Help! My house is freezing!

"My heating bills are sky high but my home is still freezing!?"

If this is you, don't panic. The following Guide provides fail-safe directions for creating a cosy home this winter (whilst keeping a lid on your heating bills). The Guide does this in 4 easy to follow steps.


Step 1:  Good housekeeping practices
Gran knew what she was doing with her good housekeeping practices. Keep those doors closed.  Wear a pair of slippers around the home.  Try on that onesie you received as a Christmas present. Below is a reminder of a few other golden oldie tips:

1. Hang thick curtains during winter months, which should be opened during the day to naturally heat your home and closed at night to keep the heat inside.
2. Try not to obstruct your radiators - give the heat a chance to circulate
3. Whilst we are on radiators, fit foil on the wall behind them.
4. If you have a ceiling fan, set it to spin clockwise to blow the rising hot air down.
5. Lay mats or rugs down on cold floors.

The above tips are all low cost or no cost.  However, if you struggle with a cold home, these measures are unlikely to be sufficient to create a warm home for the winter.  On to Step 2.

Step 2:  Plug those Gaps













UK homes can be very draughty.  Before considering any expensive upgrades to your central heating system, consider the following measures to plug the gaps in your property.


Your walls
33% of the heat lost from our homes disappears through our walls.  Up until the 1920s the typical UK home was built to a solid wall construction.  If you live in an old property, installing insulation on your outside walls can drastically reduce the amount of heat lost from your home.

Since the 1920s cavity wall construction has been the standard. However, up until the 1990s, the gap between the two walls (the cavity) was rarely insulated. Filling this gap with insulation is a relatively inexpensive yet highly effective measure to reduce heat-loss from your home.

Your roof
26% of the heat lost from our homes disappears through the roof.  Bulking up your roof insulation to the full recommended depth of 270mm is easy to do and because hot air rises, properly insulating your loft will often be the single most cost-effective way to reduce heat loss from your home.

Your windows
18% of the heat lost from our homes disappears through our windows.  Replace single-glazed windows with double-glazing.  Already have double glazing?  Double-glazed windows will deteriorate over time.  Have your windows inspected.  They may benefit from draught proofing or they may need replacing.

You can expect a double-glazed window to last for around 20 years. After this length of time, the window may need replacing to keep those draughts at bay.

Feeling brash? Follow the Scandinavians and have triple glazed windows fitted.

Your floors
8% of the heat lost from our homes disappears through our floors. Insulate under the floorboards on your ground floor.  This will help keep the heat in and your toes warm.  Also, seal the gaps between your floors and skirting boards to further reduce draughts.

Your doors
3% of the heat lost from our homes disappears through our doors.  Consider draft proofing your doors.

The heat loss figures quoted above are courtesy of the Energy Saving Trust and are based on an un-insulated home

That's Step 2 complete.  If you have applied the above measures and your home is still cold, its time to consider your central heating system.  We do this at Step 3 below.

Step 3: Upgrade your central heating system
Typical central heating systems comprise a boiler and radiators. The boiler heats water which is then distributed through pipes to your radiators.  The problem with your central heating could be with your boiler, your radiators, or with both.  Have a suitably qualified plumber inspect your system.  Your central heating problem may just be down to your boiler needing a service.

Whilst you are examining your boiler make sure that your hot water tank and visible pipes between the tank and boiler have been insulated.  Also consider installing thermostatic radiator valves to control individual room temperatures.  This will prevent unnecessary heating of any rooms not being used.

My boiler needs replacing.  What are my options?  
The plumber's verdict is that your boiler is on its last legs - what now?  Whilst expensive, modern condensing boilers are much more energy efficient than older models.  If your old boiler is not doing the job, do not delay, have a new boiler installed.  Fitting a new boiler will save you money in the long run, and will ensure that you have a central heating system that has the capability to properly heat your home.

The most common boiler systems are powered by gas or oil. Gas being the more cost effective of the two. Feeling brave?  There are alternative boiler technologies out there, such as CHP (combined heat and power) boilers and biomass boilers. These, are well worth considering if you are currently relying on an expensive-to-run oil fueled boiler.

Paying for a new Boiler
A new boiler, whilst saving you money in the long run, will have a high upfront cost.  The Government's Green Deal scheme may help you to pay the upfront costs.

Step 4: Create your own energy
This is an optional Step for the really keen.  There are lots of technologies out there that can help you generate your own energy.

The type of central heating system you have will be a key factor in informing which energy generating technology you should go for.  Therefore, for optimum results, the installation of an energy generating technology is best carried out in tandem with an upgrade to your central heating system.












Your energy generation options include:

• Solar Panels (Solar PV and Solar Thermal)
• wind turbines
• ground source heat pumps
• air source heat pumps
• water source heat pumps
• hydroelectric systems
• wood burning stoves

The above energy generating technologies, especially wind turbines and hydroelectric systems, do not come cheap. Fortunately, the UK Government is investing a great deal of money into enabling householders to install renewable energy generating installations. So now is a good time to check out the potential financial assistance available.

If the above measures don't deliver a toasty home I don't know what will.  There is off course a 'Plan B' - hide under your duvet and wait until Spring. Not such a bad option in the dreadful weather that we've been having.

Warmest wishes

David

www.house-saver.co.uk

Getting in Shape on a Budget

Is you New Year's Resolution to get in shape?  The starting point for many people is to join a gym.  Gym membership prices may seem competitive right now.  However, initial cheap gym membership fees will usually be offered on the basis that you sign up to a long term contract.

Our advice is don't sign up. Many people enter into long term gym membership contracts that they will end up not using. Instead, House-Saver would recommend an alternative, cheaper, more effective and more sustainable way of getting into shape (and keeping in shape).

Create your own gym at home
If you have the space, you could set up your own home gym in a spare room. The upfront costs of home gym equipment are a lot cheaper than you may think, especially if you shop in the second-hand market.

In next to no time, you’ll find that the money saved through not paying for gym membership will have covered the initial costs.

As well as saving money, you can also gain the convenience of having a personal gym on hand 24/7.  Plus, your own fitness suite means no more queuing to use certain pieces of equipment and no more driving to the gym.

If you source your equipment from the second-hand market, you can expect to get a decent treadmill for about £150 and a multi-gym or workout bench with weights for around £100.

Get in shape for free
Even better still, from a household budgeting point of view, is to get in shape without forking out for gym equipment.  Many compound workouts such as push-ups and crunches can be done with no equipment at all. To find out more, try Googling "resistance training without equipment”.

As for cardio, all you really need is a good pair of trainers and a safe route outdoors.  Don't let the nasty weather we are experiencing put you off, you'll soon warm up, and the combination of fresh air and exercise will leave you feeling invigorated.


My New Year's resolution is to end 2014 in better physical shape, and with more money in my pocket. Wish me luck.

Happy New Year from all at House-Saver.

David
www.house-saver.co.uk

Technical Guidance on Wood Burning Stoves

Wood Burning Stoves are growing in popularity.  People are looking for an alternative to the ever-rising energy bills being imposed on us by the UK's major energy suppliers.  Modern wood burners offer the warmth and homeliness of traditional log fires whilst providing greater control and requiring less effort to maintain.  Some technologies can even provide an alternative to a home's central heating system. It is no wonder that wood burners are now so popular.

However, many people do not realise just how complicated the installation of a modern wood burning stove can be.  A poorly fitted wood burner will not just lead to problems in its operation, it is also likely to be highly unsafe.

Last year the Energy Saving Trust published A Buyer's Guide to Domestic Wood Fuelled Heating.  This guide provided a useful introduction to wood burning stoves, but provided only limited advice on their installation.

Now, finally, we have an authoritative guide to the installation of wood burning stoves, courtesy of the gurus at Local Authority Building Control (LABC).

The LABC Guide to installing solid fuel stoves (Technical guidance for homeowners and trade) is aimed at trades people who intend to install a wood burning stove in an existing property.

The Guide highlights the following 10 key points for an installer to consider:

1. Check the existing chimney for condition and obstructions
2. Ensure components comply with the relevant British Standards
3. Where possible, adopt a minimum internal flue size of 150mm diameter
4. Check that the flue outlet is positioned sufficiently high above the roof surface?
5. Make sure you isolate the flue from any combustible material
6. Ensure the stove is positioned on a proper non-combustible hearth
7. Check you have a sufficient air supply for combustion
8. Provide carbon monoxide alarms
9. Provide proper permanent notices about the appliance in the property
10. Ensure you have all formal permissions before starting work

The Guide emphasises the importance of employing a trades person with sufficient skills to undertake the work. Although qualifications are not compulsory, any person fitting a solid fuel stove must be competent to do so. The Guide advises on 2 options for employing an installer:

Option 1: Employ a Competent Persons Scheme certified installer
Some installation companies are registered with the Government’s Competent Persons Scheme. This allows them to install and ‘self-certify’ the stove without having to make a formal application to the Council under the Building Regulations.  The largest Competent Persons Scheme provider is HETAS. Make sure the installer provides you with a certificate of compliance at the end of the job.  You will need this certificate should you come to sell your property.

Option 2:  Employ a knowledgeable trades person and have the job inspected by your Council's Building Control Service
If you appoint a trades person who is not part of a relevant Competent Persons Scheme, then you will need to submit a Building Regulations application to your local Council.  The Council's Building Control Officer will then come out and inspect the job to ensure that the wood burner has been installed safely. If satisfied with the work, the Council's Building Control Officer will issue a completion certificate. As with Option 1, you will need this certificate should you come to sell your property, so do not pay the final bill to your installer until you have this piece of paper in your hands.

Considering installing a wood burning stove?  We would suggest that you start by getting in touch with your local Building Control Service to make sure that your property is suitable.

David
www.house-saver.co.uk


                                                                       

When is planning permission needed for extensions and outbuildings?

A major drawback of running a business from home is the precious domestic space that your enterprise will take up. Whether it be converting a bedroom to office space, using your garage for storage of products, or having a workshop in an outbuilding, your business has the potential to eat into your domestic space at the expense of your home life.

A solution is to extend your home or to find other ways of accommodating your business in your home. However, developing your home to accommodate your business may require planning permission.  This blog advises you on when your home alterations are likely to trigger the need for planning permission.

Do I need planning permission to work from home?
In my previous blog I provided an overview of the UK planning system.  I explained that if your home business is classed as a "development" an application for planning permission may need to be made to your local Council.

"Development" includes carrying out physical building work or the making of a "material change of use" to your property.  I previously clarified what a "material change of use" means with respect to working from your home. In this blog I will deal with physical building work and will explain the instances when planning permission will be needed for this work.

How do I find out whether I need planning permission?
Your building work will fall within one of three scenarios:
- it will require planning permission
- it will not require planning permission
- it will not require planning permission subject to complying with the "Larger home extensions: neighbour consultation scheme" (more on this later).

With respect to the first two scenarios, under planning legislation a range of minor "developments" are granted an automatic planning permission, and therefore a planning application does not need to be made. Such developments are known as "permitted development".

A useful tool for finding out whether your building work needs planning permission is the Planning Portal's interactive house.  The interactive house is an easy to use web-tool that provides guidance on the consents you will need for common domestic building projects, such as house extensions, loft conversions, outbuildings and garage conversions.

I live in a Listed Building, does this matter?
Take particular care in Conservation Areas and with Listed Buildings. Different rules may apply that limit or remove your Permitted Development Rights. If either of these applies to you property always check with your Council's Conservation Officer before undertaking building work.

How do I proceed if Planning Permission is not required?
Where planning permission is not required, whilst no further action is required with respect to Planning, if you would like peace of mind that you have interpreted the regulations correctly, it is recommended that you apply to your Council for a “Lawful Development Certificate”.  This will provide legal confirmation that your building work does not require planning permission. This is a particularly useful document to have if you ever decide to sell your home.

How do I proceed if planning permission is required?
Where planning permission is required, you are required to submit a planning application. Planning application forms can be downloaded from your Council's website or you can apply online via the Planning Portal website.  It can take up to 8 weeks for your Council to determine your application.

Be aware that your neighbours will be consulted by the Council on your planning application, so try to get your neighbours on board before submitting the application.

Will planning permission be granted?
In considering whether planning permission should be granted, your Council will assess the "local amenity" impact of your development.  The Council will consider such issues as whether the development would have an overbearing impact on your neighbour's property or whether it would reduce light to your neighbour's property to an unacceptable degree.

Most planning applications (around 85% to 90%, depending on the Council) are granted planning permission.

So do I need planning permission or not?
So what does this all mean in practice?  I review typical scenarios below.

Do I need planning permission for a shed that will become my workshop or office?
Outbuildings, such as sheds are considered to be "permitted development" (i.e. not requiring planning permission, provided that certain Conditions are met.  These Conditions are listed within the Planning Portal's Outbuildings Mini Guide.

The key condition is that to be permitted development the outbuilding must not itself be separate, self contained, living accommodation, and must not have a microwave antenna.

Do I need planning permission to convert my garage to office space?  
Planning permission is not usually required, providing the work to convert the garage is internal and does not involve enlarging the building.

However, in certain cases "permitted development" rights will have been removed from a property with regard to garage conversions.  You should check with your Council Planning Department before proceeding with a garage conversion, particularly if you live on a new housing development or in a conservation area.

Where work is proposed to a listed building, listed building consent may be required.

Do I need planning permission for a loft conversion?
Loft conversions do not usually require planning permission.  However, this is subject to a number of exclusions and conditions.  For example, any dormer windows installed facing the public highway, will require planning permission.

Do I need planning permission to extend my home to accommodate additional rooms?
The most common type of house extension is the extension to the rear.  You can build a single storey rear extension of up to 3 metres outwards from the rear of your house if it is attached (i.e. terraced or semi-detached), and 4 metres in the case of detached properties.  This allowance is subject to caveats, including the requirement that your extension should not exceed 50% of the total area of land around your property.

For further information on rear extensions, and also side and front extensions, check out the Planning Portal's common projects mini guides.

What is the Larger home extensions: neighbour consultation scheme?
Earlier, I mentioned the "Larger home extensions: neighbour consultation scheme" earlier.  This is a new initiative that allows home owners to build larger extensions without the need for planning permission.

For a period of three years, between 30 May 2013 and 30 May 2016, householders are able to build larger single-storey rear extensions under "permitted development". The scheme doubles the size limits of rear extensions from 4 metres to 8 metres for detached houses, and from 3 metres to 6 metres for all other houses.

However, these new larger extensions (i.e. if they extend between 4 and 8 metres, or between 3 and 6 metres) must go through a process that involves a consultation with your neighbours.

You will need to notify your local Council of your intention to take advantage of the extended "permitted development" rights allowed by the scheme.  Your Council will then "serve a notice" on your adjoining neighbours. The notice will include your address details, and a description of your proposed development.

Your neighbours will be given 21 days to make objections, and your Council will have up to 42 days to determine the application.  If any adjoining neighbour raises an objection within the 21-day period, your Council will take this into account and make a decision about whether the "amenity" impact of your development on your neighbours is acceptable. 

The development can go ahead if your Council notifies you that either: 

a. no objections were received from adjoining neighbours and it has not been necessary to consider the impact on amenity, or 

b. that following consideration, it has decided that the effect on the amenity of adjoining properties is acceptable. 

If your Council does not notify you of its decision within the 42-day determination period, the development may go ahead. 

A key feature of the "Larger home extensions: neighbour consultation scheme" is your neighbours' involvement in the process.  Your neighbours have a major sway over whether or not your development can go ahead.  If a neighbour is unhappy with your proposal there is a good chance that the Council will side with them and conclude that the development would have an unacceptable amenity impact.  It is therefore in your interest to speak with your neighbours, and to address any concerns that they may have, before making an application.

For further information on the "Larger home extensions: neighbour consultation scheme", check out the Planning Portal's Guidance Note.

How do I get my plans drawn up?
Accurate architectural drawings are needed to enable the Council to process your planning application (or Lawful Development Certificate application) and to help you to check on the progress of the building work.

A good starting place for finding a good local architect or draughtsman is to speak to your Council's Building Control Team.  Most Councils will have a list of "partner agents", who will invariably be among the best agents in your local area.

Your architect or draughtsman will usually be happy to submit your planning application on your behalf. They will also be able to ensure that your building work complies with the Building Regulations (I explain the Building Regulations later).

Where can I get Further Planning Advice?
Your local Council can advise you further on whether your building work will require planning permission.  If your building work does require planning permission your Council should also be able to advise whether planning permission is likely to be granted.

What about the Building Regulations?
People are often unaware that Building Regulations approval will often be needed in for building work in the home. You should note that the grant of a planning permission does not remove the need to secure Building Regulations approval.

What are the Building Regulations?
Whereas as the Planning process is designed to look after your neighbours' interests (e.g. to prevent ugly looking development, or to prevent development that will unacceptably reduce light into your neighbours' properties etc), the Building Regulations process is very much about looking after your interests (e.g. ensuring that the development is structurally sound, watertight, or that you can get out safely in case of a fire etc).  In basic terms, the Planning process looks at external issues whilst the Building Regulations considers internal issues of a development.

Should I use my Local Authority Building Control or an Approved Inspector?
The Building Regulations process is unusual in that you have the choice of using your Local Authority Building Control (LABC) Service or of using a private "Approved Inspector" to secure Building Regulations approval.

House-Saver would recommend sticking with your local Council's Building Control Service (LABC).  Local Authority Building Control Officers are highly regarded in the industry and their advice and guidance can save you time and money.  Also, by using your Council's Building Control Service, you can be sure that the advice you receive is independent, plus you will have the peace of mind in the knowledge that you Council will still be around to assist you if problems occur with your building work in the future.

David
www.house-saver.co.uk