How To Mend And Maintain Your Roof During The Summer

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Summer is the perfect time to catch up on your floor care and maintenance as the weather is far less extreme than in the winter. This allows you to ensure your roof is in great condition for the rest of the year.

Once the weather clears up it is much easier to check for and address any issues you may be facing. The first step in maintaining your roof this summer is to get up there and inspect the roof for any signs of damage.

This can include missing roof tiles, loose shingles or any cracks and crevices that may have formed. It will be much easier to see these in dry, bright weather meaning this should be a much simpler job than checking during the colder, rainy seasons.

If you do find any damage it is important that you get it fixed as soon as possible to ensure no further damage occurs and to make sure your roof is in optimal condition.

The summer months also provide you with the perfect time to clean off your roof and gutters. Over the years, roofs can be prone to collecting leaves, twigs, dirt and debris which can cause damage to your roof over time.

Clear your gutters completely, sweep the roof off and ensure there is no damage under the collected debris. This prevents water build-up from sitting in the collected debris and causing issues with your roof, as well as simply making it look cleaner and tidier.

You may also wish to schedule a professional roof inspection. This will save you a job and also ensure that it is done correctly and to the highest standard.

Having this done in summer gives you time to fix the issues without the fear of rain, sleet or snow from worsening the issues and making them more difficult to fix.

Looking for roof repairs in Wolverhampton? Get in touch with us today!

What Kind Of Home Extension Can Add The Most Value?

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The current economic uncertainty will leave many people worrying about the value of their homes. Fortunately, if you live in the West Midlands you are more likely to have seen its value increase in the last year than anywhere else in Britain, with the latest Halifax House Price Index revealing a 3.1 per cent year-on-year rise in prices across the region.

However, it is risky to count on such a trend persisting and while many people will add house extensions in the West Midlands purely for practical reasons or just to enhance the living space, it is worth considering how much it may add to your property’s value.

This has been a live issue recently, following an article in the Daily Mail by the head of sales at Purple Bricks Vince Courtney, in which he said conservatories can knock up to £15,000 off a home’s value.

Taking particular aim at “dated” conservatories built at the peak of their popularity in the 2000s, featuring “cheap-looking white plastic or dark wood”, he also slated them for poor energy efficiency and a lack of space.

Among other criticisms, he said the current fashion is for open-plan layouts instead, a point that may resonate with some people keen to extend their home without adding more internal walls.

Not everyone agrees with Mr Courtney; the Daily Telegraph published an article that acknowledged the issues concerning some conservatories, but also quoted India Alexander, the head of appraisals at two estate agencies, as backing them to add value to old homes that might otherwise lack natural ventilation, due to having “low ceilings and dense materials”.

Of course, your own plans and needs may not involve a conservatory anyway. However, it is worth considering research about the impact different kinds of home improvement can have on property values.

According to a Property Price Advice article in 2021, a cellar conversion came out top, but others high up the list included converting a garage into living space, or the loft into a bedroom.

Curiously, the list did also advocate adding a conservatory, claiming it would add ten per cent to a home’s value. Maybe it’s not such a bad idea after all.

Common Signs That Your Chimney May Need Repairing

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Chimneys are important to the structural integrity of your home as well as providing proper ventilation for fireplaces. If your chimney falls into disrepair it can be potentially hazardous so ensuring you are up to date on repairs is important.

There are many signs to keep an eye out for which will indicate when repairs are necessary, allowing you to keep on top of any work so your chimney stays in tip-top condition.

If you notice any cracks or damage in the brickwork, this indicates repairs are necessary. Cracks can lead to bricks breaking and coming loose, even falling out, and also allow for water to seep into the chimney which can cause further damage.

Fixing this as soon as possible will help to prevent the damage from worsening,

Another common chimney issue is a build-up of debris and soot. This is a normal part of having a chimney and can be prevented by regular cleaning. If you allow this to build up, it can cause issues with ventilation which can allow smoke and fumes to flow back into your house.

If you have an open fireplace, soot build-up can also be a fire hazard. If you are concerned about build-up, having a professional come and inspect and clean your chimney is the best choice in order to stay safe.

The top part of your chimney, the cap, prevents water, debris and small animals from entering the chimney. If this becomes damaged it can lead to a range of different issues.

If you notice the cap is damaged, missing or has become misplaced it is important to have it replaced or repaired as soon as possible.

Most chimney issues can be easily repaired if you catch them early enough and seek the help of a professional, who will be able to address the issue correctly.

Looking for builders in Wolverhampton? Get in touch with us today!

What Can You Do To Increase The Value Of Your Property?

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Whether you’re looking to sell or simply want to add value to your property for the future, there are many ways you can renovate and update to increase the value of your home.

This can include anything from cosmetic work to complete renovation. Depending on the current state of your home you may have very little left to do, or a whole lot, in order to add as much value as possible to your home.

Aesthetically speaking, if a property looks nice and is in good shape, it will be worth more than one which has been allowed to become run down. A lick of paint, some minor repairs and a good clean can really boost the appeal of a property and make it more valuable.

Keeping on top of maintaining like this will help to preserve the value of your home and make it much more appealing to potential buyers if you are trying to sell up.

Having a well-kept garden is also a great way to add value. Landscaping can be costly however if properly maintained, it can help to improve the overall look and quality of a property, therefore increasing its value.

There are other, more extreme ways, to boost value. One of these is to extend the property. More space means more value. A single-story or double-story extension can add thousands to the value of your home and also give you and your family much more room to enjoy in your house

Fitting a new kitchen or bathroom will update the house and give it additional value. Adding modern gadgets such as fitted washing machines and integrated fridge freezers, as well as having a modern bathroom help to bring up the value.

Converting lofts and garages and cellars can also do this without having to add an extension. Having additional space that isn’t used is a waste, so conversion is a great way to utilise as much as possible.

Looking for kitchen fitters in Telford? Contact Meyrick Builders & Roofers today!

The Decade-Long Retrospective Extension Planning Dispute

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The concept of asking for forgiveness rather than for permission was taken to quite an extreme level in the case of a home extension that seemed to break every rule going but was granted permission after 12 years.

No building contractor working on house extensions in the West Midlands would work on a planned extension without either firm planning permission or assurances from the local planning authority that the work would fit under permitted development rights.

Applying for retrospective permission is not a risk most people would take, given that at best it can lead to demands to take down an extension that has already been built and at worst can lead to fines for violating planning law.

In 2012, a decade-long chain of events was set in motion in Bradford that would lead to a huge conflict between two neighbours and how one extension affected the other’s living conditions.

The dispute centred on an extension to a terraced house on the end of a street that was initially proposed with good intentions to help someone with medical conditions stay within their home but somehow managed to break every written and unwritten planning rule.

It was far too large as a ground and first-floor extension, creating both a wind tunnel and blocking the neighbour’s light for nearly the entirety of the day, affecting their enjoyment of the property and potential sale value.

It was also built unsympathetically to nearby homes, eschewing the pebbledash style in favour of artificial sandstone, causing it to stand out against the rest of the buildings and affecting the character of the area and breaking a planning agreement.

The building was refused permission five times, four of which were retroactive before finally being approved in late March 2023, with the chair of the planning panel claiming he had seen worse extensions that had been approved.

Small Bathroom Renovation Ideas

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Having a small bathroom doesn’t mean it has to be pokey, cramped and feel tiny. There are plenty of ways you can update your space to make the most of your bathroom and leave the room feeling open, inviting and enjoyable.

Many people may think that there is no way to open up your bathroom if it is a small room and extending isn’t an option, but there are many small steps you can take to make the room feel as big as possible and many of them can be done quickly and easily.

The first tip for opening up any space, including the bathroom, is to use light colours. This will bring a lot more light into the room and therefore make it feel bigger. 

Darker tones can look nice, however, they have a tendency to make small spaces seem even tinier, so you may wish to avoid them in the bathroom.

Another great tip for maximising your space is to use mirrors. These will help reflect light and give the impression of a larger space. Mirrored walls are popular in bathrooms and are easy to clean and look modern and sleek so they’re the perfect option for small rooms.

If you have an especially small space, it may be worth considering removing the bathtub and opting for a shower-only bathroom. 

Baths can take up a lot of valuable floor space and they aren’t essential, so removing it may give you a lot of additional space to add storage or simply make the room feel larger.

Consider mounted shelving or alcoves as storage solutions in place of standing shelves and cabinets. While cabinets give a lot of storage space, they can be bulky and take up valuable room. 

Floating shelves, shower niches and mounted towel rails are all great ways to free up floor space.

Looking for bathroom fitters in Telford? Get in touch with Meyrick Builders and Roofers today!

What Are The Signs Your Chimney Needs Repairing

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Sometimes it can be obvious when a chimney is in need of repair, however, some issues can go unnoticed if you don’t know what to look out for. 

This can be especially difficult for those who have just moved house and have perhaps never lived somewhere that has an open chimney and fireplace before.

One sign you may need a chimney repair is if you can smell smoke in the house. Chimneys work by allowing the smoke and air from the fire to be drawn upwards and out of the house and if you can smell the smoke inside it is likely there is an issue.

This could be due to a buildup of soot which means the chimney would likely only need to be cleaned out, or it could indicate there are cracks in the chimney which may require more extensive repair work. Routine cleaning and checking can reduce the risk of this.

Another sign your chimney may need repair is if it is visibly not looking its best. This can be either inside or outside and includes cracking, chipping and crumbling. If you notice that the masonry has started to degrade it’s time to call in a professional and assess the damage.

This happens over time and is natural if chimneys are well used as the brick soaks up moisture, smoke and soot which can all lead it to begin degrading.

If you notice that the internal walls around your chimney are becoming discoloured or damaged it may be a sign the chimney has an unseen internal issue such as water damage or severe cracking which is causing the surrounding walls to become visibly damaged as well.

This can cause more serious issues as the chimney is often structurally central to the home so if it becomes damaged and is not fixed it can cause many other issues.

For chimney repair in Telford contact Meyrick Builders And Roofers today!

Why Spring Is The Ideal Time For You To Fix The Roof

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Now that the equinox has come and gone, the days are longer than the nights and spring is well and truly with us.

That fact might get you outdoors more, whether it is into the garden or simply off to enjoy the outdoors more in warmer weather, but when you walk out of the door you should consider the roof above you.

While you might have cause to use roofing services in Wolverhampton at various times of the year, spring is the best time for a full-scale roof check and, if needs be, a major repair job.

There are multiple reasons for this. Firstly, after a long autumn winter there may have been significant damage to the roof caused by cold, damp weather and falling debris blown by the wind. While this winter has been pretty mild in some respects – the Met Office only recorded one named storm, and that (Otto) was actually christened by the Danes – it is still important to check all is well.

A second good reason to have work done in the spring is a more practical one. Summer is a very busy time for roofers for obvious reasons; with the weather at its warmest and driest and daylight at its longest, it offers the best conditions for outdoor work. It also ensures homes are not left feeling very cold indoors due to there being a temporary gap in the roof.

What that means, of course, is that lots of people try to get work done in the summer. But as good builders will be busy with plenty of jobs at the busiest time of year, there could be a longer wait. In some cases the diary will be full and your preferred roofer may not be able to fit you in.

For that reason, it makes sense to get the work started in the spring. That way, you can get the best roofers on the job while they are available and ensure that well before the end of summer your roof is in great shape to deal with whatever next autumn and winter might throw at it.

Building A Garage Could Boost Your Property Value By £4,000

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Homeowners who are hoping to sell their property in the future could look at ways of boosting the value of their asset, including building a new garage. 

According to a survey by SGS Engineering, house-hunters will pay on average £4,000 more for a house with a garage.

It noted that building a single, attached metal garage would typically cost just £1,800, which yields a profit of £2,200. 

Another renovation job that is worth doing is constructing a home office, such as converting a garage or changing a bedroom into a study. Due to the rise in the number of people working from home or having flexible working arrangements these days, there is a greater demand for home offices. 

General manager at SGS Engineering Dave Gordon said: “This could be a great way to add value to your home.”

Homebuyers will typically pay £3,500 more for a property with dedicated space for an office, so it could be worth doing. 

According to Zoopla, one of the most profitable ways to boost your house’s value is to undergo a loft conversion. This raises the sale price by around 15 per cent, and lofts with bathrooms can command even more. 

While the average cost of a loft conversion is £22,000, it could be worth doing if it increases the value of your property significantly. 

A typical property in London, for instance, was £530,396 in January, so boosting this by 15 per cent would take it to £609,955. This represents a profit of £79,559. 

If you are considering a loft conversion in Telford and want more information about the project, it is worth getting in touch with our experts. 

Tips On How To Save Money When Building A House Extension

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Extending your house doesn’t have to cost a fortune, as there are many ways you can cut down on your spending. Here are some tips on staying on budget, so you can enjoy your extension without breaking the bank. 

Make a budget

The main secret to sticking to your budget is making one in the first place. Do not let costs spiral out of control by writing down everything you will need to spend on and finding average costs for each item. This way you know how much you have available for every product and service and you do not go over it. 

If you are able to make any savings, this will help pay for some items that may end up being more expensive. 

Avoid Party Wall agreements

A Party Wall contract is a legalised agreement between yourself and your neighbour if the work concerns a shared wall or boundary. They typically cost around £1,000 to get, but if you have a good relationship with your neighbour, you may be able to avoid having to do so. 

By keeping them in the loop regarding your plans, you are less likely to face conflicts over your extension plans. 

Re-use furniture

When it comes to refurnishing your extension, you don’t need to buy everything new. You could either re-use old furniture and fittings or buy some second-hand. Lots of people sell old kitchen units that you can spruce up, or you could give drawers or bookcases a new lease of life by repainting them. This will save you lots of money on furniture and furnishings in the long run. 

Planning building work on your home can be hard work, but you will find it easier to stick to your budget by recycling old furniture and using experts in house extensions in Telford who know the most cost-effective ways of achieving your goal.