Tag: newbuild

Architecture & Building

The Top Materials To Use If You Are Building A House

Are you looking to build a new home but are unsure on what materials to use? This blog will tell you all of the best materials you should consider.  

Wood –  

Wood is normally used when building the inside and structure of the house, it isn’t really used for the outside. This is because it can absorb dampness and some wood attracts bugs. However, the popularity comes from its affordability and it is lightweight and easy to work with. It also acts as an insulator, which keeps the cold air out and the warm air in. Wood can also be an eco-friendly option when brought from a responsible supplier. Wood has a lower carbon footprint than other materials, using less energy to produce.  

Wooden Houses, Log Cabin, Timber House with Free Design | InGreen

Concrete –  

If you are looking for a material that is both strong and cost-effective then concrete would be the best option. Concrete is a mixture of sand, stone, and water, which then dries and hardens. Because it is so strong, the material can be used to support entire structures. In addition, concrete buildings are low maintenance and they last for a long time. Concrete is also very energy-efficient, it is able to transfer heat absorbed during the day and release it at night when it’s cooler. This may cost the building owners less in the future.  

Luxury modern concrete house in Trento [ Timelapse ] - YouTube

Steel –  

Steel is the strongest material to withstand any structure. It is also a very eco-friendly material to use because it doesn’t pollute the air and it doesn’t affect and involve cutting any trees down. Having a steel structure can make it much safer if there are any natural disasters that strike, it is the most secure structure. Because steel increase durability and longevity, it will be a more costly material.  

Light Gauge Steel Framing for Housing - Hadley Group

Brick –  

Bricks are one of the most durable building materials that are used in construction. If you are looking for your building to withstand time, then brick may be the best option. Buildings made from bricks tend to retain their value over time, for example, the great wall of China. However, when using bricks, you need a solid base to make them safe in cruel climate conditions.  

Can You Render Over Brick? The Full Truth! | Home Logic UK

Stone –  

Stone is another material that has been used for centuries and it has been proved to hold up over time. Many people like to use stone because of its unique appearances. You can go for the style of its aw form for a rustic look or a more finished form for a modern style. It is also durable and is able to protect homes from environmental threats.  

Gallery | Bricklaying and Building Services | Consett

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Advice Center

Important Things To Know About The Party Wall Process

What is a party wall?  

A party wall is a dividing partition between two adjoining buildings that is shared by the occupants of each residence or business.  

The party wall act –  

The party wall act 1996 applies to houses in England and Wales and was devised to prevent building work that could compromise the structural integrity. The act can be used to stop disputes between neighbours and to help resolve them if they should arise.  

Overview –  

You must tell your neighbours if you want to carry out any building work near or on your shared property boundary.  

Party walls stand on the land of 2 or more owners and either:  

  • Form part of a building  
  • Don’t form part of a building, such as a garden wall  

Walls on one owner’s land used by other owners to separate their buildings are also party walls.  

Party wall agreement –  

You must tell your neighbours and provide them with a notice and come up with an agreement in writing. If you use a builder or an architect, they can advise you on this. 

Once you’ve given notice your neighbour can:  

  • Give consent in writing  
  • Refuse consent  
  • Serve a counter notice requesting additional works be done at the same time 

Your neighbours must let you know in writing within 14 days if they consent to your notice, and you must do the same with a counter-notice   

The following works require you to obtain a party wall agreement  

  • Any work to shared walls between semi-detached and terraced houses  
  • Work to garden boundary walls  
  • Loft conversions that mean cutting into the wall  
  • Making party walls thicker or higher  
  • Building a second storey extension above a shared wall  
  • Building a new wall up to or off the party wall  

What happens if a neighbour ignores the act – 

If an adjoining owner doesn’t respond, then you may appoint a surveyor to act for the adjoining owner. The act allows you to do this without having any further discussion with a neighbour.  

What is a Party Wall?

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Architecture & Building, House Renovation

An Informative Step By Step Guide To Building A New Home

Looking to build a new home but don’t know where to start? this step by step guide is a perfect way to understand the process of the construction

1. Prepare the construction site 

Firstly, before any construction can happen, the local government must approve the design and provide permits. You will need these permits for everything from home construction, electrical work, plumbing, and planning. Once the permits are required, construction can begin.  

Often site preparation and foundation are performed by the same people. The crew clears the site of rocks, debris, and trees. They then level the site, put up wooden forms to serve as a template for the foundation, and dig holes and trenched. The footings are then formed and poured, as well as the foundation walls. The areas between them are levelled and fitted with plumbing drains and electrical chases; then the slab is poured. Once all of the concrete is set an inspector will visit the site to make sure the foundations are up to code and installed properly. 

2. Complete rough framing  

The floor, walls, and roof systems will all be completed. Usually, plywood sheathing is applied to the exterior walls, roof, and windows and the exterior doors are installed. It is then covered with a protective barrier known as a house wrap. This prevents liquid water from infiltrating the structure. This also reduces the likelihood of d rot.   

3. complete rough plumbing and electrical 

Once the shell is finished the roof can be installed and the following are installed: 

  • Pipes and wires 
  • Water supply lines 
  • Sewer lines and vents  
  • Bathtubs, shower units 
  • Ductwork for HVAC system 
  • HVAC vent pipes 

Once all of the things are installed you will need to have a few more inspections. 

4. install the insulation  

Insulation plays a key role in creating a more comfortable, consistent indoor climate and improving the home’s energy efficiency. The most common types of insulation used in new homes are fiberglass, cellulose, and foam. Most homes are insulated in all exterior walls, as well as the loft and floors.  

5. Complete drywall and the interior fixtures, start the exterior fixtures 

The next step is to hang the drywall and make sure it is taped so the seams are not visible. After the taping is complete the primer coat of paint is applied. Then the contractors will begin installing the external finishes such as brick and stone. 

6. finish interior trim, install driveway and walkways  

All of the interiors get completed and this includes doors, baseboards, window sills, cabinets, vanities, fireplaces, and much more. The walls get the last coats of paint and the wallpaper is applied.  

Generally, the driveway, walkways, and patios are formed at this stage.  

7. install hard surface flooring and countertops  

Ceramic tile, vinyl, and wood flooring are installed as well as the countertops.  

8. finish mechanical trims 

Light fixtures, outlets, and switches are installed and the electrical panel is complete. All of the bathroom fixtures are also installed such as sinks, toilets, baths, and showers.  

9. install finishing touches  

Mirrors, shower doors, and carpet are installed and a big final clean-up takes place. They also complete the landscaping by adding trees, grass, and shrubs  

10. The final walkthrough  

The final step is a walkthrough, your builders will show you and acquaint you with your new home, the features, and the operation of some things. This is also an opportunity to spot items that need to be corrected or adjusted. And also, to check there are no possible damages to the countertops or walls.  

Discover How to Avoid Budget Blowouts when Building a Home | BBBLOGS®
Building a new home

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Advice Center, House Renovation

Are New Build Houses Better Quality Than Old Houses?

Many people say older homes are of better quality than new homes. This is because in an older home they are probably with plaster and lathe. Whereas, the modern newer homes are often made out of drywall which is a weaker material.   

What is the difference between a new builds and an old builds?  

New build houses are homes that have recently been build and have never had anyone live in them. Whereas, an older house has had at least one person living inside and has been built for a couple of years.  

There are many pros and cons for both types of houses for example:   

Pros for a new build:  

  • Energy efficient – newer and modern buildings have become super insulated, they have double glazing and have heating and cooling systems.  
  • Builder’s warranty – usually new builds have a warranty for around 10 years, and if anything goes wrong the builders will fix it.  
  • More personalisation – you get to have more of a say in the design element. For example, you can choose the carpets, flooring, kitchens and bathrooms. 
  • Everything is brand new – because everything is new it will all be less maintenance than an older home.   

Cons for a new build:  

  • Space – new homes are often a lot more crammed and they seem to suffer with parking.   
  • Smaller rooms – new builds are often smaller and you would need to think more about internal space.  
  • Premium prices – the houses are brand new which means everything is new so it will become more expensive.  
  • Build delays – if you buy the house before its actually built you can experience delays. It can also have a knock-on effect on your mortgage offer.  

Pros for an old build:  

  • Character – if character and history is important to you an old build is perfect. They often have decorative windows, fireplaces and flooring.  
  • Size – older houses tend to have more internal and external space. And houses that were built around 1920 – 1930 often have large gardens and high ceilings.  
  • See issues – with these houses’ problems are usually visible and if you are purchasing you can pull out of the deal if you like.  
  • Adds value – you are able to renovate the house to how you like and add on to it. However, it’s hard to add value to a new build because everything is new.  

Cons for and old build: 

  • High maintenance – the houses have been standing longer and could have had a lot of owners. You also need to keep it looking good and structurally sound.    
  • Poor energy efficiency – the energy bills may be higher because the houses are bigger and less insulated.  
  • Renovations costs – the houses are less likely to be suited to you and they could be run down from previous owners. It could cost you money to repair it.  

Deciding on which houses are better is completely down to people’s opinions and there is no right or wrong answer.  

Old house vs New house

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