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Why Now Is The Time For A New Driveway

May 10, 2022/in latest/by Meyrick Builders and Roofers

Many a household will be looking at their driveway in the spring and think it has seen better days. Over time the wear and tear of heavy rain, freeze-thaw, cars rolling over it and other bumps and impacts will take its toll.

Now is certainly a good time to be looking at having the work done. Late spring is without doubt the most optimal period to carry out the work of driveway repairs or even getting a whole new driveway fitted.

Firstly, this means you will be starting after the cold of winter and the frosts of early spring have come and gone. There will be no freeze-thaw to disrupt the work and while there are remote mountainous places that can suffer unseasonal cold snaps, that’s not something any Telford driveway company can report having had to deal with!

Secondly, it also means that you are getting the work done during warm, sunny weather that ensures the new driveway is filly established well before the cold weather returns in the latter part of the year.

In addition, because the weather is warmer, everything should dry a bit faster too, making the whole process of getting the lovely new driveway in place much faster.

At the same time, delays can happen. But if you start on the project earlier in the year, this allows more times for these to be resolved, which means there is not likely to be any panic that summer is ending and the new driveway isn’t ready yet.

Also, there is a practical benefit of adding yourself to the list of jobs for your driveway contractor. It means you get ahead in the queue before the summer kicks in and things get really busy, which means you aren’t trying t get the work done at the same time as nearly everyone else.

Finally, by getting the work out of the way you may find there is plenty of time to enjoy outdoor summer activities like barbecues or sitting in the garden without any ongoing work taking place around you.

That’s why now is a great time to – pardon the pun – spring into action.

What Are The Different Types Of House Extension?

April 26, 2022/in latest/by Meyrick Builders and Roofers

Extending a house can be the perfect way to create extra space, avoid the upheaval of moving, and add value to your property. If you are thinking of having an extension built, here is an overview of some the different ways in which it can be done.

Rear house extension

This is one of the most popular types of extension. It’s built at the back of the property, taking up some of the existing garden or yard. They are often used when the inside space is being reconfigured to include an open-plan kitchen and living area. A single storey extension won’t normally require planning permission, but a two-storey extension may do.

Side return extension

Side extensions make use of dead space that runs along the side of the house. It might not seem worth the trouble at first, but because it runs the whole length of the building, it can make a surprising difference, and really open up a living space. They work well to convert a cramped kitchen into a more workable area.

Wrap around extensions

This combines the side and rear extension, to form an ‘L’ shape, and really maximises the floorspace of your home. They can be used to create an open family living area, or to add a utility room, or a sun room.

Orangery or conservatory

A conservatory is a glazed structure which can create a bridge between the indoor and outdoor space. An orangery combines large glazed areas with brickwork and full roof with a lantern, and is easier to use as an extra room to the house.

Garage conversion

This is not technically an extension, but if you don’t use your garage for any great purpose, and you need extra living space, it is well worth having it converted and incorporated into your home.

If you are looking for bathroom fitters in Telford, talk to us today.

Budget Offers No Help For Homebuyers

April 11, 2022/in latest/by Meyrick Builders and Roofers

Homeowners who were hoping the government would announce measures to help the property market in its most recent Budget might be inclined to give up on their moving plans and consider a loft conversion in Telford instead.

This is because Chancellor Rishi Sunak failed to provide any further help to property buyers or sellers in the Spring Budget, announced last month (March 24^th 2022).

His decision to focus on other agendas is likely to be due to the long break from Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) the government introduced during the pandemic, which helped so many homebuyers get on, or move up, the property ladder.

Michael Bruce, founder of estate agent Boomin, told Property Reporter: “The stamp duty holiday introduced during the pandemic was probably the biggest bone the government has thrown homebuyers in recent times, so to expect another to come so soon after the final December deadline is certainly wishful thinking.”

The government provided relief on SDLT for residential homes bought between July 8^th 2020 and September 30^th 2021, meaning there was no tax to pay on homes worth up to £500,000 during this period.

In comparison, homebuyers would have normally had to spend £15,000 on tax for a property worth £500,000. Therefore, this helped keep the property market moving, as it became significantly more affordable to purchase a home than before.

However, those who missed out on this window will be disappointed to hear there is not going to be another opportunity to save so much money.

Instead of moving, property owners wanting more space will be more inclined to put their money towards extending their current residence and avoid having to pay a bigger mortgage in the long-run.

Three Questions To Ask When Planning Your Loft Conversion

March 31, 2022/in latest/by Meyrick Builders and Roofers

When it comes to permitted development and expanding the space in a home, space comes at an absolute premium.

Because of this, a surging number of people have asked about loft conversions. For some, it is about getting the extra space for a home office or bedroom, but for others, it is about increasing the value and desirability of a home.

Before you go ahead, however, it pays to be prepared, and with that in mind here are three questions to ask yourself first before you go ahead with your conversion.

Would Your Loft Support A Conversion?

Not every loft can be converted without significant modifications to the roof, particularly if you have a home with a shallow roof.

The best way to tell is to measure the height of the room from the floor joists to the highest point of the room. The target height you are looking for is at least 2.2 metres.

As well as this, you need to ensure you have space for a comfortable staircase to work its way up from the floor below.

A good rule of thumb to check is to look at similar houses near to you and see if they have loft conversions; if they do, there is a good chance you can have the same, and if they let you have a look around you can get an idea of what to expect.

Do You Need Planning Permission?

Loft conversions are typically covered under permitted development rights, but as with any construction project, it is worth checking with your local planning authority to ensure there are no special orders in place that may complicate your plans.

As well as this, if your conversion involves a wall you share with a neighbouring building you may need to get a party wall agreement. Architects, builders and loft converters you work with can help you with all of these issues.

How Much Light Can You Add?

The difference between a good loft conversion and a great loft conversion is how much natural light you allow into the space. Light makes a space inviting, helps with wellbeing and helps the uniquely shaped space look bigger.

For more advice and assistance from builders in Wolverhampton, get in touch today.

Important Facts To Know Before Investing In Solar Panels

March 16, 2022/in Building and Roofing, latest/by Meyrick Builders and Roofers

With people spending more time at home and the potential for energy bills to increase for many people, homeowners are considering the benefits and costs of installing solar panels on the roof of their homes.

Photovoltaic panels, better known simply as solar panels convert the light and heat of the sun into electricity. This electricity is then stored and either used in your home or exported to the national grid as a source of revenue.

Here are some facts you need to know before investing in solar panels.

What You Need To Start

A standard solar power system consists of between 10 and 15 photovoltaic panels, which generate an average of 275W each, and the more panels on the roof the more energy that can be generated at a time.

Typically, the average installation bill for a solar panel system is £6,000, although this cost is highly dependent on the availability of roofing experts and photovoltaic panels.

You will also need a solar battery, which stores the electricity generated.

The Best Way To Install Them

Solar panels should ideally face south, affixed to a roof with a 30-degree angle. This provides the most energy, with north-facing roofs being so inefficient as to be impractical in the UK.

For the most part, solar panels are considered to be under permitted development rights, which means that they do not need planning permission, although it is important to check with your local planning authority just in case.

You will also need to inform your Distribution Network Operator for your area that you have a solar system, and in some cases, larger systems will need to apply for permission from them.

One myth that should be debunked, however, is the idea that solar panels do not work at all on cloudy days. Whilst they only work at 25 per cent efficiency, they do still generate electricity.

For more information on roofing issues and roof repairs in Wolverhampton, get in touch today.

How To Handle Unusual Roofing Issues

March 3, 2022/in latest/by Meyrick Builders and Roofers

When it comes to roofing issues, some are to be expected, and others can come as more of a surprise.

Given that weather in the midlands can be somewhat changeable, especially during the winter and spring months, roof repairs in Telford are often precipitated by precipitation, with particularly harsh rainstorms revealing leaks and gaps in roofs that need to be fixed to avoid further property damage.

However, there are also somewhat more unusual roofing issues that you may not expect but can cause somewhat unexpected long term damage to your roof and by extension your home.

Here are some rather unusual issues and how to solve them.

Blowing In The Wind

Typically, the main concern when it comes to wind damage is the potential for winds to cause rocks and other hard debris to strike at your roof and cause damage to flashing and shingles during heavy storms.

However, there is another, relatively unusual issue that can happen with certain types of roof shapes known as wind uplifting, which can cause your roofing materials to lift and loosen.

It is often caused by a difference in air pressure between the inside and outside of your home during warm weather. When a strong wind blows over your roof, it lowers the pressure on the outside causing the shingles to lift and fly off, with even moderate winds causing this.

The best way to avoid this is to ensure that roofing materials are secured with multiple different materials, including nails, adhesives and clips.

Roof Traffic

Whilst you are unlikely to have so many people travelling up and down your roof to cause an issue if you have a flat or relatively shallow roof the temptation is there to walk up and down it, which can cause far more damage than you might expect.

Most roofing materials are covered with granules that help to protect your roof, and these can be worn off by standing on the roof tiles and shingles. This can in turn cause leaks and further structural damage.

If you must work on the roof, try to wear as gentle a sole on your foot as you can that still gives you a safe secure grip, but as much as possible, use a ladder placed against your home instead.

Heat Splits

Typically, the weather in the midlands does not get hot enough to cause contract/expand cycles on your roof, but with certain materials and in particularly hot and cold weather, the roof can expand and contract to the point that it can quite literally split in half.

Generally, if you see warping roof shapes, buckling and a lot of loose shingles, it is time to contact a roofing expert to solve the issue as soon as possible.