Home Extension Advice : Contracts with Builders, Onsite Variations, Cost Control   Planning a home extension, renovation or new build? Contracts with builders play a vital role in making sure both residential and commercial building projects go smoothly. In this blog we explain one of the most critical, but often overlooked, elements of the building process – the building contract. Here we explain what a building contract is, and why it is in both your and your builder’s interests to sign a builder’s contract. We’ll also talk about onsite variations and how best to control your constructi ..read more

Home Extension Advice : Design and Budgeting   Looking for home extension advice? Want to understand how to navigate the complicated journey of translating your needs into a practical, affordable scheme? In our blog ‘Home Extension Advice : Design and Budgeting’ we aim to explain how best to manage the initial design and budgeting stage of your building project.  Summer is often the time when we all decide to definitely go ahead with that much longed-for house extension project. CLPM often get calls from potential clients, who have just returned from their summer holidays with no mor ..read more

Get the Lowest Builders’ Quotes Searching for home extension advice? Want to know how to get the lowest builders’ quotes? This blog is the second in our series outlining how best to organise your building project. We’ll pass on experience when it comes to finding and selecting the best builders. And then getting the most competitive quotes from them. Although carrying out a professional competitive tender is a standard approach for commercial building projects. It is something which many homeowners know little about. However, investing in professional support at this important stage can save y ..read more

Earth Day 2024 – Planet vs Plastics – Reduce Plastic in Construction   Plastic is now in the air we breathe, the water we drink, the clothes we wear and the food we eat. It is literally everywhere. Plastics are synthetic materials that have been engineered to possess a range of specific properties. Due to these properties, plastics are widely used in many different industries including the construction industry. The modern world is built from plastics thanks to their unrivalled diversity, versatility, and costs. Out of approximately 51m tonnes of plastic used across Europe, the constructi ..read more

Earth Day – Planet vs Plastics Construction   Earth Day is an annual event aiming to demonstrate support for environmental protection. It was first held as a small event on April 22 in 1970, and now includes a wide range of events coordinated globally by EARTHDAY.ORG including over 1 billion people in almost 200 countries. We want to highlight Earth Day – Planet vs Plastics and show how construction can help. For Earth Day 2024 on April 22nd, EARTHDAY.ORG is unwavering in our commitment to end plastics for the sake of human and planetary health, demanding a 60% reduction in the production ..read more

Independent Advice on Heat Pumps A recent article in Homebuilding and Renovating Magazine outlines a frightening stat. The article claims that 56% of builders do not have a sufficient enough knowledge of heat pumps to be able to recommend them to clients. Given the Government targets to move from Gas to Renewable Energy, this is not very encouraging. The study also found that 44% of builders are unaware of the benefits heat pumps can offer. The report goes on to say that EON, who commissioned the research, said this lack of knowledge is a major barrier to a greater uptake of the less carbon-in ..read more

Energy Efficiency in a Period Property Renovation This blog will outline how to ensure you achieve energy efficiency in a period property renovation. If you are restoring a Victorian house, or indeed refurbishing any older property. You will probably begin the process by checking the condition of the existing building. You may have had a surveyor look at the state of the roof and the windows, as well as checking the safety of the wiring. Perhaps you’ve also tested for asbestos as well as damp and dry rot. But have you assessed your home energy performance and looked at how to improve your home ..read more

How to manage a successful Renovation Project A successful renovation project requires careful planning, execution, and management. Here are 10 key points to ensure a successful renovation: Clear Objectives and Vision: Clearly define the goals and objectives of the renovation project. Have a clear vision of what the finished project should look like and how it should function. Do you want to create more space for your growing family, update an outdated kitchen or bathroom, or add value to your property? Detailed Budgeting: Set a realistic budget. Renovations can be expensive, and it’s imp ..read more

Spotting a Home’s Renovation Potential   Spotting a potential renovation project requires a keen eye for details and an understanding of what makes a property suitable for renovation. Assessing a home for renovation is not always easy. There are lots of reasons why people decide to renovate, from wanting to make a profit to designing a property to suit your taste and lifestyle.  Whatever your reasons, it is key to make sure the work you are planning is not in vain. Research to spot a Home’s Renovation Potential If you are buying a new property, make sure you do your research first. K ..read more

What is a retrofit assessor ?   Retrofitting is essentially the process of making an existing building more energy-efficient and eco-friendly. It involves upgrading the fabric of a building and its energy systems. This could include elements such as insulation, heating, and lighting, to reduce carbon emissions and improve sustainability. So, if If you are looking to make a home more energy efficient and comfortable, you may want to consider hiring an accredited Retrofit Assessor. An assessor will carry out a comprehensive assessment of your property, taking into account your preferen ..read more