Home Improvement Guide

Having building work done on your home can be a source of investment and enjoyment. Like all investments, you should take your time and ensure you are dealing with a reputable firm. By following simple, smart advice, you can ensure a successful result.

Plan ahead

Get a good idea of what you want before contacting a contractor. Consider your budget, and the time frame in which you want the improvements completed.

Contact Build Right Builders, and one of our friendly experts will be happy to offer advice on how long the job may take, and an approximate price range for the work. (See our contact page.)

Finance

You need to decide how you will finance the work. Improvements made to your home can significantly increase the value of your property. See below for tips on adding value to your home.

If you have money available, an ideal way to invest is in an extension - not only will it raise the value of your property, it will also enable you to enjoy the increased space and functionality of your home.

One way to raise funds for the work is through re-mortgaging your home - speak to your mortgage provider about this.

Architectural plans

Get in touch with an architect to discuss having plans drawn. There are many to choose from in the Yellow Pages. For reassurance, choose one which is a member of the Royal Institute of British Architects (North East regional office telephone number 0191 232 4436). Some offer a free initial consultation. You can also find an architect online (try Online yellow pages or Find an architect).

The architect will have the plans drawn and submitted to the local authority. They will examine the plans to verify that they are in order. This can take up to 8 weeks. During this time, it is a good idea to begin getting estimates for the work.

Estimates

Never pay for an estimate for building work. A reputable builder will never charge you for this service. Always arrange to meet the proprietor in person. This will allow you to assess the level of service you can expect. Note whether the builder is actually interested in the the work and you, the customer. This can give you an idea of how committed they are to your building project. For example, if the builder turns up late for the first estimate or meeting, this can be an indication of their reliability.

Choosing a builder

The only true indication of a builder's credibility is the work he has already carried out. So it's essential to follow up references, to ensure that they are genuine. Here are some questions you should ask referees:

• Was the quality of the work what you anticipated (or even better)?
• Was the work completed on time?
• Did the work cause disruption to you?
• Was the builder reliable?

Choose a recommended builder - either by a friend or a professional association. Don't fall for a smart-talking salesperson or a 'cowboy' builder. If you know the builder has completed quality work in the past, then that's a good sign.

Cheapest isn't always best. High quality materials and expert workmanship do not usually come at a low price. Important things to look for are whether the job will be completed on time and whether your property will be left tidy. If a price seems too good to be true, you should check the builder's references for reassurance.

Ask if they offer a guarantee. Some reputable builders are able to offer an insurance-backed warranty. This protects the work from defects for a period of ten years, for a 1½ % premium. For more details see our Masterbond Warranty page.

Don't pay a deposit. There is no need to part with your cash at least until work has been started. If the builder requires payment up-front, ask why, and ask yourself whether you really trust them.

Good builders are in high demand and they may not be able to start the work immediately. It is usually worth the wait - this ensures the utmost care and attention to detail for your home improvements.

Starting the work

Once you have chosen a builder, they can start work as soon as planning permission is granted. Ask for regular updates about how the work is progressing, and feel free to ask any questions.

Pay for the work by cheque, if possible. Always get a receipt or invoice for payments, and keep this in a safe place.

And finally, remember that care when choosing a builder will result in a job well done, and ensures utmost satisfaction with your home improvements.

Tips for Increasing the Value of your Home

Adding Space

With the current high prices of property, some homeowners are asking themselves "Why move". It can cost £9,000 to move house so if you love your home and the area it's in, it's time to join the space race.

Move Outwards
One of the most common rooms that needs enlarging is the kitchen. Creating a kitchen diner not only gives you the farmhouse kitchen we all desire, but extra space. The old dining room can become an office or play room. Better still, build over your kitchen extension and add an extra bedroom at the same time.

Move Up
Utilise the roof space. 1930s or Victorian houses are ideal for loft conversions with their high roof pitches. Prices will vary from £8000 to £25,000 depending on how many bedrooms and if you require an en-suite.

Makeover
If you don't need to expand why not borrow an extra £10,000 on your mortgage and give your house a dream makeover. A new kitchen, bathroom and carpets will revive the passion in your palace and increase its value at the same time.

Structural Changes

Adding a room in the roof can be a good way of creating extra space and, at the same time, adding value. But it needs to be done properly; there are important planning regulations, which need to be followed. If living in the loft is not your idea of an improvement, an extension may be what's in order.

Paint-work is very important. A regular lick of paint will keep the property looking good but also keep any nasty deterioration at bay. A newly painted front door with shiny brass work always creates a good impression.

At the end of the day, the number of rooms will influence the value of a house. Knocking down walls may not be a good move if a pair of double doors will do the trick.

In the garden

The garden gives a very important first impression of your house to any potential buyers before they have even set a foot through the front door. Even if you're not green fingered, a little horticultural handywork is well worth the effort. Hanging baskets can be a beautiful introduction and needn't be a pain to maintain.

Colour is very important and tubs can provide a quick flourish to your garden. If you don't have the time to fill your own, you can always get some ready made.

Make sure that the garden gate and fencing looks neat and tidy. In the winter months a garden can be kept green with large evergreens; holly and laurel will look good all year round.

Decorations

Taste is such a personal thing, but the way you decorate your home could have a big impact on what it's worth.

Colour is crucial. Light pastels give a feeling of airiness and space, whilst darker colours on the ceiling could make you feel hemmed in. Light up your life with clean windows, light curtains and if you have a great view bring the outside in with a mirror opposite the window.

Light from a less natural source can be used very creatively. Ambience and atmosphere can be achieved with little cost - a reduction in wattage may be all you need! Time spent rummaging round a reclamation yard is a good move if you're missing a focal point. A front room without a fireplace may be lacking more than a provider of heat. Adding a fireplace can really create a comforting atmosphere.

Fixtures and Fittings

Keep your property 'hot' by installing central heating. A fitted kitchen is always a good investment but steer clear of anything too wacky that will look dated in five years time. Bathroom improvements could be worth it and an en-suite or even a downstairs loo is a good investment.

When it comes to parking, don't be taken for a ride; changing a front garden into a parking space is the single biggest benefit in adding value to your home and it needn't cost the earth.

And finally, keep any intruders at bay; evidence of a security system will make people feel more happy about living in your house.

Maintenance

Maintenance of your house may seem a bit of a bind, but without continuous love and attention the value of a property will deteriorate along with its condition. Put simply, regular maintenance is the best investment you can make in your property.

Water can cause major problems so keeping it out is very important. Start at the top by checking the roof. Replacing that broken tile now or repairing the lead flashing may not be a major job, but left unattended they could lead to a multitude of problems. It's a good idea to get out in the rain to look at the guttering every now and then.

Blockages and leaks can often be spotted from across the road on a rainy day. While checking the down pipes it's always worth casting an eye down the drains too. A drain cleared before a blockage problem may be easier on the nose and also the wallet.

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