Category: Uncategorized

Home Improvement Projects to do In Autumn

As the summer holiday season fades and the children return to school, we move towards autumn with its cooler weather and darker nights.  Traditionally at this time of year we begin to focus on planning home improvements to prepare our homes for winter.

If you are looking for some inspiration, here are five ideas for home improvement projects:

Get cosy and warm – Autumn is the perfect time to upgrade old window frames with energy efficient double or triple-glazed windows. There is so much choice – frames can be wooden uPVC or aluminium and there are designs to suit all types of houses whether modern or traditional style.

A living room or lounge will feel more comfortable and cosy with a living fire as a focal point. Log burners are ‘on trend’ and are very practical, providing a quick and easy update to any room.

Make a statement – By improving the entrance to your home you instantly increase your property’s kerb side appeal. Replacing your front is a quick and effective way of updating your home plus a new door can also provide higher security and greater energy efficiency.

Pots of colour – Decorating a room to reflect your taste and personality can transform a bedroom into a tranquil haven in which to relax, or a living room into a vibrant space where the family can gather. There are so many colours to choose from, so get creative.

Recycle old furniture – Many of us will have old, damaged, dreary looking pieces of furniture but with a little TLC they can be transformed and given a new lease of life. Go online to look for advice and information on different techniques to create a look that suits your style.

Create a space – If you have a growing family and in need of more space then adding an extra room maybe the project for you. Conservatories have long been a popular way of gaining more space but adding an orangery is ‘on trend’ at the moment. Adding extra space which can be tailored to your individual requirements will provide many benefits for the whole family.

If you are looking to improve your home, whether it is an extension, conversion or full refurbishment, get in touch with Live in Developments.

Telephone: 0161 285 3559;    Mobile: 07979 962 838;   Email: [email protected]

Guide to Avoiding DIY Mishaps

Most will find there are always jobs that need doing a round the home and it can be very tempting to think ‘I can do that’ and have a go at your own DIY, but a lack of confidence and skill can have disastrous consequences. Some DIY jobs are best left to the experts!  Continue reading “Guide to Avoiding DIY Mishaps”

How to Make the Most of Outdoor Space This Summer

Now summer is here we will be spending much of our leisure time outside, so why not make the most of your garden and maximise your outdoor space by adding a few luxuries?

The outdoor area of our home is often overlooked, yet it is a useful and very versatile space.

When we return home from a long day at work many of us just want to eat a meal and then relax in a comfy settee with a glass of wine. This is easily achieved indoors but wouldn’t it be great to have an outdoor space that is just as comfortable and relaxing.

To create an outdoor room:

  • Choose furniture that blends with your indoor furniture and choose similar colours so that outside becomes an extension of indoors.
  • Dining furniture should be big enough to seat all your family.
  • Use pretty acrylic tableware and glasses.
  • For sofas and chairs modern synthetic rattan furniture comes in all shapes and designs. Rattan is hard wearing and dries quickly after a shower but it is also very comfy when used with thick soft cushions made from the latest quick drying fabrics.
  • Bean bags are great for extra seating.
  • Use bold colours and designs for throws and cushions.
  • Accessorize your outdoor space with ornaments, mirrors and candles.
  • Bring light and sparkle to the area with battery operated LED or solar powered lights.
  • Have a fire pit as a focal point and for extra warmth as the night cools off.
  • It is also useful to have a retractable awning for those showery days

Let your imagination go and create a beautiful room outside.

If you would like advice on landscaping your garden or adding a more permanent summer room to your home get in touch with Live in Developments.

Not only can we provide landscaping services, we can also help anyone looking to add a conservatory or an orangery to their home in order bring the outdoors in. Or maybe you’re looking to renovate or extend your property this summer? We can guide you through the whole process from initial design to final paint colours on the wall. If you’re think of carrying out work this summer please feel free to give us a call on 07979962838 and we’ll be happy to help in any way we can.

Benefits of a New Build Property

There are a number of reasons why a new build appeals to a house buyer instead of buying an older property. Most importantly there is ‘no chain’ to contend with when buying the property. Many people also like the fact that they will be the first to live in the property and everything is new, plus, in many cases they will have an opportunity to select fixtures and fittings to suit their taste.

Benefits of a new build

  • Built to the latest building regulations. If the property is built to the correct standard, a new house can be 50% more energy efficient than an older property, helping homeowners to make huge savings on their energy bills. New homes are highly insulated, fitted with quality double-glazing, the latest energy efficient central heating and hot water systems.
  • Environmentally friendly. Many new builds are on Brown Field sites and Custom Built new properties are frequently on the site of an old property, recycling previously used land. The fitting of showers, dual-flush toilets and aerating taps makes the house more water efficient and as new homes use less energy they emit less carbon dioxide, which is better for the environment.
  • Less maintenance –most new properties are fitted with uPVC window frames, soffit boards and fascias, which require very little maintenance other than cleaning. Repairs and redecoration should be minimal for the first few years so your evenings and weekends will be DIY free.
  • Security and Safety. New build homes are usually fitted with window locks, 5 lever door locks, smoke alarms, carbon dioxide detectors and sometimes burglar alarms, which offers enhanced safety and security and saves you money on your insurance premiums.
  • New properties usually come with a NHBC 10-year warranty, which covers homeowners for the first 2 years against all defects that occur because the NHBC standards were not followed. During the remaining 8 years the warranty provides cover against major damage caused by structural or drainage defects.

Live in Developments specialise in new builds and can design, build or provide a full project management service for your new home. For more details contact Live in Developments

Telephone: 0161 285 3559;    Mobile: 07979 962 838;   Email: [email protected]

Home Improvement Month

April is nationally recognised as ‘Home Improvement Month and many people try to undertake home improvement projects, particular smaller ones, themselves to keep costs down.

However according to a recent survey, two thirds of UK homeowners have unfinished improvements or regret the results of a DIY project and wished they had hired an expert instead.

So whether you have a project to finish or are thinking about beginning a home improvement project, sometimes it really is best to leave it to the professionals.

If you are considering large scale home improvements because you require more space but do not want to move house, there are alternatives to an extension, think about redesigning the layout of the house or converting the loft or basement.

A loft or basement conversion will not only improve your home but add extra value to your property. The extra space will improve the quality of living by providing an extra bedroom or bathroom upstairs, or downstairs to provide a playroom or family den for everyone to enjoy.

This sort of improvement maybe more demanding and costly than some general home improvements but is very worthwhile and will be cheaper than an extension.

However, it is probably a good idea to seek professional advice for planning and carrying out the work.

At Live in Developments we specialise in this type of work and offer a complete service from planning to managing and carrying out your project, working with you to the finest detail.

Don’t let the month of April pass you by. Use it as an excuse to get those unfinished jobs done and if you are thinking of home improvements on a grander scale, whether it be an extension, a conversion or a refurbishment contact: Live in Developments

Telephone: 0161 285 3559;    Mobile: 07979 962 838;   Email: [email protected]

Why Should You Hire a Project Manager for Your Home Renovation?

Project Management has long been an important aspect of organising and controlling projects being carried out by large scale construction companies, however, there is now an increased awareness of the benefits of using construction project management for home renovations and extensions.

So what is a Construction Project Manager and what does he do? Basically the role of the Construction project manager is:

1 – To ensure that all goals and targets are met within a specific time frame.

2- Be responsible for making sure that everyone is doing their job and everything is running smoothly.

3 – To work closely with the architect to ensure that your Home Renovation is exactly what you aspire it to be.

They are responsible for the following

  • Planning
  • Resource Allocation
  • Staff Management
  • Setting Benchmarks
  • Budget Management

At Live In Developments we provide a full, holistic project management service.

Here are some of the benefits of having your home refurbishment professionally project managed by Live In Developments…

1- We are able to identify costs within the design stage to predict and advise you of the overall fees of the project.

2 – Plan the whole role process to inform you of how long the project will take and how much it is going to cost.

3- We will ensure all materials are delivered in the right sequence and at the correct time

4 – We ensure the different skilled tradesmen are on site at the correct time

5 – We ensure that everyone is completing their job efficiently, to a very high standard.

6 – We will also sort out any issues with the builders or other tradesmen if there is a problem or you want something changing.

Put simply, from the moment you commission Live In Developments to take care of your project, our team will be focused on ensuring that your development is built on time, on budget and to the highest possible standard.

For more advice and information on project management for your home renovation contact Live In Developments today.

Telephone: 0161 285 3559;    Mobile: 07979 962 838;   Email: [email protected]

10 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Renovating

Many of us get itchy feet at the beginning of a new year and think about moving, but then once  we have taken into consideration all the hidden costs of a house move, start to re-think and look at renovating or extending our current home. However, before embarking on a renovation or extension project it is worth considering some of the most common pitfalls:-

1.Don’t rush into a project. Think carefully about what you are hoping to achieve with your home improvement project and seek expert advice.

2. Avoid over-extending by adding on rooms that make the house too big for the plot.

3. Don’t overspend. Make sure that you have sufficient funds available to pay for all the work to be done to the highest standard possible.Budget for an extra 15 per cent to cover additional costs.

4. It is also vital to ensure that you have legally binding, well-written contracts to protect you, should costs rise, or if the work lasts much longer than expected.

5. Don’t ignore planning permission or building regulations.You can apply for planning permission quickly and easily online, but it is also worth phoning your local council, explaining what you’re planning and trying to establish if there’s anything you need to be aware of. If the work isn’t signed off and approved, future buyers could have difficulty obtaining a mortgage.

6. Plan the internal layout carefully. Avoid adding rooms that are shut off from the rest of the living space or unbalance the flow of the house.

7. Plan rooms for multi-purpose use e.g. the extra room you add could double up as an office and a guest bedroom.

8. Don’t add a bathroom at the expense of a bedroom. Always consider the potential re-sale value of your house, e.g. a 3 bedroom home with one bathroom may have a broader appeal and therefore a potentially higher re-sale value than a home with 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms.

9. Don’t get sucked in by fads and trends. Open plan living spaces maybe all the rage at the moment but is it practical for your requirements.

10. Only employ reputable builders who, preferably, have been recommended for the quality of their work.

At Live in Developments we specialise in: New builds, Extensions, Loft Conversions, Renovations, Conservatories & Orangeries.

For more advice on renovating or extending your home contact Live in Developments

Telephone: 0161 285 3559 Mobile: 07979 962 838  Email: [email protected]

Top Interior Design Trends in 2017

As we enter the New Year there are several materials which are gaining in popularity with designers, plus there is a resurgence in exotic colours and bold wall papers.

  • Terracotta –Terracotta tiles have been around for a long time but are gaining in popularity. Terracotta is a warm material that brings a sense of uniqueness to a modern interior, and a more grounded, elegant appeal.
  • Cork – this is a stylish material that adds texture to a room. It is a very versatile and a ‘green’ product which is why many designers are using it. Cork wall coverings, furniture and upholstery are growing in popularity. Cork is also waterproof so it can be used in bathrooms and kitchens.
  • Cerused woods – also known as a limed-wax finish, adds colour and unusual graining to the wood. It is expected to be used for cabinets and flooring, especially in dramatic hues of black and dark grey.
  • Marble – marble surfaces are frequently found in cafes and restaurants but marble is set to be one of the biggest trends for 2017 in our homes. Not only will marble be used in bathrooms and kitchens but marble motifs will appear in wallpapers and fabrics
  • Statement headboards – the bigger the better. Use bold designs and luxury fabrics to create a dramatic focal point to the bedroom.
  • Shiny metal finishes -Swap out your current hardware for polished brass and bronze knobs and knockers.
  • Matte appliances – After years of stainless steel being the ultimate choice for stylish kitchens the latest trend for 2017 is matte-finish appliances in dark shades to bring an element of drama into the kitchen.

At Live in Developments we pride ourselves on being at the forefront of design and will be happy to discuss the use of any of these materials or ideas into your planned extension or renovation.

For more advice on renovating or extending your home get in touch with Live In Developments today.

Telephone: 0161 285 3559;    Mobile: 07979 962 838;   Email: [email protected]

Cramped House at Christmas?

Christmas is a wonderful time of year to get the family together, but as your children get bigger and the family grows in number, it is very easy to feel the house just isn’t big enough anymore.

There are lots of ways to add space to your home, to help ease the burden when you all get together, whether it is Christmas or any other family celebration. So, if you are in need of more space start planning to add space to your home while you are off for the festive break and by next Christmas you will be able to entertain in comfort.

  1. Convert the basement, loft, or garage – if these area are currently just used to store the family junk, think about converting them into a more useful space like an extra bedroom or playroom
  2. Turn two rooms into one – this doesn’t actually create more space but it does give the illusion of space. However, before knocking a wall down check if it is a supporting wall.
  3. Repurpose a room – if you think about the space you already have in your home, is there a room which is underutilised? If so, think about what you need and change the function of a barely used room into something more viable.
  4. Build up – adding more space by building upwards is great for small homes with limited land available. It is more expensive and will involve hiring a professional builder, but enables you to design what you would like
  5. Build out is another way of creating an entirely new space. It is more suitable for homes that have plenty of land available. It is a less expensive option than building upwards but will increase the value of the property

If you’re thinking about updating your property in 2017, Live in Developments can help you create extra space in your current home. Single storey home extensions have become a popular and a cost effective way of drastically increasing property size. At Live in Developments we have over 10 years of building experience in South Manchester and Cheshire. We specialise in, Extensions, Loft Conversions, Renovations, Conservatories & Orangeries and we will carry out the project with the highest levels of professionalism.

For more advice on renovating or extending your home contact Live in Developments

Telephone: 0161 285 3559;    Mobile: 07979 962 838;   Email: [email protected]

How to spot a cowboy builder

There have been a lot of horror stories in the press in recent years of people experiencing terrible problems with builders when having building work carried out on their homes. The builders have either taken an excessively long time to complete the job, the workmanship is of a very poor standard or they have made catastrophic errors! We have probably all read about the house which collapsed in Kensington during renovation work. If you are planning to have an extension or renovation work on your home it is vital to choose your builder carefully

Here is our guide on how to spot and avoid a cowboy builder…

  • Recommendation – ask your architect or friends and family who have had work done to recommend a reliable builder. Ask for references and always go and look at work the builder has carried out on other properties to check the standard of work.
  • Quotes -Get at least 3 written quotes for the work. Avoid a very cheap quote this could be a cowboy builder desperate for work. Also be cautious of builders who want to start immediately.
  • Business details – watch out for builders that do not have a registered business address, letter headed paper or signage on their van. Cowboy builders often work in an area and then move on.
  • Payment – do not part with any money upfront. A reputable builder should have sufficient funds to cover the cost of the work. Also be cautious of builders who only accept cash payments, they could be avoiding paying VAT. But more importantly you will have very little comeback if things go wrong.
  • Contract – Draw up a contract detailing the work to be carried out with an approximate timescale and costings. Ensure that both you and the builder sign it and have copies for future reference.
  • Builders ill-prepared for the job. – Professional builders will have all the necessary tools and materials to complete their work. So be cautious of builders who ask to borrow your tools or equipment.

Live In Developments has over 10 years of building experience in South Manchester and Cheshire specialising in the project management of new build construction and extension work. Our strong core principles of professionalism, quality and value have allowed us to build a great local reputation and as a member of the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) and the Trust Mark Scheme you can be sure that our service is trustworthy, reliable and operating to Government Endorsed Standards.

To discuss the details of your design and build or renovation project, contact Live In Developments on 0161 285 3559

What’s Involved in a Home Renovation?

You’ve decided to modify your home…

We understand that this is a big decision for any homeowner to make. Your home is your biggest asset and work can be intrusive and disruptive to daily life.

With so many issues to consider, having any type of work carried out is bound to seem daunting at first, and choosing a quality developer you can trust is the most important first step in designing your dream home.

With over a decade of experience, Live In Developments have built a strong reputation in the industry, providing our customers with a flexible, quality service they can rely on.

Project management

When you appoint us, we offer you the opportunity to be as involved as you’d like in your project.

We realise that everybody has a unique idea of the perfect home so we welcome you to work in partnership with the experts at Live In Developments to deliver your building project.

We aim to ensure our service is flexible and convenient for our clients, so whether you prefer daily meetings or concise monthly updates, we will collaborate with your schedule wherever possible.

Disruption

When you have any kind of work done on your house, it’s understandable that you will be concerned about disruption.

With this in mind, we treat your house as a home not a building site, putting every necessary provision in place to ensure it stays clean, tidy and liveable throughout.

Customer peace of mind is of the upmost importance to us so we will work with you to ensure you are able to carry on as normal with minimal disturbance.

If you’re thinking about a home improvement, Live in Developments can help. We aim to take all the stress and worry out of your project, delivering excellent quality builds whilst making the process as simple and enjoyable as possible. Let us take the stress, strains and inconvenience out of your development – you may be surprised at how little our work affects your daily life!

 

Should I Move or Improve?

If you are wondering about whether to move or to improve your current home  you need to sit down and think about why you are feeling unsettled. At one time this was your dream home and you loved it, so what has changed? Has the neighbourhood changed, are you unhappy with your neighbours or the local schools, do you need more space, a new bathroom, a new kitchen or would you like an en-suite?

Your answers to these questions may help you make the right decision for you and your family.

Of course there are pros and cons to both options…

Pro’s – Moving

If you move then you can select an area where you are happy with the neighbourhood and the schools but you can’t choose your neighbours. You can buy a house with extra space and an ensuite, and if it is a new build have a new kitchen and new bathroom.

Con’s – Moving

However a new home may come with a hefty price tag, plus all the hidden costs which can mount up. Estate agent’s fees, solicitor’s fees, conveyancing fees, stamp duty and removal costs can run into thousands of pounds.

Pro’s – Improve

If you stay and invest in home improvements, the costs of updating the bathroom and kitchen or adding additional rooms can be very cost effective. Millions of homeowners each year are choosing to renovate their current home to make it more homely and to acquire more space. Many homeowners are very happy living in their current home and renovating it can boost the value and be extremely cost effective.

Con’s – Improve

The down side to renovating? Renovations can be disruptive to your day to day life, and major changes like a loft conversion or an extension could lead to a few months of disruption. Plus any work in your kitchen, may leave you without cooking facilities for a while.

However, on balance it would seem that many millions of homeowners are opting for the renovating rather than the moving option as they consider the investment is safer in the current climate.

At Live in Developments we specialise in: New builds, Extensions, Loft Conversions, Renovations, Conservatories & Orangeries.

For more advice on renovating or extending your home contact Live in Developments

Telephone: 0161 285 3559;    Mobile: 07979 962 838;   Email: [email protected]

Top Ways to Add Value to Your Home

Top Ways to Add Value to Your Home

Renovating is not only a great way to revive and refresh your home, if you do it right it can also help maximise the value of your property. Using our years of experience and industry knowledge we’ve shared some tips that you may wish to keep in mind.

Some effective ways you can add value to your home include…

  • The addition of a downstairs toilet
  • Extension – The bigger the better – think about the square footage you’re creating.
  • Open plan living – No room for an extension? Make the most of the current space by opening it up.
  • Utility room space – A utility room allows you to hide away appliances and unsightly apparatus, allowing your kitchen to be a sociable relaxing space.
  • Restore or enhance the buildings character – by restoring or replacing traditional features your house instantly becomes more desirable to potential buyers.
  • Storage space – Utilise all the dead space in your house. With some clever ideas, the smallest space can be used for useful storage.
  • Concentrate on the kitchen – if your budget is tight- make the kitchen your focus point.

THINGS TO AVOID

  • Be aware of the ceiling price in your area – People will only pay what a property is worth.
  • Managing your project, yourself – To keep a project on schedule, within the budget it is essential to have a good project manager.

For more advice on renovating your home contact Live in Developments today.