The old saying ‘fix the roof while the sun shines’ is a well-worn phrase, but it is all too often the case that people will wait too long to check their roof and get any necessary work done on it.

That is why August is the best time to get roofing Contractors in Wolverhampton to carry out any necessary repairs and make sure that when September comes round and autumn begins, your home is prepared for the changing seasons.

A number of things need to be checked on any roof to establish if it is ready to deal with all that autumn will throw at it.

Firstly, it is worth noting that even a small issue needs addressing. If there are small cracks now, they can widen when the weather gets colder as freeze-thaw kicks in. Similarly, a missing tile or two might seem nothing to worry about, but it is when it lets water in.

An important step for owners of sloping roofs is to check their attic space from the inside. If you can spot signs of damp such as mould and rot, that is a clear indication that there is something wrong outside. You should also clear any debris from attic vents.

You should also look to clear away any debris that might clog up drains or cover your flat roof if you have one, as there will be far more of this on the way when the leaves start falling, potentially causing blockages and water overflows.

There may have been a heatwave to contend with in July, but autumn and winter is when big storms are likely to hit, with their potential to send loose roof tiles flying and infiltrate every gap that will let in water.

Between November last year and the end of February this year there were seven named storms designated by the Met office and the next autumn and winter could be just as bad. In addition, there will be many more days of wet, windy or cold weather when you will have good reason to be glad that you really did fix the roof when the sun shone.

There are many reasons for people to build house extensions in the West Midlands. It might be the desire to create some more storage space, a response to having a growing family, or to add a ‘granny flat’ for an elderly member of the family to live in.

It is also worth bearing in mind the impact an extension can have in adding value to a home, something worth considering when regional trends in house prices are examined.

Like the rest of the UK, the West Midlands has seen prices rising significantly over the past couple of years and while many experts are predicting a cooling of the market as inflation takes its toll and growth slows, the fact is that, for now at least, the market remains hot.

However, the latest UK House price Index published by the Office For National Statistics (ONS) and the Land Registry this month showed that, while prices in the West Midlands were up 11.8 per cent per cent year-on-year, this was comparatively weak when set against other English regions. Only the north east (10.7 per cent) and London (7.9 per cent) fared worse.

While the overall English average was only a little higher than the West Midlands at 11.9 per cent, dragged down as it was by London, other parts of the UK did much better; Scotland and Wales both experienced increases of 16.2 per cent.

How much value an extension will add will depend on various factors, such as the area, the nature of the extension – for instance whether it is a larger kitchen, a new bathroom or an extra bedroom – and its aesthetic quality.

However, a broad guide can be found in the ONS extension value calculator. For instance, a 25 sq m extension to the typical home in Birmingham would add £43,650, while the figure for Wolverhampton would be £34,875.

This could prove invaluable if, as expected, the weaker wider economy starts to cool the housing market soon.

Forget a new kitchen, re-painting or a loft conversion, what property owners want these days is a home bar.

According to a study by Rated People, one in 13 households in the UK intend to create a home bar this year, spending an average of £13,939 to do so.

This is larger than the amount they have allocated for a new kitchen (£12,057), a home gym (£13,574) or porch (£11,252), Homes and Gardens revealed.

Adrienne Minster, chief executive of Rated People, said this is down to the fact that “our priorities are shifting”.

“Homeowners [want] to use more of their money on creating new spaces for at-home socialising instead of spending it on staples like a new kitchen,” she stated, adding: “2022 is definitely the year of the home bar.”

There are many ways to build a bar at home, such as keeping it in a concealed floor-to-ceiling cupboard with bi-fold doors, so you can hide it away during the day and open it at night. Alternatively, you could fit it in an awkward space, such as a niche, adding character to the bar with a metallic-effect backsplash.

Some homeowners might prefer to build a garden bar, maximising use of the outdoors and creating a sociable space for friends and family.    

The Improvement Trends Report 2022 also revealed building an extension was the most popular thing for homeowners to do this year, at an average cost of £18,580.

If you’re interested in a house extension or other home renovation projects, get in touch with us.

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.

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.