Why You Should Consider and Interior Designer
The thought of an interior designer may seem quite pricey for some, but really it depends on what you are looking for and need help with. It could be something as simple as storage for your bedroom or kitchen or a full refurbishment of the whole house. From the outset you may be thinking it is going to be too expensive, but they do take on smaller jobs too that can help you and meet your requirements as a customer. If you have the financial capability, an interiors designer will make your visions come to life and even if you aren’t exactly sure what it is you would like, they can work with you to create something you will love!
Focusing in on one room
Before you undertake the whole house, you may just want to look at one room on its own and start small. From the initial consultation you have with your interior designer they will work with you, present their ideas and findings, and help you bring it to life. If you don’t know where to start because you have limited room or knowledge on getting the best out of it, speak to an expert and they can help you.
Are you looking for just a consultation?
It could be that all you are looking for is a consultation where they provide you with advice rather than seeing the project right through from beginning to end with you. Within the consultation you can talk about colour pallets, fabrics, curtains, carpets and so much more. You can use this time to find out about the knowledge they have and what they would recommend to you and your house or individual room.
They will understand your requirements
As a homeowner, we know that the interior of your house needs to represent you and what you like. If it’s not to your taste or what you wanted, what was the point in going through with it? An interior designer, just like builder, will listen and tap into your taste and what it is you like. You never know, they may have completed a project that is similar to what you are looking for.
As trusted builders, we can help you to create the perfect home, from concept to completion. We specialise in kitchens, new builds, garden rooms, conversions, bathroom renovations and building extension in Richmond and across the North East. To speak to our team, call 01748 5299700 and we can help your dream come true and create the perfect property for you.
Making Your Garden Dog Friendly
When you have a furry friend living in your house, you need to make sure that they have everything that meets their needs. Just like us humans, we need a certain amount of space to do things and out dogs need a space to run around, burn off energy, eat and sleep. Now that doesn’t need to be a large amount of space, but enough for these simple things to be done. It’s important that your garden is dog friendly so that you are not expected to take them out for a walk or to the nearest park every couple of hours.
Going grass free!
You may not have expected us to say go grass free but actually it seems like more of a logical option. Whether it be a decked area or paving, it is comfortable enough for you dog to lie on but also if it is a harder surface then it allows water to drain away quicker and a lot smoother. Plus, look on the bright-side, if there has been a heavy downpour your dog isn’t going to trample mud into the house from being on the grass, they’ll just have wet paws which is much more manageable.
Make sure it is escape proof
In your garden you need to have set boundaries around the perimeter so that your four-legged friend can’t escape when you are not watching. You can put them in place from the beginning, but it is equally as important that you check them as wood and other outside amenities can deteriorate over time and you don’t want your dog to escape!
Have a shaded area
We all love to sit in the sunshine… when it does shine here in the UK and our dogs are included in that too. But just like most of us, they can overheat quite quickly so it’s important to have an area that is shaded where they can move to if they need too.
Are you looking to build an extension and you are looking for expert builder?
To speak to our team, call 01748 5299700 and we can help your dream come true and create the perfect property for you.
Small Utility or Boot Room? No Problem…
Having a room for muddy boots and wet coats in the winter is great as it means people aren’t trudging through the house and making a mess we offer home improvements in Richmond which means we can help you create the perfect room in your home. But it is equally as nice to have somewhere separate in your home to do the washing and stop the noise from travelling through the house.
Being able to keep cleaning products in a separate area of the house to your kitchen will stop it from becoming cluttered and you can enjoy a clean and open space to entertain in. Even if the space you have allocated for your utility room is small, that’s ok with a clever design you will be able to make it into a functional space.
Follow the curve
If you have a curved wall or parts of your room that stick out more than others, use them to your advantage and find a design that meets your requirements. Your units can fit the curve and can be specially designed to suit your home. From washing machines and dryers requiring a standard depth and the right amount of space, all of your units can be positioned around this and made to fit the space. They may need to go vertically to fit more in but you will be left with a space that you can use for many different reasons.
Stack your appliances
When you have a small room sometimes it isn’t always viable to have your washer and dryer next to each other as the space just doesn’t allow that. Your next possible solution so that the pipes are all together is to stack them on top of each other. It makes it much easier for you to get things in and out of them without putting a strain on your back (which is always a bonus). You could even add a little extra touch such as LED strips around your utility to add to the room.
Keeping it open
When you have appliances, coats and boots behind closed doors it makes it a lot easier for people to think that you have a really clean and tidy but also stylish home. Using sliding doors or just standard doors creates the illusion of an open plan area where people can’t see what you are storing.
Have you got a utility that you don’t know how to style? Or are you looking to build an extension and you are looking for expert builder.
To speak to our team, call 01748 5299700 and we can help your dream come true and create the perfect property for you.
Our Tips On Making Your Living Room An Amicable Space
How often do you use your living room? It’s a room that can be quite often overlooked and a space that many are unsure how to get the most out of. We provide building extension services in Richmond. Yes, it’s fantastic when you have friends and family over and you can all sit in the kitchen together which is the heart and home and often the life and soul of the party… but sometimes after a few drinks or long day and comfortable seat is just what you need. Sit back, relax and enjoy the space you have.
Comfort is key
In every home it is important to have a comfortable and relaxing space where you can spend time with your loved ones or just have some quiet time. Ensuring the seating is right and positioned correctly so you get the sun and the views is key. But also, you want to be able to see the television as we all know that is a staple when putting your feet up. The living room is also a space where you can add some different fun touches that pull everything together.
Seating
If you’re looking at a specific colour scheme then you will need furniture that matches too so that the whole aesthetic of the room is the same. Big comfy sofas are always great when you need some time to yourself so you can kick back and watch your favourite show or movie. But if you are using your living room as an entertaining space then sometimes people will choose looks over comfort. What would you choose? Chesterfield sofas are a popular choice right now and are a favourite based on looks and offer support but aren’t always the comfiest. Others may choose an armchair or window seat to compliment the room.
Fire
Simple, cosy and perfect for a family night! There’s nothing better than imagining you and your family watching your favourite movie in winter with the fire lit keeping you warm. It adds an element of comfort to your home and can also help with the lighting ambience.
You can never have too many tables!
Hosting or relaxing you need to have different surfaces to place cups, plates and any other accessories you like. A coffee table in the centre or just next to a seat will always mean your guests have a table in close proximity.
As trusted builders, we can help you to create the perfect home, from concept to completion. We specialise in kitchens, new builds, garden rooms, conversions, bathroom renovations and building extension in Richmond and across the North East. To speak to our team, call 01748 5299700 and we can help your dream come true and create the perfect property for you.
Tips on Saving Money on your Garden Renovation
Like with any large-scale project, you would like to complete it with the smallest possible budget… but we understand that it’s not always as easy as you may think. By making the right choices and decisions you will be able to create the perfect garden that you can admire all year round on a budget!
Allow us to provide you with some smart choices to make, and some tips on how you can make the most out of your garden this spring and summer.
Create a simple wish list with the necessities
We understand that sometimes we can all get a little bit carried away with what we would like to see in our garden. But one thing that is key to remember is that there is a difference between what you need and what you would like.
By simplifying your wish list so that it just includes the items that are needed, and you can’t be without you will find that the cost is a lot lower. If you have allocated yourself a budget and you have purchased everything you need and you have some of the money left over, you could then allocate this to some of the things you would like instead.
Choose wisely about the materials you are going to use
The materials you use are going to be key in the long run. Yes, they may be a little bit more expensive, but you don’t want to have to replace them regularly as this will mean overtime you are spending more money than you need to. By choosing quality materials to begin with you will know that the new fencing you are putting up or decking you are laying is going to last well and be worth the money you have paid for it.
Reuse and recycle
Often, many of the materials or older items that were in your garden will be able to be reused. If required, you can take up the paving slabs you had down but it doesn’t mean that you don’t have to use them anymore. You will be able to repurpose them for something whether that be steppingstones, creating a feature or just giving them a wash and them laying them back down again… think about how you can reuse them.
There are so many different ways that you can create your perfect garden but on a budget. You’ve got this! If you are undertaking a full house renovation or are looking for a trusted and reliable building company, call us on 01748 529700. We offer a range of services such as conversions, kitchen refurbishments, extensions and much more.
Bathroom Renovations Richmond – The Most Common Mistakes That Happen During A Refurbishment
Here at Arcadia Builders our experienced team provide specialist services such as bathroom renovations in Richmond and across the North East. When you are working with a room that has many different pipes such as a bathroom, it can be quite the challenge to refurbish it but often the outcome can be pretty special, and you are left with an amazing bathroom that you are very proud of. It’s common that when people begin bathroom renovations that they all encounter similar issues. In this blog we are going to explore and explain these mistakes so that you can avoid them.
Planning enough room for storage
Storage is vital in any property and the majority of rooms. People quite often think, do I really need storage in the bathroom? Well, our answer is yes! There are your cleaning products which you can store away, toiletries and spare products too. It’s better to have too much storage rather than not enough. Plus, with the right creative ideas, you will be able to create storage for other items such as towel racks.
Creating a budget
You won’t have a bathroom you love without a budget, and this is one of the most common mistakes. People don’t allow for their bathroom renovation within their budget and then feel disappointed that it could not be completed to a standard as high as the rest of the property. You need to know what you will be replacing, what you need to purchase and any other items you would like to add such as mirrors etc. Don’t forget about your subcontractors either. They will play a huge part in completing your bathroom and having it finished to a high standard.
Plus, you need to prepare for the worst-case scenario. It’s likely that it won’t happen but on the chance that it does you need to be ready for replacing a pipe you didn’t think was going to be a problem or purchasing an extra few tiles as they smashed. Be prepared for all eventualities.
Repair or replace?
Which would you rather do? In some circumstances replacing an item completely will be cheaper that repairing it so always have that thought in mind. On the other hand, if it’s not completely broken and can be easily fixed, what’s stopping you! If it’s going to save you money by not having to replace the sink for example, keep the original one in place. You can do other things to modernise it such add new taps and colours around the bathroom.
As trusted builders, we can help you to create the perfect home, from concept to completion. We specialise in kitchens, new builds, extensions, garden rooms, conversions and bathroom renovations in Richmond and across the North East. To speak to our team, call 01748 5299700 and we can help your dream come true and create the perfect property for you.
Builders Northallerton – Creating a Building That is Perfect For You
Here at Arcadia Builders we are professional builders in Northallerton, providing our services across the North East. Many people take great pride in their home and the overall aesthetic of it from the roof to the floor! Over the years our talented team have created the most stunning new build homes, built extensions and converted barns that are perfect for each homeowner.
Sometimes we have very specific requests from our customer or the local authority. A project we completed in Aysgarth, required that we built something that blended in with the countryside. The building was built using a range of natural materials such as drystone walling, cedar cladding and a grass roof. The final result was truly amazing. Check it out here!
The Kitchen
A space for entertaining… if you have an awkwardly shaped kitchen it can be difficult to maximise space and get the most out of it. We understand the frustration that many homeowners have and are more than happy to help you find a solution that will allow you to enjoy your kitchen. If you are looking for a modern blend or something contemporary, we’ll create a kitchen that fits with your overall aesthetic and that meets your requirements. You can view our latest kitchen project here.
Renovations
Transform the overall appearance of your home with Arcadia Builders! We understand that some jobs require attention to detail which is exactly what our team can deliver to you. We have contacts with local architects and can work alongside them to transform your vision into a reality with a striking result. Architects can assist with planning permission, building regulations and much more.
From concept to completion, our team will work with you from start to finish on the build. We’ve created some stunning buildings including South Dene, Cowton Moor and Stow House.
Each project was very different but finished to an impeccable standard and our customers were over the moon with the results!
We can help you renovate, extend, create a garden room and much more. Our team are professional builders in Northallerton and are the experts you need when it comes to building and making your dream become a reality. Call us on 01748 529700 or visit: www.arcadiabuilders.co.uk.
Builders Darlington – New Building Regulations That Will Take Effect in June 2022
As professional Builders in Darlington and across the North East, we need to keep up to date with the latest building regulations. From 2022 new homes will need to produce less carbon emissions, around 30% less to what they are currently producing. This is part of an update to the new Building Regulations. These significant changes have been put in place to uplift all existing energy efficiency standards. These Building Regulations are five new approved documents including uplifts to Part L, fuel and power, and Part F, ventilation which will both take effect from 15th June 2022. Are you prepared for the changes? They will have the biggest impact on new and existing homes.
What Has Been Announced?
There has been a direct £6.6 billon investment for improving energy efficiency of buildings and the changes will impact both new and existing homes across the UK. The changes for new homes…
- 30% cut on emissions from new homes as well as a 27% for any new commercial premises such as offices and shops
- There has been a new building regulation and the new approved Document O has been set to mitigate the risk of overheating any homes
- New homes will pick up the Fabric Energy Efficiency Standards and measure energy efficiency
- There will be a maximum flow temperature requirement of 55% for new and replacement heating systems (as stated in Part L)
- There is a new appendix in Part L which outlines a good practice specification for any home built with a heat pump
For existing homes…
- Extensions to Part L & Part F of the new Building Regulations have set new minimum standards for fabric efficiency
- There will be a new requirement for all new replacement heating system designs that will accept low carbon heating
The transition period will begin in June 2022 and the new rules and regulations will come into effect. It is starting at the later date to allow for any planning applications that are currently underway.
Our expert team of builders in Darlington can help you to improve your home with a new kitchen, extension, renovation, conversion or even build you a BRAND NEW house! Contact us today on 01748 529700 or email enquiries@arcadiabuilders.co.uk.
Kitchens North East – Keeping It Organised At Christmas Time
We are experienced in installing new kitchens across the North East and typically at Christmas there are more people at home which means more food is in the house. Plus, with it being Christmas time you would expect the cupboards to be full of goodies, presents under the tree and everyone in the festive spirit. During this holiday season, make sure that you stay organised and everything runs like clockwork. In this blog we are going to provide you with our tips on keeping your kitchen organised.
Organise Your Fridge
You need to have plenty of spaced in your fridge. This is a bit of a given but you will need to fit your turkey in, all the vegetable and pudding and that’s only for Christmas Day. You’ll have the run up and aftermath to prepare for too. Make sure that packets and boxes are piled high, ensuring nothing is squished, so that you can allow more space. Any bottles you have whether it be milk, orange juice, bucks fizz or any other liquids are stood in the door as this will free more shelf space.
Extra Cupboard Storage
When you have a clutter free kitchen, or at least counter space, you usually have an ample amount of storage solutions where you can put extra pans that would often be on show. By being able to move items that would normally be on show into extra cupboards it will allow the room to be functional and looking festive for Christmas. Plus, with extra space you and can enjoy decorating!
Make Your Seating Area Relaxed and Easy
If you’re lucky enough to have an open plan kitchen/ diner/ living space, entertaining will be easy. But if each room is completely separate having the right seating arrangement will help your guests to relax and not be on their own for too long. Seat guests around your kitchen island or all in one area of the room you are in so they feel included and on hand if you need them for anything at all.
Maybe this Christmas you’d like to treat yourself to a new kitchen or at least get a quote. The team at Arcadia offer a number of services including Garden Rooms, Conversions and new Kitchens across the North East. Call us on 01748 529700 for more information or contact us here.
Are you prepared for the winter weather and storms we could face?
As we approach winter, ever year there is the possibility of snowstorms and in general bad weather storms. Recently many parts of the UK have faced Storm Arwen where it has been devastating to many, leaving some with no power and some with snow outside their door. Usually we would expect snow at this time of year but for many it has caused real problems. We know that you can’t really prepare completely for the bad weather as we never know what is around the corner. Up until now we have had a mild autumn and start to the winter months. Take this time to learn about the ways you can prepare your home for winter and what may be to come.
Prepare your pipes
In the winter months you need hot water and heating to keep you and your family warm so making sure that your pipes are working is essential. Heating your pipes to keep your water flowing will mean that even when the snowstorms hit, you can keep your home warm and your family cosy while the British weather does its own thing, and we all know it has a mind of its own. To help reduce the chance of your pipes freezing keep using water throughout the winter to keep things moving.
Keep the ice away
As soon as the snow hits and starts to gather, get the shovel out and clear the path. This will remove all snow from the walking area and the ice that lies underneath. Keeping the ice off the driveway or pathway will keep your family safe and anyone who may visit or need to use your access.
Keep the drains clear
When there is a lot of snow on the roads and it begins to melt there is going to be an increased amount of water going down your drains. If there are still leaves laying around and other debris make sure that this has all been removed so that snow and ice can go straight down the drains without causing any problems.
If there is a storm forecast be mindful and think ahead. The team at Arcadia Builders offer a range of building services, from concept to completion. Kitchens, renovations, new builds and more. Call our team on 01748529700.