Archive for July, 2008

Solar panels for houses

Wednesday, July 30th, 2008

Solar panels for houses
The concept of solar panels for houses is gaining force as a result of the cost of fuel price rising every day.
Every year, the amount of solar energy received by Britain is 750 times more than what we currently consume.
Solar Panels consist of a collection of Solar Cells which catch the sunlight energy and convert it into either hot water or electricity. Two kinds of Solar Panels:
Solar Hot Water Panels which is commonly used to supply domestic hot water.
Solar Photovoltaic Panels which is used to produce electricity.
The present design of Solar Panels are discreet, slim-line and attractive and they come in a variety of colours. It does not ruin the appearance of your house, but rather increase the value of the property.
It is advisable that you contact the local authority planning department for advice and also check if the building regulations are applicable.

‘Regulations loft conversions’, Loft Conversions

Friday, July 25th, 2008

Regulations loft conversions The regulations loft conversion ensures that loft conversion is constructed according to reasonable health and safety standards. A professional builder should consider the following things:
Structural Stability: Alterations to the roof structure should be carefully considered so that they do not have an adverse effect on the general stability of the roof. Fire Resistance: UK regulations loft conversion want loft floors and certain walls and doors to resist fire for a specified period, typically 30 minutes.
Access and Means of Escape: You need to consider the type of stair you will use as means of access to the converted loft. Also, escape windows should be large enough to escape and properly positioned for easy rescue through ladder. Weather Resistance and Energy Conservation: The loft walls and roof should be able to retain heat and keep out the elements. Ventilation: Regulations loft conversion provides guidance on ventilation to create a health living environment.

‘Loft conversions prices’, Loft Conversion

Friday, July 25th, 2008

Loft conversions prices Loft conversion prices in U.K for a full scale and well built loft conversion are typically within £14-£40,000. The guide to loft conversion prices (the figures estimated don’t take into account regional variations) are as follows: Small Loft conversion price comes around £15-£17,000 Medium loft conversion prices comes around £18-£24,000 Large loft conversion prices comes around £25-£40,000 Storage loft conversion price comes around£700-£1000. There are many companies which provide ‘kit’ for the competent DIY to install himself with the building tackling the big jobs like installing the staircase, floor and roof light. These DIY kits usually cost from about £5,000 and provide enormous saving on other loft conversion prices. Loft plans drawn by an architect or other professional and submitted for building regulations application comes around £400-£1500 depending on the complexity of the job. The loft conversion prices mentioned above are just a guide and adding something extra will definitely increase the price.

‘How to do a loft conversion’, Loft Conversions

Thursday, July 24th, 2008

How to do a loft conversion Loft conversion helps you to create usable space within the existing footprint of your house. How to do a loft conversion? The following areas are to be considered in doing a loft conversion: Every loft is not suitable for conversion, so consider the size and shape of the loft. Next, consider how you will access your converted loft space. If you think that the loft conversion is possible, then you should find out if it is legally permissible and economically affordable. The loft conversion building regulations are complex. It covers in details issues like fire protection, access and egress and insulation and also the usual building regulations are apply to all habitable space. The planning rules for loft conversion are simpler. However, it is always better to check with them before loft conversion. Finally, you should establish the cast of loft conversion. Loft conversion is cost effective and thus it is a popular option.