London Home Refurbishment and Building

Granite Countertops Prices - What You Should Excpect When Buying The Granite

2010-08-14T23:47:00.000+01:00

Corian countertop is an extremely beautiful stone which has created the resurgence in the creating related with new houses today and the remodeling of outdated homes. The ancient Egyptians noticed the actual wonder of granite and used that on their homes such as floor tiles. They also used that to develop another relaxing sites by their very important leaders and involved with means (the actual pyramids). These kinds of pyramids are at times built with reddish colored granite which, if mixed with other colored rocks would appear pink. Nowadays that granite kitchen area and bathing room counter tops tend to be back in layout where they come in many different shades. The actual colors of the granite are natural. Granite just isn't found just like various rocks, in quarries, it all grows up like a mountain and it is cut down in slabs. These slabs are usually then trim and then processed in to counter tops, memorials, sculptures and other granitic items for household or industrial usage.

Granite countertops costs vary almost just as much as the shades the granite can be found in. A single slab of granite could run in cost coming from £60 to £120 per sq meter. However, the cost does not stop there. It's a part of the cost would be the delivery of the granite to the job site as well as the cost of the installation. Granitic countertop cost is a very heavy material and requires several man to help place it in place, which is one part of this set up procedure. There's also hidden waste expenses that be based upon the number of cuts must be produced from a slab of granite. Depending on the length of the countertop and the cuts that need to be created it can amount to around three square feet of waste. You need to go over this with the service provider prior to the countertop is actually installed.

In order to save in the granite countertops prices you may want to glance towards granitic countertop cost tiles. These types of tiles come in a number of colors and can be set up in any pattern you decide on. Granite tiles can also be utilized on the floor likewise on whatever design you choose. Look into the prices of granite before buying.

Mattress Mattress Futons

2010-08-14T23:22:00.001+01:00

It is a true proven fact that most people who sleep on mattress mattress futon are not aware that bed mattress futons had been first invented by the Japanese. Over many a long time, the Japanese have slept on bed mattress futon positioned on their floors. It's because they don't see that it's necessary to have an mattress with a frame, field springs and headboard. All of these early mattress mattress futon have been

truly consisted of thin mattresses, small pillows, and a blanket. Each morning, the mattress mattress futon could be rolled up and stashed in a closet. Today, bed mattress futon items are as fashionable in western international locations as they are in Japan and has very much turn out to be a consolation item.

To understand bed mattress futon deeply, we should know that in its most basic kind, the bed mattress futon is a plain cotton mat that is nimble and thus simply folded. mattress mattress futon is the English spelling of the Japanese word which describes their bedding system. That is referred to as "shikibuton" or flooring cushion where the person sleeps and the "kakebuton" or generally known as comforters within the western societies. The floor mat is the part of the bed mattress futon system which has been assimilated into the American bed mattress futon idea. Through the late Nineteen Sixties, most bed mattress futon were hand-made by small industry merchants. At the moment, individuals can nonetheless

buy the handmade equivalent however most mattress mattress futon are already streamlined and made in manufacturing facilities have the capacity to produce 1000's of mattress mattress futon units in a single day. Quite a few conventional innerspring mattress manufacturers have also invested in machines to supply mattress mattress futon, and high quality have been nothing shorter than excellent.

Modern bed mattress futon models are made from varied supplies like cotton, wool, polyester, foam, latex, and even innerspring units in order that prospects can get various ranges of bed mattress futon consolation from firm to soft. Some bed mattress futon come with frames and in order to admire the worth of a superb high quality

bed mattress futon body, all we need to know that it must be simple to operate, sturdy, and most of all durable. A high quality mattress mattress futon is important to your expertise in utilizing a mattress mattress futon. Most mattress mattress futon will feel the same, nevertheless, the trick is to determine those producers who dare to back their mattress mattress futon items with in depth warranties that can range up to 10 years. These are off product clues you want to bear in mind off.

To be inventive with your bed mattress futon, you possibly can dress them up with the many selections of high quality futon covers. Many bed mattress futon retailers supply covers of something from a stable twill to a dual layer oriental tapestry. The explanation behind the excessive demands for mattress mattress futon items is due to its simple functionality and versatile comfort. Having a mattress mattress futon will enable you to transform your front room with it's lovely design into an extra bed room with a cushty futon bed.

Finally, it's also obvious that mattress mattress futon have been a common in college dormitories and other urban dwelling quarters for a lot of years. bed mattress futon units are fashionable, handy, and versatile to own. bed mattress futon can blend into almost any setting. In addition to being gentle weigh and simple, bed mattress futon offers sleepers with a cheap snug place to rest and relax.

Why Should You Opt For Office Refurbishment

2010-03-11T18:11:00.000Z

Have you been thinking of creating a plan for your new office space? The reality is that most small, mid, and large sized businesses need to create their office space according to their needs and more often than not the office space turns into a disorganized clutter. This is where the office refurbishment services come in.

Office refurbishment services are a niche category of services offered by some of the top office furniture and design companies in the UK. The services will not only take care of your requirements but also create a completely functional and organized work space. A work place that your employees, clients, vendors, and customers would love to walk into!

The question is why should you opt for office refurbishment services offered by some of the top companies in the world? The answer is simple: you will get what you need as close to perfection as it can be. On a more serious note, here are some of the reasons why you should opt for professional office refurbishment services:

Experience: Office refurbishment professionals have experience developing and planning a work space based on the need, budget, amount of space available, and timeline. These professionals have worked on several projects for creating a new workspace from scratch and this will come in handy when planning and designing your office space.

One-stop Shop: Some of the companies might offer you certain or specific office refurbishment services while others will offer you an entire range right from planning to design and implementation. Some companies in the UK have a reputation of offering some of the best one-stop services. They have highly qualified, dedicated, and professional staff that work hard to ensure that all your specific requirements are met within a pre-determined timeline. A one-stop shop will have a team of project managers, planners, designers, as well as office refurbishment fitters for the job.

Office refurbishment services: Some of the most common office refurbishment services offered by the top-of-the-line companies include:
-Space Planning and Design
-Ergonomic Assessment
-Screen Partitioning
-Flooring and Ceilings
-Plumbing and Electrics
-Overall Dcor arrangement

Providing office furniture including chairs, desks, boardroom tables, integrated work space, reception tables and chairs, storage and other accessories.
One of the important aspects of these services is that all of them will be in compliance with Building regulatory body guidelines as well as within the health and safety legislation. Hence, it is always a better option to get the work done through a professional instead of doing it yourself.
A professional and reputed office refurbishment service provider will have the necessary expertise, skill, and state-of-the-art technology to assist them in completing your work to your satisfaction. Most of the drawings will be made using CAD and will be shown in two and three dimensional plans so that you can get an overview of what your office will actually look like once the work is completed. You will be able to make changes when you see the 3D picture and this can save a lot of time and money.

Source: http://officerefurbishmentlondon.wordpress.com/2010/01/12/why-should-you-opt-for-office-refurbishment/

How Can I Ensure More Productivity In My Home Office? Get yourself a refurbished office cubicle!

2010-03-09T17:10:00.000Z

If you work from home and you are new or old to this, you have started to realize that there are a lot of things catching and diverting your attention away from the work you should be doing. It would be so easy for me to do this because I have a lot of really cool “toys” in my home that I never get to play with because I work so much! However, by utilizing a few tips such as the ones I’m about to share with you, you will be able to keep your focus on what’s important – your work. And by working hard, you will then HAVE time to do those “fun” things on your personal time when all the initial work is done in your businness.

First off, you should really consider matching your brand. I know this sounds silly, especially if you never have clients to your home office, but by branding your image you are having to “act” a certain way and feel a certain way. Having nice business cards on your desk, maybe a nice mat with your business logo or slogan on it and projecting your brand outward makes you feel like you belong IN your office. If you can’t believe you’re successful and that your businness is needed to help people succeed, how are other people supposed to believe it?
Second off, you should consider the noise level in your office. If you live on a bust street and your office is noisy, this is going to create a sense of unfocusness (did we just made that word up?) If possible, you might be able to move your desk someplace else, or you might be able to put something up in the windows to dissipate the noise. If worse comes to worse, you could always place some peaceful music. Personally for me, I can’t live without my music and I work better with it on. You might be different! Next, you need to create a barrier. This can be done quite easily with a cubicle or other device.
However, if you have checked on prices for cubicles you might have had to pick your jaw up off the floor. These are expensive! I don’t have a door and people (and animals) just come down and start bothering me! I’m not kidding! And I just would feel better having home and office separated. If you don’t have a few hundred bucks to slam down for office equipment or cubicles – buy inexpensively. I’m not talking abuot your local thrift store (remember step one?) What I am talking about is lowering your overhead by buying some refurbished office furniture, used office cubicles, and office furniture cubicles.

Loft conversion design ideas

2010-03-08T18:10:00.002Z

Building a loft conversion can easily and quickly add living space and value to your property and, more importantly, you can build that space exactly as you wish.
We’ve all had that yearning for an extra room – perhaps for a larger bedroom, an ultra-modern living space or that home office you’ve always wanted.
The usual solution to wanting extra space has been either to move, wait for the kids to leave home or to bury the spouse under the patio. Not any more.
That dark, dusty and wasted area in your loft can, with the right loft conversion and ideas, become the best room in the house.
Most of us only use the loft as storage, venturing up there once a year to retrieve the Christmas decorations or balancing precariously on the joists to try and find that long-forgotten present from mother-in-law who has just announced a surprise visit.
But it doesn’t have to be like that.

Making The Most Of Your Loft Space

It may be hard to envisage at the moment but that drafty, cobweb ridden no-go-zone in your roof can become almost anything you wish it to be.
Your loft conversion could become:

An ultra-modern and luxurious bedroom with king size bed, built-in wardrobes and deep, indulgent carpets with en-suite shower
A stylish living area complete with contemporary fittings
An office or study away from distractions replete with the latest technology and enough storage space for a small business
A hobby room with loom, sewing machine or maybe even a sprawling train set
A self contained playroom for the kids with space enough to store all their toys or chill-out room for a teenager with state-of-the-art hi-fi, computer, TV and sound-proofed walls!

Whatever your imagination can come up with – a loft can be converted into that special space.

Source : http://www.corearchitect.co.uk/loft-conversion-design-ideas/

10 Reasons You Need an Office Fit Out

2010-03-07T21:16:00.000Z

If you simply haven't got enough space in your office for your staff, then perhaps you've come to the conclusion that you need to find bigger premises. Before you start the hard, expensive and time consuming task of searching for new commercial premises, why not see if an office fit out could solve your problems?

Here's how you could benefit

1. Having a different office layout can make better use of your existing space, and allow you to take advantage of what you've already got.
2. It's going to be cheaper and less hassle than finding new premises, and there won't be anything like the upheaval involved.
3. With the help of an experienced office refurbishment company, you'll be able to get the office layout you need for your staff, now and for the foreseeable future.
4. When you decide to have your office redesigned, you won't be subjected to much disruption, as your project can be done after hours, or at weekends, so that your staff and customers are not adversely affected.
5. By having a project manager, every aspect of your office fit out is taken care of for you. You won't be worrying about whether it will be finished on time, or whether the electricians will turn up on time. This means that you can concentrate on running your business
6. If your company is expanding and you need more staff, then you'll probably need more space and resources for the. Have you got the most effective layout for each and every department at the moment?
7. You might want to take advantage of different technologies. Why not have video conferencing facilities installed, or a large TV for presentations? Could you do with a dedicated server room? Maybe you want a soundproof room that will be suitable for recording podcasts or an area for staff training.
8. You might also need showroom facilities as well as your offices. Perhaps you can make do with a smaller showroom, or display your products differently so that you can have more office space instead.
9. You'll want to make sure that everything is ready for you and your staff to get on with your work, once the office refurbishment fit out is completed. Computers and lights will need to work, and keys will need to be located for doors and storage facilities. You won't want to spend your first morning trying to get into the office, or trying to open your filing cabinet, or wondering why the lights don't work.
10. You'll want to make sure that you choose the right level of quality and features, as well as the right layout and products for your office. Your commercial fit out shouldn't be based solely on cost. There's no point in compromising, or getting something you know isn't right because you'll still need to change things in the future.
Now you know why you don't necessarily have to move premises, perhaps now is the time for you to consider an office fit out instead of an office move.

Source: http://wp.me/pvyoR-1m

2010-03-06T18:06:00.003Z

Here are some images of loft conversion design ideas taken from http://www.channel4.com/

Office Refurbishment Ideas for Productive Employees

2010-03-05T15:20:00.000Z

Introduction
A vast number of people work in offices of one kind or another. They may be offices in buildings purpose built or attached to a factory or in business premises. For many self employed business people the office is a room in their home converted for that purpose. Solicitors, doctors, estate agents and insurance agents, in fact any business that you can think of, works from some kind of office or another. You might even say 80% of the adult population work in an office. But I wonder how many of those people have any say in what kind of office they have and whether or not it suits their requirements. Mostly when someone new joins a company or firm, they are given a space for their office usually left by the previous incumbent. I suspect that if you asked occupants how they would like their office to be they would find it difficult to tell you.

When you think of the number of hours we spend in an office, at least eight hours per day and sometimes up to sixteen hours if it’s a busy period. Yes people are allowed out for breaks and rest times, but it is an awful lot of your life cooped up in small space. If at least a third of one’s working life is to be spent in an office, then it makes sound sense to ensure the environment is as comfortable, pleasant and as healthy as possible.
So how much thought goes into the planning of workspaces?
Where a building is purpose built such as an office, then the architects I am sure will have created good designs to suit the purpose. However, it has been known for new buildings to be problematic for the people working it them. For instance, synthetic materials used for carpeting can sometimes give off toxic fumes which cause allergies or illness of the staff. Air conditioning that relies on recycled air has the potential to carry bugs that can lay the whole office off at the same time. So there are many factors to consider in creating an office environment to ensure the staff are productive, creative, energised and remain healthy.
Old buildings, originally built for other uses, when converted to office space will have different problems to resolve. Often old buildings have very high ceilings where the heat rises up so that the inhabitants below are cold yet the heating bills are going through the roof, literally!! How to maximise the space available to provide a comfortable working environment will be a real challenge and this is where often the use of a mezzanine floor and suspended ceilings are valuable.
It is a well known fact for any establishment that happy workers give better performance and generate more revenue than unhappy workers. The workforce are more motivated, creative, helpful and have less time off work for illness if they are happy in their jobs. I am sure there are statistics available for these details, but you don’t need to review these statistics because it is common sense that tells us we have to provide a comfortable working environment. If you are the business owner, ask yourself if you would be comfortable working in the environment that you are expecting your employees to work in? If your answer is no then get an interior fit out specialist involved until you can say yes to that question.

Ergonomics
Ergonomics is the study of workplaces and the equipment used, to achieve the best design for comfort, safety, efficiency, and productivity. Research has been carried out over the last few years at Nottingham University on office space allocation challenges.
Workspace planning is fast becoming a specialist industry because of all of the current regulations and legislation. Formerly known, in the UK as the Factories Act and now known as the Health and Safety Executive regulations are in place to ensure that employees have sufficient working space in which to perform their work. This can be a potential minefield including such things as physical space, usable space, corridor spaces, and minimum light and ventilation regulations. If you are about to commence on an office refurbishment project ensure that your interior fit out specialists of conversant with all of these regulations before you engage them to perform your work.
What are the Criteria for a good office environment? We are sentient beings, which mean we react with feeling and perception as well as intellectually to our surrounding.

Seeing
The first thing to consider when commencing an office refurbishment project is how does it look? The initial impact on us comes from what we see. The decor and arrangement of furniture, the window aspect and lighting are important in our perception of whether or not it is pleasing to the eye. Does the office have all the necessary equipment, computer, phone and sufficient storage for files and books etc? Plants generate a sense of balance in the space as long as they are discreetly positioned and don’t make it look cluttered. Plants are oxygen generators and help to refresh the air.

Smell
On entering a new place the first thing we take in is the scent whether we pay attention to it or not. We notice immediately if the air is stuffy or if there is an unpleasant smell such as sweaty bodies. However a pleasant fragrance or no smell at all will be inviting. Baker shops nearly always pump out the fresh smell of baked bread into the street to entice people in to buy the goods. So although we may not be aware that smell plays an important part in our responses, we are still animals and we do use our olfactory senses a great deal more that we realise.

Feel touch
How does the furniture feel? Plastic seats can be very uncomfortable to sit on for a long time. Plastic does not breathe, it draws moisture from the skin so that when you stand up your posterior will be damp and uncomfortable. Padded fabric is warmer than leather for comfort and not as expensive. The desk chair needs to be the correct height for desk and give suitable support, a computer needs to be set correctly to avoid neck and wrist strain of the operator.
The temperature in the workspace is best if it’s not too warm and not too cold. Office refurbishment work will also include plans for temperature control to keep the temperature at 21 degrees C as this is the best working temperature.
Too warm and we become sluggish and sleepy, too cold and we become distracted and use up valuable energy keeping warm. Fresh air is also beneficial to stimulate the brain cells.

Sound Hear
What can we hear? Is it noisy or quiet? When I was first starting out in business, I went to visit a local manufacturing company to learn about the way they managed their business. At lunch time I was taken into the executive dining area where there was a waitress service and we had a very civilised lunch. Later I was taken to the works canteen. When we walked in I was hit with a blast of noise such as I had never experienced before. The hall was large with a very high ceiling and nothing to damp down the echo. The result was that everyone ended up shouting to be heard and there was loud music playing as well. I was shocked, not just at the noise level but by the contrast between the executive dining room and the workers canteen. I had come from an environment which treated all members of the company the same so there were no executive areas and everyone, high and low mingled together for meals and break times. Guess which company had the better worker relationships and higher output?
Where a company utilises an open plan office then noise levels can be very distracting and one solution is to incorporate ‘White Noise’ which is a low level background noise to interfere with the general office talk going on over the phone or mini meetings. Sometimes quiet relaxing music is introduced as background noise but this is not common in a business place.

Taste
Well we are not going to go around licking the furniture, but another important consideration is to ensure that a there is an area to enjoy a nice coffee or tea away from the desk throughout the day. So is there a pleasant area for making drinks and preparing snacks, or even lunch facilities alongside the office. I once worked in an office where they had a small kitchen area off the main office for making drinks and snacks and there was always a bowl of fresh fruit for staff, as the company recognising the refreshing effects of fresh fruit.

Workspace planning
So as you can see there are many things that can make the work environment a pleasant place to be. However getting the original layout and size of spaces for the employees is a complex process.
How much room does each individual need to work in? According to the Officewise publication from the Health and Safety Executive in the UK employers must provide a minimum of 11 cubic metres for each person permanently occupying a workplace. However there are all sorts of exceptions and caveats to this rule, such as making sure the space is usable space, and clearly if that space were under the stairs with no windows, or ventilation then it would not be suitable. So it is very important to ensure that your new office fit out adheres to all of the current legislation with regards to workspace laws.
In planning good workspaces the industrial fit out specialists may make use of suspended ceilings where possible which makes the installation of services easier and more less expensive. Electrical supply, air conditioning units, water pipes and telephone cables can all run behind the suspended ceiling making access easy if anything goes wrong and repairs need to be implemented.
Positioning of the electrical and telephone outlet is also important. The computers used in offices today all require their own electrical supply even if they are networked with the system.
Daylight from windows is a requirement for offices. The days of the cupboard office cubbyhole are gone. Light airy spaces make people feel good and doses of sunshine each day lift our spirits. However too much sunshine will overheat an office so the use of vertical blinds is recommended to deflect the rays of the sun without reducing too much the level of illumination.

Costs
To save on office space costs some industrial fit our specialists have come up with the idea that instead of having a board rooms for meetings they have their meeting standing up around a special tall coffee table. This reduces the amount of time spent in meetings and the space is reusable for the lunches. Other schemes encourage employees to work from home for part of a week and utilise a system of desk sharing or moveable desks.

Reconfigurable spaces
Another way of economising on the cost of office space is by careful rearrangement of the existing floor area. There may be dead areas which could be released and turned into useable space. The installation of new interior partition walls can rearrange the existing space to create a more congenial working environment. Sometimes working in an open plan office is beneficial for communication between staff, other times it is a distraction and prevents efficiency. So having the option of both open space and separate offices provides the full range of options which can be easily introduced with new partition walls.
For example one of my clients, took over a set of offices and had various walls moved, so instead of it having two small offices, one without a window, they created one large office for the MD and a really good sized store room which they needed for long term storage of customer files. They then took out another wall and made a good size open plan office space and rearranged another wall to create a board come conference room. Also access to the little kitchen was changed to be more convenient. The choice of subtle colours on the walls and new vertical blinds caused the whole suite of rooms to be transformed into a pleasant and airy working area. Where there is plenty of ceiling height the introduction of a Mezzanine floor generates valuable areas perhaps for storage, private meeting rooms or extra offices.
Other concerns in workspace planning, is the situation of facilities such as kitchen, toilets, relaxation areas and outside space if available. Sometimes the introduction of a simple partition can create a relaxation/dining area without losing too much of the work area.
All Health and Safety regulations are paramount they have to be adhered to in the workplace and must be incorporated into any plan along with full fire regulations.

Conclusion
Many firms may feel that upgrading the facilities is a ‘nice to have’ idea and the reality is that it usually comes at the bottom of the list on money allocation. However this is erroneous thinking; office refurbishment is never a waste of time or money. Creating a pleasant office environment by upgrading worn out or old fashioned surroundings and furnishings will make a big difference to the working life of the employees. Improved working conditions may be only part of the picture in achieving real job satisfaction, but it is a good start in the right direction. It also says a lot about what the senior people in the organisation think about their employees. If they ensure that their staff are given the necessary equipment and facilities to do their job effectively then the employees will give better service and can be more efficient and there will be a better working environment all around.

Source: http://wp.me/pvyoR-1k

Office Refurbishment in London and Design For Offices

2010-03-03T17:28:00.002Z

Designing an office in a corporate environment requires a review of the company’s goals and objectives.
It is also important to consider the type of client that the company hopes to attract. It’s essential to understand that the look and feel of the office will be an influencing factor in making clients feel comfortable and at ease.
When choosing the office interior design that will be a good fit for the individual company, note that the most commonly seen theme these days is a modernistic one. A modernistic theme works well for an office environment because it gives a sensation of moving toward the future, a vision many companies claim as their own signature. Modernistic themes also work well in an office because of the clean look that goes along with the theme. Basic colors coupled with stark contrasts make for an appealing appearance that is sure to draw in the consumer’s eye.

Home Office Interior Design Ideas
Decorating an in-home office will means there is much more room for creativity than when decorating a corporate office. In many traditional American homes, the office may be the one room where man of the house gets to have a say in the decorating ideas. This is because much of the rest of the home is usually decorated by a woman. For the home office to take on a masculine feel is very common.
When decorating a home office, the key is not to make the environment too vibrant. Incorporating the use of calm colors will be a good alternative to bold prints. An office is a place of work and therefore it’s crucial that the dcor not be distracting. One idea is to paint one focal wall in a calm color such as a cool green or radiant blue. This will give the room added color without making it feel too small or overwhelming.
The furniture chosen for the home office is also very important. An efficient work desk is usually the primary piece chosen. Many homeowners find it helpful to have plenty of shelves to keep study materials within easy reach. A comfortable work chair is an important item as well. Many people suffer needlessly because of sitting too long in an uncomfortable chair.
Office interior design is an exceptional way to bring expression into the workplace. For those decorating in the home or in a corporate setting, the interior design of the workplace is a great way to feel at home while working. Any designer is sure to enjoy the field of office interior design because it offers such a wide scope for creativity.

Source: http://officerefurbishmentlondon.wordpress.com/2010/01/14/office-refurbishment-in-london-and-design-for-offices/

Loft Conversion - Convert An Attic To A Bedroom (Video)

2010-03-02T17:58:00.002Z

Here is a short video about how a Loft Conversion is built. Despite the strong Yankee accent, us Brits find a lot of the videos provided by our overseas Colony very much appreciated.

Apartment Decorating - The Psychology of Color

2010-03-01T17:24:00.001Z

Understanding the psychology of color is helpful when it comes to as you’re usually decorating
a small or confined area. Therefore, color can give a smaller area the illusion that it’s bigger than it actually is as well as lend a certain feeling of warmth to a space. To under stand color psychology better, it’s good to know a little bit about the color wheel.

Primary Colors, Tints and Shades

All shades, hues or tints are made up of three primary colors. These colors form the basis for creating decorating schemes that will influence one’s perception of space and the level of comfort he feels when he enters a room. Primary colors include yellow, red and blue. When you mix any of these colors-such as blue and red-you create a secondary color. So the aforementioned blue and red results in purple; red and yellow create orange and blue and yellow create green. Adding white to any hue creates a tint while adding black creates shading.

Warm Colors

Colors that give you a warm, cozy feeling tend to be on the red or orange side of the spectrum. Therefore, these colors can range from red and purple to yellow and green. Warm colors will give any room a smaller more compact feel.

Cool Colors and Neutrals

Cool colors on the other hand are represented mainly by shades of blue to green. These colors are preferable when decorating the smaller spaces represented by most apartments as they seemingly make the apartment look bigger than it is as well as give it a more relaxed, although cooler, feel. Neutral shades such as beige or tan also add dimension to a confined space such as an apartment.

Monochromatic Color Schemes

For contemporary interiors as well as smaller spaces, a monochromatic color scheme is simple and therefore easy to achieve when used in apartment decorating. To make this type of color arrangement interesting, choose a light shade of your selected color on the woodwork or molding, a pale but deeper shade of the same color on the walls and a deep shade of the preferred color on the floor. For instance, if you choose various shades of blue, you will effect a spacious yet tranquil effect in your room’s decor. Using more neutral tones or cool colors, such as pale blues and greens, will give your room a feeling of spaciousness yet a tranquil feel.

Adding Drama

If you wish to give your apartment a more dramatic feel, then using complementary colors will achieve this effect. However, you want to make sure the colors are contrasting not clashing. Use colors placed opposite each other on the color wheel. For instance, use colors such as orange and blue, purple and yellow, and red and green. To enlarge a small space, tone down the colors or combine two complementary colors.
As you can see, color greatly influences the way you feel or interact in your living area. Once you understand a little bit about its dynamics, you can choose a color scheme that will work for you.

Source: http://officerefurbishmentlondon.wordpress.com/2010/01/18/apartment-decorating-the-psychology-of-color/

Increase Productivity with Better Office Design

2010-02-28T17:13:00.000Z

An open floor plan, natural light, movable furniture, informal meeting rooms and roomier office
space will allow increase productivity and a better bottom line. Switching to a better office design enables employees to work better together and it maximizes the use of office space. Break free from cubicle design, use eco-friendly office designs and identify existing problems to increase communication and maximize office space. Better office design will not only lead to better employee communication and output, but it also allows you to make a great first impression on other business associates and clients.

Break Free from Cubicle Design
A recent trend is to have everyone working in an open floor plan model. This means doing away with window offices for managers and cubicle offices for other employees. Upper management is seated in a large room and shares their space with every other employee in the company. This allows for open communication between employees and their managers. It is just one way to improve communication in the workplace. Remove cubicles and take down the barriers that prevent employees from open communication. Base your new office design on functionality, ease of use, purpose of office space and a mobile work style model. Create small hubs where employees can gather and discuss ideas.

Eco-Friendly Office Design
Another recent trend is for companies to go green. Saving the environment is an important topic that both large and small companies must address. Regardless of the size of your business, you can make a difference by conserving energy, maximizing natural light in your office space, using recycled materials and recycling, creating a healthier workplace environment and purchasing eco-friendly office equipment. Ecoply is just one example of the materials are used today to make office furniture that is sturdy and useful, but also breaks down in landfills more easily than traditional materials.

Identify Existing Problems before Redesigning the Office Space
It is absolutely necessary to identify the existing problems that exist with your office space before you come up with a new office design floor plan. You must first come up with solutions to incorporate when the office space is redesign. This is your chance to iron out all the bugs, get rid of pet peeves with an office space and increase productivity.
Lack of communication and relying on e-mail too much our problems that commonly affect workers in a traditionally designed office space. This is something that needs be considered before you enter the redesign and construction phase. Also consider upgrading your computers and technology first. Once you do this you’ll notice that you need smaller office furniture and can create more office space.

What Can a Better Office Design Accomplish?
Maybe you are on the fence about whether to even change your office design. Why mess with perfectly good office space and furniture that could last a few more years? It may be standing on all four legs, but is it really doing its job? Outdated office furniture limits office space and productivity. New office furniture is designed with function and space in mind. You can maximize both by updating old pieces. Consider the benefits the company and the employees would receive from by improving the office space:

-Better morale
-Higher motivation
-Increased creativity
-Increase productivity
-Improved communication
-More revenue
-Better teamwork
-Fewer pet peeve’s and irritations
-Better comfort
-More attractive work space
-Better first impression of the business on business associates and potential clients

Also consider that the improvements in office design that your employees will benefit from are the same things that will impress outsiders. Business associates and visitors will feel the healthier environment and will also benefit from improved communications. Clients will also feel more comfortable doing business with your company if they enter a happier environment that runs smoothly. It stands to reason that you will not only improve the morale of your employees, but you will also improve your relationships with other business associates and clients. What does this mean for business owners? A better office design and an open floor plan can actually increase your revenue and help build your business.

Loft Design Ideas – A Loft Playroom for Children

2010-02-27T17:49:00.021Z

For older children, i.e., teenagers, a chill-out room will be a huge hit. Painted in ‘cool’ colours a chill-out room with a desk and PC for Internet surfing and, grudgingly, homework together with TV, sound system and soft furnishings such as bean-bags will be somewhere your teenager loves to be.

What could possibly be more exciting for your children then for them to have their own loft playroom?

Every journey up the stairs to the loft conversion would be an adventure – their own private kingdom to play, create and have fun.

Safety is paramount of course and will be mostly addressed in your building regulations application but it goes without saying that the area at the top of the loft stairs is of primary concern.

The loft room itself can be anything your, and your child’s, imagination can come up with.

A central theme or colour scheme can be adapted and with loads of quality children’s furniture and accessories available the sky really is the limit.

Vivid colours and bold design along with strong natural light through large loft windows will create an ideal environment for your child.

You will probably want to divide the loft playroom into zones so that one area is suitable for play with a desk for creative tasks (and later homework) in another.

Other ‘must have’ accessories for a loft playroom will probably include a Television and DVD player ( I know it was different when we were kids but your children won’t be impressed with, or amused by, a bag of marbles and a copy of Janet and Johns latest adventure).

Include a sofa bed for sleep-overs and you have a teenagers paradise.

Tip – make sure you sound-proof the floor or buy a stereo system without a ‘mega-bass’ control. In fact, you would probably be better off doing both. Or buy a large stock of aspirin.

Be prepared to see very little of your child.

When we completed my daughters chill-out room the only time we ever saw her was immediately after school, meal-times and bed-time.

The rest of the time was spent in the chill-out room and even homework got done – sometimes.

Source: http://www.corearchitect.co.uk/loft-design-ideas-children/

Interior Design and Human Behavior

2010-02-26T17:03:00.000Z

A science or an art.
Do you think of interior design as a science or an art? Well, it might be a quiet difficult question; but in fact a combination of both. Interior design can be defined as an applied art where creativity skills and technical knowledge provide solutions. These solutions are applied to achieve a more convenient habitat.
Interior design provides answers that are both functional and attractive and enhance the quality of life. Interior design reflects and interacts with the cultural background and traditional heritage of the occupants.
The design process itself runs through a systematic and interactive methodology to create an innovative and functional design solution whereby the needs and resources of the occupants are satisfied.
To achieve a well designed environment many elements contribute together thus innovating the overall theme e.g. color, light, texture…etc. interior design provides solutions for residential, commercial, educational, health care, office and hospitality projects consequently affecting our daily way of living or in other words; our behavior.
However interior design leans on our cultural heritage, yet it still can directly or indirectly shape our behavior and definitely it influences our reactions. For instance a room painted in red feels warm than another painted in blue! However it’s the same environment but the color which is an important design element has altered our behavior and way of thinking. The same color itself can trigger different emotions depending on its reference to either symbolic or psychological functions considering the linkages that vary with time, place and cultural background. While white color is worn at weddings and may represent purity, sterility, virginity and peace for some nations, it was the color worn at funerals for others during certain periods in history.
Another noteworthy proof of how interior design can affect our behavior is light! It has to be customized according to the function performed by the occupants. That major element can ensure and highlight a certain frame of mind! For example in a work environment an inadequate light amount would cause annoyance and discomfort. On the contrary you would enjoy a nice dinner or a romantic movie on a dimmed light.
I do believe that the relation between mass and space creates the greatest impact on human behavior. Minimalism where the work is stripped down to its most fundamental features and the subject is reduced to its necessary elements was an approach for better living environments. A cluttered habitat is definitely irritating while fine organized minimal but yet function environments promote serenity and comfort. A good design coordinating mass and space can elevate the sense of creativity and innovation.
Again cultural variations transform occupant’s vision to surrounding space. For instance a minimal designed interior seems less and for some nations less reflects poverty.

The influence of interior design on human behavior is apparent while working for instance on educational projects like nurseries where children experience a phase of mind shaping. Color, light and texture integrate together to encourage creativity. Safety is another dimension that could be enhanced.
From my point of view a global standard design code for interior environments is not applicable since occupants respond in a different way in accordance with several factors such as cultural background, social heritage or climate conditions. Interior design could effectively develop the quality of life in accordance with formerly mentioned factors; focusing on the basics of creating an ideal habitat for living.

Office Refurbishment Done by Specialists

2010-02-25T17:00:00.005Z

Rugs, walls, ceilings, washrooms, furniture and many other aspects of an office need updating and renovation, but not necessarily at the same time. Make a list of your priorities and then contact us about our office fit out, office refurbishment and office refurbishment London services that you can use. Our fees are reasonable and your satisfaction is guaranteed.
Clients should see a modern office if there are facilities they often visit. It should give the clients the impression of a great company. Having a client sit down in a chair that should have been discarded long ago does not give a good impression. Consult us for the best in an office fit out, office refurbishment and office refurbishment London. There are many things that can be improved. Let us visit and make some recommendations.
Employees will become more productive when their workstations are more comfortable and conducive for productivity gains. Swivel chairs are one suggestion that can have the workers producing more without being aware of it.
Clients should be confirmed in their decision that they are doing business with a company that knows their requirements by giving them an impression of success through an impressive office. A successful company will always have the most modern work areas.

Source: http://officerefurbishmentlondon.wordpress.com/2010/01/25/office-refurbishment-done-by-specialists/

Loft conversions in the United kingdom

2010-02-24T17:42:00.001Z

Loft conversions in the United Kingdom are very heavily regulated like most other types of building renovations. Permissions must be grated and regulation met before any work can commence on a loft conversion project. Whether or not you are granted these permissions, and whether you meet the necessary regulations depends very much on the condition and structural integrity of your existing property. The vast majority of lofts/attics can be converted into valuable living space, and when done so will often provide the homeowner with the most attractive and largest living area in your home. Of course the other major advantage of converting your loft is that it can significantly increase the value of your home.
There are no doubt some very ambitious individuals who will undertake the project of converting their loft space themselves. Good luck to them I say. Given the load you intend to place on the existing floor this is not a route I would advise, and having seen a good number of botched DIY jobs myself I would strongly recommend employing the services of an Architect and a builder. It is possible to save money in other areas however, such as by sourcing and buying the materials yourself, decorating the space yourself, or if you’re a little more handy by applying the insulation and boarding yourself once the structural work has been completed by a professional.

In a few circumstances your property may not actually require planning permission. One of these instances is if the proposed loft conversion is the property’s first extension and does not exceed 40 cubic metres on a terraced property and 50 cubic metres on others. These extenuating circumstances do not apply however, if your property is located in a conservation area. All flats require planning permission.

Once your extension plans have been approved and sign by you the homeowner, you will then have to submit them to your Local Authority for approval, which normally takes between two and three months to complete. Once you have received the approval from your local authority, the next step is to prepare Building and Fire Regulation Plans to submit to your Local Authority Building Control department. This submission will generally take around 6 weeks to complete.  Once approval has been granted you then need to serve Statutory Commencement Notice upon the Local Authority Building Control Department in accordance with the Regulation 14 of the Building Regulation 1985 (amended 1994).
As mentioned above one of the major benefits of, and motivations behind, many loft conversions is that they can significantly increase the value of your home. Should you decide to sell your property the prospective buyer’s surveyor will check on the permissions for the conversion, and its compliance with the relevant regulations. It’s therefore not worth cutting corners or taking chances. Do the job properly using professional builders/architects. This is the best piece of advice I can offer you. The additional cost of using professionals is offset by the peace of mind you will receive knowing that the job has been properly, to a high standard, and will stand up to the scrutiny of any surveyor.

Source: http://www.corearchitect.co.uk/loft-conversions-in-the-united-kingdom/

Fundamentals Of Interior Design

2010-02-23T16:51:00.000Z

There are various important factors that must be kept in mind in the interior design of any space. By adhering by the basic tenets given below, most of the major matters will be taken care of. Though these can be applied in a variety of ways in different situations, you must know the impact that each has on the overall result.
Unity: This concerns the idea that the entire house or any other building is to be seen as a single unit, partitioned or divided only by walls and staircases, and that there should exist a certain amount of intrinsic consistency in the design of the unit as an overall entity. It will be wise to remember the overall scheme of things.
Balance: This involves the spread of the visual weight in an area. Objects which have similar visual appeal must be put at different locations in the room to achieve a balance along a predetermined axis. Balance is classified into three broad kinds. The first is symmetrical, which is the most traditional, and the easiest to achieve. The second kind is asymmetrical balance, which is highly popular, but requires a good deal of imagination. The third is radial, which is achieved by taking a central point or object from which the other items seem to radiate.
Proportion: This takes into account sizes of different articles in relation to one another. It is critical that items in a room look good together in terms of their sizes. Lack of proportion will result in imbalance that will adversely affect the look of the room, as some objects will be over focussed while others will not receive adequate visibility.
Focus: Having a focus in a space is evidence of excellent interior design. The focal article may be a furniture item or even a decorative piece such as a painting or a statue. It is crucial that this item be in line with the design of the whole space and that it has an impression on the observer. While it must be exclusive, it should blend with its surroundings.
Rhythm: Having a rhythm too is very essential for attaining a good design. The design should appear to flow according to a pattern from one point to the next. Using a lot of arcs, ornate walls or ceilings, decorative fixtures at carefully chosen distances, alternate colours etc can help accomplish a discernible rhythm.
Interior designing of a space will be consistent if these basic guidelines are taken into consideration. However, it is best to use the expertise of an interior design professional who can help you with these aspects and a lot more.

Source: http://officerefurbishmentlondon.wordpress.com/2010/01/22/fundamentals-of-interior-design/

House Extensions – Using professionals

2010-02-22T17:39:00.000Z

There is always a need for the maintenance of our homes but often we are not gifted with the things that are required to follow to ensure a proper maintenance. It’s always a good idea to handover the job to specialists who can effectively make our thoughts into reality. How many times we have encountered the situation where we need to add an extra room or to convert the unused garages to one of the rooms of our utility? We never seem to derive to the conclusion how this can be achieved. The most difficult of them all is perhaps building a new home where we tend to confuse ourselves with ideas from others professional expertise is mandatory or to be precise comes to the rescue in all the above mentioned cases.

There are so many advantages that we get from the professionals who are into these home development projects such as architects and builders. They can derive ways which can help us to get the maximum out of the limited resources and the end result is true value for our hard earned money. After all that’s what we all want. Personally many people are hardly aware of the quality materials that are required for the modifications this is best done by the professionals. Again our thoughts are limited to certain extent compared to the professionals so we can never come out with a plan of designing the home in a way which makes the neighbours compulsive to admire it.

Imagine that attic which was hardly of any use being converted to multiple rooms with all the facilities a room needs, they have the skills to do the same. Occasions are always an indispensable event in the lives of social people. So be it a social occasion or a personal one like marriages we need to give that special look to our homes and also look to have it done reasonably. Then there can be some of the intermittent works like bathroom or kitchen renovation, repainting the rooms etc. all these tasks can be made easy with able professional support.

Here are some examples of house extensions.

Source: http://www.corearchitect.co.uk/house-extensions-using-professionals/

Sustainable Office Refurbishment – Basic Principles

2010-02-20T15:13:00.002Z

The basic principles of a sustainable approach to an office refurbishment project stand on three legs. Using carbon neutral, low energy, renewable and recyclable materials should be a focus for refurbishment and fit-out project managers. The basic principles can be summarized into the following categories; material, energy and re-use and recycle.

Material:
Sustainable office refurbishment should incorporate material from renewable sources, and material used from manufacturers who minimize hazards, waste and energy use. The refurbishment project overall aim should be to be as carbon neutral as possible.

Energy:
Sustainable office refurbishment should take in account for energy ratings for plants, machinery and lighting. Low energy alternatives should be thoroughly investigated and proposed.

Re-use and Recycle:
Sustainable office refurbishment should make sure old office furniture is sent to charity or for recycling. Flooring, glass, ceilings and partitions should be re-used or recycled. Metal and hazardous materials should be sent away for recycling.

Source: http://wp.me/pvyoR-1t

Tips on Decorating Your Office Space (part 2)

2010-02-19T21:09:00.001Z

Continue from previous article:

Furnish with Care. Office furniture plays a large role in how an office space looks and feels. As furnishing a large space can be very expensive, most businesses tend to rent or lease their office furniture. Unfortunately, the majority of office furnishings available tend to be very bland and conservative looking. One important rule of thumb is to try to maintain the same style of furniture throughout the office. Mismatched tables and chairs tend to make any space look rather cheap and thrown together. As with wall color, try to go for a style in furnishings that reflects the energy of your industry.
Control the Clutter. It's been said that with a clear desk comes a clear mind. Keep that in mind when arranging your desktop. A framed photograph of a loved one, a telephone, and a computer should suffice. If there are office supplies you don't use on a constant basis, tuck them away in a drawer. A chaotic physical environment will soon give way to a chaotic energy in the workplace, and this is rarely good for productivity or progress.

Feng Shui: An Ancient Practice for the Modern Age

Feng shui, Chinese for "wind and water," is the traditional Chinese practice of harmoniously organizing and arranging space. Its concepts have slowly filtered into the business world over the past few years, with some of the core guidelines being:

Never sit with your back to the door. When visitors arrive, you don't want the back of your head to be the first thing that they encounter. Instead, arrange your desk so that it faces the door; doing so sends a message of power and strength.
Light your space well. If there are fluorescent lights in your office, turn them off and bring in lamps, then find a nice balance between the light the lamps provide and the natural sunlight.
Create a sense of openness. Avoid a cluttered physical space by placing with only the necessary furnishings (your desk and some chairs) in the center of the room. Place all other furniture, such as bookshelves, filing cabinets, and sofas, against the walls.

Source: http://wp.me/pvyoR-1A

Tips on Decorating Your Office Space (part 1)

2010-02-18T15:04:00.001Z

Decorating an office space can be a delicate balancing act.
On the one hand you want your office space to be inviting and pleasant for both employees and visitors, while on the other hand it must remain professional in look and feel.

Here are some helpful tips on how to make your office space a pleasant and productive physical environment:

Color Your World. When painting office walls, try to pick a color that reflects the spirit of your business. If you work in a traditionally conservative industry such as banking or legal services, you're better off choosing a neutral color such as light green, beige, or a shade of white. If your business is traditionally staffed by more creative types such as designers or artists, feel free to go for walls with more visual pizzazz. Whichever tone you choose, be sure to use high-quality paint that will last for a long time, as repainting an office space can be a disruptive event.
Deck the Walls. Bare walls can give an office a dull, unlived-in feel, and that energy can affect the mood of your staff. Warm up your workspace by adding some tasteful framed photos, prints, or paintings to your walls. One creative idea is to invite local artists to display their artwork on your walls. It's a win-win situation — they get exposure for their work while you get free office decor.
Make Your Office a Green Zone. Adding a few plants and indoor trees to your office setup will make your employees feel less cut off from the outside world, especially in offices located in very urban areas. When shopping for plants, read their identifying tags to determine what kind of light each needs, and make sure they will thrive on the amount of light available in your workspace. There are also many corporate plant services that will "rent" office plants and take over their care and watering onsite.

Source: http://wp.me/pvyoR-1w

The Ancient Art of Feng Shui

2010-02-17T21:04:00.004Z

The epic struggle for balance in the busy modern life might well find its solution in an ancient Asian art.

Because the daily struggle may not even he a conscious one - but instead a subliminal battle with "clutter," steps to restore harmony and reduce background "noise" may be just the thing that puts people back in control.

Janie Quinn can help with these matters. For more than 10 years, she has been clearing a path for those who wish to achieve a balance with their man-made environment and nature, an art known as Feng Shui (fung shway).

This ancient Chinese art of placement is becoming increasingly popular in the often hectic Western world.

"We crave the balance of nature," said Quinn, who estimates that most individuals spend 95 percent of their time on earth in manmade, artificial environments.

She says that people have become "disconnected" from nature and this disconnect can wreak havoc.

Although Feng Shui is based on the beliefs of Tibetan Buddhism, it is not a religion, but instead an art of placement.

"Nature is very healing and energizing and Feng Shui connects one to balance energies," said Quinn.

While many different schools of thought concerning the art of Feng Shui have emerged over the years, the local practitioner says she "super-imposes" one over another in her teachings and uses this blended approach as the basis of her company, Feng Shui Transformations of Waverly, a consulting firm practicing of Wave the art for offices, homes, individuals, and neighborhoods.

So what can Feng Shui do for you?

"The client's intention is the key," she says. "One of the most desired results for a company is improved business, more customers and attracting more abundance. "There are many Fung Shui cures that can increase prosperity.

The first step is a consultation, usually two hours in length, to determine the intent of the client and a tour of the area which is to undergo transformation.

"I usually took at over 200 things including colors, shapes, flow, people, space," Quinn says.

Using a ba'gua, a tool used to determine where energy centers are in a space, Quinn maps out a "trigram" designating eight areas including: relationships; wealth and abundance; career; health and family; knowledge; helping people; creativity; and fame and acknowledgment.

How objects are placed - and what objects are placed - affects these areas in the life of a person and their business.

"The most important (area) being the front door," Quinn says, explaining that it is of utmost importance because, "that is how the life force, the chi, energy - finds your business."

One client she has worked with had three doors into their business.

"This confuses the energy path," Quinn says. "So we selected the best door and made it auspicious. That client is experiencing an increase in customers and sales," she notes.

Another important area in a business to analyze is the positioning of an employee's seating.

"In one office all the employees sat with their backs to the door, which is an unsupported position in Feng Shui. No wonder the company had a lot of turnover and unhappy employees. Once the chairs were turned so the employees were able to see the door, turnover wasn't a problem any longer," she says.

Another common problem in offices is that the energy in the space has never been cleared.

"Everything is energy and the space we live in is energy," says Quinn.

Clutter, defined as anything we do not use or love, can be a definite problem.

For example, Quinn notes, cardboard boxes around an office are a sign of being unsettled. She advises owners to put them in storage.

With artwork, one must ask, "Does it support the owner's personal interests, such as sports prints, or does it relate to the customer?"

Reading materials should also be gearedto the customer.

Quinn, a graduate of Ohio State University, who also attended Cornell University Graduate School of Hotel Administration, is a graduate of the Shambhalla Feng Shui Institute and has studied with renowned Feng Shui experts, Jami Lin and Denise Linn.

She has authored the book," Essentials of Eating, A Cookbook: Discover How to Eat, Not Diet," which is, she says, Feng Shui for the body.

Quinn will release her second publication, "Essential Environments: Creating Healthy Living Spaces," which is due to be released this fall.

"After balancing the space and doing Feng Shui, I have seen relationships between coworkers improve. I have seen less stress in medical waiting rooms, more satisfied customers, more teamwork between employees, less turnover and a way to handle clutter and be more organized in the work place," says Quinn.

Source: http://wp.me/pvyoR-1C

Design your Office Smart to encourage utmost production from the employees

2010-02-16T09:00:00.003Z

Planning is the most important factor in every area whether it is construction, a business project or interiors. Where proper planning can make the project successful, an improper planning can spoil even the most creative ideas. We spend most of our time in offices, thus it is most important to design and plan office in an ergonomic manner which not only increases productivity but also provides comfort and better work environment.

Space is the most important factor when it comes to designing an office. A smart designer is not the one who can design a large big office properly but the one who has the ability to fit people comfortably even in a small office area. Space designing is an art and not everyone has the ability to expertise it. Office space planning is one of the complicated areas of interior design that most of the people struggle with. Space planning is an important part of every interior project and resourceful planning provides the twofold purpose of providing additional space to work area as well as to enhance employee self-esteem.
All of us need a working atmosphere that looks and feels good, but most of the time the needed amount is not available to spruce things up. Though, there may be a deeper issue that requires consideration. As you look to drag out of the recession period, businesses may find themselves, not just with atheistically old offices, but without building competent of growth or the suppleness to modify. It is no longer enough to be doing just business, the offices must be capable to function proficiently but without the proper construction in place, the offices may find it a struggle to stay put with the increasing demands.
It is always beneficial to consult an expert interior designer company for all your interior space planning . These interior designers not only work smart but also make sure to plan in a manner so that your small space will be used to its fullest. They make sure to consider in advance the purpose and work flow goals while planning office configuration. Never take a chance to design an office yourself because if planning is not thought-out, the space cannot look very useful and might not encourage utmost production from the employees. Appropriate arrangement and design will lead to augmented organization and ease for the staff. Space planning involves research of the layout, deliberation of work flow, ease to make it look fantastic!

Source: http://wp.me/pvyoR-1L

Call In The Professionals

2010-02-15T14:52:00.002Z

A home can be devalued by bad workmanship and botched projects, and for many years everyone wanted to have a go at painting and decorating, refurbishment, plumbing, to name but a few, but with home improvements growing faster than ever the DIY fanatic without the right skills can just as easy botch a job and the whole project go spectacularly wrong.

Many home owners are now turning to a professional company to do the jobs in terms of maintenance on their homes for them, and recognising the fact that in the long run it will save them time and money.

According to a leading estate agent, who has stated, that in the present stagnant housing market, the properties that sell the quickest are the ones that have the best appearance and are free from defects.

The family home is a persons largest asset and it is very important that any renovations should involve essential maintenance and repair. Likewise on the commercial front there are many surveys that show how surroundings can affect an employees ability to work, and just a simple thing as a fresh coat of paint can help accomplish increased productivity. An established professional company can take the strain, and get the job done with little or no interruption to a business or home.

A brief overview of what to look for when considering painting or refurbishment, and those hundreds of tasks that bring a building up to scratch and make it fit for purpose. Firstly an established company, because they will want to make sure your needs are met and that you are satisfied with the work, after all this is how they get more business. Customer testimonials, competitive quotation, quality materials and the project completed in a realistic time frame.

Sterling Home Improvements are a friendly bunch of experienced builders and decorators who are here to provide you with the labour and materials you need for any project whether a full home refurbishment, painting and decorating, kitchen fitting, bathroom fitting, house extension or loft conversion.

Established in 1998, we have provided refurbishment, building and Painting and Decorating in South West London to hundreds of satisfied customers.

Planning a Loft Conversion

2008-11-18T20:20:00.004Z

With the cost of moving home running into many thousands of pounds, it’s not surprising that many families are opting to move up instead of moving on.

Converting your loft is certainly a job for the professionals, but if you get it right you not only gain a fabulous light-filled space, you could also get a handsome return on your investment when you sell. According to the FMB a loft extension can add up to 21% to the value of your property.

Can you stand up?
Is your loft suitable for conversion? The easiest way to tell is to see if you can stand upright at its highest point, as this needs to be at least 2.3m. Even if you can stand up, a dormer window extension will maximise headroom throughout the space. Planning requirements often mean that this is put at the back of the house so it doesn’t change the house’s appearance from the street. For this reason, roof windows are commonly used at the front to provide light and ventilation.

Don’t get into hot water
Most people convert their loft to add an extra bedroom and bathroom to their home. The layout will largely be dictated by the position of the staircase and plumbing arrangements for the bathroom.
It can be difficult to put the bathroom at the front of the house as you have to run a soil pipe to the back of the building where the existing bathrooms and toilets are situated. You’ll also need to consider the hot water and heating system. The boiler may not be capable of heating the extra space or providing enough hot water for the extra bathroom.

It’s all in the planning
There are also structural considerations. New beams will be needed in the roof and in the new floor to take the floor weight and strengthen the roof when the existing rafters are removed. If you live in a terraced or semi-detached house this work will probably require a Party Wall agreement with your neighbours. This refers to walls, ceilings or floors which are shared with other properties.

The good news is that planning permission is not always necessary, but as with any extension work, you should contact your local planning office and ask if the work can be done within what is known as, permitted development. If the house hasn’t been extended since 1948 this is likely to be the case, but you must find out in advance. Even if your house has not been extended since 1948, you may be next door to a listed building. In some areas this means you will need permission for any changes which affect the appearance of neighbouring listed properties. If planning permission is required and you don’t apply, the authorities can make you remove the extension and return the building to its original state.

All loft conversions must meet Building Regulations. Your architect and structural engineer should be up to date with these but it is best to submit full plans to your local authority building control department so they can advise on any changes needed before work begins. One of the key areas when adding another storey to a property are the fire precautions required. Upgrading the fire resistance of existing ceilings and doors is usually necessary. Recent changes to Building Regulations require high levels of insulation, which will keep your extension warm in winter and prevent overheating in summer.

From 1 October 2008 the rules relating to whether permission is needed for householder development such as loft conversions and extensions were changed.
Housing and Planning Minister Caroline Flint said: "From today people will find it has become much easier to convert the loft and build on an extension...
Read More here > >

What on earth do you want?
A loft conversion is a major job and you will need to get architectural plans drawn up. Make sure you know what you want so that you can brief your architect. Are you considering more than one room? Do you want to include a bathroom and if so are you content with a shower or do you need enough space for a bath? What are the rooms to be used for? Have you thought about storage space?

At this stage it is also worth spending time thinking about lighting and other electrical requirements – if you are going to use the loft as a study you are likely to need more electrical sockets, for example.

del.icio.us Tags: loft conversions,attic conversions,planning permission,london,UK

Basement Conversions

2008-11-13T07:41:00.005Z

For the latest trend in home improvement, you don't have to look up – look down!

Loft conversions are old news, and what most homeowners don't realize is that their dusty cellar or smelly basement is actually an extra room worth thousands of pounds, as well as one which can dramatically enhance you and your family's lifestyle.

This cost-effective craze has been big news in London for a while, where cramped homeowners are keen to use every square foot of space, but the trend is now taking off in other parts of the UK such as Manchester, Leeds and parts of Scotland.

The main reason basement conversions are really growing in popularity is because, unlike loft conversions, basements are normally closer to other communal areas and can be more versatile living spaces that suit modern lifestyles, not just extra bedrooms, bathrooms or studies.

Let your imagination roam free.

Perhaps the most exciting reason to 'extend' underground is that you can really enhance your family's lifestyle. Your kids can have a giant playroom all to themselves – or the bigger kids (and you) can treat themselves to a home cinema, a recording studio, or a state-of-the-art wine cellar to really indulge their passion.

If you own a commercial property it's also worth remembering your basement could earn you thousands as extra storage, retail space, a car park or even a bar or nightclub.

Are there any financial benefits?

Apart from the extra space for you or your family, a basement conversion can earn you a packet in additional rental income. Most simply, you could rent the converted basement to a lodger, who would then share the kitchen and bathroom with the family.

Or, alternatively, you could convert the basement into a self-contained studio apartment, with its own front door if so desired. If that sounds appealing, however, you should be aware that you will need planning permission if you plan to create a separate entrance to your home. But even if you decide not to rent out your converted basement, a simple conversion can also add on thousands to the value of your property when selling it on.

Doing your bit for society!
It might seem far-fetched but basement conversions were championed by the Minister of State for Housing and Planning in 2005 as a way of addressing the UK's increasing inner-city dwelling density. So you'd also be helping out the Government!

Is my basement suitable for a conversion?
It may sound a tad obvious but your property is only suitable for a basement conversion if you actually have a basement or cellar under your home. Digging a new basement under an existing property is usually not a financially viable solution, though small numbers of people do try to pursue this option.

Luckily, Victorian houses, and older types of properties which have timber-suspended floors, are ideal for cellar conversions, as the work can often be carried out from outside, which means you can easily continue to live in your property while the renovations are taking place.

A word of warning, however, some older houses may have shallow foundations, so in order to create a safe living space below, you may need to underpin your property first. If this is the case for your property, then the easiest thing to do is to talk to an underpinning firm or specialist builder who can advise you on feasibility and cost of the job.

Remember – while a basement conversion may seem like a dream come true, always make sure that a cellar conversion is a realistic venture for your property first.

Links: Builders for basement conversion in London

Kitchen Fitting Tips

2008-11-13T07:36:00.004Z

HINTS & TIPS TO PLAN YOUR KITCHEN BEFORE PURCHASE

Planning your kitchen

It's important to design a kitchen that revolves around your needs. Creating a triangle between your cooker, sink and fridge will make a better working environment. This will ensure that your workspace is never cramped, allowing you to move freely between appliances. The layout you choose will depend on the size and shape of your room - and the position of windows and doors. Plumbing and electrical points can usually be moved, so do not let these restrict your design.

It is good to know these points before choosing a Kitchen Fitter to install your kitchen.

Most kitchens fall into four basic designs, a single line of units, a double line (galley), and an L-shaped or U-shaped kitchen. By combining cabinets imaginatively to these designs it is easy to totally transform your kitchen to suit your lifestyle.

HOW TO: DESIGN, PLAN & FIT A KITCHEN

• Try to position your sink by a window, so you have a view.

• Position electrical sockets a minimum distance of 150mm above worktops.

• Position extractors or cupboards a minimum distance of 750mm above hobs.

• Use heat or fireproof cable on cookers or hobs.

• Locate dishwashers and washing machines close to sink to minimise

plumbing work.

• Ensure that wall and floor units are of similar widths-so the doors line up.

• Keep tall units at the end of the worktop runs, to maximise the working area.

• Place your hob or free-standing cooker in position this minimises the distance

needed to carry hot pans across the walkways in the kitchen.

• Allow at least 300mm of clear space each side of the hob to allow for

protruding pan handles.

• Position extractor fans on (or close to) outside walls.

• Allow adequate space around free-standing appliances for easy access,

(refer to manufacturers fitting instructions).

Don’t

• Locate a cooker or hob beneath a window where curtains could catch fire - or where it is dangerous to reach over to the window.

• Plan a wall unit above a hob without an extractor fan.

• Plan a hob next to a tall unit, corner wall or at the end of a run.

• Plan appliances in a corner.

• Put an inset sink near worktop joints.

• Position a sink or cooker near or next to opening doors.

• Box in boilers or other gas appliances as these require air flow to operate

properly and safely.

• Put a cooker hob under or near electrical sockets.

• Position cookers next to fridges or freezers.

• Block up existing air vents if there are gas appliances in the kitchen.

Need a kitchen fitter for your new kitchen? Click here London Kitchen fitting/installation

Property Value Valuation

2008-11-08T18:24:00.008Z

I found the following page from Direct.gov.uk very useful in getting a value for your home.

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How much you can sell your current home for will be crucial when deciding your next move. It pays to do some research to make sure you achieve the best price in the shortest time.

So how much is my home worth?

You can get an idea of the prices in your area before you sell by visiting the Land Registry website. Here you can see what is actually happening to average prices of property in England and Wales.

You can search for the latest house prices by:

property type and postcode
county
unitary authority

You can also find out average prices within Greater London by individual London boroughs.

Latest house prices from the Land Registry Opens new window

Getting your property valued

However you decide to sell your home, you can get the property valued without obligation by local estate agents. It is best to get three valuations for a balanced view.

If you do want to sell through an estate agent, it may not always be best to choose the one that gave the highest valuation. You should get to know the local property market and sales prices before you make your choice. This will give you a realistic idea of how much your property could be sold for and avoid any long delays before your home is sold.

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Refurbishment before selling

Before selling your home, it is always best to get a quote from a qualified estimator to see what can be done to raise the value of your property. This could be a full house or flat refurbishment, decorating your house or building work, fitting a new kitchen, fitting a new bathroom, a side-return extension or a loft conversion. You may find then that even in these uncertain times that a healthy amount will be added to the value of your property.

Property Value London

2008-11-08T17:44:00.007Z

A quick guide to making your home a valuable asset

In a recently published survey by The Nationwide Building Society, the most common types of home improvement have been rated in terms of the percentage value they are likely to add to a property. The results are as follows:

Type of Improvement	Added Value to property
Extension - large kitchen / family room into garden area	15%
Extension - adding floor space	12%
Extension - extra bedroom by adding floor space (2 bed to 3 bed)	12%
Extension - extra bedroom by adding floor space (3 bed to 4 bed)	8%
Alterations - extra bedroom without adding floor space	6%
Loft Conversion - extra bedroom and en-suite	21%
Adding an extra bathroom or en-suite	5%
Off-street parking space	6.5%
Garage - detached or integrated	7-14%
Double glazing	5%
Central heating value added	7%

Area	Making the most of your home
Kitchens	Choose units that will not date and where-ever possible fit granite worktops. The kitchen should be of a generous size and preferably overlooking the rear garden.
Bathrooms	White sanitary fittings are a must. A 4 bed house should have 1 bathroom and 1 ensuite, a 5/6 bedroom house should have 1 bathroom fitted and 2/3 ensuites.
Downstairs WC	A downstairs toilet can be located almost anywhere. An external window and separate lobby are now not required. A downstairs WC is on most home-buyers wish-list.
Reception Rooms	Preferably a house of over 4 beds should have at least two separate reception rooms. One of the reception rooms shoud have an outlook to the rear garden.
Layout	An aspect often overlooked. The layout and circulation of a house should flow. Increase circulation space when adding extra rooms and avoid through-rooms.

Free Advice

We can help you work out what would be best to raise the value of your property. Just ask our Estimator to do a rapid survey and you will get free professional advice on what can be done.

Hope for the UK home owner

UK Housing prices will go up say experts

House prices are going to rise again. That may seem a scenario far removed from today's headlines about falling prices and haemorrhaging values. But, according to an influential economics consultancy, prices have to go up for one simple reason - government targets for the minimum number of new homes are just not being met.

A year ago, 'targets' were the order of the day. Gordon Brown announced that in England alone there should be between 240,000 and 297,700 homes built annually until 2016, and that, in total, between 2.9 million and 3.5 million new homes should be built by 2020. In 2007 - before the downturn hit the new-build market - some 174,900 homes were completed: still below target but on an upward path from previous years.

Yet at the start of autumn 2008, figures for housing starts suggest that this year's total will be only about 110,000, according to the House Builders Association. It predicts 2009 and 2010 figures may well fall to a dismal 55,000. The consequence is that the new-homes industry is imploding. The fewer homes built, the fewer people work in the industry, making the downturn even worse. Similar targets, and shortfalls, exist in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Jim Ward of estate agency Savills predicts new-build levels in England will not have returned to 140,000 per year - scarcely half the government's target - even by 2013. He says: 'Once sites are mothballed, there's inertia in the system as it takes time to rebuild teams and return to the same master-planning position on more complex sites.'

Recent measures announced to kick-start elements of the housing market will do nothing to improve building rates. Stamp-duty changes may boost sales but not new building. Allowing housing associations to buy unsold houses and flats mops up stock but does not help overall supply meet demand.

The slump in building will not just affect the private sector. Many of the affordable homes made available to key workers and the low-paid are built as a result of so-called 'section 106' deals - that is, arrangements by which developers have to build a number of affordable homes to get an agreement to build private-sector properties. With private sales at a standstill, developers have downed tools on residential property across the UK, so section 106 properties are not being built either, creating a shortage of properties exactly where demand for affordable homes is strongest.

That fundamental mismatch of supply and demand, of course, will fuel a new housing boom if the Centre for Economic and Business Research's forecasts are correct. 'The sharp drop in completions will mean higher prices if and when credit markets sort themselves out,' says CEBR senior economist Ben Read. 'The government will be concerned that, with every year that passes, it gets further away from its targets. With developers unlikely to respond quickly when the market bottoms out, prices may recover more quickly than people imagine.'

That price rise may be every bit as large as the current price falls. A report published last month by the National Housing Federation suggests the average house price in England will rise 25 per cent by 2013. NHF chief executive David Orr says: 'House prices will increase substantially over the mid to long term. Demand is going up, while the supply of new homes is going down.'

Professional advice reduces costly mistakes in home improvements when you are looking to raise your property value. Big decisions to make change your home require extensive planning to ensure you get the added value you want with NO mistakes.

Source - Guardian.co.uk

Selling or Refurbishment?

The big picture
If you're thinking about selling your home, you might want to wait a while and consider refurbishment. The Your Mortgage report supports many experts' view that house prices are going to dip over the next couple of years. While these price falls are going to be more severe in some areas than others, property values are predicted to pick up again from 2010. The research suggests that by 2012 many regions will be enjoying double-digit house price growth. So the time would be now to get that fancy kitchen fitted or new bathroom installation done. If there is something you can do to add future value to your house, do it now and watch the value grow.

Winners
Perhaps unsurprisingly, prices in London are predicted to see the largest rate of growth over the next five years. In Greater London, prices are forecast to rise by 29.4%, with growth of 6% alone in 2010. Prices in upmarket boroughs such as Kensington & Chelsea and Richmond-upon-Thames are predicted to see the biggest gains, rising by a total of 35% and 32.2% respectively.

The survey predicts that no London boroughs will see prices fall over the coming five years - and by the time the Olympics begin, homeowners in the capital will have made a tidy profit.

Elsewhere, prices in Surrey will see growth of 20.8% while property values across the South East as a whole are predicted to rise by nearly 20%. There will also be big gains for Buckinghamshire (19.6%), West Sussex (19.1%), Oxfordshire (18.9%), Hampshire (18.7%), Kent (18.7%) and East Sussex (18.3%).

The East of England will also see prices rise by a total of 16%, while the North East's resurgence will continue with gains in excess of 14%. All these areas are predicted to see slow growth over the next two years and then bigger gains from 2010 to 2012.

Source - Money.sky.com

Party Wall Act

2008-11-08T15:35:00.003Z

Keeping your neighbors happy

The Party Wall Act 1996 came into force in 1997, so it is now law and gives you rights and responsibilities whichever the side of the 'wall' you are on i.e. whether you are planning/doing work on a relevant structure or if your neighbour is.

The Party Wall Act does not affect any requirement for Planning Permission or Building Regulation Approval for any work undertaken. Likewise, having Planning Permission and/or Building Regulation Approval does not negate the requirements under the Party Wall Act.

Download Party Wall Act here

The Party Wall Act comes into effect if someone is planning to do work on a relevant structure, for the purposes of the Act 'party wall' does not just mean the wall between two semi-detached properties, it covers:

A wall forming part of only one building but which is on the boundary line between two (or more) properties.
A wall which is common to two (or more) properties, this includes where someone built a wall and a neighbour subsequent built something butting up to it.
A garden wall, where the wall is astride the boundary line (or butts up against it) and is used to separate the properties but is not part of any building.
Floors and ceilings of flats etc.
Excavation near to a neighbouring property.

As with all work affecting neighbours, it is always better to reach a friendly agreement rather than resort to any law. Even where the work requires a notice to be served, it is better to informally discuss the intended work, consider the neighbours comments, and amend your plans (if appropriate) before serving the notice.

What work can be done without notice/permission.

Under the Party Wall Act some work is not covered. Such work include:

Putting up shelves and wall units.
Replastering.
Electrical rewiring.

What work needs a notice and permission.

The general principle of the Party Wall Act is that all work which might have an effect upon the structural strength or support function of the party wall or might cause damage to the neighbouring side of the wall must be notified. If in doubt, advice should be sought from a local Building Control Office or professional surveyor/architect.

Work covered by the Party Wall Act include:

To demolish and/or rebuild a party wall.
To increase the height or thickness of a party wall.
Insertion of a damp proof coarse (either chemical injection or a physical dpc).
Cutting into the party wall to take load bearing beams.
Underpinning a party wall.
Excavations within 3 metres of a neighbouring building where the excavation will go below the bottom of the foundations of the neighbouring building.
Excavations within 6 metres of a neighbouring building where the excavation will go below a line drawn 45° downwards from the bottom of the foundations of the neighbouring building.

What is required in a notice

If the planned work to an existing structure falls under the Party Wall Act, a notice must be issued to all affected neighbouring parties. The notice must include (see sample letters in Part 5 of the Party Wall leaflet):

The owners of the property undertaking the work.
The address of the property.
The names of all the owners of the adjoining property.
A description of the proposed work, usually a single line giving a brief description.
The proposed start date for the work.
A clear statement that the notice is being served under The Party Wall etc Act 1996.
The date the notice is being served.
If the notice is for excavation work, then a drawing showing the position and depth of the excavation must be included.

The process of serving a notice under the Party Wall Act is as follows:

The person intending to carryout the work must serve a written notice on the owners of the adjoining property at least two months before the intended start of the work to every neighbouring party giving details of the work to be carried out.
Each neighbouring party should respond in writing giving consent or registering dissent - if a neighbouring party does nothing within 14 days of receiving the notice, the effect is to put the notice into dispute.
No work may commence until all neighbouring parties have agreed in writing to the notice (or a revised notice).

If any of the information is missing from a served noticed, it will be invalid in which case, any subsequent award will also be invalid. See below regarding what happens in the event of a dispute/objection.

New boundary walls

If the planned work is a new boundary wall up to or astride the boundary line, the process is similar to the above but the notice needs to be served at least one month before the planned start date of the work. Neighbouring parties must give written agreement within 14 days for walls astride the boundary (or a dispute is deemed to have occurred), however no formal agreement is needed for a wall up to the boundary line, the neighbour just needs not to object in writing.

See below regarding what happens in the event of a dispute/objection.

Excavations

If the planned work is an excavation within the distance/depth covered by the Party Wall Act, the notice needs to be served at least one month before the planned start day of the work. Neighbouring parties must give written agreement within 14 days or a dispute is deemed to have occurred.

See below regarding what happens in the event of a dispute/objection.

What happens if a dispute arises

If agreement cannot be reached between neighbouring parties, the process is as follows:

A Surveyor or Surveyors is/are appointed to determine a fair and impartial Award, either:
- An 'Agreed Surveyor' (someone acceptable to all parties).
  or
- Each party appoints their own Surveyor to represent the individual parties.
The first option should be cheaper as the costs should be reduced - the Surveyor (or Surveyors) will decide who pays the fees - usually it will be the party undertaking the work; the exception being where the owner of the adjoining property calls on the Surveyor unnecessarily. It should be noted that any Surveyor(s) must act within their statutory responsibilities and propose a fair and impartial Award.
The Agreed Surveyor, or the individual Surveyors jointly, will produce an Award which must be fair and impartial to all parties.
Once an Award has been made, all parties have 14 days to appeal to a County Court against the Award.

Once you have agreement

Once you have agreement, all work must comply with the notice. All the agreements should be retained to ensure that a record of the granted permission is kept; a subsequent purchaser of the property may wish to establish that the work was carried out in accordance with the Party Wall Act requirements.

New Property Laws for the UK

2008-11-08T15:26:00.006Z

Restrictions lifted from Property Development

From 1 October 2008 the rules relating to whether permission is needed for householder development such as loft conversions and extensions were changed. The changes are contained within the General Permitted Development Order Amendment
Visual information detailing the changes is available using the interactive house on the Planning Portal.
Rear extensions will no longer have volume limits. Loft conversions continue to have an overall volume cap to control overbearing conversions on larger homes. Examples of the changes are:

Terraced houses: loft conversions can be up to 20cms (centimeters) back from the eaves of the roof or have a maximum volume of 40m3 (cubic metres). In addition a single or two storey rear extension can go back a maximum of 3m from the original house.
Semi-detached: loft conversions can be up to 20cms back from the eaves of the roof or have a maximum volume of 50m3. In addition a single or two storey rear extension can go back a maximum of 3m from original house.
Detached: loft conversions can be up to 20cms back from the eaves of the roof or have a maximum volume of 50m3. In addition a rear extension can either be a single storey extension going 4m back, or two storey one going 3m back from the orignial house.

The new regulations will also reduce the flood risks caused by surface water run off. New driveways or parking areas over five square metres will require planning permission if they are constructed using surfaces that do not allow allow the water to soak through the ground.

However permeable surfacing will still receive automatic permission. Surface water can be drained using permeable surfaces such as concrete block paving with gaps, porous asphalt or gravel, wheel track only paving or through installation of 'soak-away' systems.

Any previous opinion issued by the Council may not apply after 1 October if the works have not commenced by that date, and a further enquiry should be made.
Permission for a planned extension
Housing and Planning Minister Caroline Flint said: "From today people will find it has become much easier to convert the loft and build on an extension.
"The changes the Government has made will mean about 80,000 households a year no longer have to get planning permission."
Other changes that come into force today mean that people putting in driveways or parking areas of more than five square metres will be exempt from planning permission only if they use materials that allow water to soak through to the ground. The move aims to reduce surface water run-off and to help prevent flooding.
Source - Telegraph.co.uk

Click here to see the new law > >