AN ARCHITECT'S BRAIN

This what an Architects brain is. 

Imagine what this brain can do to transform your home or workplace!

HOME OWNER CONTRACTS FOR BUILDING WORK

Following on from your post about building contracts:

Many building contractors try to do business with a handshake, but this leaves the homeowner highly exposed.

A written contract (not an email!) will set out and detail the expectations of both sides and avoid unexpected changes and ensure that the works is completed to a set price and schedule.

JCT's Home Owner Contracts are custom made for home owners looking for the benefits and protection of a contract when appointing consultants or contractors to carry out building work to their home.  SEE LINK:  https://www.jctltd.co.uk/category/home-owner-contracts

Contracts are available for: 

1. A home owner/occupier who has not appointed a consultant to oversee the works (home owner deals directly with the contractor) 

2. Building Contract and consultancy agreement for a home owner/ occupier who has appointed a consultant to oversee the work.

Contract Features:

• The roles and responsibilities are clearly set out and defined for contractors, architects, surveyors, etc.

• The Contract is simple and clear – easy to complete.

• Project Management – you can easily manage your building work by recording costs and scheduling all in one document

• Legal certainty – the contract gives all parties certainty should any difficulties arise.

• The work to be done is clearly defined; planning permission, building regulations and party walls, using facilities on the premises, price, payment, the working period, product guarantees, Insurance, working hours, occupation and security of the premises, and disputes.

• The contractor’s responsibilities, customer’s responsibilities, health and safety, changing the work details, extending the working period, payment, contractor’s continuing responsibility, bringing the contract to an end, right to cancel, insolvency, other rights and remedies, and law of the contract. 

• Contracts are suitable for small domestic building work; such as extensions and alterations.

NOTE 1: 
This is a consumer contract for a residential occupier; therefore it is excluded from the provisions of the Construction Act.  However the contract does provide for adjudication in the event of a dispute between the home owner and the contractor.

NOTE 2: 
The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM 2015) apply to both domestic and commercial clients. Domestic clients should refer to guidance produced by the HSE, Want construction work done safely? (INDG411(rev1)), which can be downloaded for free from www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg411.pdf.

NOTE 3: 
For Scotland, refer to: www.sbcconline.com and Northen Ireland contact The Royal Society of Ulster Architects at www.rsua.org.uk.

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While every effort has been made to check the accuracy of this article, readers should always make their own checks.  

The Author does not accept any responsibility for misstatements made or any misunderstandings arising from it.

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THE BUILDING CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT - WHY USE ONE?

If you are considering construction work to a property the building contract between you and your contractor is the one of the most important aspects of a project.  

A signed contract ensures that both parties agree in writing the details of the works to be undertaken, a programme of the works (start and finish date) the cost and how stage payments should be made.  

It will also help to prevent or remedy any problems that may occur during the construction period.

There are many contracts available to download on the internet but we would advise that a contract is selected from The Joint Contracts Tribunal (JCT) see; www.jctltd.co.uk 

(The JCT is an independent body established by the construction industry whose role is to set the standards for construction contracts).  

Unless you are familiar with a building contract or the work is of a very simple nature then it is advisable to have a consultant appointed, i.e. an Architect who is an expert in contract administration.  An Architect will advise you on the appropriate form of contract and can manage the contract on your behalf ensuring that the project runs as smoothly as possible.

The contract should cover the following items:

• The scope of work - this should describe the project in detail and refer to the contract documents which are usually a set of detailed drawings and a detailed construction specification.

• Legislative Consents - Planning permission, Building Regulations and Party Walls-has the required permissions been obtained, if not, who is responsible to obtain the approvals required?

• Access and facilities of the premises – this should state the times and scope of access to the site, permitted working hours, facilities (water and electricity supply, toilets and refreshments) and security of the site.

• Payment - details how and when the contractor will be paid.  This is usually in stages, such as completion of the foundations up to dpc, up to first floor level etc.

• The working period – the start and finish dates of the construction period and how delays are to be handled? i.e. are liquidated damages required for late completion? What is the liability period for making good defects post-completion.

• Standards – the standards of workmanship expected should be defined and how any defective work is to be remedied.  The contractor should also give you any guarantees by the manufacturers of products installed in the work.

• Variations and amendments – how are any changes to the original agreed works to be handled.

• Insurances - this should detail who is responsible for the insurance of the works.  This will depend on whether the project is a new build or a refurbishment.

• Dispute resolution – procedures for resolving disputes should be clearly defined.

Do not forget that a contract is a binding agreement for both parties.

You must ensure that you know your responsibilities and follow the specified terms to ensure that you have a good relationship with your contractor and hopefully achieve a smooth and stress-free outcome of your project.

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While every effort has been made to check the accuracy of this article, readers should always make their own checks.  

The Author does not accept any responsibility for misstatements made or any misunderstandings arising from it.

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GOOD DESIGN IS THE SECRET TO BUSINESS SUCCESS!

With the current economic climate it is now more important than ever to ensure that buildings perform to the client’s needs in both attracting and securing new business, retaining existing customers, providing comfortable environments for staff and also ensuring low energy costs to maximise profits.

Good architecture and design plays a very large part in achieving these objectives.  A well designed building makes it possible for people to connect with each other and therefore increase productivity, it can reduce your bills now and increase its long-term value and therefore save you money by maximising your investment.

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While every effort has been made to check the accuracy of this article, readers should always make their own checks.  

The Author does not accept any responsibility for misstatements made or any misunderstandings arising from it.

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80s colour blocking is back!

Colour blocking rooms in an 80s style involves using bold, contrasting colours in geometric patterns to create a vibrant and dynamic look. 

Here's how to achieve this iconic retro aesthetic:

1. CHOOSE YOUR COLOUR PALETTE

The 80s were known for bold and bright colours. 

Consider the following hues:

• Primary Colours: Red, blue, yellow.

• Neon Colours: Hot pink, electric blue, neon green, bright orange.

• Pastels: Soft pinks, mint green, lavender.

2. DEFINE THE SPACE

Decide which areas of the room you want to colour block. 

Common options include:

• Walls: Use different colours on different walls or create large geometric shapes.

• Furniture: Paint or reupholster chairs, tables, and other furniture in bold colours.

• Accessories: Choose lamps, rugs, and artwork that match your colour scheme.

3. GEOMETRIC PATTERNS

The 80s were all about sharp angles and geometric shapes. Some ideas include:

• Stripes: Vertical or horizontal stripes in contrasting colours.

• Triangles and Squares: Paint large triangles or squares on the walls in different colours.

• Checkerboard Patterns: Use contrasting colours for a bold statement.

4. ACCENT WALLS

Create an accent wall with a bold, single colour or a combination of geometric patterns. 

This draws the eye and becomes a focal point of the room.

5. FURNITURE AND DECOR

Incorporate 80s-style furniture and decor:

• Bold Sofas and Chairs: Look for furniture in bright, solid colours.

• Decorative Items: Use items like neon clocks, abstract art, and geometric-patterned rugs.

6. TEXTURES AND MATERIALS

Mix and match different textures to add depth:

• Glossy Finishes: Use glossy paints for a shiny, vibrant look.

• Metallics: Incorporate metallic accents like chrome or gold.

7. LIGHTING

Choose lighting that complements the 80s style:

• Neon Lights: Neon signs or lights add an authentic 80s vibe.

• Geometric Lamps: Look for lamps with bold, geometric shapes.

8. TEXTILES

Use textiles to enhance the colour blocking:

• Bold Curtains: Choose curtains in solid, bright colours.

• Patterned Cushions: Use cushions with geometric patterns and contrasting colours.

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BY ROOM:

LIVING ROOM:

Walls: Paint one wall electric blue, another bright pink, and use a checkerboard pattern of black and white on a third wall.

Couch: Choose a neon green sofa with hot pink cushions.

Rug: Use a bold geometric patterned rug with a mix of primary colours.

Art: Hang abstract art pieces featuring neon colours and geometric shapes.

BEDROOM:

Walls: Paint one wall lavender, another mint green, and use a striped pattern on a third wall with yellow and purple.

Bedspread: Choose a bedspread in a bright, solid colour like hot pink.

Lamps: Use geometric-shaped lamps in contrasting colours like red and blue.

By combining these elements, you can create a room that captures the vibrant, eclectic essence of the 80s.

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PRACTICAL TIPS:

Balance: While the 80s were known for bold designs, it's important to balance the use of bright colours to avoid overwhelming the space.

Test Colours: Before committing, test your colour choices on small wall sections or with samples to ensure they achieve the desired effect.

Mix Textures: Incorporate different textures along with your colour blocks to add depth and interest to the space.

By using these guidelines you can effectively create an 80s-inspired colour-blocked room that captures the vibrant and dynamic essence of the decade.

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While every effort has been made to check the accuracy of this article, readers should always make their own checks.  

The Author does not accept any responsibility for misstatements made or any misunderstandings arising from it.

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MOVE OR IMPROVE?

Now the the spring is here, many people begin thinking about moving or improving, this some of our thoughts on the matter.

The current unpredictable housing market is forcing many of us to assess the need to improve our homes rather than move.  The primary reason for moving home is to gain space, so why not improve your home and save on the costs associated with moving.  The typical costs associated with moving house can be over £15,000 to £20,000.  This includes valuations, conveyancing, estate agency fees, removals and stamp duty based on the average house price of £240,000 in the UK.  Added to this is also the cost of a further £5,000 that most people spend in the first year of their new home in repairing, decorating, furnishing and landscaping costs.  This increases the true cost of moving to around £20,000.

If you like the area that you live, your neighbours and you have all the facilities in your neighbourhood that you desire then it makes sense to look at the option of extending and improving your home.  Of course, if you would like to change any of these factors then the decision is usually to move.  The option of extending is not an easy one, there is the disruption to your home and the processes of obtaining planning permission, building regulation approval and employing building contractors for your project.  Homeowners should always be wary of taking on a project without proper advice from a building professional such as an Architect.  But with expert advice the ‘journey’ can be easier than you imagined.  For instance, an Architect will work with you to help you visualise the potential that your property possesses and give you value for money that should add value to your home.  They can also help manage the project and administer the building contract to minimise any additional costs and to hopefully complete your project on-time, on budget and relatively stress-free.

The average cost of an extension ranges from £20,000 for a loft conversion or single storey extension (3x3m) to £50,000 for a 2-storey extension that can include a bedroom, study and toilet.  We have recently completed alterations and an extension to a house that cost the client £50,000.  The house was valued shortly after completion at £75,000 more.  Not only will an extension transform your home and add to your quality of life, it can add significant value and will also help in selling your property if you decide to move in the future.  Obviously there are many factors that will affect the value of your property which your local estate agent and/ or architect will be able to advise you on.

Before you decide on whether you will ‘Move or Improve’ be sure to seek professional advice and explore the options that are available to you. You never know, you may be sitting on the property of your dreams without realising it! 

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While every effort has been made to check the accuracy of this article, readers should always make their own checks.  

The Author does not accept any responsibility for misstatements made or any misunderstandings arising from it.

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Preparing Your Home For Winter

Following on from last month’s article on ‘How to save energy and money in your home’ this month these are some tips on how to make sure you home is ready for the winter weather with a winter health check.

Boilers and heating

The boiler is the most important part of the your heating system.  If it stops working you will not only be without heating and hot water but will have the inconvenience and the cost of emergency repairs.  It is advisable to have your boiler serviced yearly to make sure it is working correctly and efficiently.  The main problems with heating systems are: the pilot light goes out on the boiler,the hot water tap runs cold and  the radiators do no heat up properly (if the radiator is cold at the top and warm at the bottom it will require bleeding, this is a fairly simple process, follow the guidance on the Homeserve website, https://www.homeserve.co.uk/living/heating-and-cooling/how-to-bleed-a-radiator/).

For servicing requirements ensure that the engineer is either Oftec registered for oil and for gas is on Gas safety register which has replaced CORGI.  If you do have your boiler serviced ask your engineer to check if the heating system is clean to ensure that it is working efficiently as possible.  They can also check if there are any cold spots and check if the pump is making is making a noise as this can indicate a build-up of sludge as well as water in the system and this will affect the performance of your heating.

Ensure that you know how to operate your heating system, turn radiators down, but not off if rooms are not in use.  If you are going to be away for Christmas it is wise to turn of the water and drain the plumbing system, if this is no possible ensure that the heating is left on a low setting and timed if possible so that it is on at intervals through the night and day.  If you do leave it on low, ask a friend or neighbour to pop in to check it is ok.

Water pipes

If you have a tank ensure that it has an insulated jacket.  If it is a feed and expansion tank check that the float arm is working by moving it up and down and ensure that the valve lets in water and also shuts off the water.  Also ensure that any other pipes you have access in the house have pipe insulation fitted, this is easy and cheap to do.

Make sure you know where the mains tap to your house is and test it to ensure it works.  You will need to turn off the mains supply quickly if you do suffer a burst pipe.  Also check that all gate valves and stopcocks also are in working order and can also be turned on and off in an emergency.

Fix any dripping taps, including external taps as this can block and cause pipes to burst completely.  Screwfix has an outside tap cover for £7.99, (https://www.screwfix.com/p/outside-tap-cover/77873) very cheap considering the trouble it can save you if your tap and pipes do freeze.

                                                                 

Fire Safety

Decorative lights and candles - When choosing Christmas lights, opt for LED lights as these are safer than the traditional bulb lights.  Make sure that you turn them off when you go out or when you go to bed.  Make sure candles are located away from flammable items such as curtains, fabrics etc, ensure they are secure in an appropriate holder and make sure they are put out when going ourt and to bed.

Smoke Alarms - Make sure you have smoke alarms fitted on each level of your home and test that they are working correctly.  You should test the batteries in a smoke alarm every week.

Cooking – Take care when cooking at Christmas, there are many distractions at this time of year, more than half of fires in the home are caused through accidents when cooking.  Take extra care when cooking with hot oil and never leave children unattended in and around the kitchen.

Visit the government website for more information on fire safety, www. direct.gov.uk and search for ‘Fire safety in the home. (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/62876fa8d3bf7f1f4947d309/Fire_Safety_in_the_Home_v4_-_Web_accessible.pdf)

Also check with your local fire and rescue service.  Some offer a safe and well visit (previously called a home fire safety check) is a free service to help you stay safe and reduce the risk of fire in your home.

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While every effort has been made to check the accuracy of this article, readers should always make their own checks.  

The Author does not accept any responsibility for misstatements made or any misunderstandings arising from it.

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