The detail of the video shows how we overcome this problems and you can see how we are progressing  with the renovation work.

Underfloor heating going in

The underfloor heating has started to go in and today we have the manifolds fitted and the system is full of water under test it will not be long and we will be able to get the heating on.

The floors has sound insulation built into them and together with the underfloor heating this douse not leave much room for lighting.

The design of the floor and underfloor heating

damaged floor

The customer told me before we started work that he had been flooded several times and he thought the floor to the flat in Swiss Cottage was badly decayed .

If you look closely you can see the pipes running under the floor are rotting away because

they have been sweating.

Damp and musty smells filled the flat when we started the strip out.

After we striped the floors out we found the ground to be contaminated with raw sewerage so all the top soil was removed together with all the timber Joists.

Skylights

Work Continues on the roof and the new insulation has been installed, its very important to the customer that this house is insulated to the highest standards to keep energy usage down to a minimon.

I will be taking thermal images and posting just how the property performs. Back to the roof.

Re- building of chimney stacks

The new skylights are  completely electronic opening and closing on timers and closing automatically when it rains.

The new roof going on

When you start a refurbishment and I men start not just start the paperwork because that starts around 6 month beforehand with the planing permission the archItect and the engineers, The project management on this job is down to me so I set out

the time line for the works.

Bricks being removed before rebuilding

We started on building project by striping the property out and removing the roof this was to deter squatters and thieves.

The next thing was to start rebuilding works on the roof.

We already knew that the brickwork was in a very bad state and the brickwork needed complete renovation bricks cut out and re pointing.

The rear extention is now up and the underfloor heating is going down

This video shows how we designed the underfloor heating so the customer gets the best from the underfloor heating and also has good sound proofing from the other floors

1. Check roofs and flashing
2. Check windows and doors
3. Survey exposed exterior pipes
4. Look at your drain maintenance
5. Check landscaping

1. Check Roofs and Flashing

Leaks are likely to happen when you don’t give it a good once over, ideally in the summer. Check around chimney stacks, plumbing and attic vents for any signs of damage.

2. Check Windows and Doors

Have a good look at the corners of the frame and pay attention to the wood and make sure no water has penetrated. Is the paint up to scratch? Better to do a little paintwork in the summer than have a leak on a winter’s night.

3. Survey Exposed Exterior Pipes

Are they sweating ie are their signs of moisture on the pipe?

4. Look at Your Drain Maintenance

It’s easy isn’t it? Have you got blocked drains? Clear them before winter and give yourself a piece of mind.

5. Check Landscaping

Look at the lay of the land around your property. Is it likely to cause a problem if there is a heavy downfall of rain?

Here are our 5 tips for choosing the right building company for your needs.

• Research Internet
• Ask Friends & Family
• Examples of Previous Works
• Obtain 3 Written Quotes
• Agree Contract Prior

1. The Internet is Your Friend

The Internet is a friend but friends can be a bit wayward can’t they? So how do you know a builder is going to do a good job from a web site? Well you look for ‘signs of confidence’ and that means any trade standards they have attained and you look at testimonials. But are testimonials enough?

Testimonials are a starting point. What you really need is references. That is a customer who has used the building company and is happy to show you the work. A reputable builder will be happy to show off his work.

Visit the reference and see what they did.

2. Friends and Family

This is the key to having building work carried out without hassle and without extra cost. Talk to your friends and even friends of friends and you will get a ‘feel’ for a company. Family is even better!

3. Previous Building Work

Here is where the peace of mind can be made. If your family and friends are unable to provide a suitable builder recommendation then the next best thing is seeing what that builder has actually done. Now bear in mind that your standards may be different from the reference. Are you happy with the work done for the reference? Be honest. Are you going to have such a builder, who is ‘quite’ good working on your property?

4. Building Quote Unquote

Do you want to find out what the building services market is like locally? Just phone up and get 3 builders around. Is the cheapest the one with the best references? Is that builder the one who has building work that would satisfy your standards? Get 3 quotes and remember you don’t have to accept any of them.

5. Agree The Contract

Don’t! And I mean “never” give a go ahead for building work without agreeing a contract. Look at sample contracts and agree a fixed price for work. You’ll have peace of mind.

Want to Know More about Hampstead Builders?

Need a reliable builders in London? Give us a call and have a no obligation chat. We enjoy helping people with our experience and knowledge.

Eco friendly energy means energy that is renewable. The public consciousness is now firmly on the side of green and ecological resources. Governments around the world are tasking businesses and houses to lower their C02 emissions, to have a ‘low carbon footprint.’

About Low Carbon Footprints

How do you do your bit for our planet? Are you aware of the amount of energy your home or business is using or losing? London and virtually all of the metropolitan areas are energy monsters using huge amounts of energy for commerce as well as for household devices. What else could you do about reducing your ‘Carbon Footprint?’

Thermal Imaging Surveys

The initial item on any ecologically sound business or home is to discover exactly how much energy is being used and how much is being wasted. Thermal imaging equipment will show you instantly just how much energy, in the form of heat, is leaking from the residence or business premises. A specialist survey will show you much more than just where the building is in need of insulation.

A proper survey will also identify hidden moisture and existing poorly fitted insulation. By identifying these points you will improve comfort levels, save energy costs, building deterioration and health risks with regard to damp.

Thermal Insulation is the Key

Once you determine the seapage points of your property you can move on using a sustainable energy source. But first your business or home must be able to make the most of your thermal imaging survey and that’s where thermal insulation is necessary. It is vital you look for the R-Value (‘R’ standing for Resistance) on the insulation materials being used in your property. The ‘R’ scale runs from R-10 to R-30. If in any doubt use a qualified building professional to confirm the insulation materials being used. A positive side effect of using the correct materials is less noise so if you suffer from road noise or general environmental sounds you’ll win twice.

Solar power

Solar Energy is free. The cost comes from collecting that energy and sending it to your business or home. London gets an average of 1,750 hours of sunshine every year. This is plenty to run a home and make great savings on a business’s bottom line. You can choose between Solar Water Heating collectors or Photovoltaic panels. The real difference being either to heat water or using turn solar energy directly into electricity using the Photovoltaic panel.

All you must make sure of is mounting your panels on a south-facing roof at a 30-degree angle away from shadows that may be cast from trees, chimneys or other buildings.

Even the most die-hard opponents of the global warming debate will appreciate saving money. Sustainable building and renovation will save you, the homeowner, hundreds of pounds every year.

Green buildings:-

• Reduce wasteful energy
• Use existing energy more efficiently
• Protect the health of the inhabitants and workers

We, at Hampstead Builders, offer a full service using a highly experienced team of specialists who will project manage and co-ordinate all that you need to make that step into a sustainable lifestyle.

We’ll take you through the planning and legal requirements like the Construction Design and Management Regulations.
We’ll also make sure you get the best from our team of London based workers. With over 30 years experience in building we’ll save you time and money.

Heating and Plumbing Made Green

Upgrading your boiler so you have the latest controls will make long-term savings on your heating bills.

Refurbishment Options for Sustainable Buildings

Do you know the best materials for insulation and double-glazing your home? We’ll guide you through the different R-values of all materials used (R-value is for Resistance Value, a measure of how well a material conducts heat).

London Home of Sustainable Building

We’ve completed dozens of sustainable building projects large and small all over London. Look further on our web site for videos of our work and case studies of major projects undertaken to the highest standards.

Give us a call or fill in our contact form for a friendly chat and to get you started in your quest for a sustainable home.