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Services 

Are you thinking of renovating your property? Get in touch for all the answers and the support you need to get you there

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For flat refurbishment, as well as the design plans themselves, we must take into consideration how the common parts of the building are affected. For example, constraints and requirements for the use of stairs, stairwells or lifts; whether a licence to alter is required, and how the building management needs to be involved etc.

Usually a house refurbishment is simpler to organise in terms of access and how the neighbours are affected. The use of public space, i.e. pavements and public parking is usually less of an issue for a house renovation.

Are you refurbishing a flat or a house?

The considerations for each tend to be very different. When refurbishing a property to live in, personal taste and style are key factors in all decisions. While functionality and return on investment are still highly important, sentimental attachment to your pre-refurbished home and the process of transforming that space into something new can cause conflicting emotions. However, it is an exciting time and an opportunity to refresh your living space.Other important elements to homeowners are quality and durability of the finishes, for example,elegant windows, shutters and doors; installing entirely new features; an open plan kitchen; or higher performance systems like a boiler or solar panels. Refurbishments that require structural work and changes in the layout are also at the forefront of homeowners’ decision making.

On the other hand, a property refurbishment to rent out should be designed to appeal to a wider audience. Works tend to be less personalised in order to create a space where potential tenants can settle and make the place their own. It is also important to identify which details are a priority to potential renters. Usually in this case, the works are on a smaller scale; the finishes are chosen for their aesthetic appeal good quality, and reasonable price.

Are you refurbishing to live in or rent out the property?

Refurbishing a property before selling can be an excellent investment, especially if the work can make a tangible difference for the buyer. Large scale works that add square footage will be reflected in terms of asking price. Additionally, small things can make a difference too. As most buyers prefer properties ready to live in, you might want to consider repainting and, refreshing the bathrooms and toilets, fixing the boiler and heating in general. These are little things that can really make a big difference when selling. It is worth checking with specialist websites like Property Mark for suggestions for the most common touch-ups that help to sell property faster and at a higher price.

Do you want to upgrade before selling?

Extending a property as part of a refurbishment is often straightforward and is not as expensive as you might think. Loft conversions and rear extensions, for example, are included in our refurbishment services, and, in nearly all cases, can be carried out within Permitted Development rights. This means the process and the related paperwork are minimal and easy to facilitate. For more complex layout modifications that impact the existing structure of a building, project duration and costs will increase accordingly. For example, removing a bearing wall to create a wider living space in a kitchen adds a layer of complexity to a simple rear extension. When extending above ground is not possible, basement conversions are an option. A basement conversions and excavations is the most complex of works when adding square footage to a building, and the most expensive, but will inevitably add value.

Do you want to change the layout, add square footage, extend or convert?

Our London refurbishments projects are located in areas like Chiswick, South Kensington, Greenwich, Shoreditch and beyond.

We cover any area in Greater London and within the M25. We will also work outside this area for particularly interesting projects.

houseUP is the highest quality refurbishment company in London. We carry out renovation and refurbishment projects in all London areas, of both commercial and residential properties. Our portfolio is constantly growing, and includes flat renovations, house refurbishments, commercial property renovations and luxury property refurbishments in prime locations in London.

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houseUP is a high-quality home refurbishment company based in London. Speak to our team of experts about your project and arrange a free site visit today. 

Refurbishment Company London | houseUP

Refurbishment Company London

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A full house refurbishment in Central London is a very exciting project to plan and to execute. It is an excellent opportunity to reconfigure the layout of a house and create new spaces for a growing family. There are so many options to choose from here: increasing the square footage with a loft conversion or a rear extension, enhancing or enlarging a kitchen/living space, adding an ensuite, or even creating a terrace area with a hot tub. We relish a challenge and would love to help you with all your design plans and more, including planning permissions, party wall agreements and all the other associated administrative paperwork you will need.

FULL HOUSE REFURBISHMENT

In the case of flat refurbishments, we are experienced in ensuring smooth relations neighbours, resident’s’ associations, management companies, the freeholder and everything else that can make flat refurbishment a little complicated and stressful to manage.

FLAT REFURBISHMENT

If you are planning to refurbish your house, we will provide you with all the options to increase the value of your property and plan the works accordingly. We will advise on which elements you should refurbish and what you should change or upgrade. We will also support you in all areas of planning from the council’s paperwork to the best time of the year to carry out the work, and if and when to perform the works if more than one phase is necessary.

HOUSE REFURBISHMENT

When you refurbish a property to rent it out, you want to make the best choices to maximise the return on your investment. Choosing the right type of refurbishment, together with materials and finishes, will boost your chances of finding tenants quickly and for a higher rent.

REFURBISH FOR RENTAL

If you are looking for exquisite finishes, rare and eye-catching materials, and exclusive design pieces for your property refurbishment, it is important to choose handlers and installers that will cherish and protect them as much as you do throughout your refurbishment. You can trust houseUP with this.

LUXURY REFURBISHMENT

There are some additional complications to take into account when refurbishing a house or a flat in London. In comparison to the rest of the UK, construction projects in London are more expensive. Not only is the property market more demanding and the selling prices higher, there are myriad constraints, regulations, permissions and restrictions in general.

Some details you will need to consider when planning for a refurbishment in London are for example:

- Parking: the cost of space for skips, toilets, vans, and heavy delivery vehicles can be very high, becoming higher the closer to the city centre, and in areas with heavy traffic.
- Access: having enough space for machines, materials, and workers is not always a given, especially in areas that are densely built.
- Occupation of public soil: often it is necessary to request permission to occupy the pavement or other public areas, for example for scaffoldings, site offices or skips. This can impact the cost of the project, especially if the duration is several months.
- Congestion charge-: if a property is located inside the congestion charge zone, all the vehicles that need to access the site, including all the tradespeople's vehicles, will be subject to pay the fee. Especially for long projects, this can make a big dent in the project budget.

However, a good contractor with experience will always help you identify these pricing points and plan the financials of your refurbishment project accordingly.

REFURBISHING A PROPERTY IN LONDON

TYPES OF REFURBISHMENT

Every good building company will tell you that it is not possible to estimate the cost of refurbishment for a flat or a house before all the details have been defined. But we understand that it is important to have a reference figure before embarking in the process for budgeting purposes.

We suggest a conservative estimate of £1,750 per square metre as the absolute minimum, and an average of between £2,000 and £3,500 per square metre.

However, it’s important to keep in mind that there are details that can impact the cost significantly, the most costly being basement excavations or extensions of existing lower ground spaces; inclusion of very large or high spec glazing; very high energy performance materials.

Additionally, some finishes can increase costs significantly, like paint, tiles or flooring, especially if the surfaces are very large,.

In general, kitchens can be installed from as low as a few thousand pounds to hundreds of thousands, too.

How much will my refurbishment cost?

As per the duration of a project, it cannot be estimated without the full details. If you want to plan ahead, for alternative accommodation for example, we recommend at least:

For smaller flat refurbishment, approximately 4 to 6 months. For house refurbishment, approximately 6 – 8 months These estimations relate to straightforward refurbishments like loft conversions or rear and side extensions. More complex work like basement excavations can only be estimated with more details, especially if access to the property is a consideration. 
Composition of the soil etc are also important factors.

How long will my refurbishment take?

We always recommend that you arrange for alternative accommodation during the project.

Some of our clients choose to live at the property during the work, and, of course, we make that possible. However, please be advised that this arrangement comes with a significant increases in stress, cost and duration of the project.

Can I live at the property during the refurbishment?

Yes we can. We partner with the best London architects to create designs that suit you and your needs. We will match you with architects who have specific experience in your area, share your vision and style for your refurbishment project.

Doing the design and build with us gives you a view and control of the projected costs of your refurbishment from the very first day. You will be able to make well-informed choices for your design while understanding the cost implications and opting for the best solution for your investment.

Check out our Design & Build page for more information.

I want to do everything with one company, can you do design and refurbishment for me?

We certainly can! We work with the best architects in London through a tender process, for clients that choose to have the designs for their refurbishment made by an independent architect.

We can provide quotes in our own very detailed format or in your architect’s preferred format.

I have all the drawings ready with my architect, can you do the building works for me?

You won’t need planning permission for most refurbishment projects. If you are not changing the external appearance of your flat or your house, you won’t need planning permission. In many cases, you can make a loft conversion or a rear/side extension within permitted development rights. You can find all the details on which type of extensions are allowed under permitted development here.

However, if  you are planning to refurbish a listed building, you may need permission. 

Do I need planning permission for my refurbishment?

Typically excavation to extend or create a basement under an existing property is one of the most expensive types of work in construction. The cost of finishes is another big factor in the final cost of a flat or house refurbishment.

What works make the biggest difference in the final cost of my refurbishment project?

When you buy a new property, it is very likely that you’ll plan for a refurbishment. You can find some very good deals on the market, where you can buy a property for a good price when it needs some work done.

By offering an estimation on work to be done, we can help you make the right decision and offer the right price for the potential property.

I am buying a property, can you help me estimate how much the refurbishment would cost?

Contact us for a chat about your heritage project, and find the best way to preserve the special character of your property

Get in touch for your conservation project

Conservation Architecture specialises in designs for heritage buildings and areas that have historic value for the local communities. 

Conservation areas are areas of special architecture and character interest. Listed buildings  are individual buildings particularly designated for their historic value to the local community. 

What is Conservation Architecture?

houseUP works with Conservation Architecture firms that specialise in designing in line with the strict rules that apply to heritage and listed buildings; our focus is on keeping features and creating new ones that respect and enhance the value and the meaning of the building for the local community.

In Greater London there are more than 1000 conservation areas, with several boroughs where almost all streets and buildings are listed or located inside a conservation area.

Our partner architects focus on conservation and sustainability with a modern approach. We highlight distinctive features and add architectural value to the building with modern details derived from the original and interpreted for the future generations.

A house renovation is a great investment for your London home. Renovating your property creates the feeling of living in a new home on a far lower budget, and without all the known hassle associated with moving.

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houseUP provides specialist conservation architecture solutions. Unique heritage projects require quality repairs and restorations. Learn more at houseUP.

Conservation Architects in London | houseUP

Conservation Architects and Builders in London

We always appoint partner architects with experience of conservation projects in the same area or in the same council. Our architects have a vast range of experience with conservation architecture in London.

ASSIGN THE RIGHT TEAM

In preparation for the design, it’s important to know everything about the conservation area and the local character. Understanding the materials used locally, the surrounding properties and the history of the area help create a proposal that preserves and enhances the local character.

SITE ASSESSMENT AND RESEARCH

Creating drawings for a heritage building requires the perfect mix between the client’s needs and the local authorities’ requirements. With the conservation area appraisal in mind and with feedback from the planning officer and the local community, we create a design respectful of the local history and character and is in line with the local vernacular.

DESIGN

Our conservation architect teams create and submit the planning package, including all plans and elevations, the mandatory design and access statement, heritage report, listed building consent and all other relevant documentation. Often we approach the local authorities through the pre-planning process, where we can have feedback from the planning officers before filing the full application. This increases the success rate of the planning process

PLANNING

The planning process for buildings in conservation areas and listed buildings is not radically different from a standard planning process.

Usually the planning officers get much more involved in the process and full engagement with the officer is key to a successful application. Our partner conservation architects use their in-depth knowledge of the characteristics of London architecture to ensure great communication with planning officers throughout the process.

When proposing new features and modern additions, the design and access statement becomes a great opportunity to explain the reasons behind the design and the choice of shapes, materials and features.

A great example is the fully glazed rear extension in this end of terrace house in Greenwich.

Planning Applications

Conservation and Heritage Design Services

If custom made furniture is part of your property renovation project, if you are looking for some bespoke furniture, or if you are just exploring how made-to-measure furniture could enhance your home, we would love to be part of your journey. For inspiration or and advice at any stage, we’d love to hear from you.

Get in touch

Bespoke furniture is any piece of made-to-measure cabinetry,  for example; wardrobes, shelves and cupboards.

Handmade furniture is often the best option for optimising storage space. In our workshop we create bespoke wardrobes, cupboards and cabinets, shelves, media walls and other more individual items of furniture that adapt to the existing space.

Odd corners are a typical example of under-utilised space, also where ceiling height varies. These are common challenges that we enjoy tackling.

What is bespoke furniture?

For people who want to make their home a truly unique living space, a bespoke kitchen can be a stunning feature. With an endless choice of special materials, shapes, finishes and; colours, our designers will help you navigate all the options.

From hinges to handles, from the shape of the sink to the position of the breakfast space, a custom made kitchen is the most flexible option for results that perfectly fit your living requirements.


At houseUP we make London homes unique with our bespoke joinery crafted; with the perfect combination of style, materials and designs.



Bespoke and handmade furniture are truly expressions of the character of a home and its owners.Our made-to-measure furniture is both functional and beautiful and can usefully maximise every corner.

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Bespoke furniture handmade by expert joiners and carpenters in London. We lovingly craft furniture to bring your ideas to life. Find out more today at houseUP

Bespoke Furniture Makers London | houseUP

Bespoke Furniture Maker London

Bespoke fitted furniture is the ideal approach to making the best use of every corner of your home. New pieces that are functional can also contribute to creating, or maintaining, your interior design aesthetic.

For example, with handmade and made-to-measure furniture, you could even replicate a staircase in a period building if the original cannot be restored to satisfaction. This way you have a brand new, durable staircase while honouring the character of the house.

For odd corners and spaces that are difficult to keep organised, you could install made-to-measure cabinets that fit perfectly in the recess. Internally they can be fitted with shelves, drawers, hanging rails, while the external panel can be designed and fitted to any style.


BESPOKE FITTED FURNITURE

Bespoke joinery solutions allow you to use all the space in a bedroom, while adding the preferred look to the room.

Everything is made to measure, and the internal fittings are designed to your specifications. You can have wardrobes using the full height of the room, and create storage solutions inside so that even the tallest slot is easy to reach.

With the choice of finishing, you can personalise each bedroom. The doors can be classic and symmetrical in light colours, or you can choose doors and mechanisms to create a more abstract style.


BESPOKE BEDROOM FURNITURE

houseUP wardrobe makers use different materials and can bring any furniture design to life. Wardrobes can take all shapes and forms, and can express a wide range of textures, materials and, colours. A wardrobe design that is open and without doors, is even more eye-catching and brings beauty and functionality together.

Mixing different metals and wood grains, gives shape to contemporary wardrobes, and an industrial look. However, simple smooth sections and a white finish can be perfect for big spaces in period buildings.

For a bespoke joinery project in Knightsbridge, our client chose a classic wood finish, made contemporary with the pairing of modern LED lighting and metal details.


BESPOKE WARDROBES

In London open plan kitchens are often the layout of choice, and a bespoke handmade kitchen is a common request for kitchen renovations. An open plan kitchen is a welcoming space to spend your day. A lot of time is spent in the kitchen, especially now more of us are working from home during the day.

With no limit to what skilled furniture makers can create, you have the choice of a contemporary or classic style kitchen, innovative materials or traditional wood finishes, and a wide choice of colours and textures that will make your bespoke kitchen a reflection of your style, taste and personality.


BESPOKE FITTED KITCHEN

At houseUP we work with our clients starting from any stage.

You can consult with us when you are exploring ideas and considering all the options.

We can also refer clients to our trusted partners if required.


CONSULTATION

If you don’t have a bespoke furniture design already, allow us to inspire you by referring you to the best designers in our network. According to budget and schedule, we will introduce you to your perfect fit.

We work with specialists, like kitchen or period property designers, and also designers who, can complete designs for a whole house.
We always include at least two design revisions in our standard process.

We will give you all the options for materials and the finishes, so that you might choose the right weight, texture and durability of every piece.

MATERIALS

Our workshop in North London is constantly in motion, creating all the minute details that make your furniture unique. We regularly upgrade and expand our machinery, with joiner teams that include three generations of bespoke furniture makers.

All the furniture that comes out of our workshop is handmade, and every set we build is unique.


PRODUCTION

We usually quote against final drawings, especially if done by external designers.
If you choose to design with us, the design cost will be included in our pricing. We will take a deposit when you place your final production order.



PRICING

Our team will make a site visit prior to the start of installation. This is a final opportunity to ask any last minute questions and to ensure a smooth installation. Although a little disruption can be expected, especially on larger projects, we endeavour to do all we can to work around you and your family’s needs. 

Finally, our very own expert installers will carry out the installation of the furniture. As well as cabinetry, we will install full kitchens, windows and shutters.

INSTALLATION

If you are planning an overall renovation of your property, we would love to be your contractor. We specialise in high end residential refurbishments in London and we can help you transform your home into the beautiful and unique living space you desire.

OTHER SERVICES

At houseUP we care greatly about the environmental challenges of our work, especially our bigger renovation and refurbishment projects.

Whenever possible, we will give new life to reclaimed and up-cycled objects and materials. When working with new timber, we select the most reliable sources.

Most of all, we believe in sustainability and fair trade. It is important to us that  all local people involved in the production process can support themselves and their families for a fair profit. That is why we choose local producers when possible and select small businesses that are environmentally conscious.

With our digital vocation, we believe in using AI, Automation and APIs to support our sustainability journey. houseUP has been carbon neutral since October 2020, in partnership with Equilibrium.

Environmental challenges

Bespoke Furniture Makers in London

What is our process for building your bespoke furniture?

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BESPOKE STAIRCASE IN SOFTWOOD RETAINING THE ORIGINAL HANDRAIL, FULLY RESTORED AND TREATED WITH DANISH OIL 

INDUSTRIAL DESIGN OPEN SHELVING IN LUXURY CONTEMPORARY PENTHOUSE 

SOLID WOOD AND TUBULAR METAL DETAILS FOR THE SHELVING AND THE DRAWER HANDLES GIVE A VINTAGE INDUSTRIAL FEEL TO THIS CONTEMPORARY BESPOKE WALK-IN WARDROBE

Looking for the best building contractors in London? You found us! Get in touch to share your requirements and get all the answers you need

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houseUP’s services as a building contractor in London include new builds of all sizes: from family houses to developments with multiple residential units, from blocks of flats to mixed use developments. We deliver using traditional construction techniques and advanced innovative solutions, for example, off site construction of one or multiple modules.

Off-site construction is a good option for:
- quicker construction time
- lower impact on the neighbourhood (noise, access etc.)
- lower cost, especially for multiple units built using the same modules
- lower environmental impact in terms of materials reduced on site disturbance

Traditional methods are more feasible for:
- one-unit projects for single houses
- specific designs, like concrete or steel and glass structures
- sites where access is difficult for big lorries or cranes

NEW BUILDS

houseUP and its teams have vast experience in conversions of buildings into residential and mixed purpose developments in London.

Our construction managers have:
- extensive knowledge of fire, acoustic and thermal insulation applications for the specific use of new units.
- specific experience in ventilation and air conditioning requirements  for developments, including restaurants and commercial kitchens.
- access to material and finish suppliers, with exclusive discounts for bigger development projects.

Besides the construction itself, houseUP will manage all the associated issues that accompany bigger development projects in London, such as:
- risk assessments, planning and planning permission, schedule of works, method statements and any other requisite documentation for the project
- acting as liaison between the local authority, and residents’ committees to manage parking, working hours, occupation areas etc.
- Health & Safety and Construction Design Management (CDM)

MULTI UNIT CONVERSIONS

houseUP provides building contractor services for all types of basement construction in London.

Our internal teams and external contractors have experience and competence in the conversion of existing basement spaces to different uses, for example, cellars into living spaces.

We also perform basement excavations from scratch under existing buildings.

For more information view our basement conversions page.

BASEMENT CONVERSIONS

Loft conversions in London are amongst the most popular house improvements projects.

As a building contractor, houseUP will manage all planning and construction, including feasibility study. This is  based on the structure of the existing building’s legal and regulatory requirements, which include: a party wall agreement, permitted development rights  and planning processes, and standard building regulations.

Needless to say, structural, architectural and interior design support will be provided throughout the project. 

For more information visit our loft conversions page.

LOFT CONVERSIONS

houseUP building contractors offer unique solutions for house extensions of all types  in London.

We have a wealth of experience in rear, side, and  wrap around extensions on one or two storeys. As well as detached houses, We also manage house extensions for terraced, end of terrace, and semi-detached houses.

You can find more information on our house extensions in London on our house extension page.

HOUSE EXTENSIONS

Our renovation projects aim to improve the homeowner’s lived-in experience and increase the overall performance of a home, its efficiency, and its market value. 

As houseUP clients, you will also have access to exclusive Italian manufacturers of kitchens and porcelain tiles making your home an aesthetically enviable one.

To read more about our house renovations in London visit our page on house renovations.

HOUSE RENOVATIONS

Our in-house team of structural engineers, construction managers and designers, specialise in:
- alterations on historical buildings that require deep structural impact.
- extensions and conversions targeted to maximise the value of a property.
- finishes of the highest quality at the best and cost.

We are forward-thinking in our approach to use  construction technology and make use of the following: for an innovative approach to construction, using:
- digital tools applied to traditional construction
- a combination of on site and off site construction, based on the requirements and constraints of each project
- sustainable materials and advanced solutions for high energy efficiency and low running and maintenance costs

We cover all areas of London, including:
- North West London
- Chiswick
- Hampstead

At houseUP we are passionate and dedicated building contractors who deliver the highest quality construction services in London. We cover all areas of London, including North West London,  Chiswick and Hampstead.

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houseUP are a professional building contractors in London. Offering a wide range of quality building solutions. Ask about a free site visit today, at houseUP

Building Contractors London | High End Residential | houseUP

Building Contractors in London

We assign one of our in-house structural engineers to each project. This allows us to ensure higher standards in the construction, and pay a particular attention to the structural work.This means we can dynamically prevent, detect and sort out any structural issues as they come up. With our structural onsite optimisation, the findings after the strip out or during the construction won’t cause delays or additional costs to our clients.

STRUCTURAL WORK

As professional building contractors, houseUP is covered by all the professional insurances needed to carry out all types of construction projects, including professional indemnity insurance for structural optimisation.

PROFESSIONAL INDEMNITY AND OTHER INSURANCES

houseUP takes care of all the building regulations and other legal requirements for construction works, including, for example, health and safety documentation and compliance, planning conditions, party wall agreements etc.

BUILDING REGULATIONS AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS 

All our in-house project managers are university educated in engineering or architecture and have specific experience working in the UK. Working on building sites since the very start of their careers, they joined houseUP for our innovative and modern approach to construction.

PROJECT MANAGEMENT

Finishing is the most visible aspect of a house renovation and makes the greatest impact on the overall satisfaction of clients after a challenging refurbishment project. At houseUP we take pride in our special attention to finishing details, both in choosing materials and in installation. We provide high quality finishing and materials at extremely competitive prices. Thanks to our direct access to leading Italian manufacturers of porcelain tiles and kitchens, we are privileged to higher spec finishes for the budget, or reduced rates for the finishes within the specs.

FINISHING AND MATERIALS

As building contractors, we are constantly researching and keeping up to date with the latest construction technology. Attention to our environmental impact, materials life cycle, and energy efficiency are the focus of our innovation roadmap.

We are known for our structurally challenging projects and we partner with off-site construction companies and specialist architects and designers, to ensure we build with minimal impact on the environment globally and locally.

Off-site construction can often allow lower budgets and more flexible design and planning options.

CONSTRUCTION INNOVATION

We use digital project management tools in our day-to-day activity, which maintains direct and efficient communication between all the parties involved in our projects. For each project we create a dedicated instance on our houseUP communication platform, to share files, pictures, comments and to exchange immediate feedback on anything regarding the project. The platform allows for a sleek and transparent decision processes and tracking of all the conversations in one place.

DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY

QUOTATIONS YOU CAN TRUST

houseUP estimates the costing of your project using a scientific approach. You will: 
- get an estimation generated with specialised software and professional supervision.
- receive a comprehensive quotation that breaks down every single cost detail.
- be informed of what is and isn’t included in your quote.
- be able to monitor and review the cost of materials and finishes.
- benefit from our full no-surprise guarantee on the final cost.
- Learn 8 interesting facts a good construction estimate takes into account from our Infographic.

Quotations

WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN WORKING WITH HOUSEUP

Our specialist team will answer all your questions and support you in your design a build project, from start to finish

Contact Us About Your Design And Build Project

- Meet in person to better understand what you want to achieve.
- View the property to place the vision within the environment and identify any potential obstacles.
- Discuss in person your taste and needs :so we can identify your priorities and objectives, highlight challenges, and anticipate issues or blockers.
- Capture the unsaid by collecting details, expressions, and moods for a unique design that reflects you and your lifestyle.

A site visit is one of the most important aspects for a successful project. A conversation in person is the translation of your vision into the technical format which brings the project to life. A face-to-face discussion helps us to better understand your vision, priorities and expectations.


1. FREE SITE VISIT

(design and build package only)

- Translate the vision into something tangible by transferring to paper the ideas you have shared.
- Define the constraints through: creating a concrete design for you to evaluate.
- Help you to understand the options available to you and discuss the impact of different choices.
- Connect the budget and design by creating a planning permission package that aligns with your budget.

Designs centred around light, lifestyle, taste and comfort yield the most rewarding results. Our aim is to establish and maintain an open communication channel in order to keep aligned your vision and our understanding. We want to make sure that your priorities are taken care of. We hope that you will trust in our expertise and heed suggestions that we know will improve the design and perhaps even be more cost effective.

2. VISION BRIEF AND BUDGETING

(design and build package only)

- Liaise with the council authorities and manage all meetings, meet requirements and provide feedback to all parties.
- Prepare drawings and plans, complete and submit all planning documents to the council.
- File the approval application and submit the package for the council’s decision.
- Produce a pre-build package which includes building regulations and specifications, party wall agreements, leasehold management and more.

Managing a planning permission application is a careful balance between realising your desires, maximising the potential of your property and managing the planning authority requirements. It’s very often a matter of details, studying the history of past decisions, appointing the right consultants and communicating effectively with the planning authorities. We aim to be granted approval as quickly as possible, by avoiding filing a proposal that is too conservative and unrealistic.

3. DESIGN AND PLANNING

- Define the construction costs and evaluate the basic construction work.
- Estimate the options and optimise the choice of finishes and suppliers for the best result.
- Communicate the quote clearly regarding what is included and what is not and what the impact of that might have.
- Explain the process and the project program, define the communication channels, and agree on the decision flow.

Investing your money in renovating your property can be a big decision. That is why understanding the quotation is so important. Ultimately, you want the price to be reasonable and reflect quality. houseUP will never quote unrealistically high or low prices, we will be transparent in any unavoidable additions, and we will always complete the project.

4. FREE CONSTRUCTION ESTIMATION

- Define a clear program in order to control the progress of the build and prevent issues.
- Schedule the work appropriately and use experienced and trustworthy teams, and codes of best practice on site throughout.
- Report and share information, give regular feedback and respond promptly to questions and requests.
- Set up communication channels: dashboard, live chat, photo and video sharing using the latest tech solutions.
- Making timely decisions and: follow a clear process for requests, approvals, and last minute-changes.

Building works can cause some disruption in your daily routine so we might suggest vacating your property for a period, or the duration, of the project.

Information sharing and effective communication are as important to us as the execution of the works. That is why you will be appointed an English-speaking construction managers to your project and have access to our dedicated communication channels to avoid long and confusing email threads.

5. BUILD

- Finalise all the construction works for you to move in.
- Compile a snagging list to check over all the small details.
- Complete the snagging and sign off the project.

The very last few days of your project can feel the hardest sometimes. The wait for all the finer details to be retouched and taken care of can be excruciating. But it will feel worth the wait when at the handover your new, beautiful, comfortable living space is revealed in all its finished glory.

6. COMPLETION AND HANDOVER

Design and Build is a great option if you want to take full control of your project, from the very start. houseUP’s approach is unique compared to any other design and build company in London:

- Your client-centred design and plan will come from skilled architects’ studios in London at a competitive price.
- Your integrated structural design will be optimised with architectural drawings in progress.
- You will receive early construction expertise to ensure your budget is directed towards your own wants and needs.
- You will be offered the best options for construction and finishes.
- You will receive accurate cost estimations with a transparent breakdown.

How does the Design and Build process work at houseUP? Understanding the Design and Build process.

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houseUP are a highly experienced design and build company in London. Bringing property ideas to life. Get quality results that are cost-efficient. Learn more.

Design and Build Company in London | houseUP

Design and Build Company London

- An assigned professional architect to translate your dream into real design drawings.
- Expertise that will maximise of your property’s potential.
- Planning permission sorted.
- Building regulations approved and the work started in a timely manner.
- (in-house) Our in-house engineers’ skill applied to the structural design of the project or optimisation of your own design.

DESIGN (OPTIONAL)

- Specialist building contractor teams for your project.
- A structural expert on-site to double-check conditions and construction to ensure safety and compliance.
- The best tradespeople from electricians and plumbers to carpenters, decorators and more.
- Access to exclusive kitchens and porcelain tiles directly from Italy at discounted prices.

BUILD

- An English-speaking project manager dedicated to your project.
- Efficient time management relating to orders, personnel on site, building regulationss visits and other arrangements and appointments.
- Prompt and professional handling of Health and Safety, party wall procedures, council authorities,and sensitive approach to neighbours.
- A clear decision-making process that maintains the running of the site.

- Control of the houseUP dashboard, to monitor progress, budget consumption, see real-time photos and videos, and make comments.
- Access to a dedicated channel on the houseUP chat platform, for fast trackable decision-making and issue management.
- A centralised, written record of all the conversations, questions, issues, and decisions that eliminates lengthy email thread discussions.

DIGITAL PLATFORM

If you have architectural and structural designs ready, houseUP offers a unique Build solution, which takes your plans through to completion. You will still benefit from:

- Professional project management and structural engineering expertise, dedicated to your project.
- Accurate and detailed cost estimation.
- Exclusive access to Italian finishes directly from manufacturers for all price ranges.
- Real time monitoring of progress and budget consumption through our digital platform.

WHAT IF YOU HAVE YOUR DESIGNS ALREADY?

If you are considering a basement conversion in your property we can answer all your questions, including feasibility, planning permission, technical aspects and estimate costs

Get in touch with our basement specialist team

- Meet in person to discuss what you want and the challenges we might be facing.
- View the property to place the vision within the physical constraints of your house.
- Collect details and impressions and explore the neighbourhood so that we can understand the context of your home.
- Discuss your ideas to better identify challenges, anticipate problems, and foresee potential obstacles.

When creating or converting a basement under an existing building, and even creating a basement for a new build, it is important to understand the physical constraints. A lot of crucial information can be gained from the council planning authority, but a site visit always reveals more than any document can do.

Many elements can affect the feasibility of a basement, including party walls, layout, nature of the soil, and underground structures like road tunnels or Tube networks. Also a visit to the neighbourhood will give us an idea of whether there are similar developments in the area, which would mean it’s more likely to get planning permission. If you are converting an existing cellar for example, it is possible your basement conversion will fall under permitted development work and you won’t need to apply for planning permission.

- Evaluate all the physical factors that will affect the conversion of your basement. We take into account the load of the building above, the nature of the soil, the water table level, the underlying existing structures like services, tunnels, Tube lines etc.
- Determine the formal process, which means examining the legal aspects and studying the council regulations; investigating the layout of the neighbourhood and the adjacent properties; defining the need for party wall agreements, external technical reports, method statements etc.
- Make informed decisions relating to: the value added by building the basement, against the budget investment, and when all the feasibility constraints are clear, choosing the best options for structure, design, usage, dimensions, layout etc.
- Finalise the pre-construction phase by producing all the documentation including technical drawings, structural calculations, the method statement, work plan, and submitting the plans to the council for permitted development or planning permission, serving the party wall notices and completing the party wall agreement.

2. THE PRELIMINARY PROCESS

A basement is a great option to add space to your house. When extending upwards or outwards is not possible, a basement conversion is perfect for adding living space. In London especially, where space is an extremely valuable asset, converting a basement can create that extra room that can really change your family life.

Technology and materials have evolved so that a basement is no longer a dark low-ceilinged space, they can be as light, broad and dry as above-ground rooms. Waterproofing and damp- proofing basements are a painless and effective procedure when you rely on the right professionals. If well designed and properly built, a basement can be used for virtually any purpose in your house, including an open plan kitchen, for example.

At houseUP we love building basements in London and we’re not shy to say that somehow we always manage to exceed our clients’ expectations. Thanks to our unique approach, home-life remains relaxed and stress-free during construction. There will always be a structural engineer in charge, to ensure maximum safety and security on site, as well as the temporary structural support that is required when building a basement.

Why choose a basement conversion? Understanding the basement conversion process.

houseUP are basement conversion specialists in London. Add space and value to a property that is bright and damp proof, arrange your free site visit at houseUP