Demist Pad

If you haven't heard of a demist pad, it's an inconspicuous, clever item which will simplify your daily routine of getting ready for the day. Attached to the back of a bathroom mirror, the demist pad prevents steam from filling up in and around the area of the pad.

This means that after your shower or bath, there is no need to wait for the steam to disappear. Demist pads can be fitted on new or existing mirrors, and come in all shapes and sizes.

Property Professionals: Architect

We’re adding a new feature to the Tiptoe Builders’ blog. Occasionally, we will feature property professionals. These profiles will focus on the various people working in property and making buildings beautiful. From architects to designers, painters and more, we hope you enjoy this glimpse into all the many facets of property restoration.

First on deck is Dylan Haughton, an architect we featured in our winter newsletter. Here’s a more in depth look into our interview with Dylan: (photos from http://www.dylanhaughton.com)

What are the benefits of using an architect?

          

·     Design, co-ordinated information, less time spent problem solving on site, clearly broken down pricing information for management of costs on site

Can you share some top design strategies in London homes?

·     Making efficient use of client’s existing space as London’s housing stock comes under increased pressure.

·     Many families are choosing to live centrally downsize and avoid long commutes and school runs, trading space for time and quality of life. Architects working in central London can help with this decision.

·     The large kitchen-diner space continues to be popular, shared appreciation of life around the cooking space is settling in as an  important part of UK culture.

What are an architect’s priorites when designing for a client?

·     Time, quality cost, but more than anything quality of design and outcome.

·     Other construction professionals are not in as strong a position to take an overview and offer clients a clear vision of how the money they spend will increase their quality of life within the constraints that each project has. Keeping the overview clear is a priority.

How much does an architect typically cost?

·     Architects charge in one of three ways, hourly rates for short consultations, percentage fees based on construction costs and lump sum fees. If the scope of the work both in terms of the services provided (design, on site management etc.) and the size of the job can be clearly defined then lump sum fees are the clearest solution.

·     The RIBA clients guide suggest that for residential refurbishment work architects fees are roughly in the range of 7.5% for a 500K job to 11% for a 25K.

When should an individual contact an architect?

·     Architects are all about ideas and are trained to criticize and reflect on their thinking and proposals. If you have said to yourself “I’m thinking of building a………” then get an architect round to listen to your ideas, share your thought processes and give your project a context.

Solid Wall Removal

Knocking down walls to create an open-plan living area is still one of the most popular renovation requests. Just in case you're thinking of removing a wall within your property, we thought it would be helpful to share both the administrative and building steps for doing so.

Our photos (click "Read more" below) from a recent solid wall removal will give you an idea of the step by step process.

Tiptoe Builders Newsletter

Our winter newsletter was emailed last week. If you aren't yet on our subscriber list, you can access a copy by clicking here. (Or to enlarge images above, just click on them.) 

If you'd like to see anything in particular in our next issue, let us know!