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- How to spot a cowboy builder

- Designing it

- Kitchen extensions

- Conservatories

How to spot a cowboy builder

Don't take our word for it - this is what the Confederation of Master Builders has to say:-

Cowboy builders are very much in the minority, but they are out there, so how can you protect yourself. Treat them with suspicion if they:

EVADE giving you references or details of previous jobs
OFFER you a 'cheap' deal for cash-in-hand.
SUGGEST you can avoid paying VAT for cash
CONFUSE you with jargon and complicated explanations
INSIST that a written contract is not necessary
SAY they can start tomorrow (a good builder is usually busy)
CAN'T give you costings because 'things may change'
LAUGH when you suggest showing them plans
GIVE you a surprisingly low quote
CAN only be reached by mobile and don't have an address on their card
ASSURE you the details are their problem and you don't need to worry
KNOCK the opposition

Designing it

Designing your extension means you need to take into account not just the practical limits of the site, but also what the planners are likely to let you get away with.

Other factors include choosing a size and style that won't break your budget, and whther you're building to add value or to improve your lifestyle. The Haynes Home Extension manual considers all design issues in some detail.

If you have the time and inclination, you may be able to save up to 10% of the total cost by designing It Yourself - perhaps with a free CAD programme. But you're likely to need at least some professional design input, especially for the Building Regs application. Search for local architects & surveyors.

See below for design advice on kitchens and conservatories.

Kitchen Extensions

One of the many reasons for adding an extension to your home is for a larger kitchen. This could be to make more space as the family grows, or to make it into more of a focal point for the house and change it into a Kitchen-Diner. Whatever the reason, the kitchen will need to be designed to meet the requirements of the family and it is important the layout this works as it is not easy or cheap to change the layout once it is completed.

Planning a Kitchen Layout

Before you start imagining the finished product you will first need to measure the room, draw up an overall layout, preferably on squared paper, and position the existing services (plumbing, electricity, gas point) and also the windows and doors. Remember that services can be moved if necessary, but it can be costly to do.

There are three main zones within a kitchen - food preparation, cooking, and cleaning up. These correlate to the main work sufaces (and fridge/freezer), the cooker and the sink. These zones should make a triangle called the Work Triangle. Even though the sides of this triangle do not need to be of equal length they should not normally be longer than 6.5m (6500mm) and there should be no obstacles along the length of the sides of the triangle.

Remember overall keep the design simple and make sure it works for you. You will probably be spending a lot of time in this room so make it work.

Making Your Kitchen Plan

Once you have drawn up your scale plan of the kitchen on squared paper with all the relevant points marked (e.g. doors, windows, services etc) you should cut out shapes that represent the different sizes of cupboard available and also ones to represent the appliances (cooker, hob, fridge, freezer, sink etc). This makes it easier to move things around if you are not happy with a design.

Once you are happy with your design you should be able to work out exactly how many floor and wall units you require and also calculate the length of worktop required. Remember with worktop that you should avoid any joins and therefore you will need more worktop than the total length of worktops on your design.

Buying Your Kitchen

There are 3 main options for buying a new kitchen.

Completely DIY - buy the units flat-packed, and install them yourself
Partial DIY - buy the units flat-packed, build them and have someone install them for you
Design and Fit - bring someone in to design, build and fit the kitchen while you put your feet up!

Of course the main reason for choosing any of these options is budget, with the options generally becoming more expensive as you go down the list. This isn't always the case and if you have specific requirements it may be better value for money to go for the last option.

Take a look at our featured companies to see what options they have available. They have a large range of kitchens styles from traditional to contemporary.

Enjoy Your New Kitchen

You will be spending a lot of time in this room over the following years so make sure you are happy with the design before starting it. Remember whichever way you go when designing your new kitchen, it is there to be used and also to be enjoyed.

Pictures Courtesy of Baltic Kitchens

Conservatories

The origins of conservatories were the 17th century orangeries, added to grand houses to grow plants which would not stand the rigors of the outdoor weather. They began to be used as stopping off points on walks, and gradually moved closer to the house as an additional room. As materials have improved over the years, allowing for better insulation, they have become more and more popular. There is something special about a conservatory - the feeling of the outdoors inside.

Planning your conservatory

The first thing to consider is what will the
room be used for? hardwood conservatory with painted finish

a playroom?
dining room?
breakfast room?
entertaining?
relaxing?

This will help you decide which room your conservatory should lead off from. A general tip is that a conservatory which is attached to a room which is used a lot will also be well used - and vice versa.

Planning permission is not usually required unless you are extending a listed building, are in a conservation area or exceed the permitted development limit for your property, which varies from area to area, but is usually 50-70m�. This is the total permitted area so if the property had previously been extended, some of your allowance will have already been used. For more info visit 'Planning' or access your local council's website.

Building regulations only apply if the conservatory exceeds 30m� floor space, has no connecting doors to the property, or is a kitchen/conservatory extension. Again, it is advisable to check details with your council - see also Building Regulations.

One of your first considerations will be the size of the conservatory. To get some idea of how it will affect the existing house, start by marking out its footprint area with sticks and string. Mark out both the internal and external measurements. You will also want to see the effect on the garden from the external measurements, which are the measurements that suppliers normally quote. Look at the internal measurements and imagine filling the area with furniture, sofas, plants etc - check there's enogh room.

It is always a good idea to get several quotes for major works such as this. When comparing quotes ensure the specification is the same in each, such as the glass type used and the number of window openings. It is also useful to meet the person who will be doing the work as it is often subcontracted. Do you have confidence in them? It's a good test to ask how they plan to dispose of all their rubbish. Also ask about the proposed depth of foundations, and then phone your Council Building Control Offier to see if they think it is sufficient.

Building your conservatory

PVCU conservatory

You will be asked to decide what materials you
want for your conservatory.

There are three main types:

* UPVC (also known as PVCu)
* hardwood
* aluminium

UPVC is the most popular. It combines low maintenance with low cost. It can come in white or wood grain. It is however not favoured by planners in conservation areas or on listed buildings.

Hardwood is suitable for listed buildings. It requires periodic maintenance and can be finished with paint or wood stain.

Aluminium conservatories are less common on house conservatories. It is more expensive than PVCu and not such a good insulator. It is however very strong and often used on commercial buildings.

Try to match any brickwork and render details with your existing building so that it looks like an integral part, not an add on.

A common question is "How long will the work take?" Of course, the answer varies but as a rough guide experienced fitters should take 3-4 days. For a DIY enthusiast it will probably take 2-3 weekends.

You will need to put blinds in the conservatory to reduce glare and heat build up. They will also reduce any damage caused by the UV light fading furniture and carpets.

Pictures and information courtesy of http://www.conservatoriestoday.co.uk