CHOOSING THE RIGHT BUILDING CONTRACTOR FOR YOUR NEEDS

Whether it is a small refurbishment or a grand design, you want the finished product of any home improvements to be perfect and for the entire process to run smoothly from start to finish. Unfortunately, most of the times we find complications and delays, and what should be an easy experience, turns into a nightmare.

Your choice in contractor will have a direct impact on the outcome of your development process, follow this checklist to make sure you take the right decision:

ACCREDITATIONS

Any contractor that is worth working with will have the certifications to prove it.

TESTIMONIALS

Is always worth it to take a look at what other previous clients say about your contractor, testimonials can give you an idea of how they work and what’s the level of satisfaction in general terms.

Find more info about us and take a look at our testimonials: https://ambrowilks.co.uk/about-us

SOLID TEAM

Knowing about the contractor’s team is extremely important; if they have a solid team of tradesmen that have worked together for a while, they work like a well-oiled machine. Also, if it’s a good company, tradesman are more likely to stay on board.

ATTENTION TO DETAIL

If the contractor has a website, take a look at some of their previous work – pay attention to the finer details. It’s important to be able to see if they are skilled in their trade.

Take a look at our work here… https://ambrowilks.co.uk/gallery

Also, make sure your contractor explains every aspect of the development to you, and if he can’t, then chances are he’s making it up as he goes along.

With these points to hand, you’ll be able to ensure the smoothest possible outcome for your development.

Looking for a reliable trusted builder in London?

At AmbroWilks we are more than ready to carry out any construction project or refurbishment, we combine years of experience and expert trades to provide high quality all in one service.

We are based in Enfield and cover the whole Greater London area.

Call us on 0203 828 8010

Or get a FREE no obligation quote https://ambrowilks.co.uk/contact-us

Follow us on social media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ambrowilks.co.uk

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ambrowilks_uk/

Challenges to consider when creating or converting a basement

While basements are often a standard feature of new homes in other countries, this is not the case in the UK, which is a shame because they can increase the size of a house by up to 50% without requiring more land, additional foundation, roofing, or exterior walls, and doesn’t take space from other usable areas of the property.

If there is no existing basement in your home, digging down is always an option, but as a general rule, it’s better to extend above ground if possible because it’s easier to provide ventilation and natural light, plus it’s usually cheaper.

Good candidates for basement construction or renovation are houses located in areas with high land values, such as near city centres and the London suburbs. Gardens in these properties are usually smaller, so extending out might not be an option. Plus land is expensive, so the addition of a whole extra floor can be a cheaper way of getting more living space compared to moving to a larger property.

Excavating below a house is a major exercise and the space around the structure will affect how easy it is to do. The foundations of adjoining dwellings may need structural work to keep them stable during and after the project.

Also, if you’re working on a semi-detached or terraced home, or a property close to neighbouring buildings, the Party Wall Act procedure requires you to serve a notice to them.

More and more homeowners are now realising the potential of digging down or converting cellars into comfortable extra rooms, but this can come with some complications, there are challenges to consider before you get too far in the project.

Take a look at some of those challenges…

Waterproofing

Moisture is an issue that needs to be tackled before building out a basement into a living area. Some investigation is needed first to establish whether an existing cellar is suitable for conversion. If the area has a high water table or is prone to flooding then it’s probably a non-starter.

Generally, diverting water or creating a barrier is the basis of any solution.

Whenever possible, a drainage pipe should be installed around the perimeter of the basement to draw moisture away from the home.

You can also manage moisture by constructing a cavity within the wall to trap it and allow it to run down to a drain where it’s pumped away.

Ventilation

Basement rooms need to be properly ventilated, according to the Building Regulations. Also, fresh air is essential to make an underground space feel comfortable.

If there’s no possibility of providing opening windows, you can install a mechanical ventilation system.

Natural Light

A way to provide daylight and fresh air is to lower the garden and fit glazed doors onto a small patio.

An alternative solution is to create a light well. Even if the windows are only at a high level this will still allow natural light inside.

Ceiling

The existing cellars of older houses tend to have low ceilings simply because they were not built to act as living areas.

Lowering the floor may not be a very straightforward option because often the existing level is only slightly higher than the foundations of the house.

Also, the ceiling and stairwell must be fire proofed and there needs to be an easy escape route to the outside.

Final Considerations

A basement renovation can be a cost-effective way to gain more usable space in your home and add to its resale value. Challenges are common, but in most cases can be resolved with the right design and specifications. And even if the project involves excavation, it might be worth the time, effort, and expense to add features you’ve been missing up to this point in your home.

Contact AmbroWilks for a consultation today!

We have combined years of experience and expert trades to provide a quality all in one service.

We are based in Enfield and cover the whole Greater London area.

Call us on 0203 828 8010

Or get a FREE no obligation quote https://ambrowilks.co.uk/contact-us

Follow us on social media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ambrowilks.co.uk

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ambrowilks_uk/

Basement vs Loft Conversion

Transforming Existing Space for Maximum Resale Value

Many homes across the UK have an unused attic and/or basement that can be converted into living space. This kind of conversion allows you to add valuable square metres to the house’s floor plan while not invading the usable space you already have.

Let’s consider why it might be a good idea to remodel some of those unfinished spaces in your home to make the most impact on your lifestyle and improve resale value.

When it comes time to sell, ideally any renovation should have a positive impact on the value of your home. Finishing up any unused space in your home can add value to it and produce a positive return on investment.

Basement vs Loft Conversion                                         

A drafty attic or a dark basement won’t be high selling points. A good reason to finish up more living space in your home is that buyers are paying attention to these spaces when considering purchasing your property.

Finished space above ground is always perceived as more valuable than underground space. So you must consider above-ground space first.

Getting the most of your basement

When it comes to finishing off existing space, and you have an underground space in your home you only use for storage, your basement is a natural choice. Basement space is so versatile. Whatever is missing from the main floor plan, there is potential for the basement to be the solution. 

Structural work and water tightness are key issues for any basement conversion, and it’s always good to get the best materials and builders you can afford, to ensure your basement will be a dry and healthy space.

When considering this step, also make sure the finished space is something you value yourself. The most popular renovations include an open room for games, recreation and a guest bedroom with at least a ½ bathroom. Consider a wet bar, gym, or wine cellar as well.

Also, not all basements are the same. If you had an unfinished walkout basement, the return on your investment (ROI) would be higher than finishing off a fully underground basement.

Getting the most of your loft

Those properties that incorporate a bedroom and bathroom can add up to 21% to a property’s value, according to Nationwide.

For most people, a loft simply provides a storage place, but you can take dead space in your home and transform it into usable, like an extra bedroom, a playroom for the kids, an office, or just a space you can truly call your own. You can also rent out that extra bedroom and make some extra income.

A loft conversion can be a time-saving and cost-effective option, as it’s not reliant on factors such as weather, you’re less likely to be affected by delays, it normally requires less labour, is typically less expensive, and loft conversions rarely require planning permission to carry out.

You can also incorporate insulation into the roof to make it more energy efficient and save money on your energy bills.

Download our loft conversion guide to find out more… https://ambrowilks.co.uk/loft-extension

If you are interested in basement or loft renovations for your home contact AmbroWilks today.

We have combined years of experience and expert trades to provide a quality all in one service.

We are based in Enfield and cover the whole Greater London area.

Call us on 0203 828 8010

Or get a FREE no obligation quote https://ambrowilks.co.uk/contact-us

Follow us on social media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ambrowilks.co.uk

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ambrowilks_uk/

The Most Popular Types Of Home Renovations in UK

Many British homeowners consider renovations as the best way to improve their home and increase its value. Kitchens and bathrooms are clearly the two most popular renovation projects in the UK, followed by same-level extensions and loft/basement conversions.

Learn more about the most popular types of renovations.

Kitchen Conversions

Kitchens are one of the hottest renovation choices. We tend to spend a lot of time in the kitchen and often is one of the most used areas in the house, that’s why, renovating this space will make an immediate and impressive difference in your daily life.

The ideal that most homeowners aspire to is a larger, brighter kitchen diner with a breakfast bar or kitchen island.

Bathroom Conversions

Bathroom renovations are, like kitchens, the nº 1 British homeowners’ choice.

Large-double vanities and free-standing baths are on trend, as well as big walk-in showers with floor-to-ceiling glass panels for limited spaces.

Light neutral colours are also in trend and give an open and clean feeling to small bathrooms, medium-sized tiles and ambient LED lighting also help to make the space look bigger.

See our Bathroom Renovation Guide

Same-Level House Extensions

Same level extensions are typically more affordable than converting the loft or basement space. Adding a small conservatory or creating a larger kitchen are very popular home alterations in the UK and generally offer great return on investment.

Loft Conversions

Many homes across the UK have an unused attic that can be converted into living space. This kind of conversion allows you to add valuable square metres to the house’s floor plan while not invading your garden space.

Loft conversions can require structural work, as most of the attics are not built to hold the weight of a second floor. This means that loft conversions are typically more expensive than same level extensions, and you should also consider that may be necessary to fix isolation or waterproofing issues that will increase its cost. But it’s still the best option to add useable space to a house, especially in urban areas.

See our Loft Extension Guide

Key design issues to consider when converting a loft are windows and stairways. Skylight windows are more affordable, however, dormer windows create precious extra room.

Basement Conversions

Basement conversions are a great way to maximise your home’s living space. In many cases a basement space of some kind already exists and can be adapted and transformed.

Structural work and water tightness are key issues for any basement conversion, and it’s always good to get the best materials and builders you can afford, to ensure your basement will be a dry and healthy space.

Basements can be used for many purposes, storage and extra bedrooms are the most popular, as well as decadent wine cellars, gyms, playrooms or bathrooms.

Get in touch with AmbroWilks to discuss your home renovation project…

Get a FREE no obligation quote here – https://ambrowilks.co.uk/contact-us

Or call us on 0203 828 8010

We are based in Enfield and cover the whole Greater London area.

Download our FREE guides:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ambrowilks.co.uk

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ambrowilks_uk/

Converting a Spare Bedroom into a Walk-in Wardrobe: Benefits vs Risks

Maybe your children finally took the decision to start their own life, and they’ve moved to their own place, maybe your family’s circumstances have changed and now your home feels empty or too big, maybe you just have a spare room you never use…  In any case, it’s the perfect chance for adding the new walk-in closet you’ve been wishing you had for so long!

But before you make big floor plan changes, here are some things you must consider first:

It could Decrease Your Home’s Resale Value

 If you reduce the size or eliminate an adjacent bedroom, this could decrease the property’s value and could narrow the pool of potential buyers. So more careful consideration of the space is needed if you are starting with a 2 or 3 bedroom home.

If you are starting with a 4 or 5 bedroom home, your options for creating a great walk-in wardrobe space are far less risky.

There’re still multiple options for reduced space

Consider adding closet shelving, built-ins, and furnishings to the spare room. With the right lighting, a mirror or two, and a countertop, it could even be an ideal space to use as a full dressing room. At resale, it could be marketed as a spacious closet and changing room, but with the understanding that it could easily be converted back to a bedroom.

If you decide to create a walk-in wardrobe out of an adjacent room, you can always look for a place in the house to create a new bedroom. Maybe there’s room on the 1st floor, or you have a loft that can be converted into a bedroom, you won’t need it for seasonal storage as all your clothes can fit in the new closet, and a loft conversion can also add up to a 21% to the value of the house.

The benefits of having a big walk-in closet

A spacious and nicely appointed walk-in wardrobe is a good selling point. If you still have a 3 or 4 bedroom home, it’s ideal for resale and very attractive to buyers.

Another benefit is that you can keep seasonal clothes in one space. It can all stay stored away in one larger, more usable space.

A new space is always a wonderfully blank canvass. The space can be organized just as you like it, and it’s a chance to get creative while you design it for your own needs.

Creating a new walk-in closet will definitely add value to the home for you as the current occupant, and it can also be a good appeal for resale value.

If you’re planning to convert a spare room into a beautiful and functional walk-in closet…

Get a FREE no obligation quote here – https://ambrowilks.co.uk/contact-us

Or call us on 0203 828 8010

And if you’re looking to add a new room to your home, why not considering a loft conversion?

Download our FREE guide! –  https://ambrowilks.co.uk/loft-extension

AmbroWilks have combined years of experience and expert trades to provide quality all in one service.

We are based in Enfield and cover the whole Greater London area.

Follow us on social media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ambrowilks.co.uk

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ambrowilks_uk/

BENEFITS OF RENOVATING YOUR BATHROOM

If your bathroom is old, outdated or deteriorated, can stop potential buyers from considering your property as a potential investment, and even if you’re not looking to sell, a bathroom re-do can offer some benefits to you and your family, and it’s also a chance to get creative and have some fun.

Here are the major benefits a bathroom conversion can offer:

Increases your home’s value

A minor bathroom remodel can add up to 21% resale value to your home. A minor remodel encompasses replacing the bath, tiling, floor, toilet, sink, vanity, and fixtures, then perhaps finishing off the project with a fresh coat of paint on the walls.

Saves you money

Replacing leaky taps, adding ventilation, and installing an on-demand water heater and a water-efficient toilet will save you big bucks on utility costs. 

Prevent and take away stress

Performing your daily tasks in an unattractive and even dangerous space can be a silent source of stress. Imagine starting your day in a beautiful non-slippery bath and drying off afterwards with heated towels. You can also choose colours and textures that will help you relax, taking you to your peaceful oasis.

Poorly designed messy bathrooms also give you a feeling of chaos, increasing your level of stress. When renovating, you can add smarter storage solutions to increase capacity and functionality.

A chance to help the planet

There are lots of new products that are energy-efficient, so you can prevent water waste, and various low-tox, biodegradable, and/or recyclable options to help our environment.

Whether you are looking to sell the home or not, you will enjoy the new fixtures and add to your property’s worth.

If you’re planning a bathroom renovation, download our FREE guide first:  https://ambrowilks.co.uk/newbathroom

AmbroWilks have combined years of experience and expert trades to provide a quality all in one service.

We are based in Enfield and cover the whole Greater London area.

Call us on 0203 828 8010

Or get a FREE no obligation quote https://ambrowilks.co.uk/contact-us

Follow us on social media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ambrowilks.co.uk

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ambrowilks_uk/

WHY IT’S IMPORTANT TO PREVENT MOULD GROWTH

Mould loves small, poor ventilated and damp areas; laundry rooms and bathrooms are ideal accommodations for it. It’s an easy to ignore issue, but the reality is that mould growth can cause health problems to your family and must be solved as soon as possible when detected.

Here are the reasons why it’s important to prevent mould growth in your home:

MANY VARIETIES OF COMMON MOULD

The three most commonly found varieties of mould found in homes include:

 Aspergillus – Is the most common, and very frequently provokes allergic reactions.

Cladosporium – Is the least dangerous of the three varieties but may still cause physical symptoms.

Black mould – Is the most dangerous. When people come into contact with black mould spores they may experience significant health problems, from severe allergic reactions to disease and internal bleeding.

IT CAN CAUSE HEALTH PROBLEMS

The most common symptoms of mould exposure include congestion, respiratory problems, coughing, throat irritation, and sneezing.

Many studies show that infants exposed to mould growth may develop lifelong respiratory symptoms (asthma).

People with pre-existing respiratory conditions such as asthma are especially at risk of mould-related complications.

DANGEROUS TO PETS

Pets can suffer from mould poisoning after just minor exposure to mould spore mycotoxins. Symptoms of mould poisoning include respiratory distress, coughing, wheezing, lethargy, vomiting, and bleeding from mucous membranes. If left untreated, mould poisoning symptoms can get worse and lead to more severe problems. Luckily, veterinarians can easily treat mould poisoning once you’re aware of the signs.

The biggest causes of mould growth are hidden leaks and improper ventilation. The experts at AmbroWilks are more than capable of helping you fix both of these problems.

Get in touch today if you suspect that you have some mould-causing issues in your home. We’re happy to do our part to help keep you and your family healthy and comfortable.

We are based in Enfield and cover the whole Greater London area.

Call us on 0203 828 8010

Or get a FREE no obligation quote https://ambrowilks.co.uk/contact-us

Follow us on social media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ambrowilks.co.uk

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ambrowilks_uk/

SIGNS THAT TELL YOU IT’S TIME TO REMODEL YOUR BATHROOM

Bathrooms deteriorate fast with daily wear, but when you notice the tiles are cracking, taps are leaking, and the ceiling is crumbling from moisture, these are important signs that your bathroom needs a facelift.

Here are some signs you must not ignore that tell you it’s time to remodel your bathroom.

IT’S OLD FASHIONED OR DAMAGED

A bathroom remodel can help your space reflect the current you, make a nice relaxing environment for you and your family, and prevent potential health issues.

Damages are not only aesthetically unpleasant but also a safety hazard to you and your family. Most household accidents happen in the bathroom, and inhaling mould and toxins can be damaging for your health.

Plenty of lighting is also important to the functionality of a bathroom. Having poor lighting can be solved with extra light fixtures, a lighted vanity mirror or by adding more windows, if you want a bigger change.

TOILET CONSTANTLY RUNNING, GETS BLOCKED AND WOBBLES

If your toilet keeps on running, there are a few potential causes. Sometimes it means that the rubber flapper at the bottom of the tank is damaged. It can also mean that the fill valve in the tank has been broken. Either way, while sometimes fixable, these problems can be a grade-A sign that it’s time for a new toilet.

When toilet blockages start happening regularly, it’s a sign of something bigger. Older low-flush toilets tend to have frequent stoppages when they age and their interiors get worn out.

A toilet wobbles when you sit on it for a few different reasons. But the most serious cause could be water damage to the floor underneath causing the screws to not be able to hold tightly.

Also,cracks in the porcelain base of your toilet can lead to frequent puddling and leaking. This constant flow of water can damage flooring and lead to water bill increases over time.

CHANGING NEEDS

As your family situation changes, your needs do too. Perhaps you’ve had a child, or someone in your family needed to move in – in either case, modifications must be made to adapt to your family dynamic. If your bathroom is not as well-designed as it used to be, consider remodelling your space to make it more functional for your family’s needs.

LOOKING TO SELL YOUR HOME

The best time to invest in a remodel is when you intend to sell because the slightest renovations will greatly impact the overall value and selling price of your home. Not only you’ll get to use your new bathroom and make use of your investment until you sell, but you will attract a lot more potential buyers if your bathrooms are updated.

Looking for a reliable trusted builder in London to carry out your bathroom conversion?

AmbroWilks have combined years of experience and expert trades to provide a quality all in one service.

We are based in Enfield and cover the whole Greater London area.

Call us on 0203 828 8010

Or get a FREE no obligation quote https://ambrowilks.co.uk/contact-us

Follow us on social media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ambrowilks.co.uk

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ambrowilks_uk/

THINGS TO CONSIDER BEFORE MAKING A KITCHEN RENOVATION

A new kitchen renovation will not only add significant value to your home, it will also allow you to create a functional, stylish, and inviting space that reflects your family life.

If you’re thinking of renovating your kitchen, there are many things you need to consider to ensure that it meets your requirements. After all, with the majority of us only investing in a kitchen renovation a handful of times in our lifetime, it’s important that it is equipped with everything your family needs to enhance your day-to-day living.

UNDERSTAND WHICH ARE YOUR FAMILY NEEDS

First and foremost, it’s vital that you have a clear idea of what you want to achieve, you should think about setting out clear goals when it comes to utilising and optimising the space you have available, based on your family’s specific requirements.

For example, for a large family, storage and dining space could be a priority.

MULTIPLE STORAGE OPTIONS

The kitchen is often one of the busiest rooms in your home, choosing the right storage solutions for your needs is important when it comes to optimising space.

From spacious cabinets, moveable islands, innovative shelving, floor-to-ceiling cupboard space, to wall storage, there are lots of ways to use the space available in your kitchen.

WHAT DO YOU NEED SPACE FOR?

More and more of us are increasingly using the space to entertain, socialise and catch up with family and friends.

With this in mind, you might want to consider integrating a comfortable seating area into your kitchen, a kitchen island, the latest entertainment system or even under floor heating.

And if you have little ones, you might also want to consider childproofing your kitchen so that it is a safe space for them to play.

GET CREATIVE

It’s important that your kitchen is not only a functional space but also aesthetically pleasing.

Renovating your kitchen is an opportunity to inject elements of your personality into your home and also make a comfortable relaxing space.

Checking out interior design websites or magazines could be a great way to find some inspiration.

Looking for a reliable trusted builder in London to carry out your kitchen renovation?

AmbroWilks have combined years of experience and expert trades to provide a quality all in one service.

We are based in Enfield and cover the whole Greater London area.

Call us on 0203 828 8010

Or get a FREE no obligation quote https://ambrowilks.co.uk/contact-us

How your home will benefit from a loft conversion

A loft conversion is much more than a way to gain extra space in your home, it’s also a great way to invest in your property.

Here are the benefits of converting your loft into a useable space:

Increase your property value

Those properties that incorporate a bedroom and bathroom can add up to 21% to a property’s value, according to Nationwide.

Save money with a more energy efficient home

Around 25% of the heat produced in our houses escapes through the roof without proper insulation. You can incorporate insulation into the roof to make it more energy efficient and save money on your energy bills. And it will also make your property more attractive to house buyers!

More space

For most people, a loft simply provides a storage place, but you can take dead space in your home and transform it into useable, like an extra bedroom, a playroom for the kids, an office, or just a space you can truly call your own.

You can also rent out that extra bedroom and make some extra income.

More natural light

When converting your loft, you have the option to add roof windows that will let in more natural light, which has many benefits for your physical and mental health.

Save time and money

A loft conversion can be a time-saving and cost-effective option for a number of reasons:

– Not reliant on factors such as weather, the work can be scheduled for any time and you’re less likely to be affected by delays.

– It requires less labour. The job is fairly easy to carry out in just a matter of weeks with a relatively little disruption to your daily life, and is typically less expensive.

– Loft conversions rarely require planning permission to carry out.

A loft conversion is also a more practical alternative if you’re considering moving home for more space, since they’re much easier, quicker and cheaper.

Looking for a reliable trusted builder in London to carry out your loft conversion?

AmbroWilks have combined years of experience and expert trades to provide a quality all in one service.

We are based in Enfield and cover the whole Greater London area.

Call us on 0203 828 8010

Or get a FREE no obligation quote https://ambrowilks.co.uk/contact-us