Bishop Ltd – Do It Yourself (DIY) or Employ Builders?

By making the right choices in the beginning you can save money on your building works. However, after saying this you must be realistic! We all have a DIY demon inside us, especially when we are trying to save money, thinking we can do just as well as the professional ourselves. This is not always the case and DIY disasters can lead you to the nearest A&E dept. at your local hospital! Be realistic, can you manage the task at hand or should you employ someone to do the work for you?

Employing a professional could potentially save you thousands if you get it wrong trying to complete the job yourself, and a lot of headaches too. There is no point in trying to attempt a job that is simply outside of your capability, better to leave it to the professionals.

If you have decided that you will be doing some or all of the work yourself then be realistic in terms of time, even a small a building project can take weeks or even months to complete, especially if you also, hold down a full-time job. Consider the time you have available and be honest with yourself about how much time you can dedicate to DIY.

For smaller more manageable DIY jobs, you should do your research before attempting something for the first time; there are lots of videos on the internet for guidance, tap into them. If you do not feel confident after your research then simply do not do it! Same goes for overconfidence; this can be just as disastrous and dangerous, remember the old saying ‘don’t bite off more than you can chew’!

For bigger jobs involving building works, note that you will also need the services of an architect, and yes although architects do have some knowledge about how to build they are not builders. Do not make the mistake of over-relying on your architect to guide you on how to build your project; this is not their specialist subject. Professional builders will tackle your project with ease.

Make a Plan! Before starting any sort of building or renovation work you need to sit down and plan it, not just of how you want the finished project to look but also how the work will affect your everyday life, and prepare for it. When it comes to design, start planning early and put together a file that you can add pictures and articles to and build up a visual representation of what you want to achieve. If you are good with computers, create excel or word file laying out all the rooms you are going to renovate or extend. Then list the jobs you feel confident in doing yourself and the ones that you will be employing professionals to complete. Don't create your lists from memory, go to each room and look carefully at it to see what changes are needed or wanted. This will help you see what work needs to be carried out and where things like furniture will go once the work is completed. For renovations, sometimes it’s a good idea to declutter the space before you start making your lists, creating a blank canvas, so you can see exactly what space you have to work with.

Do you have the right tools for the jobs you intend to carry out? Building tools can be very expensive and a pain to store afterward if you’re not intending to go into the building trade! You can hire tools but not everything and once the work is finished you may find yourself with a much-cluttered garage. Again, make a list of what tools you will need and how much they will cost to buy or hire. You need to add the cost of your tool to your budget.

If DIY is not your forte then here is a short list of points to consider when hiring the services of a professional builder:

1. Always ask for a written quote. You can refer to this and it saves confusion later.

2. Do they seem professional and does their company have structure? Stay away from cowboy builders! Research your builder before employing them, company websites are a good place to start but don’t rely solely on them, ask to see previous works or even speak to past clients.

3. Ask when they can start the work, most good reputable builders are usually very busy so plan. If they say they can start today, be very cautious!

4. Persistently calling and pestering you to gain the work could be a sign of a cowboy builder, best avoided. Ethical and reliable building companies will contact you to discuss your needs but will not pester you once you have spoken, they don’t have the time!

5. Does the builder seem passionate about his work, and not just out to make a quick buck? Builders who take pride in their work will spend time discussing your project with you and make suggestions, like, best materials to use to improve certain design aspects.

6. Do you like this person? Remember your builder will be in your home for a good length of time so it’s important that you feel at ease with him, and (more importantly) that you can work with him.

7. Late for the appointment? If the builder has contacted you about being delayed for your appointment then they should not be penalized for this, building sites are unpredictable and any number of issues could have arisen on the day causing the delay. However, no call / no show would mean alarm bells should be ringing.

8. Are they local? – Local builders are easier to deal with especially if they need to come back to correct any issues later, they also know the area better when it comes to planning advice than out of area companies.

9. Will the builder provide you with a contract to cover the work period? This should be a YES! A contract will protect both parties so it makes sense for a builder to provide you with a contract to protect you and himself.

10. What guarantees/warranties will you be given? Most reputable builders will come back to fix something within a reasonable period, even if it falls outside of the guaranteed period, their good reputation is often based on satisfied customers. Guarantees are usually for around 12 months for general building works.

10. How do they want you to pay? – Ask the builder about their payment terms and how they want to be paid. Cash payments are the least safe mode of payment as there will be no official proof of any payments made; instead, it would better to arrange bank transfers to complete any payment requests. Some companies will allow you to make payments at set stages of your project.

Hope these tips help! Please follow my blogs for future posts. Thank you.

Bishop Ltd – Bespoke Builders and Developers – Covering Kent and Essex

Contact us for all your design and build needs: 0208 926 2010 |

info@bishopltd.com

We are a leading reputable and experienced bespoke construction company covering Essex and Kent. Our services include all aspects of commercial and residential building works. We also offer a completely the managed turnkey construction process for complete hands-off clients, spanning the Pre- Construction, Construction and Post-Construction phases of your project. This includes Architecture and Construction, Project Feasibility, Cost Analysis, and Site Management. Our two offices are located in Loughton Essex and Aylesford Kent and we operate across most of Essex and Kent.

Why Hiring a Design and Build Construction Company is a Better Choice - Bishop Ltd

Design and Build Companies Have All the Experts under One Roof

Often people think choosing to manage their own renovation the project will be a smart financial decision in comparison to employing the services of a design and build contractor (often referred to as a Turnkey Management Service). For major renovation, people can become unstuck very quickly without the much-needed expert help, they come to realize they actually do need. It takes a number of different experts to successfully make a renovation look both professional and (more importantly) legal. For example, generally, renovations require experts such as architects, builders, plumbers, electricians and in some instances also interior designers. A design and build company are able to provide all these services under one roof.

Design Phase Needs an Architect

Possibly the most important aspect of a major renovation in the design process. This is where you and your architect come together in a ‘joining of minds’ to establish your needs, put together a plan of action and draft accurate drawings for your proposed works. This early planning stage is very important to cut down on time, money, and errors once work starts. For this reason, if you are debating on whether to use the services of an architect or do it yourself, I would highly recommend using an architect. Apart from them ensuring the legality of your project, architects can also be very helpful in advising you about the more technical aspects of your project, like advice on suitable materials, provide accurate measurements and drawings for your builder, all cutting down on your time and stress. Most architects will also be happy to liaise with your builder making the whole renovation process all the easier for you.

Knowing What Materials to Use

One of the most daunting problems for any inexperienced renovator is establishing and sourcing the right building materials for their project. This is where the expertise of a reputable experienced building company is essential! They will focus on your requirements, answer any questions you may have, and talk you through what they believe would be the best materials for your job. For a more convenient approach, ask your builder to supply the materials for you! Most builders will be happy to do this as it helps move the project forward without any major delays, they also have the resources in place to meet these demands much more easily than you.

If you do decide to source and supply the materials yourself make sure your research covers both material quality/functionality and supplier’s creditability, you don’t want to place a big materials order with a supplier only to find out the particular materials ordered do not meet your needs, or worse still, the suppliers have gone out of business! Both instances will bring your works to an expensive and instant halt.

You will need to speak to a lot of people to establish whose advice will be of genuine use to you, note that most builders/people do not like to share contact details of their supplier sources.

Licenses and Permits

Another really important reason why people hire design and build contractors are due to their knowledge and expertise in ensuring all works are completed in a manner that meets all legal requirements. To fulfill the legal requirements procedure, a project will need; timely inspections, sometimes involve the need for permits and licenses, and always requires appropriate insurances to cover workers and the general public from harm. Without the help of a design and build contractor the burden of gaining and ensuring all these legal requirements are in place (and carried out) will often be extremely confusing and challenging for you.

Warranties and Guarantees

We should not overlook the huge benefits of warranties and guarantees that come with employing design and build contractors. This will provide you with the peace of mind that if anything were to go wrong at a later date (and within the warranties period) the builder will return to eliminate the issue without further charge to you!

Furthermore, as a design and build contractor is almost always in full control of the work carried out, and all the tradesmen on the site, he cannot argue that the issue was caused by another contractor on site and not him.

A Design and Build Contractor is One Company That Does It All!

One of the main advantages of hiring a design and build contractor is that it minimizes the possibility of confusion and misunderstanding, which can often happen between the architectural (planning) stage and actual construction stage.

Design and build contractors deal with both design and construction of the building or renovation, whilst working under a single company. This means there is just one port of call for you for everything relating to your project, there is less chance of a breakdown in communication, errors occurring, and of time-wasting, which ultimately saves you money. Furthermore, it is more convenient to make payments to a single company, rather than juggling your finances between 2 or more service providers. In comparison to ‘doing it yourself’ or hiring a regular building company, essentially there are more major advantages to employing the services of a design and build company for your project. In short, it minimizes project-related ‘headaches’ and increases finish quality and time efficiency, in turn, saving you money in the long run!

This is just a sample of what design and build contractors can do. If you want to find out more, visit: www.bishopltd.com

Bishop Ltd – Bespoke Builders and Developers – Covering Kent and Essex

Contact us for all your design and build needs: 0208 926 2010 |

info@bishopltd.com

We are a leading reputable and experienced bespoke construction company covering Essex and Kent. Our services include all aspects of commercial and residential building works. We also provide a completely managed turnkey construction process spanning the Pre- Construction, Construction and Post-Construction phases of your project. This includes Architecture and Construction, Project Feasibility, Cost Analysis, and Site Management. Our two offices are located in Loughton Essex and Aylesford Kent and we operate across most of Essex and Kent.

Types of Glass and Their Decorative Uses in Homes – Bishop Ltd

We spoke about the different types of basic glass used in construction in an earlier blog. Below we are going to look at different types of decorative glass and a number of ways in which they are used to accentuate parts of a home (or building).

Types of Glass:

Glass Blocks

Frosted Glass

Colored glass

Decorative Uses of Glass:

Glass Panelling

Clear or Painted Glass Balustrades

Painted Glass Splash-backs

Glass floors and Stairs

Glass Balconies

Opaque Glass Kitchen Cabinets

Glass Doors and Partitions

Glass Shower Cubicles 

Stained Glass or Glass Mosaic

Types of Glass

Glass Blocks

Glass blocks (or glass bricks) can provide light and serve as a decorative addition to a structure, they give an aesthetic look when light is passed through them. However, due to their hollow center, glass blocks do not have them as high load-bearing capacity as masonry bricks, unless otherwise stated. They are manufactured as two separate halves and, whilst the glass is still molten, the two pieces are pressed together and annealed. The appearance of glass blocks can also vary in color, size, texture, and form. They are ideal in providing visual obscurity while admitting light and are very often used in the construction of walls and skylights, and for other decorative purposes.

Frosted Glass

Frosted glass is often used to obscure the onlooker's view of what’s behind the glass. For this reason, it is ideal to use this type of glass for bathroom windows, preventing passers-by from seeing into the bathroom when you are undressed. A pane of glass can be either a solid frosted panel or have a unique frosted design on it, often used by companies to display company logos or simply add privacy to glass offices.

Coloured Glass

Colored glass is regular soda-lime glass with the addition of metals and oxides, at the time of manufacturing, to change the color of the glass and enhance its aesthetic appeal. This process does not change the integrity of the original soda-lime glass. Colored glass can be used in a number of ways, some of which are listed below.

Decorative Uses of Glass:

Glass paneling

Glass panels are an effective way to protect your walls and to add a contemporary and striking decorative effect to your home.

Clear or Painted Glass Balustrades

Whether you choose clear or painted glass for your balustrades the effects can be amazing. The clear glass gives you a more stylish and minimalist feel, but those looking for a dramatic design statement should consider installing color block painted glass. 

Painted Glass Splash-Backs

Painted glass splashbacks have become increasingly popular in kitchens. This is due to them being tough and durable, more hygienic and extremely stylish. They are available in an unlimited range of colors, and commercial glass suppliers can even color match your glass splashbacks to fit your needs. 

Glass Floors and Stairs

For a dramatic and striking look consider a glass floor or staircase in your home. Glass floors are great, they are hard-wearing, easy to clean, beautiful to look at and allow lots of natural light to flow through a home. But remember, don’t install a clear glass floor above your head - where you can see people walking, for obvious reasons! Instead, install a frosted glass floor, it avoids any embarrassment while doing nothing to diminish the other benefits. The added benefit of frosting (or sandblasting) is that it creates a rougher surface giving you more grip than clear glass, therefore, less chance of slips and falls.

Stairs are always a focal point in any home so constructing them from glass is always going to have that “WOW” factor. If you don’t feel brave enough to go for glass treads on your stairs then maybe consider adding glass railings or balustrades to your staircase, that way you still get the look.

Glass Balconies

Glass balcony railings will make your balcony seem much larger and more open than other types of materials often used. It also gives better views when you are seated. 

Opaque Glass Kitchen Cabinets

Using the opaque glass on the front of kitchen cabinets is ideal, it’s easy to clean and you can't really see all the things stored inside. It also gives the kitchen a light, airy and sophisticated look. 

Glass Doors and Partitions

Using bi-folding doors, traditional glass doors or blasted glass doors are all great ways of dividing rooms internally, and in creating extra natural light to flood a room.

Opaque glass partitions are a slim-line solution to easily dividing up a room, they also allow the unobstructed passage of natural light to space. It’s a great way of saving space, no need for thicker stud walls!

Glass Shower Cubicles  

Glass shower cubicles always give any bathroom a beautiful modern and elegant look. You can use any type of glass finish you like; clear, frosted, sandblasted stripes, etc. but the result will always look amazing! As a tip, coat the inner side of the glass with a clear film to save from watermarks, the water will simply slide off the glass, which means less cleaning for you! 

Stained Glass or Glass Mosaic

This crafted glass can still be a great add-on to any type of traditional or modern interior. It can truly enhance the appearance of a place. Stained glass crafting requires several tools and materials and a special set of skills.

Thank you for reading this blog, I hope you enjoyed it. 

Please follow Bishop Ltd for further Construction related blogs!

Understanding Flat (Float) Glass Production – Bishop Ltd

There are two types of glass manufacturing, blown glass (by hand or machine) or flat (float) glass; we will be talking about the latter below.

Glass is a rigid material which may be either transparent or translucent and, unless a process is applied, brittle in nature. The machine required to produce flat glass was first designed by Sir Alistair Pilkington in 1952 and is now the standard method of making flat glass. The production line, from the furnace to flat glass, can be half a kilometer long and the machine can churn out 6,000 tons a week, amounting to a staggering 6,000 thousand kilometers of glass a year!

The Process

Flat glass is manufactured by the fusion of limestone, Silica Sand, Soda Ash, Dolomite, and Feldspar, using the steps below.

Step 1 – Smelting and Refining

By far one of the most important steps. It highly influences the overall quality of the glass produced. The furnace melts the glass at around 1400-1600°C to ensure it is refined and homogenized and the glass coming out onto the float bed is removed of any gas bubbles or insertions.

Step 2 – Float Batch

The spout pushes out the heated glass onto a layer of liquid molten tin. The molten glass sticks together and does not mix with the liquid molten tin, literally ‘floating’ on top. This, with a little help from gravity, creates a perfectly leveled contact surface (and a sheet of glass!). The thickness of the glass is controlled by the speed at which the molten glass is spread over the molten tin.

Step 3 – Coating

Coatings are applied to the glass according to the customer specifications. This is done at an area in the production line that uses advanced high temperature wielding robots to apply the coatings. Another way to add coatings to the floating glass is through a chemical vapor depositor (CVD), which can cover the liquid glass with a variety of coatings less than a micron in thickness as it passes beneath the applicator.

Step 4 – Annealing

This is to further ensure that the glass has no unwanted insertions or bubbles, which can occur if the glass was cooled unevenly. Along furnace cools the glass at varying temperatures best suited to keep the glass perfect. More recent technology includes a sensor to detect the stress level of the glass and in turn controls the temperatures of the furnace.

Step 5 - Inspection

Occasionally a grain of sand, tremor or a single bubble will create a lower quality sheet of glass. To prevent this, improved automated and highly sensitive technology is used to pick up these glitches. This automated inspection method can also control the cutters and take 100 million measurements a second across the ribbon of glass.

Step 6 – Cutting to Order

The final step is also controlled by a computer program. This is where the glass is cut to the client’s requirements. Any waste material produced is fed right back into the furnace as cullet.

Major Properties of Glasses:

•                 Transparency
•                 Strength
•                 Workability
•                 Transmittance
•                  U value
•                  Recycle property

Transparency

Transparency is the main property of glass, allowing us to see through it. Glass can be transparent from both sides or from one side only. In one side transparency, glass behaves like a mirror on the obscured side.

Strength

In general, glass is a brittle material but by adding admixtures and heat processes we can strengthen it.

Workability

Generally, you can find any type, size or shape of glass you need. Glass is very adaptable. However, some glass panes and units can be extremely heavy and there is always the greater risk of breaking the glass. Great care and attention need to be taken when handling a glass of any form.

Transmittance

Transmittance refers to the percentage of radiation that can go by throughout glazing, that being, visible transmittance, UV transmittance, or entire solar energy transmittance. With the advances in glazing technology, manufacturers can control how glazing materials behave in such instances. The basic underlying properties of the material (glass or plastic) can be altered, and coatings can be added to the surfaces. For example, a window optimized for daylighting and for reducing heat gain can be tinted on one side to reflect the sun’s rays, without losing visibility through the glass from the other side.

U value of Glass

The nationally recognized rating method is for the whole window, including glazing, frame, and spacers. U-factor of the center-of-glass is also sometimes referenced, and describes the performance of the glazing alone; note that the whole window U-factor reading is always more than the center-of-glass U-factor. High-performance double-pane windows can have U-factors of 0.30 or lower, while some triple-pane windows can attain U-factors as low as 0.15. The lower the U factor, the greater a window's resistance to heat flow and enhanced its insulating properties.

Recycle Property of Glass

All glass is 100% recyclable, therefore, causing less impact on the environment.

Reliable Local builders in Kent and Essex | Bishop LtdLocal builders in Chigwell Essex

BishopLtd is a leading bespoke commercial and residential construction company. We have offices in Loughton Essex and Aylesford Kent and operate across Essex and Kent. We control the complete construction process seamlessly, spanning the Pre-Construction, Construction and Post-Construction phases of a project.Our main services include Architecture and Construction, Project Feasibility, Cost Analysis, and Project Management. We provide a turnkey solution or 360° Design and Build service.

As a construction company, our bespoke service is based around your dream, seamlessly blending considerations of practicality and aesthetics to help you create your ideal commercial or residential property.

Our highly professional Project Management Team is made up of experienced construction managers, working in both the UK and abroad. They have decades of experience across diverse Construction projects, as both Main Contractors and Sub- Contractors on large projects.

As a company, we understand each project is unique, and therefore, every Project team is assembled based on their specific suitability, skill-set, and experience. Our Construction team is made up of only the very best tried and tested tradesmen.

Basic Types of Glass Regularly Used in Construction – Bishop Ltd

There are various forms of flat glass (also known as float glass) used in the construction industry, each for a different purpose. Glass in its more basic form (as listed below) is regularly used in general construction, in windows or shower screens for example. However, fancier versions are also used but mainly to highlight parts of buildings as architectural enhancements, or internally for decorative purposes. We will be looking in short at the basic forms of glass regularly used by builders here.

Basic types of glass used in construction:

• Flat or Float glass / Pilkington glass

• Chromatic glass / Smart glass

• Self-cleaning glass

• Laminated glass / Shatterproof glass

• Toughened glass / Tempered glass

Float Glass / Pilkington Glass

Modern-day windows are made from float glass, also known as soda-lime glass. It is a sheet of glass prepared by floating molten the glass on a bed of molten metal, normally tin or lead. This method gives the glass a uniform thickness and a very flat surface. The process of making a float glass is also known as the Pilkington process (named after the British glass manufacturer, Sir Alastair Pilkington, who invented the technique in the 1950s in Merseyside UK). Float glass comes in various thicknesses, sizes, and weights to meet all building requirements.

Chromatic Glass / Smart Glass

Chromatic or Smart glass is used in place of regular glass to control the level of daylight passing into the interior of a room. Light transmission properties are altered when voltage, light or heat is applied to the glass. Normally, the glass changes from translucent to transparent, changing from blocking some wavelengths of light to letting light pass through. There are three forms of chromatic glass, photochromic – which has a light-sensitive coating on the glass, thermochromic - which has a heat-sensitive coating on the glass, and electrochromic -light-sensitive glass transparency of which can be controlled by an electrical switch. This type of glass is often used in meeting rooms.

Self-Cleaning Glass

The self-cleaning glass keeps itself free of dirt and grime. Here the special coatings applied to the glass fall into 2 categories, hydrophobia and hydrophilic. Both are self-cleaning but their method is different, the former by rolling droplets and the latter by sheeting water that carries away dirt. In addition, the hydrophilic coatings based on titanium dioxide have an additional property; they can chemically break down absorbed dirt in sunlight. It is, therefore, very easy to maintain.

Laminated Glass / Shatterproof Glass

Laminated or shatterproof glass is a form of high strength security glass. If broken, the two or more layers of glass are held together by one or more plastic like interlayers. This interlayer’s keep the glass bonded and prevents it from breaking into large sharp-edged pieces, instead of creating a spider’s web appearance when the impact is not enough to completely pierce the glass. The panes are heavier than normal glass panes. Laminated glass is normally used where the glass could fall and hurt someone if shattered, e.g. Skylight glazing and car windshields, and also for aquariums and architectural applications. There are two main types of the interlayer, special "acoustic PVB" and EVA. Both forms increase the sound insulation rating of a window. An additional property of laminated glass for windows is that a PVB and EVA interlayer can block essentially most ultraviolet radiation, with EVA blocking up to 99.9% of the UV rays.

Toughened Glass / Tempered Glass

Toughened or Tempered glass is a type of heat-strengthened safety glass. It is physically and thermally three to seven times stronger than regular annealed glass. Tempering is the process of putting the outer surfaces of glass in compression and the interior into tension. Such stresses cause the glass, when broken, to crumble into small granular chunks instead of splintering into jagged shards as regular glass does. The rough chunks are less likely to cause harm. As a result of its safety and strength, tempered glass is used in a variety of demanding applications, frameless shower screens or doors, table tops, shelves, fireplaces, balconies, skylights, large windows, windows which extend close to floor level, sliding doors, and near swimming pools.

Garage Conversions with Local Builders –Bishop Ltd

Are you in need of space? Who isn't? A garage conversion could be your answer!

Garage conversions are an economical way to gain more room from your property, in turn, utilizing an area of your home that is often neglected. No matter what you want to use this room for by employing a reputable builder you can make it happen. For these smaller works, it makes sense to employ a good local builder as a local builder will be more inclined to accept a smaller job if it is closer to his home, garage conversions would be classed as smaller jobs for a good building company. Logistically, there will be less likelihood of late arrivals to hold up your work and less time spent by your builder fighting traffic jams! The builder may also reduce his price if he does not have to account for lengthy travel and fuel costs. Should any issues arise after the work is completed, it would be easier for a local builder to pop in and fix the problem rather than you having to wait until the long distant builder is able to come your way again. Generally, you will be able to find experienced builders in your area if you talk to friends and family or by a quick search on the internet. However, make sure you do your homework before employing them.

A basic garage conversion should only take a matter of weeks to complete. In most instances, existing garages usually have lighting and, depending on what you are using the new space for, you could also have heating installed in readiness to use as an extra room within (or adjacent to) your home. In addition, you should not experience much inconvenience while the work is in progress as it will be away from the main house. However, and very importantly, you should always contact your local council offices to check if your intended building work is subject to planning permission before starting any works. If your conversion is subject to planning then consider laying foundations to accommodate a second story at a later date (again subject to planning permission!) Don’t forget to also budget for the demolition and removal of any existing garage/building!

Garage conversions are perfect for many homeowners looking for that gym/playroom/ extension to your existing lounge etc. Why not contact your local builder and ask them for advice on how best you can utilize the space? Local builders will have completed many jobs like yours and are a valuable source of knowledge, both for the design and build and also with planning requirement questions. Just make sure you have chosen the right builder for you, and tap in! You may be amazed at all the options you come up with once you get your thinking cap on. Wouldn’t it be great to wake up in the morning and walk less than 20 feet to the office, with all your paperwork stored outside of your home but still to hand? What more could you ask for?

A further great advantage of garage conversions is that they add value to your home. It’s a “win-win” situation! It’s time to stop using that valuable space as a very large junk cupboard and put it to good use, whilst also increasing the value of your property. You will love the return on your investment come sale time!

If you have a garage collecting cobwebs and are crying out for more space it’s a no brainer…Convert that garage!!

Contact Bishop Ltd – Builders and Developers - for all your building needs!

We are a leading bespoke commercial and residential construction company. Our services include a completely managed construction process, spanning the Pre- Construction, Construction and Post-Construction phases of your project. Our main services include Architecture and Construction, Project Feasibility, Cost Analysis, and Project Management. We have offices in Loughton Essex and Aylesford Kent and operate locally across Essex and Kent.

Choose High-Quality Bespoke Builders to Construct Your Dream Home | Bishop Ltd

Building your dream home will be one of the most extravagant expenditures you will make in your lifetime. Naturally, you will want your builder and architect to deliver a top quality service, and save some money in the process! So, how should you go about choosing the best service providers amongst the many out there?

There are two main categories of builders, commercial and residential. Commercial builders, as the name suggests, build multiple units at one time for commercial or residential use, for example, a set of flats above a row of shops or numerous residential dwellings in one space. All the properties generally look the same. As a rule, these categories of builders generally stick to commercial builds over residential builds.

In comparison, a residential builder will build anything from a small extension to a large bespoke home. However, residential builders can be categorized further, the small local builder - dealing with the smaller building and refurbishment jobs, and the bespoke home a builder who will be experienced in constructing new homes from scratch and creating larger extensions to existing properties (Bishop Ltd sits within this bespoke builder category). The type of builder you require will depend on the job at hand.

Here are some guidelines that may help you to make an informed decision about building your bespoke new home.

•    Commercial homes are built from templates to ensure the construction is completed quickly. Their exterior designs are usually quite conservative, and their interiors have very limited choice, feeling a little like ‘one fits all’.  On the other hand, bespoke home builders take their time, paying special attention to the finer details requested by the client. They aim to create an exclusive and unique structure, developed with a blend of your innovative ideas and your architect's skills. Small local builders have limited experience and expertise when it comes to bespoke home building and I would suggest you think twice about employing them when it comes to new home construction.

•    Commercial houses are cost-effective, whereas, custom built homes can often be more expensive to build. Design and interiors are a big factor when it comes to costs, if you have expensive design tastes then your cost will be higher than others.

•    It is easier to get references for commercial builders as they are usually tried and tested smaller builders who have worked up the ladder to gain commercial builder status. Bespoke home builders are a little harder to find. In this category of a builder, there is much more choice, you also have to be more diligent here as and the smaller local builders will also often portray themselves as being amongst this category. Be careful or you could become unstuck! Finding a skilled and experienced builder is always a challenge that needs the right approach from you, it needs thoughtful research and preparations.

•    Searching for your builder: Good-quality builders are listed in national home builders associations, of which there are a few. An Internet search can provide details of national associations and a further search would give you names addresses and details of affiliated building companies.

•    Assessing Prima Facie Quality: It should not be difficult for you to get a list of previous clients from your builder. Ask to see references and proof of previous work and speak to past clients where possible and even conduct a direct inspection of their homes. Look for the quality of finish, woodwork, paint, cabinetry, flooring, etc.

•    Sticking To Schedule: Ask the homeowners whether the contractor adhered to the contracted time or prolonged the build without a reasonable explanation.

•    On-site: The builder's site manager must also have a good working relationship with clients, and be able to adapt his delivery to your suggestions (planning restrictions allowing) for any changes, modifications, and concerns during the entire construction process of the build. This is important as thoughts of how your dream home should look can evolve and change as the build progresses.

Whichever type of builder you ultimately decide on to build your home they will have some experiences in common, as I said previously commercial builders were local builders at one time in their careers. However, for a successful build, you must employ a home builder with a proven record of commitment to quality and with the ability to work closely with their clients throughout the preparation and building procedure. It would appear bespoke home builders have more time to share with clients over commercial builders. This means bespoke builders will be more likely to adjust to your build needs as they arise, and be more invested in creating a unique build to add to their portfolio. However, be careful not to employ a small local builder posing as a bespoke home builder for such work as they will lack the expertise in providing you with what you need.

For the further guarantee of your builder's work, you should arrange to see one or more of your chosen builders’ previous builds being showcased. Nothing beats a firsthand assessment of a completed bespoke built home. The cost of bespoke builders may be slightly higher than a commercial builder but you will be getting the build you want and not their version of it! It may also take a little longer to build as the bespoke builder likes to pay special attention to detail but I’m sure with the outcome you will agree it was worth the wait!

Bishop Ltd Professional Tradesmen

Bishop Ltd provides comprehensive construction Management and Consulting services to help you achieve the best results for your project. Our professional tradesmen are qualified to manage all facets of any major construction project.

Contact Us:- www.bishopltd.com