginia Murray, Director of Sales and Marketing, Mozolowski & Murray

WHAT SHOULD BE KNOWN AT THE PLANNING STAGES THAT’S OFTEN OVERLOOKED BUT KEY FOR KITCHEN BUILDS? The sooner kitchen design is discussed the better. Ideally the kitchen designer should be involved from a very early stage to get the best possible outcome. The designer can then work in conjunction with the architect and the initial design footprint to ensure

A contemporary kitchen is bathed in light within an airy modern extension, Kitchens International

A bespoke Georgianinspired staircase replaces a former helical stair, part of a renovation project to complement the property’s exterior style and create more room, Bisca

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the best kitchen design is achieved.

Windows and doors may sometimes be repositioned to accommodate particular requirements; perhaps a small change for the build that results in massive benefits for its functionality. Extraction ducts and downdraft ventilation can be embedded into the fabric of the property at the build stage and make it much easier for the whole project. Precise service drawings, and accurate power loadings will ensure clear communication with the builders and avoid duplicating unnecessary works if agreed at the beginning. In addition, the agreed positioning of underfloor heating will save on costs and prevent any wastage in energy.

Getting this right at the design stage will reap dividends and make the kitchen as functional and practical as possible. Kitchen functionality is key: how will the kitchen be used; who will use it; and how much space is there – all questions a kitchen designer should ask at the earliest planning stage.

The more thorough the design process, the better the end result.

Paul O’Brien, Director, Kitchens International

HOW TO MAKE AN ENTRANCE WITHOUT BLOWING THE BUDGET

Designed specifically for exteriors, the Livermore tile is 20mm thick with a hardy textured surface. A large format means fewer tiles and fewer grout lines.

Livermore Pearl outdoor slab tile, £39,99 per sq m,

An entrance can instantly capture and command your attention from a driveway, leading to the front door and interior hallway of a home. External work can sometimes be left to the end of a home building project, by which time budget is spent. We recommend setting aside time and budget for the external landscaping of your future home, ensuring quality materials are used, there is soft planting along the edges and subtle outside lighting is carefully considered, since this can really frame a new property while setting the tone for the interior. It’s important to consider how you would envisage your entrance from an interior and exterior perspective, so look at how, from a design and space point of view, the entrance can be given the ‘wow’ factor. Solutions to create this feeling could be to incorporate a porch into your design, with the inclusion of a feature entrance.

Other solutions might be from a decorative perspective, but make sure there is plenty of light and interest within the entrance. Inside, correct light colours, a feature artwork, object or a mirror within a hall, can be effective.

Always try to ensure there is a window or door in a hall that gives a garden view and welcomes in natural light.

Craig Thomson and Andrew Hunter, Regional Chartered Architects, Architectural Design Team, Oakwrights

A modern interior with an exposed industrial-style staircase that works with narrow dimensions and a double-height aspect

If space allows, break up and zone a driveway with a sunken panel featuring contrasting stones, colourful planting and practical outdoor lighting

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PROPERTY

news

THE HOTTEST HOMES ON THE MARKET

1 LUCKY SEVEN

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Webster Homes presents a new rural development in Powmill. There are seven properties up for grabs, each with the optional addition of an acre or two of land (each acre will set you back £10k). All the homes have been kitted out with Ashley Ann luxury kitchens, underfloor heating, and SONOS sound systems: for urban comfort in the tranquility of the countryside.

From £420,000. websterhomes.co.uk

6 GYM BUNNY This generous property in Braeside, Dundee boasts five bedrooms (three of which are en suite), a studio office, and underfloor heating throughout. If that’s not enough, there’s a private gym included so you don’t need to head outside when you feel the urge to break a sweat. Happily, virtual viewing is available, so you can snoop before you buy. £675,000. bellingram.co.uk

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5 LUXE LIVING Blair Hill is a collection of 17 unique homes converted from the old Hill Primary School buildings in Blairgowrie. This 2.2 acre site houses a range of different sized homes, all finished to the highest standard. Expect to see gorgeous interiors, with Bulthaup kitchens and a strong focus on design.

From £185,ooo blairhillresidence.co.uk 5

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2 GREAT HEIGHTS An oak frame building, alongside being well insulated and aesthetically pleasing, offers you the opportunity for complete customisation. This project from Oakwrights (left) has double-height windows which allow buckets of light to stream in. Plus, there’s a further wall of windows and a balcony to luxuriate on and enjoy the views. The possibilities for your dream home are endless. oakwrights.co.uk

3 INNER BEAUTY Cala Homes has teamed up with luxury interior specialist BoConcept to furnish some of its showhomes in the West of Scotland. Gilchrist Gardens is the latest to be unveiled (pictured below) with Eileen Kesson of Envision helping to breathe life into the house. Similar transformations are planned for a few more in the Cala portfolio. cala.co.uk 2

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4 HOW BONNIE A handful of contemporary homes are available at The Market, a Bonnyrigg plot from MNM Developments. A mere six miles from Edinburgh, the development is conveniently placed for commuters. You can pick from a selection of luxury two-bedroom apartments and semi-detached or terraced three-bed homes. All have generous gardens as standard, plus hardwood flooring, fitted wardrobes and Porcelanosa tiling. From ÂŁ219,995. mnmdev.co.uk

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BUILDING & RENOVATING GUIDE Produced and published by Peebles Media Group Ltd For all advertising enquiries please call Susan White on +44(0)141 567 6022 or email susan.white@peeblesmedia.com

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BUILDING & RENOVATING GUIDE 2020