Category: Improving
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Heat Pumps for Flats: Pros, Cons, and Costs
Can you get a heat pump for a flat? Yes, absolutely. In fact flats are often particularly suitable for heat pumps, due to their high levels of insulation. Unfortunately, there are obstacles too. Namely, red tape. Pros of installing a heat pump in a flat Pro #1: Low heat loss Heat pumps are not ideal…
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The 6 Types of Loft Conversion at a Glance
There are two main types of loft conversion: dormer and Velux. There are four less common types: hip-to-gable, pitched dormer, mansard, and piggyback. In most cases you’ll want a dormer or a Velux conversion. But I’ll give you a rundown of all six types, explaining where they’re suitable, their downsides, and if they need planning…
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Is Your Home Suitable for a Heat Pump?
In Britain, we have a dysfunctional relationship with the heat pump. They’re popular in the rest of Europe, and a proven way to electrify our heating. But still, people don’t trust them. ‘Heat pumps don’t work in British houses’, they say, ‘our homes are too old and drafty’. And, I admit, we are world leaders…
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The 5 Types of Conservatory at a Glance
There are 5 main types of conservatory: They are mainly determined by the size and shape of their roof. There’s also the Orangery, which is like a conservatory with more brickwork. Lean-to Conservatory This is the simplest type of conservatory. Modern and unfussy, and useful when roof height is a concern. Gable Conservatory Gable or…
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What are U-values and How do Different Materials Compare?
In the UK, a U-value is the critical metric for a building’s insulation. It measures how much heat can pass through a material. This is known as ‘thermal transmittance’. At its simplest level, a U-value is a number, and lower is more insulated. A double-glazed window might be 1.4, whereas an external wall might be…
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How to Insulate a Conservatory Roof
If your conservatory is too hot in winter and too cold in summer, the culprit is probably right above your head. The roof. Specifically, cheap plastic roofs, which have very poor insulation. The long-term solution is to change the roof entirely. Or to knock the conservatory down and start again. However, there is a cheaper,…
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Are Conservatory Roof Replacements Worth It?
A conservatory sounds like a good idea. More space. More sunlight. No planning permission. And all for a reasonable price. At least, that’s what the salesmen said. And by God it worked. Britain is littered with conservatories. Unfortunately, many of them from the 90s and 00s are pretty unusable. Too hot in summer. Too cold…
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Black or Blue Solar Panels: What’s the Difference?
Black solar panels are the modern, more efficient technology. Blue panels are less advanced, and less efficient at turning sunlight into electricity. It’s like when Astroturf changed from sand into those tiny bits of rubber. Nowadays, installers generally offer black panels. You’ll only really get blue panels if you buy a house with them already…
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How Fast is Planning Permission Granted in the UK?
We’ve all heard horror stories about waiting for planning permission. It can severely slow down a project while your Local Planning Authority (LPA) consider your application. Many home improvements can avoid planning permission entirely by building under Permitted Development (hint: if at all possible, do this). However, some projects do need planning permission, especially if…
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How Much Do Loft Conversions Actually Cost in the UK?
Loft conversions seem like magic. All that cold, dusty space transformed into warmth and cosiness. And – whisper it – adding value to your property. Now for the reality check. Loft conversions are expensive. And disruptive. But mostly, they’re expensive. But how expensive? Like most building work, it depends hugely on the property. The only…
