Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from Tiptoe Builders!

Mansion block refurbishment

We've recently completed another mansion block refurbishment. Our work included supplying and fitting a new modern kitchen and smartstone work top (photographed, above). We also built a bespoke wardrobe for the children's bedroom, extended existing wardrobes in the master bedroom, and decorated and added new electrical points throughout flat. 

Handpainted Wallpaper by Zuber

If you are looking for something special to grace your walls, take a peek at Zuber—a French manufacturer of hand-painted wallpapers. 

Since 1797, Zuber has made what many consider to be the most elaborate and beautiful wallpaper in the world. Their painted designs tell a story through intricate details and vivid colours. A true maker of luxury wallpapers, Zuber designs have papered the rooms of presidents, prime ministers and tycoons. You can even spot the wallpaper, Vue de l'Amérique du Nord, in the White House, below. 

Zuber showrooms are located in select cities. The London showroom can be visited at 42 Pimlico Road, SW1.   

(Zuber wallpaper in the White House.)

Underfloor Heating: Water versus Electric

Many of our clients are seeing the value in installing underfloor heating from both a practical and environmental view. Underfloor heating is much more efficient than traditional radiator heating, as the heat is spread evenly across the room rather just rising to the ceiling from one specific point. This means underfloor heating not only warms up a home quickly, but it also costs less to run than other systems. In fact, underfloor heating running costs are on average 20% less than using a traditional wall radiators.

When it comes to underfloor heating, there are two options, water or electric. Both systems act as efficient low-level radiators and perform exactly the same task. Deciding to use water or electric heating depends upon the construction of the subfloor of a property (the subfloor is the layer between a decorative floor and the joists).

Water underfloor heating is best suited for new builds or extensions as it requires more space to accommodate the pipework. This means the sub-floor can be specifically constructed to manage the space and depth required by this type of system. Water heating also costs less to run than electric heating per KW of heat output.

Electric underfloor heating is usually the best option when refurbishing existing properties as it requires a low profile in the subfloor (3mm). It can fit into existing spaces below decorative flooring without having to raise the entire floor. It is also a quick and less expensive installation. And while it's more expensive to run than water heating, it's still more economical than using wall radiators.

If you are looking into underfloor heating, please get in touch and we'd be happy to take a look at your property and give you our advice.

(photo above: underwater heating installation by Tiptoe Builders)