GRAND DESIGNS LIVE PREVIEW

This family home was certified by ABC+ Warranty BELOW A new-build ready for a render application

SEE US AT GR AND DESIGNS LIVE

5–9 OCTOBER, NEC STAND B225

W H Y YO U N E E D A S TRU C T U R A L WA R R A NT Y

Ensure your self-build is protected against defective design, workmanship and materials with ABC+ Warranty

The Buildings Safety Act is anticipated to shake up the UK construction industry when it becomes a legal requirement towards the end of 2022.

All homes built in the UK must be completed with a structural warranty certificate at the point of completion or sale, without which a fine of up to 10 per cent of the sale value might be issued as failing to have a certificate will be a criminal offence.

A structural warranty is an insurance policy that covers new structural works, from new-builds to renovations and extensions.

Companies such as ABC+ Warranty employ chartered building surveyors to inspect the building works at critical stages. This is to check that they are being completed correctly and in line with planning approval. It allows defects to be identified and rectified early. If all is well, a structural warranty is issued.

When choosing a warranty provider, here are some things to bear in mind. Are the surveyors it employs chartered? This is essential as they have the qualifications and experience to spot defective works. Some providers appoint Building Control inspectors, who sign off on Building Regulations, to survey projects. ABC+ Warranty doesn’t recommend this approach because Building Control inspectors are less qualified than chartered surveyors and, with only one set of eyes on the build, there’s more opportunity for defects to be missed.

Choose a firm regulated by a recognised industry body such as the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (rics.org). Check for online customer reviews you can compare. If you find a company you like, read the small print, look out for registration fees, renewal fees or holding bonds.

If you’re looking for a company to put your mind at ease, ABC+ Warranty is regulated by the RICS. It only uses its own in-house chartered building surveyors to carry out its high-quality inspections. It charges no hidden fees, and it is highly rated by its customers online.

● To get a quote, call 0 16 1 92 8 8 804 or visit a r c h ite c t sce r t if icate . co .u k

Home planning and design

Founded by chartered architectural technologist Kris Baxter in 2008, Studio 11 Architecture is a collective of creative designers producing distinctive architecture with a commitment to delivering your vision. It takes pride in understanding what makes your house a home by getting to know you and your aspirations. As a multidisciplinary practice with an in-house team of architectural designers, engineers and energy consultants, Studio 11 Architecture can create a design solution for any concept you like. Come and chat to its planning specialists and designers on stand B27. (studio11architecture.co.uk)

Blocks on display

Construction products retailer Insul Hub will showcase Isotex at Grand Designs Live. This building block is made with cementbonded wood fibre, and is filled with concrete on site. The build system is also known as Insulated Concrete Formwork (ICF). Isotex is quick to install and offers exceptional performance characteristics. Visit stand B630. (insulhubuk.com)

Bespoke service

S&L Engineering provides all aspects of architectural metalwork for the home, including contemporary staircases, glass balustrades, balconies, gates and railings. Based in Cambridgeshire, but working nationwide, the company takes pride in being a small concern so it can offer each customer a personalised service. All its ironwork is shot-blasted and powder-coated in your choice of colour. Go to stand B310. (sandlengineering.co.uk)

Prefabricated options

Hanse Haus designs and builds bespoke, pre-manufactured, energy-efficient homes. Founded in 1929, the company delivers around 400 houses across Europe, including the UK, each year. Every Hanse Haus design is a one-off that’s carefully constructed by a team of master craftsmen, engineers, architects and structural experts. The company’s thermally efficient walls have exceptional insulation as standard to help save on heating costs and protect the environment. Plus, you can choose interior and exterior fittings at the Hanse Haus sample centre, where the company’s specialist knowledge is readily available. Visit stand B44B. (hanse-haus.de)

Healthy homes

Thomas de Cruz Architects & Designers is a small practice specialising in contemporary homes, with an emphasis on imaginative interiors and creative lighting. Visit the company’s stand to find out how an uplifting scheme of serene spaces filled with natural light promotes health and happiness. Come and say hello, and discover how Thomas de Cruz Architects & Designers transforms everyday home life, on stand B10. (thomasdecruz.com)

Instant hot water

A Quooker boiling water tap is safer and more efficient than a kettle, and it uses less water. With a kettle, sometimes more water is boiled than needed, but with a Quooker, only the required amount is delivered. The vacuum tank keeps water at 110°C under pressure, maintaining the temperature without using much energy. With the addition of the new Quooker Cube, you can have filtered chilled and sparkling water too. Find out more on stand K110. (quooker.co.uk)

Bespoke glazing

Whether you’re embarking on a new-build or want to transform your existing home, Express Bi-Folding Doors supplies market-leading products tailored to your requirements. The company’s bespoke bi-folding and sliding doors and aluminium glazing products provide excellent performance which lasts for many years. Browse the range at Grand Designs Live, where you’ll find all the inspiration you need to create the home of your dreams. Visit stand B200. (expressbifolds.co.uk)

The Tetra is a stylish option from Custom Garden Rooms

Create the per fect outdoor space

The Gardens area is where you’ll find an exciting collection of exhibitors supplying every thing from outdoor buildings to landscaping materials

Bespoke structures

Custom Garden Rooms manufactures and installs high-quality, timber-framed outdoor rooms and annexes to bespoke specifications. Its approach to customer service and attention to detail means that it can deliver great buildings every time. Take a look for yourself on stand G210. (customgardenrooms.com)

Hot tub specialist

Head over to Hydropool’s stand to see the world’s only self-cleaning hot tubs and swim spas. Plus, check out the Serenity range, with features such as WeatherSeal insulation and ClearSpring filtration. On a budget? There will be exclusive show offers, as well as the chance to have a VIP consultation. Find out more at stand G120. (hydropoolspas.co.uk)

Landscaping ideas

Talasey Group is one of the UK’s leading suppliers of high-quality, ethically sourced landscaping products. Its ranges include natural stone paving, Italian-inspired porcelain paving, and composite fencing, decking and cladding. Discuss your landscaping requirements with the Talasey team on stand G21. (talasey.co.uk)

Stylish shades

Dedicated to creating comfortable and inspiring garden living spaces, The Great British Awning & Blind Company offers a wide choice of high-quality awnings, blinds and pergolas in a range of styles and finishes. All its products are custom built and installed. For more information, go to stand G200. (gbawnings.co.uk)

Great energy gadgets

With its range of eco smart products, myenergi is at the forefront of renewable smart technology, design innovation and manufacturing. Renowned for its industry-leading electric vehicle (EV) charger, Zappi, the company also offers a collection of products that make use of your home-generated solar or wind energy. They can all connect to the company’s state-of-the-art app, allowing you to manage, maximise and monitor your energy use, and helping to make the transition to electric as simple as possible. These intelligent and futureproof energy-control solutions are developed and manufactured in the UK. Visit stand Z45. (myenergi.com)

Kevin’s Green Heroes

Kevin McCloud showcases some of the most innovative eco-friendly products in the Green Heroes section. This year will see ten new products along with four from previous years that have paved the way in eco-conscious design. One of these is the BubbleSpa shower from Kelda Showers. Its AirPowered technology uses 50 to 60 per cent less water and energy compared to conventional designs. (keldashowers.com)

Green living advice

Energy supplier OVO Energy aims to provide a simple, fair and sustainable experience for all its customers. The company has spent the last decade investing in market-leading technology, customer-service operations and digital products to help its customers cut their carbon emissions through its sustainability strategy, Plan Zero. Visit the Green Living Advice Zone powered by OVO Energy to speak to a whole host of eco experts. (ovoenergy.com) Harnessing the warmth from under the ground

Kensa Heat Pumps is the leading manufacturer and supplier of ground-source heat pumps in the UK. The company’s products are engineered with the British home in mind, allowing simple installation with technical support, a UK-wide network of approved installation partners, and the largest online resource for ground-source heat pumps. Go to stand Z10. (kensaheatpumps.com)

Innovative build method

Leading steel construction product manufacturer Catnic has recently launched a new concept for building extensions and garden rooms. Catnic Matrix is a prefabricated panel system that comes together quickly and easily on site and forms an airtight superstructure in days. The Catnic Urban standing seam roof is a contemporary quick-fit system that is seven times lighter than standard roof tiles and suitable for solar photovoltaic (PV) panel installation. Both conform to the new Part L Building Regulations. For more details, head over to stand B270. (catnic.com)

SEE US AT

5 9 OCTOBER

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2 FREE PANELS

*Quote Ref DESIGN0922

Enjoy your conservatory all year round with insulated roof panels

INSTALLED IN 1 DAY “ What a difference a day makes as the saying goes, and yes, that’s all it took to install.”

Mr & Mrs Barber, Wells

WARMER IN WINTER “ There is no doubt that the conservatory is much warmer than previously, and no, the room is not darker either!”

David Birch, Chichester

USABLE ALL YEAR ROUND “ The conservatory is now used throughout all seasons of the year and is far more comfortable to sit in whatever the weather outside.”

Mr & Mrs Gibson, Portishead MOULD & CONDENSATION “ This is the best thing we have done in this house. Used to run with condensation and now zero.”

Karen Thomas, Chippenham

COOLER IN SUMMER “ You could have f ried an egg on the table in there in the summer, I now look upon the conservatory as a new room. It is quiet, restful and cosy.”

Carol Doyle, Surrey

ENERGY EFFICIENT “ I’ve already turned the underfloor heating down. Lovely job guys, thank you!”

Anne Bird, Bristol QUIETER IN BAD WEATHER “ For the first time in 10 years we do not have to close the door to the conservatory when it rains, as the noise is minimal and before I found it difficult to hear the TV over the loudness of the rain on the old roof.”

Mr & Mrs Bailey-Webb, Warsash

“What a difference a day makes as the saying goes, and yes, that’s all it took to install.”

Mr & Mrs Barber, Wells

C O N S E R V A T O R Y R O O F S

8kHAPPY CLIENTS

Get a price for your conservatory roof 0800 08 03 202

www.greenspaceconservatories.co.uk

Terms and Conditions apply. Green Space UK, Unit 8 BH24 1PD, Registered No. 8542786, as shown on FCA authorisation, trading as Green Space UK, is a credit broker and is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Applies to orders of 8 panels or more. Valid until the end of November. Not to be used in conjunction with any other marketing offer

S T Y LE , E LE G A N C E A N D VA LU E

Established nearly 180 years ago, Crittall is still ahead of the glazing design cur ve

Steel-framed windows, glazed doors and indoor screens have a retro appeal that’s a major interiors trend.

Crittall has lots of design options to choose from. Create an eye-catching feature with an arched door, maximise views with panoramic-style windows, or get the latest look with floor-to-ceiling glazing or a picture window.

If you want to go for something more classical, consider a lancet-shape window, oriel bay and bow windows, or even bullseye glass panes and rondels. Alternatively, why not capture the essence of the 1920s with Art Decostyle portholes? You can even choose oval or diamond shapes for impact.

Interior steel-framed screens can be set with panes in different sizes and colours or clear, opaque or textured glass. Or you could include a brightly coloured glass motif such as a flower.

Seeking advice from Crittall Windows will help you make the right choice. The company has been a pioneer of steel-frame windows, doors and screens for nearly 180 years. It offers 46 standard colours, plus custom-made and dual-colour options, and its products are available in any RAL or BS colour.

‘Crittall’s legacy of influencing design and its reputation for delivering excellence can be seen worldwide,’ says managing director Russell Ager. ‘The brand has its imitators, but the style and quality of authentic Crittall products are never matched. They’re tailor-made to meet almost any individual requirement and are designed to last a lifetime.’

Crittall’s unique blend of precision machining and handcrafted finishing across all its bespoke products ensures style, elegance and value, whether your project is a new-build or a renovation.

TOP This floor-to-ceiling steel-frame glazing includes two sets of French doors that open to create a 3m-wide entrance to the patio ABOVE A bespoke screen with sliding doors features a series of coloured glass panes in this period property

● For more information, visit c ri t t a l l - w i n d ow s . c o . u k or call 0 1 376 53 0 8 0 0