Abode 2022

HOME BUILDING

|

P R OJ E C T P L A N N I N G

|

INTERIOR DESIGN

|

R E N O VAT I O N

I S S U E 0 4 | 20 22

IT’S ALL IN THE PLANNING

DESIGNER BATHROOMS ON TAP Scotland’s love affair with the timber frame

A Wee House

with style & substance

A4 ad Material Estimation for print.pdf

1

10/10/2017

13:13

A4 ad Material Estimation for print.pdf

1

10/10/2017

13:13

ABODE

C

M C Y M CM Y MY CM CY

Estimation getting you Estimation getting you frustrated? frustrated?

MY CMY CY K CMY

K

Build Aviator’s estimating service can ease your stresses...

Build Aviator’s estimating service can ease your stresses...

• •• •• •• •• ••

Accurate pricing & budgeting Fast turnaround Accurate pricing & budgeting Reports for you and your customer Fast turnaround Works your Reportstofor youspecification and your customer Save time Works to your specification Aligned with product Save time

• Aligned with product

For more information please contact us: For more information please contact us: Campbeltown 01586 554545 Oban 01631 562208 e: info@buildaviator.co.uk Snipefield Ind Est, Drumore Road, PA28 6SY Sinclair Drive, PA34 4DR Lochgilphead 01546 602821 Fort William 01397 700744 t: 0121 328 9150 e: info@buildaviator.co.uk North Road, PH33 6TQ Bishopton Road, PA31 8PY t: 0121 328 9150 Visit www.buildaviator.co.uk/estimating-service Visit www.buildaviator.co.uk/estimating-service 2 For further information contact your local Jewson branch

www.scottishfield.co.uk

What’s inside...

Building for the way we live now

O

ur home is our biggest investment for our family both financially and socially; it should be the ultimate expression of who we are - perhaps more than ever in times like these.

If we have the opportunity to create a home that is a unique, individual statement then we should grasp it with both hands.

It says that in a world where there is now so much destruction and uncertainty, we will create something good that speaks to the future by investing in, and for, our children’s and our grandchildren’s benefit and enjoyment.

Times are changing and our homes reflect this; post-pandemic, and in the face of massive increases in food and fuel costs, working from home looks here to stay and multi-generation households are on the increase. The granny flat is just as likely to be a kids back home annex.

Designs are reflecting the changes with extra storage space, be it cellar, basement or garage with store room; a utility room to handle extra food prep and laundry and an increase in en-suite and extra bathrooms and WCs. Unfitted kitchens, ‘broken-plan’ and bi-folding doors into the garden via decking or sunroom have turned open-plan living into a space which can be altered with ease to answer different needs as they arise.

There have always been conflicts, there have always been periods of rapid inflation and there has always been house building.

When the going gets tough, the tough should get building and here are the businesses that can help and our take on self-build and renovation for 2022.

03

Welcome to Abode ‘22

04

Finding Land

05

Planning Permission

07

Raising Finance

09

Funding and VAT returns

10

The Hardworking Home

11

Choose your Architect

14

Timber v Brick

16

SIPs...

18

Home Energy

21

A Homely Welcome

22

Kitchen Focus

26

Interior Trends

28

Bathroom Showcase

30

Flooring and Carpets

32

Your Happy Home

34

Paints & Wallcoverings

37

Trades & Building Supplies

38

Roofing

39

Logistics

40

The Great Outdoors

On the cover: A beautiful modular home in a stunning location, from The Wee House Company

Advertising director: Nicky Murphy Design: Grant Dickie Editorial: Joanne Simms

A Wyvex Media Publication

Whilst every care has been taken to ensure that the data in this publication is accurate, neither the publisher nor its editorial contributors can accept and hereby disclaim, any liability to any party to loss or damage caused by errors, or omissions resulting from negligence, accident or any other cause. Wyvex Media does not officially endorse any advertising material included in this publication. All rights reserved.

No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in any retrieval system or transmitted in any form - electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise without the prior written permission of the publisher.

ABODE MAGAZINE |

3

LOBBYING FOR LAND Professional bodies and special interest groups alike all agree that self-build can play a major role in solving Scotland’s housing problems

T

he Scottish Government’s joined-up thinking on housing, the National Planning Framework, is the long-term plan for development up to 2045.

The plan goes through several drafts and consultations and its fourth draft refers to self-build as a solution to affordable housing in rural areas and greater diversity in home ownership.

It also supports the use of vacant or derelict land which

is good news for anyone wanting to self-build in existing communities on an infill site or derelict land.

Angela Doran, who represents the National Custom and Self Build Association in Scotland, welcomes the news: ‘These are some really positive inclusions, which could help to scale up self and custom build in Scotland.

‘The association would like to see more direct references to self and custom build and the ways in which it can deliver adaptable housing and rural - as well as urban - housing solutions. We will continue to lobby for greater reference to custom and self build.’

The Association has also welcomed the passing of the Planning (Scotland) Act 2019 into law. It provides for planning authorities in Scotland to ‘prepare and maintain’ a list of anyone interested in acquiring land for self building in the authority’s area.

Angela said: ‘This is a significant step forward. Currently the only council in Scotland to hold a register is Glasgow City Council which has held one since 2015 and now has a pioneering self-build programme which releases affordable serviced plots to the public.’

Plot hunting The good news in a period of inflation is that businesses will be selling off assets, including land they banked for future use. Many different organisations are tidying up their land holdings to help balance the books by selling plots: • • • • • • • • •

Councils and government Churches and charities Private estates and trust funds Scottish Water Forestry Commission Harbour authorities Northern Lighthouse Board Network Rail ScotRail

Check their websites as you can register your interest with many. Or if buying a build package from a kit home supplier many have knowledge of plots for sale in your area.

PLANNING

PLANNING TO SUCCEED The move online for council planning services across Scotland has streamlined the application process for self-builder and architect

•

•

•

•

•

•

Permission is needed for a new build; a major physical change to an existing property or a change of use from industrial, agricultural, commercial or retail to domestic.

First comes ‘planning permission in principle’ which is followed by approval of matters specified, to take care of the fine points. NEVER begin work until you have full approval in place.

Pre-application advice is available from council planning officers.

Both local and national government cannot stress enough that your best route is always to talk to your local council first of all.

If you are planning to build, extend or convert in a conservation area, National Scenic Area, or Site of Special Scientific Interest, then extra consent must be applied for.

Build without permission, or fail to comply with the granted permission, and you will be served with an enforcement notice.

This can mean demolition. A breach of permission is costly, timeconsuming and stressful; don’t go there.

Good news: you might not need planning permission at all – there are also householder permitted development rights for smaller alterations to properties; you could be pleasantly surprised at how much can be done within permitted development.

T

here has been massive change in planning services in Scotland, how you obtain permission and the nation’s need to have a cohesive plan for future development.

The biggest impact for self-builders has to be the creation of eDevelopment.scot the online service used by the nation’s councils and planning authorities to handle applications from the construction industry, agents, commercial homebuilders and self-builders alike.

As well as submitting plans for approval, it takes care of building warrant applications and can be used to make payments, submit extra information and amended and update plans as and when needed.

More than 90 percent of all planning applications are done on line. You and your architect can both access the service and it is easy to see how your plans are progressing.

The service is only as good as the information it receives and should never be considered a short-cut; the need for specialist advice from architect and builder remains.

ABODE MAGAZINE |

5

The Wee House Company.indd 1

14/09/2018 11:36:31

RAISING FINANCE

SIX STEPS TO HOUSE HEAVEN Y • • • • • •

ou and your finances are only six steps away from your new home; the traditional self-build mortgage pays out in stages after you complete each step, so lace up your (self) builder’s boots and let’s go: Land purchase Preliminary costs and foundations Wall plate level (brick and block) kit erected (timber frame) Wind and watertight First fix and plastering Second fix and completion

Renovation mortgage If tackling a house that is uninhabitable a renovation mortgage, similar to the self-build is the answer; the usual high-street banks and building societies will not finance the purchase of a home that cannot be lived in.

With both self-build and renovation a mortgage broker is just as vital as a financial advisor because they know the best deals available.

The self-build home buyer is therefore one step behind all the way along the path to home ownership and that means a bigger lump sum to begin with, but be comforted. A home buyer’s smaller deposit will buy them a smaller property; the self-builder gets more house for their money.

Before you do that first sketch on the back of an envelope or look at a paint chart have a financial advisor give your wealth an overhaul and get your money in training for those six big steps.

ABODE MAGAZINE |

7

RAISING FINANCE

First build up your bank balance

J

ust as you cannot build a house without qualified professionals and skilled trades people, you won’t build up your money without expert help.

The good news about building your own home is that you almost certainly get more house for your money. The bad news is that at the start you need more money for your house.

To kick start their finances, and the entire project, many people sell their homes and live on-site in a static caravan; their old home is helping build their new one. A storage container on-site to store possessions will also keep costs down and both will have a resale value once the build is complete.

Remember that not all lenders will consider self-build mortgages and any who do, be they banks or building societies, often will only loan money on a fixed-price contract, or on an all-trades basis under the direction of a suitably-qualified project manager.

It is well worth your time to do a lot of initial research online so that you have plenty of ideas to discuss with your financial advisor.

Leading website, moneysavingexpert.com, advises that you use a mortgage comparison tool like theirs, or any others available, to see what is on offer for your situation.

Then use a broker to help match you with the best ones; this will include products exclusive to brokers who have access to special deals that are not directly available to customers. A broker is also clued up on which lenders are most likely to lend to you.

Make sure you check out the new wave of ‘eco’ building societies and ‘ethical finance’.

With self-build designs having such great opportunities to incorporate energy saving systems you can now find premium financial products aimed at properties with sound ecological footprints.

If you find the finances daunting but still want to go down the self-build route, think about ‘package deals’ where you buy a kit house and building services from an existing company as they often offer, or source, financial packages. This can save a lot of leg work and grief. They might also have plots available as well.

beautifully handcrafted kitchens made in oban kitchens designed for life and food threesquarekitchens.com 07858115445 hello@threesquarekitchens.com

GRANTS & VAT

Get your VAT back The good news is that a substantial amount of the Value Added Tax added onto the price of many goods can be claimed back.

The bad news is that you have to move fast and be ruthlessly organised. It is all up to you. You have three months after completion of the build project to submit your claim on the right form, with the correct paperwork. No second claim is allowed.

YES YOU CAN

Take it for granted!

That there is help out there just waiting for you to apply

S

cotland has a shortage of housing across all sectors and self-build is being seen increasingly as one way to solve, or at least ease, the situation.

Right now one of the most successful schemes in Scotland to help self-build projects is drawing to a close – if you are quick you could be in with a chance. It will be interesting to see what other financial support will be coming to take its place.

The Scotland Self-Build Loan Fund is a time-limited fund to assist self, or custom, builders finance their home’s construction period and it ends on August 31 this year.

The fund began as a rural project but it was expanded nationwide and an extra £2 million added, and it was expanded to a four-year period during the pandemic.

It is open for those who have been unable to obtain mainstream self-build mortgage finance, but who will be able to repay the loan by August 31 2023; already own or are contracted to buy the land and have planning permission and a building warrant ready to go.

The maximum loan available is £175,000.

Private water supply grant

No mains is no problem for a self-build project if you have a private water supply.

Local councils give to £800 towards the one-off cost of setting up a new private water supply or making sure a supply is up to modern standards.

The grant will not be made if the work has already begun, or was finished after the application was submitted.

The grant cannot be spent on the cost of on-going maintenance and operation.

Energy efficient cash incentives

Home Energy Scotland Loans from the Scottish Government cover a wide range of energy efficiency options but self-builders can apply only for renewables systems under the loan, not for energy efficiency.

Croft house grant

The Croft House Grant Scheme helps finance new builds, rebuilds and major renovations for crofters.

Applying is not for the faint-hearted. Anyone who successfully navigates the complexities of eligibility, selection criteria, geographical priority, declarations of personal and business finances then faces up to 15 years of inspection and the threat of disallowance and penalties including the repayment in full, with interest.

You will need to provide planning permission documents with your application and title deeds with your claim

Your builder should not charge you VAT for any work done because they can claim it back themselves later.

The VAT man is happy to refund when the project is: • a brand new home on an empty plot that is separate and selfcontained • only for your family to live or holiday in • conversion of a non-residential building that was used for business • renovating a residential building that has not been lived in for more than 10 years • all building materials, used to form part of the building and cannot be removed without either using tools or damaging the building in the process.

NO YOU CAN’T

There is no VAT claim for: • buildings used for business purposes • when planning permission has ruled that the buildings cannot be used separately from another building • professional fees for architects or surveyors • hiring charges for machinery or equipment • you can remove it: some electrical and gas appliances, carpets or garden ornaments.

THE DEVIL IS IN THE DETAIL

Check the government website to find your way through the labyrinth of legislation and its interpretation.

An AGA-style appliance can be claimed if it only heats water and space but does not cook; the door entry system for a flat is fine, but not a house. A sauna or Jacuzzi inside the house is VAT free, but not outside.

If planning permission orders conservation you can claim for trees planted and bird and bat boxes installed.

TOP TIP: Depending on the size of your project, hiring a VAT expert could be a wise move.

ABODE MAGAZINE |

9

THE HARDWORKING HOME

Make yours a hardworking home In the present financial climate remember that your home can bring in a pay packet all by itself

O

nly the very, very rich will have failed to notice that we are entering a period of high inflation and ever rising prices.

The biggest investment a family makes is home ownership and the purchase of that home and its continued upkeep is vital to the wellbeing of its occupants.

The first obvious step for a hard working home is to ensure that every penny is well spent to bring your new home in on budget.

Once your home is up and running the main earning

Location, location, location Your don’t have to live in a castle to rent out your home as a film or television location; it is a growing business in Scotland and most councils have their own marketing department so sign up with yours.

Go to screen.scot and see its list of local film offices comprising most local authorities in Scotland or scotfilm. org for the Highland Council area and register. Crew accommodation and parking are always needed, so are extras; both you and your home could be stars.

Be sure to insure Check mortgage fine-print and insurance to make sure you are covered and use a lawyer for any tenancy agreements.

10

| ABODE MAGAZINE

potential is accommodation.

A lodger has specific rights under law and these can be found on the Rent a Room Scheme page on the government website. Part of your home could become a separate unit, an annexe or flat making you a landlord.

The thought of the Covid lockdown periods might make people dubious about a non family member there all the time.

A lodger or tenant working away from their own home Monday night to Friday morning is the answer. They could be on a contract for a major project near by; have started work before a house sale completes, be a post-grad student, professor, or NHS, military, fire or police on secondment.

A welcoming home that doesn’t mind late working hours can be a Godsend for theatres and festivals looking to accommodate actors and crew.

In remote locations seasonal hotel staff, forestry, agricultural and gamekeeping teams create a demand for short periods of time.

Find them via your own neighbourhood network or the HR departments of fire, police, NHS, colleges and schools.

Bed and breakfast has been a good earner for years but its internet kid brother Airbnb has, on occasion, earned itself a bit or a reputation.

When he was Scottish Minister for Local Government, Housing and Planning Kevin Stewart MSP announced measures to provide local authorities with the ability to implement a licensing scheme for short-term lets: ‘We know that in certain areas, particularly tourist hot spots, high numbers of short-term lets are causing problems and often make it harder for people to find homes to live in.’

ARCHITECTURAL PLANNING

ARCHITECTS MAKE HOMES HAPPEN ‘Imagination, value for money and freedom from worry are just some of the reasons why using a chartered architect makes sense.’

– Robin Webster OBE FRIAS, The Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland

W

ould you really want to build your new home without an architect? You would either have to be very brave, very foolish or wealthy enough to cover the cost of your own mistakes.

As the RIAS, Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland says, an architect’s years of training and experience help people to identify what they need from their home, how it looks and how this can be best achieved within budget.

Your architect is with you at every stage of the journey from the starting idea to the day your removal truck arrives.

• • • • • • • • •

Strategic definition - ‘I’ve got this idea for a home’ Preparation and brief - what is feasible and could there be objections to the idea Concept design - interpreting your idea Outline drawings - final sketch plans Developed design - how it will look and how that will be achieved Technical design - design’s technical information ready for the contractor Construction - overseeing and administering building work Hand over and ‘close out’ - inspection for any defects, handling certification In use - any supplementary work afterwards, fee usually negotiated separately.

Architect’s fees

Decide which method of payment you and your architect will use at the start of the project and whether expenses will be included within the agreed fee or charged separately.

Percentage - is based on the total construction costs in the building contract including site works; agreement is needed on Education in architecture is to going to change with the ‘most the services provided, nature of the work and an significant reform in 50 years’. approximate construction budget.

The Architects Registration Board (ARB) the professional regulator Lump sum - fees work best when the project responsible for setting the standards for registration as an architect, can be clearly defined right from the start and has spent a year gathering evidence for a discussion document on there are no surprises for either side. changes.

Time charged - is the flip-side of that coin It says: ‘The existing requirements for registration as an architect and best where the amount of work cannot have been in place since 2010 and delivered through an educational system which has been in place since 1958. Much has changed in the ‘reasonably’ be seen; an agreed upper limit is intervening years.’ needed and fees are often staged.

The next generation of architects

The evidence and plans can be found in ‘Modernising the initial education and training of architects’ which can be found online at www.arb.org.uk

ABODE MAGAZINE |

11

MCINNES GARDNER

McInnes Gardner

Over 100 years of experience

A

lexander McInnes Gardner established the practice in 1910 with commissions for headquarter buildings for the Banks and Insurance sector and thereafter established a worldwide reputation for the fitting-out of ships (130). The world’s best known ocean liners include; Queen Mary, Mauritania, Queen Elizabeth, Canberra, and the Royal Yacht Britannia.

McInnes Gardner, nowadays also referred to as MIG, continues with a young and motivated team and maintains the firm’s long-standing reputation for Professionalism and Excellence in Design. Principal activities remain in the commercial as well as the domestic sector, designing unique luxury homes with exposure on Grand Designs & Scotland’s Home of the Year.

MIG designs are tailored architectural compositions, combining internal space & light to elegant external elevations. Incorporating the latest renewable and sustainable techniques, designed for effortless modern living. Your dreamhouse vision is realised through our in-house VR System with exceptional attention to detail in every aspect of the design.

Contact

For more information call us on 0141 332 3841 or visit www.mcinnesgardner.co.uk

From top: See plans come to life, from plans to virtual reality; Alastair MacIntyre is McInnes Gardner today’s Senior Partner, pictured with Kevin McCloud featuring in Grand Designs; Alexander McInnes Gardner - founder, pictured as RFA Major; Rhu House, Argyll.

ABODE MAGAZINE |

13

TIMBER FRAME

MATERIAL WORLD

YOUR HOME, YOUR WAY

Self-build is about the freedom to choose not only the design but also the materials and construction method; remember there is far more to it than bricks or timber frame

T

he joy of self-building is the joy of choice and the chance to create a home that can be truly unique. The construction method and materials are the biggest purchases of all.

Each method has its pros and cons and budget will always play a huge deciding factor, more so if building in a remote or rural location where transport costs will also have to be factored in.

The choice of design, and the environment and landscape in which the house will sit, also play major roles in the decision.

Brick and wood remain staples of our building industry; they have been with us since the dawn of history in one form or another. Human ingenuity just keeps adapting these materials to suit the latest technology and social circumstances right up to today’s computer-controlled brick kiln and laserguided sawmills.

‘Bricks and mortar’ is almost a synonym for property; the traditional, trusted method of construction. Research for the building trade consistently shows that brick still has a tug on

14

| ABODE MAGAZINE

the heartstrings for many consumers and that this is why so many chose a brick exterior for all or part of a frame-built property.

Today’s brick-built house has walls built in two ‘leaves’.

External brick walls have internal blockwork ones and these will be the supporting structure of the house.

A modern bricklayer needs good grades in maths and English to enrol on the 24-30 months’ college course, while working for their employer, before they qualify.

As the name says, in timber frame houses the internal wooden frame is designed to support the structure of the house. This is then clad in either brick or stone or block with finish. The frame is factory produced and arrives on site ready to assemble.

If your mind is set on a timber frame then make sure your mind is made up.

With timber frame there is not the same ability to change your mind as there is with other methods, so you had better get it right first time.

Decide to move a window with bricks and mortar and all you will do is add to your costs and annoy a couple of brickies; you do not just take a saw to a timber frame - you go back to the factory and that is very, very pricey.

A flexible, customer-led approach that puts you at the heart of your timber frame self-build project

SPELLING OUT OUR FLAGSHIP COMPANY VALUES

www.fleminghomes.co.uk

DESIGN • PLANNING • BUILDING REGULATIONS CONSTRUCTION DESIGN & ENGINEERING • MANUFACTURE • ERECTION

TIMBER FRAMES & SIPS

How will you build your dream home?

S

elf-build is a statement, about creating a unique home for you and the way you want to live; it is all about personal choice. One of the biggest choices is deciding which construction method to use.

Your design and build-choice inform each other.

Traditional bricks and mortar construction will always have its place in the hearts of many but timber frame kits are the most popular Scottish choice, especially in rural locations like the Borders, Highlands and Islands.

The newcomer to mainstream home building, Structural Insulated Panels (SIPS) is gaining ground.

If you are looking for larger windows and open roof space then SIPS might be the way forward for you but SIPS construction needs more money up front.

SIPs

SIPs are quick to erect, strong and energy-efficient making them a fantastic option for self builders – not least because their accurate manufacture helps simplify construction on site, reducing the chance of the project falling behind schedule.

Structural insulated panels are usually used in roofs and external walls of buildings but may also be used in floors and internal walls.

The long-term benefit of building using SIPs is lower energy bills and reduced energy consumption and CO2 emissions. Their light weight and factory production reduces transport energy and onsite wastage, therefore reducing the overall carbon footprint.

16

| ABODE MAGAZINE

What you design is what you get: no last minute on-site change of mind; the measurements have to be very precise and mistakes are costly and time consuming.

The panels are prefabricated and delivery can take longer.

A SIPs property needs more money up front, but less time and labour later in the project balances out the costs.

You need to be in the hands of a SIPS specialist with experience of the material and construction technique.

Not all SIPS panels are the same; width and core product can be different - polyurethane or expanded polystyrene.

Do your homework.

Timber

A quarter of new houses in the UK are timber frame, but 83 per cent of all new houses in Scotland are timber frame and the figure is rising.

The timber frame construction method is good for open-plan layouts.

As timber frame homes are built off-site there is the same need for precise measurement; neither timber nor SIPS can offer the option of an onsite repositioning of a window the way that a brick-build can.

But it is easier and more economical to add extensions at later dates to timber frame properties.

With an engineered, precision product like a timber frame installing premade items such as staircases and fitted wardrobes and kitchens is a quicker job.

Timber frame homes are a more affordable way to build; materials are easily sourced and there are plenty of experienced tradesmen in the timber frame industry so there is a wider, and hopefully more competitive, choice of builders.

A great many of Scotland’s architects have long-standing relationships with timber frame manufacturers, together creating kits which are precision engineered to your individual designs.

Some of the larger well-established timber frame companies can offer in-house architectural services.

Modular homes with style & substance Introducing The Wee House Company, the Modular Construction Specialist building net-zero carbon ready homes with character and charm

O

ff-site modular construction is on the rise in the UK, and with a significantly shorter build programme, quicker occupancy, reduced costs, improvements on quality and a reduction in waste and emissions, the rapid traction of this approach is easy to comprehend.

As with every innovation, there is an element of opposition and some critics of the construction method have suggested that modular homes have a boring, uniform aesthetic and fear that its increasing popularity could result in too many identical houses across the country. Yet The Wee House Company is striving to dismantle this mis-conception with every Wee House it builds…

A bespoke Wee House can be any shape or size and

gives the customer flexibility over room size, no of bedrooms, bathrooms and there’s even the option to add another storey.

Customers are afforded a high level of customisation whereby almost every element of their home can be chosen to suit their own personal style, from kitchens and bathroom suites to ironmongery and paint colours.

There are Wee Houses in an array of colours from pretty pale pink to funky forest green and many customers have opted for distinctive details such as a vaulted ceiling, decorative barge board finishing on the roof or a striking wood burning stove.

There are also important choices for customers to make regarding the home’s energy efficiency, but crucially all options can be easily upgraded in the future and that’s

thanks to the smart building design of Wee Houses.

Underneath the stylish exterior of a Wee House lies an ultra-insulated building envelope, capable of achieving the highest energy efficiency standard, whether that is from the outset, or further down the line when budget allows.

Jennifer Higgins, Managing Director of The Wee House Company tells us “We know our customers are carefully weighing up the benefit of high upfront spend against long-term energy savings. Our ‘net-zero ready’ building envelope is the cornerstone of energy-efficient design, able to work alongside a range of renewable heating, hot water and ventilation systems and ultimately giving customers more flexibility.”

Jennifer continues “Under controlled factory conditions it is easier for us to improve the future sustainability of our homes. For example, better air tightness can be achieved as standard, while construction waste is up to 84.7% less than on traditional sites. There is less time on site which minimises construction traffic and related emissions by up to 50%, plus it’s less disruptive to neighbouring residents. All of our timber is sourced from sustainable FSC approved suppliers and any suitable off cuts are used elsewhere in the production line. Compared to an equivalent, traditional built project, up to 67% less energy is required to produce a modular building.”

With the rising cost of energy bills, energy efficiency has become more important than ever before and The Wee House Company has ensured this box is firmly checked. From high specification double glazed windows and high thermal insulation to low energy lights and solar photovoltaic panels, Wee Houses are one of the most energy efficient housing options on the market.

Where do we sign up? www.theweehousecompany.co.uk 01292 591715

HOME HEATING & ENERGY SAVING

Heat to beat the bills Design your property to build in savings – you will never have a better chance

I

f you ever have a moment of doubt about setting out on a custom or self-build then the rising price of energy should be enough to convince you to go ahead.

As energy costs soar experts are advising what to install, how to insulate and how to programme it all.

Instead of doing this retrospectively – and expensively – to an existing property, you get to incorporate it all in a new build. The running costs of your super new energyefficient home will convince you that you have done the right thing.

It has escaped no one that fuel prices are soaring so the need for our homes to be energy efficient has never been more vital, building a new home or carrying out a major renovation allows you to get the heating and lighting right first time and play your part in helping the environment.

You are not just offsetting carbon you are offsetting energy costs.

Your architect will know the best way to heat your home, with everything from solar gain to generating your own power. Size, location, elevation and more mean that each new build will have a near-enough custom made heat and light system.

The types of grants you can apply for from Home Energy Scotland, which is funded by the Scottish Government and managed by Energy Saving Trust, can be found in our raising finance pages.

Even better there are ‘eco mortgages’ out there for energy efficient homes, so all round, building a new ecofriendly home is a win-win situation.

The UK is moving away from gas and oil heating. A coalition of the UK’s leading energy companies, heat pump manufacturers and energy consumer organisations, including Energy Saving Trust, has issued a joint statement calling for support for heat pumps to help the UK reduce dependence on gas.

One of the best ways to plan your heating and energy requirements is to talk to someone who has already been on this journey. They are ready and waiting to welcome you into their homes and tell you their story.

Green Homes Network is unique to Scotland; it has 300 homes across the country owned by people who have installed home renewables and want to share their experiences.

Their homes come in all shapes and sizes; from ecobuilds to historic stone cottages, listed buildings and everything in between.

Home Energy Scotland says: ‘Network members are friendly homeowners, keen to share their experience about the energy efficiency improvements they’ve made to their property, the costs they’ve saved, and to help you make an informed choice.’

Energy advice from the experts Get pumping Air source and ground source heat pumps are more efficient than other heating systems because the amount of heat they produce is more than the amount of electricity they use. While the compressor and pumps need electricity to work, they use less than the quantity of heat they move from outside to inside.

Biomass Biomass is a renewable energy source, generated from burning wood, plants and other organic matter, a stove burns logs or pellets to heat a single room – and may be fitted with a back boiler to

18

| ABODE MAGAZINE

provide water heating as well. A boiler burns logs, pellets or chips, connected to a central heating and hot water system. Today’s boilers are hopper fed, programmable and light years away from their predecessors Solar water heating Energy from the sun warms water for storage in a hot water cylinder or thermal store. Because the amount of available solar energy varies throughout the year a conventional boiler or immersion heater is normally used in conjunction with them to make up the difference.

Thermal energy store A thermal store is a way of storing and managing renewable heat until it is needed, most commonly heated water in a buffer or accumulator tank. Thermal store may contain one or more heat exchangers and reaches full potential when used with a number of systems like solar and a heat pump Micro-CHP systems Domestic micro-CHP systems are usually powered by mains gas or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) or even biodiesel. They save energy by generating electricity while heating water – a boiler cannot do this.

HOME HEATING & ENERGY SAVING

Did you know that when it comes to buying materials and products, there is free, top-class advice on hand? The Energy Saving Trust Register is a database of verified energy efficient products; you can check to see how efficient they are.

Look for the brand mark.

Clockwise from top left: Air heat pump beside house; solid fuel heating; solar water heating system.

ABODE MAGAZINE |

19

Efficient, economical & a beautiful focal-point A stove is an extremely efficient space heater that can be run economically in the superinsulated homes of today. It also provides a valuable and comforting source of heat during a prolonged power cut in an otherwise electric reliant system.

And of course it goes without saying that a stove is a great visual asset giving a ‘heart’ to the home and providing a perfect focal point to gather family and friends around!

As with any stove installation the demands of the chimney should come first. This is easy to overlook but chimneys have to generate a reliable draught under a great variety of weather conditions and if their basic needs aren’t met they can be miserable and even dangerous to live with.

Many modern houses are designed

to have large glazed areas combined with open-plan spaces leaving little suitable wall space for a stove.

Often the chimney is expected to play second fiddle to the stove and is forced into a situation far from ideal purely because there is no alternative space available.

If you’re looking for a troublefree installation and years of good service from your stove and chimney then good chimney design is key and sorting out these details early during the design phase is the best time to do it.

Building or renovating and interested to know what benefits a stove could add to your heating mix?

With 45 years experience we can talk you through all the options and work out what fits your needs best.

Call us on 01631 720539.

A HOMELY WELCOME

Is this not one of the best feelings in the world?

Once upon a time it was just a vague wish and now the keys are in your hands

Above left: Log in: who doesn’t love a stove? www.charnwood.com available from Backwoodsman Stoves.

Above right: Chill: in a warm bath. www.duravit.co.uk available from Victor Paris

W

elcome to your new home. At first it was an idea, then it was number crunching time as you calculated what and where you could build.

You bought the plot and sat down with an architect, applied for planning permission and building warrants; you swotted up on heat pumps, solar gain and land drains. Suddenly it was a building site and you watched progress, and finances, with the occasional sleepless night.

Now the builders are packing up, there’s just a wee bit of snagging to complete. Relax, smile and start turning this new house into a home.

Space

Is your kitchen open plan, broken plan or fluid space? How does the space flow from your decking and patio through to the kitchen, family room and beyond to the garage and utility?

One thing we have learned in recent years is that situations can change. Design your space so that it can be rearranged to suit different needs be they home-schooling, working from home, kids back from university, elder care or welcoming an evacuee. Large pieces of furniture can break up space and create zones, so can a clever mix of lighting and different textures on kitchen areas, walls and textiles.

Bathrooms

The more you have the more flexible your home can be. The most peaceful family existence comes from adequate space for ablutions. Think en-suite, family bathroom, an extra lavatory or a shower tucked away; design one for a touch of spa serenity, others for getting the kids out the door in the morning and hosing down muddy outdoorsy types.

Kitchens

Kitchens have evolved into the major home living space, flowing into dining and living areas. So it makes sense to put the boring stuff - storage, cleaning kit and laundry - into their own space. Make your utility room into both pantry and scullery and if you throw in a backdoor/mudroom area your home stays clean and tidy.

Technology

Custom and self-build homes and major repair, maintenance and improvement projects give you the opportunity to take advantage of so much technology. Wi-fi controlled heating and lighting systems are commonplace; waterproofed bathroom TVs and showers which can be programmed via Siri or Alexa can be yours. Make sure you have the wiring, sockets and capacity to cope now and with the future.

ABODE MAGAZINE |

21

FINDING LAND

KITCHEN S

H

O

W

C

A

S

E

ADVERTORIAL

Leading stone fabricator breaks new ground

T

he long established specialist in stone worktops, Rocca enters new and exciting territory that is sure to cause ripples in the Scottish market.

Innovating and investing throughout the past two years, Rocca has uniquely positioned itself at the forefront of the latest trend in modern homes.

Technological advances in the tile industry, have set a new standard in design, colour and texture. Large format tiles and panels are increasingly becoming the norm; opening a whole world of possibilities, both indoors and out.

With timelessly classic or boldly contemporary designs to match every taste; porcelain panels fit neatly into new builds or traditional homes alike.

Extra large tiles act as striking statement pieces and effectively minimise the amount of grout lines, offering a sleek, clean look to any space.

Cutting edge designs afford a vast array of vibrant colours and textures that mesmerise and inspire.

Albeit that panels are not new to the market, it is our capacity to template and cut-to-size that stands us apart.

A wealth of experience in the stone industry readily translates to the fabrication of porcelain. As such, Rocca is exclusively capable of creating bespoke projects in-house.

Showcasing, arguably, the most extensive collection of large format tiles and panels in Scotland, ranging from

marble to concrete; Rocca should be your first port of call.

Whether building your dream home or breathing new life to an older property, Rocca is ready to help you realise your dreams. www.roccagraniteworktops.co.uk • 0141 883 9540

Kitchen Worktops S p e c i a l i s t s i n G ra n i t e , Q u a r t z , M a r b l e & P o r ce l a i n Quality Stone, Quality Installation Worktops - Islands - Tables - Vanities www.roccaworktops.co.uk 0141 883 9540

ABODE MAGAZINE |

23

THE ART OF KITCHEN Aberdeen Showroom Denmore Road Bridge of Don, AB23 8JW 01224 824 300

THE ART OF KITCHEN Broxburn Showroom 11 Youngs Rd. East Mains Industrial Estate Aberdeen Showroom Broxburn, EH52 5LY Denmore Road 01506 862 780

Bridge of Don, AB23 8JW 01224 824 300

Edinburgh Showroom Broxburn Showroom 117 Dundas Street 11 Youngs Rd. East New Town, EH3 5EF Mains Industrial Estate Broxburn,0131 EH52 523 5LY 0477 01506 862 780

Edinburgh Showroom

Edinburgh Sterling Showroom Home, 4 Whitehill Rd, 117 Dundas Street Fort Kinnaird, New Town, EH3 5EF EH15 3HR 0131 0131 523 0477337 3434 Edinburgh Showroom Glasgow Showroom Sterling Home, 4 Whitehill Rd, 220 Great Road Fort Kinnaird, EH15Western 3HR G4 9EJ 0131 337 3434

0141 404 7744

Glasgow Showroom 220 Great Western Road Tillicoultry Showroom G4 9EJ 767744 Moss Road 0141 404

Tillicoultry, FK13 6NS

Tillicoultry Showroom 01259 76 Moss Road 237 010 Tillicoultry, FK13 6NS 01259 237 010

www.kitchensinternational.co.uk

www.kitchensinternational.co.uk

TIPS & TRENDS

Feeling groovy, baby

Y

our great-grandchildren are calling it mid-century modern, you think of it as the stuff you junked just as your own children headed for high school. How you view these pieces will give away how old you really feel.

These are times when we need bright design and cheerful colour in our lives, so perhaps some paint or a piece or two?

But if Artex-stippled walls and woodchip wallpaper rear their ugly heads it is time to stage an intervention.

3 1

2

5 4

7

6

1. Trippy orange wallpaper nods back to the halcyon days of the 1960s and 1970s. www.madaboutmidcenturymodern.com 2. Instantly groovy: Louise Mead’s canvas print comes ready to hang in a range of sizes. www.louisemead.co.uk 3. The Jacob chair – the choice of Roger Moore 007 villains. www.theloungeco.com 4. Good, traditional design is always timeless, a merino wool throw. www.countrymouse.co.uk 5. Because you cannot do 60-70s revival without one: a purple and red aluminium lava lamp. www.redcandy.co.uk 6. The 70s in a cushion, complete with orange and pink pompoms. www.sweetpeaandwillow.com 7. Oh wow, like you guys went to Marrakesh too? Far out! A statement piece from Mindthegap Furniture’s Woodstock collection would look good in any room. www.mindtheg.com

26

| ABODE MAGAZINE

AT VICTOR PARIS, WE MAKE YOUR BATHROOM DREAMS COME TRUE So you’ve decided to remodel your bathroom, or perhaps add a wet room or home spa, at Victor Paris we can either work with your plans or let our talented team of designers create your dream bathroom. We work with you, helping you chose the perfect products and finishes from fittings to tiles, making sure your project fulfils your vision and more importantly your budget and timetable.

We’ll work with you, setting out a delivery schedule from first fix which means we’ll keep you bathroom products in our storage facility delivering the items only as you need them, In-short, we appreciate the importance that you only receive what you need, when you need it, so you get the dream bathroom on time and on budget.

GLASGOW, 60 Washington Street, Glasgow G3 8AZ

EDINBURGH, 178 Dundee Street, Edinburgh EH11 1DQ

www.victorparis.com

DUNDEE, 92 Albert Street, Dundee DD4 6QH

XXXXXX

FINDING LAND

BATHROOM S

H

O

W

C

A

S

E

William Wilson – Services for self-builders in Scotland

W

illiam Wilson are one of the largest suppliers of plumbing, heating and bathroom materials in Scotland. With 21 trading locations throughout Scotland, they are uniquely placed to help the Scottish self-build community.

William Wilson have many unique services ideal to help you turn your self-build dream into a reality including: • Free of charge heating system design and technical advice.

• Free of charge bathroom design service. * • Free delivery to most areas of mainland Scotland.

Plumbing

William Wilson have 21** trading locations in Scotland, stocking a comprehensive range of plumbing fittings and products from brass fittings to renewable heating systems. The company aim is to provide an excellent service to customers as well as having the right products in the right place at the right time.

Heating

William Wilson can provide a free of charge heating system design and technical advice service. Renewable technologies such as ground or air source heat pumps are becoming ever more viable and cost effective, particularly when installed in a new or self-build situation. Whatever the technology and whatever the consumer requirements William Wilson can provide the right solution. Fully trained heating design engineers have the expertise to design and supply any of the renewable energy systems currently available in the marketplace and can incorporate underfloor heating into most designs.

Bathrooms

William Wilson have 17** bathroom showrooms throughout Scotland, each with eye-catching displays filled with ideas to inspire you. Room set displays in each showroom feature both contemporary and traditional bathroom suites from manufacturers such as Ideal

Standard and Roca.

William Wilson also have a comprehensive range of bathroom accessories, furniture and tiles.

Building your own house can be made easier with William Wilson. Visit www.williamwilson.co.uk to find a location near you. Ask about our Self-Build Purchase Account facility. *Does not include a site visit. **Bathroom showrooms only at Aberdeen Altens, Aberdeen Mastrick, Aviemore, Ayr, Dundee, Edinburgh, Elgin, Fraserburgh, Glasgow, Inverness, Inverurie, Kirkcaldy, Kirkwall, Perth, Portree, Stornoway and Thurso.

Matchmaking in the world of rugs T

here is a move towards sustainable fibres such as wool. Because of wooden and tiled flooring the size of rugs or area carpets is greater. Wool has many advantages in ease of maintenance and hard wearing which fits into the trend of paying a little more but keeping the product for much longer. We have recently made rugs for the First Minister’s office at the Scottish Parliament; a Michelin-starred restaurant in the Netherlands, Glenmorangie Distillery in Tain, the British Embassy in Tirana, Albania, and many individual homes throughout the UK who have found it an easy and enjoyable experience to contact us and design the perfect rug for their room in terms of size, design and colours. Very often rugs will last longer than a trend in colour so getting the right colour to match with the dominant colours in a room is a greater factor along with bespoke sizing and shape.’-John McKerchar, director, Turnberry Rug Works Ltd.

UNDERLAY

FLOORING

15 FLOORING THOUGHTS Flooring is a major investment. Think what each room does in terms of daily wear and balance your choice and budget with a combination of underlay, product, its composition and the look you want to achieve 1.

CARPETS

2.

3.

4.

GO NATURAL

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

11.

FINALLY

FLOOR ART

12.

13.

14.

15.

One man’s ceiling is another man’s floor. Think about what’s happening in the room below and use acoustic underlay where necessary.

Like duvets, carpets and underlay have a tog rating. Flooring is insulation but when it comes to under floor heating the tog rating of carpet and underlay combined should be kept below 2.5 for maximum benefit.

The average thickness of underlay is 11 or 12 mm. On stairs a thickness of 9mm makes sense – both it and the carpet have to be bend into the angle of the stair.

The most popular underlays in common use are foam, sponge rubber, crumb rubber and felt. Foam is favourite for stairs; sponge rubber for cement floors and under floor heating; crumb rubber is the most eco friendly and watch out for felt if there is someone allergic to wool.

The thicker the underlay the more luxurious the carpet will feel.

Work to achieve a perfect balance between type of carpet, depth of pile and underlay. That is why it pays to buy from a specialist.

It is false economy to lay a new carpet on old underlay.

Carpets fall into the basic types of Saxony, deep and soft; twist, smooth hardwearing; loop, pet claws catch, especially cats; cut and loop mainly for patterns; Berber cut and loop with a knot, and velvet, dense, short pile. The most common materials are nylon, polyester, polypropylene, acrylic, and wool.

Think blend of materials, colour and style for the needs of each room, balancing your budget as you go.

In natural flooring wool is king but remember sisal, sea grass, coir and jute. Each of the later can be woven into varying patterns and used in underlay or rugs. Can be expensive, looks striking; the great eco statement.

The ultimate eco flooring is good old fashioned linoleum, famously pioneered and manufactured here in Scotland. Tiles or roll, which has to be fitted by specialists.

Bamboo the other natural is becoming ever popular as a hard wood floor; the best manufacturers can offer soundproofing and under floor heating underlay.

Wood always looks good, salvaged old floor boards are worth searching for; get the under floor insulation and finish right.

Engineered wood is an easier option; parquet always looks classy.

Stone, slate, ceramic tiles have their place in kitchens, bathrooms, utilities and hardworking areas; buy wisely, maintain well and you never buy again.

Your floors are an art gallery and rugs are the paintings; go for an old master, with an oriental or Persian – auctions are great places.

Go natural with sheepskin and other hides; or fibres like coir or sisal or choose contemporary, the choice is staggering and covers all prices. Make the ultimate statement with handmade or bespoke from Scottish master craftsmen like Turnberry.

The most common – and costly – mistake made is falling to maintain this investment. A good vacuum cleaner and mop, the right cleaning product, knowing the best way to treat a stain and a regular visit from professional cleaners will keep them good for years to come.

ABODE MAGAZINE |

31

YOUR HAPPY HOME

Because we’re happy!

‘If you know what happiness is to you’, as Pharrel Williams sang, then build it into your new home. Make sure your house is designed and filled with things that you and your family can enjoy every minute you spend there, doing what you love with things that make you smile.

1

2

Whether it is barkitecture or arcatecture it’s their home too 1. Daschund loo roll holder. Even the most mundane objects can make us smile. www.dibor.co.uk 2. No more ‘Get off the sofa!’. www.wayfair.co.uk 3. Your cat as wall art; it probably thinks it’s an Egyptian god anyway. www.fabiothecat.com In tents pleasure. Who doesn’t love a tent; they make big kids of us all 4. Make a reading den and snuggle down for a story. www.cuckooland.com 5. Have a tent for a teenage hangout or a gin joint for parents. www.boutiquecamping.com

3

Make a special space 6. Happiness is a comfy sofa big enough to swallow the whole family on movie night with enough cushions for everyone to hide from the scary bits. theoriginalchaircompany.co.uk 7. Who says a garden room has to be for gardening? How about a games room. www.greenretreats.co.uk ‘Who plants a garden, plants happiness’ 8. Create a garden that grows into a room that makes people happy to sit and enjoy each others’ company. John Lewis 9. A welcoming declaration. www.redcandy.co.uk 10. A fire in a garden into the evening sets a great mood for a long summer sunset or a dark autumn night. Buy a barbecue rack for a fire pit and you’ve covered both ambiance and supper in one go. www.firepitsuk.co.uk

32

| ABODE MAGAZINE

4

5

FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION

6

7

ARCHITECTURE DESIGN PLANNING

T: 01786 811533 E: info@aglarchitect.co.uk www.aglarchitect.co.uk 8

9

10

Proud sponsors of Mull Rugby Club Juniors

PAINT & WALL COVERINGS

Decorating your dream 1

This is the last big job before the furniture comes out of store or from the shop and you can declare the house is now home.

Enjoy every minute you spend choosing and creating. Great innovations and tried and tested favourites await.

1. If mummy and daddy were Farrow and Ball, chances are you will be Coat. Paint without the DIY store, they say, promising ‘effortless bragging rights’.

Good website, very Instagram friendly and a superb innovation with their peel and stick test swatches.

Never splodge around with a tester pot again. www. coatpaints.com 2. We do still love our white rooms, full of tones and textures. www.cultfurniture.com 3. Go veri peri in the bedroom with this Alice Periwinkle Wallpaper. www.olenkadesign.co.uk 4. We love our tartan wallpaper, but give it a new twist. Mindthegap collections are never knowingly understated and have some of the best takes on the theme. www.mindtheg.com 5. Wallpaper is making a come back, make no mistake.

This ‘Branch Van Gogh Almond Blossom’ is a gentle reintroduction after all those years of mood board curated painted walls. www.bobbibeck.com 6. With a nod to Bridgerton and other period dramas this Elizabeth Ockford-designed wallpaper can be personalised with your family name, the date you built the house, initials, you name it, or left blank. www.frenchbedroomcompany.co.uk 7 & 8. Colours to reflect the Scottish landscape. Picture: Skye Kelp and Spar Cave. www.isleofskyepaintcompany.co.uk 9. With the return of wallpaper comes the picture wall, and the mural remained for a new generation. Make yours a statement by a Scottish artist from a Highland manufacturer. www.isleofskyepaintcompany.co.uk

34

| ABODE MAGAZINE

2

PAINT & WALL COVERINGS

4

6

3

5

6

Wallpaper novice?

•

•

7

8

•

Use a professional decorator; good wallpaper does not come cheap so don’t make it look that way by hanging it poorly.

Your decorator will be able to advise you on how many rolls your room will require, they will need to know the roll size and pattern repeat, so make a note; better still take a photo of the whole label.

When buying in store make sure that batch numbers are all the same on each roll. Different batches can result in subtle colour differences which look negligible on the roll but scream out once on the wall. Likewise reject any online order with mixed codes. This is rare with modern production but don’t risk it.

Make it easier on yourself Buy your paint AFTER you buy your floor coverings.

Mr Dulux, his dog and all their friends in the paint industry, can mix and match and offer you far, far more colours than you will ever see when selecting your carpets.

You will be living with the carpet far longer than the paint so make a note of a few more colours you like for the next time you decorate

9

ABODE MAGAZINE |

35

ADVERTORIAL

Isle of Skye Paint Company Bring the spirit of Skye into your home with beautiful paint and wallcoverings

I

sle of Skye Paint Company has launched its long-awaited first range of wall coverings.

The fine-art wallpapers and murals of the Faileasan Collection echo the hues and spirit of the island, in complete harmony with the paint range.

The company’s paint colours are inspired by the island’s sea, sky and landscapes and are the brainchild of professional decorator Alasdair Campbell based in Portree, who wanted to create a paint professionals would enjoy using that could handle the rugged Skye environment where he worked.

After studying and consulting with industry experts he developed a water-based range with organic seaweed, a natural thickening agent.

‘The low-splatter consistency means it’s very forgiving in the hands of a DIY-er,’ he said.

Now, 45 shades of paint later in matt, durable, satin, masonry and exterior eggshell, the first wallpapers have arrived.

And just as the paint and the colours proved a huge success, the wallpapers have been welcomed enthusiastically by the trade, loyal online customers and their 20-plus stockists around Scotland.

The range has been created by Glasgow School of Art-trained artist-designer Julia Sagias.

Julia made many trips to the island, when she quietly

photographed and sketched its vast natural beauty. Through a process of careful observation each detail has been poetically translated into beautifully-constructed surface designs.

They go from the dramatic and contemporary in design and colour to elegant and restrained; within the carefully curated designs and colour choices any mood or ambiance can be achieved.

The famous ‘45 shades of Skye’ are also undergoing a change with some colours being archived for order only, to be replaced by new ones.

‘We want to keep the palette fresh,’ said Carol Campbell who founded the company alongside her husband, ‘the wallpapers can create contemporary or classic looks and work perfectly with the refreshed paint range.’

These include Portnalong primrose, a yellow; Ord Slate, a blue slate colour found on the island; Spar Cave, bottle green; Kinloch Green a sage green; Beinn Edra, a mid gray and a taupe, Idrigill Point.

To put these products together and create your own spirit of the island, Isle of Skye Paint Company now has an in-house interior designer, Angela Milne who trained in Aberdeen and Dundee. In a consultancy with Angela she discusses your likes, dislikes, individual style, furniture and swatches and creates a mood board with painted out swatches.

TRADES & BUILDING SUPPLIES

BUILD NOW TO BEAT INFLATION

R

ising fuel prices and the situation in Ukraine are not going away so it pays to start your project now and lock in prices on building materials and inflation-proof costs where

possible.

Do not always look to the big names for the best deals; in the more rural and remote parts of the country the smaller, private firms are often part of a buying consortium and their prices and personal service might astound you. However it is also worth seeking out the neighbourhood branch of a national firm with an excellent local manager. Shop around and up your security once products are on site.

The construction industry across the UK says that ‘price inflation remains a major concern’. This affects the custom and self-build market just as much as it does

the big boys.

The Construction Leadership Council’s product availability working group now meets every three weeks to respond to changes.

It said in March: ‘There are reports that some suppliers are only willing to hold quotes for tender prices for 24 hours.’

Long-term, Russia is a major supplier of birch plywood and resins, Ukraine is a main supplier for kaolin used to manufacture sanitary ware and tiles; prices are going to be impacted for some time to come.

The good news is that UK brick and block stocks have increased and the report notes: ‘timber presents a positive picture with stable prices and plenty of stock in the UK, along with fewer problems reported with ports and haulage’.

It pays to hire the best Scotland has some of the best, and oldest, accreditation systems for its trades people.

Good ones are always in demand and command the best rates but the best save you time, money and heartache. If you are working in a remote location or at the heart of the booming city then you need to move quick to get them onboard your project.

The Scottish Building Federation

Established in 1895, making it one of the oldest and biggest of its kind, its Code of Conduct includes provisions on liability insurance, building standards, technical capabilities, employment and training, health and safety, the environment and customer care.

Select

Founded in 1900 as The Electrical Contractors’ Association of Scotland, SELECT became the first trade association in the world to serve the electrical industry and it is the authoritative trade association in Scotland.

Gas Safe

Operates a registration scheme for businesses and individual operatives and is the only scheme recognised by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) that complies with the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998.

OFTEC

OFTEC’s accredited registration schemes are for heating technicians working in liquid fuels, off-grid gas, heat pumps, solar thermal, biomass and solid fuel who pass training and assessment and have their work inspected regularly and audited.

SNIPEF

The Scottish and Northern Ireland Plumbing Employers’ Federation (SNIPEF) is the principal trade association for plumbing and heating businesses based in Scotland and Northern Ireland, since 1923.

NFRC

The National Federation of Roofing Contractors’ Scottish region has 97 members. Only those with a satisfactory trading record, including financial stability can join and are vetted before joining and once every three years

ABODE MAGAZINE |

37

ROOFING

CAN’T DECIDE WHICH ROOF? History can help you choose

O

nce us humans get a good idea we never let it go; we still paint pictures on walls and roof our homes with wood, stone, slate, thatch and earth.

And every time someone comes up with another good idea for a roof we happily start using that as well while all the time bringing innovation to our tried and tested methods.

Let’s face it the first wood we used was the branches we could tear down with our bare hands; we upped the ante with the stone axe and from there evolution has brought

us to computer guided and laser controlled saw mills.

Your design and budget will be key factors but your surroundings and personal taste will be a major influence.

You can trace the history of homes in Scotland through the thatch on blackhouses, slate from Ballachulish and Easdale to the pantiles in Fife and corrugated tin roofs of the ‘tin tabernacles’ and houses from A & J Main & Co of Glasgow, arguably the first kit homes.

Concrete tiles of sand, cement, and larger aggregate have benefitted from progress in design and composition; they can be comparable to clay with better performance in extreme cold and greater resilience against impact, thanks to high pressure moulding. They will not age as well as clay which remains a favourite for its longevity.

Slate, be it new or reclaimed, remains one of the nation’s favourites, especially the in the slate producing heart of the West Highlands and on conservation and renovation projects nationwide. Today’s new slate is almost entirely sourced from Spain.

Fibre cement slates comprise a blend of fibres and cement with a mineral admixture moulded to a finish to match natural slate.

Cement tile finish can be altered by adding a wide variety of minerals for colour and depth.

A green roof of turf, sedum or wildflower mix needs a flat roof strong enough to support the weight of the soil and or an angle where the soil will not slip.

With metal roofs zinc and copper remain the most popular which attain an incredible patina with age.

Steel with a standing seam is increasing in popularity.

Thatch has all but disappeared from nonconservation work but could make a stunning addition with a garden-room roof. Lowland thatching is similar to English; Highland and island thatch materials could include heather, marram grasses, rushes, broom or bracken. Truly a roofing system that evolved with what was at hand; be it nets, stones and turf for an extra layer.

Going solar powered?

If your energy plan includes solar panels these need to be taken into account when choosing your roof; standing seam steel is the best option

LOGISTICS

The build is the journey & the logistics the map Custom and self-build is not just a journey through building regs, budget and builders it can be the trip of a life time and selfdiscovery. It is all about how you approach the logistics

I

t makes sense to build your own home, you get more home for your money and importantly a custom build gives you exactly what you want. How many times can we say that?

It is the home ownership method of choice in many parts of Europe; Germany, Scandinavia, Austria and Belgium especially.

Decision made, land bought and architect chosen there comes the point when you have to decide HOW you are going to manage the project.

Are you going to do this yourself or hire someone, or go down the ‘turn key’ approach where you one-stopshop with a kit manufacturer/construction company who handle the whole process and hands you said keys at the end.

No way

No way is the wrong way you just need the right way for you and you need to be honest with yourself. A blithe, ‘O, I’m sure I’ll/we’ll manage somehow,’ is just not going to cut it. Ask any builder or contractor out there: they have client horror stories.

If you do not have good organisational, logistical skills, are poor at dealing with people or any form of conflict then stop reading right now and go and find yourself a manager.

If you do have those skills but have, or have recently had, major life-events – think children with important exams looming, bereavement, divorce, accident, illness and such, would you rather pay extra to have a manager share the load?

Yes you can

You know what you want, you know how to achieve this smoothly, you can resolve conflict in your sleep and spreadsheet like a boss.

You can do it. You know where every piece of paper is, when to print off a hard copy and have spent every spare moment over the last two years studying the pros and cons of every sink, soffit and solar panel. You have a list of proven, recommended trades people.

The National Custom and Self Build Association is your new best friend and you know its webpage like the back of your own hand.

Don’t be daunted It is all about the right permissions, finance, people, materials and equipment in the right place at the right time.

Don’t be daunted by a remote location. Scotland has plenty of those and our hauliers pride themselves on getting anything anywhere. They have, or can hire, the kit needed be it all-terrain; continuous-track or a landing craft and they know ferry timetables to islands or across peninsulas off by heart.

Likewise they can get a lorry and a load down the narrowest lane or vennel in a city; remember it can take just as long to cross the central belt in the rush hour as sailing to an island.

ABODE MAGAZINE |

39

FINDING LAND

GARDENS S

H

O

W

C

A

S

E

OUTSIDE & GARDENS

YOUR GREEN ROOM Plan some wow factor with a wee touch of whimsy to add an extra, outside room to your new home

N

ot only is a garden good for your soul it is a valuable asset.

Not that you want to sell, of course, you have just built the place but it is reassuring to know that you have added significant value and buyer appeal to your investment by creating something you enjoy so much.

A major survey commissioned by Carlisle-based building society The Cumberland showed the single best asset your property can have is a garden.

Will Park, one of The Cumberland’s managers at Carlisle, said: ‘The pandemic has led to a once-in-alifetime reassessment of home for many.

‘A garden has always been a desirable asset for any

homeowner and the advantages of having your own private, outside space were never more clear. Bring gardens up to the best standard possible, particularly if looking to sell.’

Get the garden’s hard landscaping done along with groundworks, plus wiring for lights and pipes for water features; they will cost far more later. If the budget gets tight towards the end of the build delay planting or go for smaller trees and shrubs – nature will take its course and save you money.

Bifold doors, decking or a patio, lighting and heat, be it wired or wood-fired will bring the outside in and the inside out creating another ‘room’ for you to enjoy.

Clockwise from top left: Tuck a wind rocker into a border or grassy spot to make people smile (www.gardengifts.com); Go botanical: garden lighting can be more than lanterns or spotlights (www.sparkle. lighting); mirrors to give the impression of extra space (www.gardenesque.com); A garden room can be a tranquil den or a buzzing office (www.greenretreats.co.uk); a touch of magic with a dragon fire bowl (www.logifirepits.com).

ABODE MAGAZINE |

41

> Argyll & The Islands longest serving and most trusted independent septic tank service. > Competitive and fair pricing. > CCTV Drain Surveys

> Installation & Groundworks can be arranged. > GWS LTD is registered with & regulated by SEPA. > Drain Jetting

Please email Graeme at: gwsolutions@hotmail.co.uk Contact: 07788 233119

Oban based landscaping and property maintenance company offering commercial and domestic services for the whole of Argyll and the highlands

Full garden renovation Patios Fencing Retaining walls Driveways Summerhouses Glamping pods Drainage and groundwork Decking wood and composite Turfing Artificial turf

SPECIAL SERVICE

Roof de-mossing and biocide treatment.

Algacide and carbon deposit removal using the latest soft wash technology ensures no damage to your property whilst bringing back the kerb appeal to your home. Please note no power washers are used during this process instead we use fda approved chemicals applied through our soft wash system.

Quality materials supplied by MKM Oban

SRS Landscaping & Property Maintenance

Tel: 07368 665616 Email: s.r.swindowcleaning@hotmail.com

Web: www.srslandscapingandpropertymaintenance.co.uk

Over 35 years of helping to make your house, guesthouse, self-catering establishment, hotel or castle: Home.

Beds | Furniture | Carpets | Vinyls | Sofas Blinds | Curtains | Mobility | Office Furniture

mathesons.co.uk Tweedmill, Soroba Rd, Oban Call: 01631 565195 | Text: 07930179249

info@mathesons.co.uk