Garden rooms, family rooms and extensions from Kent Building Developements

Shooting Box Cottage

Most of the renovation projects Kent Building Developments takes on are for existing stone or brick constructed buildings. Occasionally something a little more unusual comes along. So it was with the Shooting Box Cottage which was built at the turn of the 19th century. This distinctive wooden building with ship lap cladding to its walls and gables was in a sorry state.

The decision taken was sadly to demolish and rebuild. The challenge with Shooting Box Cottage was to rebuild this charming estate cottage to comply with both modern building regulations and to comply with conservation regulations. Saving the original Victorian fire place and chimney’s was a priority.

Today Shooting Box Cottage sits proudly alongside the Shooting box. The cottage is a sturdy brick built structure but you would never know. Wooden cladding has brought this distinctive cottage back to life. Replaced decorative timber tracery to the gables and a newly commissioned roof with decorative finials, with the replacement of the original chimneys mean the cottage has retained its Victorian appearance.

Finally the original Victorian fireplace was restored and a stunning new balcony to the rear of the building completes the picture.

Kent Building Developments is often involved in larger renovation projects. We do also get involved in  smaller projects, such as sun room and garden room extensions. We work closely with all our customers to ensure that deadlines are met and that expected standards are maintained.

Look after your listed property

With any house or property it is always advisable to check the property on a regular basis. Many people simply respond to property damage and repairs when it has often gone beyond a simple problem. Doing this often deals with relatively minor problems before they become greater and more expensive. This is even more important with listed buildings.

Something as simple as checking the guttering when it rains can prevent more serious problems. Spotting a leaky guttering can be fairly easily and cheaply repaired, leave it and you risk damage to internal plaster and roof timbers. Checking for damp patches can also show up underlying problems that if left can lead to potential serious repairs.


Check for crumbling brick or stone work, simple repairs can often put these problems right while leaving them can lead to more significant damage such as to chimney stacks.

One of the most common causes of damage to properties in the UK by fire is the result of electrical faults. This is often a problem with older and listed buildings so it is essential to make sure your electrics are safe. Checks by NICEIC registered electricians will show up any problems before they lead to more serious damage.

For any property it makes sense to check before serious problems arise, for a listed property it is even more important as owners have a greater responsibility to rebuild on a like for like basis. 

Finally don't forget to check your buildings insurance on a regular basis to make sure you are adequately covered for any necessary repairs.

Kent Building Developments Newsletter

Diversification

Newsletter Autumn/Winter 2010

Choosing the right Builder

Choosing the right builder

Whatever building work you are considering it is likely to be one of your biggest capital expenditures. Your building project is probably a long planned for home or home improvement, so you want to make sure your dream does not turn into a nightmare. Whether it is a new build, the conversion of an existing building, an extension or swimming pool choosing the right builder is crucial. You want a builder who will do a quality job for a sensible price.

For a successfully completed project it is important to spend time in the pre building planning stages. It is crucial to find a builder with the right expertise and one who will complete your project without going over your original budget.

How do you know which builder to choose?

• Look for a building company that guarantee the work they do.
• Look for a builder who belongs to the National Federation of Builders
• Get recommendations from family, friends and neighbours
• Compare estimates and quotations from different building companies
• Ask for two or three references
• Ask if your builder is insured – and check the certificate
• Don’t pay for work in advance
• Avoid builders who are offering ‘VAT’ free deals
• Use a builder who will manage the whole project
• Ask your builder what the quotation covers and what is not covered
• Ask your builder if you will need planning permission and if this is the case how does the process work.
• Set a budget and include a contingency budget
• Check the builders’ web site look for examples of their work, customer testimonials and information about the company itself.
• Choose a builder who provides a design & build service.
• Ask to see show homes
• Ask about the expertise of joiners, bricklayers, plumbers and sub contractors.
• Your quotation –ask your builder about hidden costs, how will they be covered.

And finally ……

A good builder will have quality check processes in place for critical stages of the building process. This will make sure any problems or difficulties which arise are dealt with effectively and cost efficiently. Ultimately chose a builder who fulfils of all this criteria, a builder you feel you can trust and one you can work with.

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