Tag: garden

Design and Inspiration

Ways to improve your homes exterior appearance  

12th October 20220

The exterior of your home is like the cover of a book, it’s the first thing people notice and it sets the expectation for what’s inside. By renovating the outside of your property, it is an easy and inexpensive way to look nicer and increase the value of the home. Here is a list of ways to improve your kerb appeal.  

Take care of your grass – 

This is one of the easiest ways to keep your garden looking fresh. You can regularly take care of your garden by mowing the grass, raking the leaves and pulling the weeds out. To prevent your garden from going brown, keep it well watered. If you live in a dry climate but still love the look of vibrant green grass, you can consider artificial grass.   

Add some flowers –  

This can be a very impactful way to boost the appearance of your home. You can use plants and flowers to frame and highlight key visual points, such as windows and entryways. Even just one flower arrangement can significantly add to your home’s appearance.  

Power washing –  

Power washing is such a satisfying job to do, when it comes to getting the dirt off of your house, I’m sure you get excited. Power washes are amazing because you can use them on anything. Such as, your house exterior, paths, driveways, and garages.  

Updating your front door –  

Whether you decide to add a new front door or refurbish your old door, this is an easy way of improving the look of your house. Each person has their own style but if you live on a road where the houses match, you should try and match your door with your neighbours.  

Add a porch –  

Adding a porch to your home can create wow factor and give character to your home. It is also practical because it provides extra storage space inside. Many people whose front door opens into a living room often go for a porch to separate the two areas.  

Invest in some outdoor furniture –  

Outdoor furniture is a great way to make your garden feel homely and comfortable. You should keep this furniture in good condition because it will always be on display. Try and buy some that won’t rust in different types of weather.  

Image: Timber Windows North

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Design and insperation, Extensions

The complete guide to annexes and a granny annexe

10th September 20210

What is an annexe?   

A self-contained unit is more commonly called an annexe or a granny flat. It is generally a building or a part of a building that is used as separate living accommodation. And they may share common services and an entrance with the main house.  

A garden annexe can transform a family’s life. Because by giving the person living in the building closeness to their loved ones. Whilst still maintaining the privacy of having their own space. With a granny annexe, you can avoid costly care homes or the guilt and worry experienced when an unwell or elderly relative lives alone. 

A garden annexe isn’t a permanent residence and doesn’t usually require planning permission. A granny flat is intended to be someone’s home. If the building is being used for habitation with all of the main services. Such as a kitchen or kitchenette, bathroom and bedroom, this would need either householder applications or the caravan act. Therefore, requires permission from the local authority, though this can be via a normal planning application.  

How much does it cost to build an annexe?  

Typically, the average cost to build an annexe is around £20,000. However, the price can vary depending on the size and the quality of the project. Most annexes have between 48 – 75 square meters of living space. Many people like the idea of an annexe because some estimates reckon that they can add as much as 20-30% to the value of the property.  

How long do they take to build?  

Annexes you build on-site typically take 7-14 weeks depending on the size and the specification, but you also need to allow extra time for manufacturing. And build off-site annexes usually take 10 weeks to manufacture, then 4 days or less to deliver on-site.   

Many people also like to have annexes because they are allowed to rent them out. When you rent your property, it would fall under the category of a lodger rather than an assured shorthold tenancy. And also, because annexes will be exempt from paying council tax. Only if it is separately banded for council tax but forms part of another property and a dependant relative is living in it as their main or only home.  

large Granny Annexe is a luxurious self contained home | Architecture, House, House design
An annexe/ granny annexe.

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