Tag: new build

The challenges of construction in a busy village centre

With the two flats above the café/ florist in our mixed use development in Tarporley complete, we are now focusing on the construction of the two houses behind. Their location has provided several challenges for our skilled site team.

With the two flats above the café/ florist in our mixed use development in Tarporley complete, we are now focusing on the construction of the two houses behind. Their location has provided several challenges for our skilled site team.

Party wall notice

Before we commenced construction, we had to serve a Party Wall Notice as we have a shared boundary with one of our neighbours. It is a legal obligation to let your neighbours know, that is, serve them with a Party Wall Notice, if you are building on or at the boundary of your two properties before you start building works.

Neighbours are unable to stop anyone making changes to their property, provided they are within the law and building regulations, but they are able to affect how and when the work is carried out. Our neighbour is a landlord who is actually based in London, which has been a little challenging when it has come to getting everything signed off. It is really important though, for everyone’s protection, and to avoid disputes further down the line, to make sure that Party Wall Notices are properly served.

Home to roost?

Although the old commercial outbuildings that we are converting into two houses were, in theory at least, empty when we commenced the works, we commissioned a bat survey as we were aware that one of the buildings could be a potential roost. Our design for the new houses involved removing the roof of one of them so we commissioned an ecologist to come and talk to the team first, so that we were sure we were working within regulations and also knew what to do, should we come across a bat during construction.

With the project taking place in a conservation area, surrounded by listed buildings, we have been careful from the start to make sure that the new elements fit in with the existing architecture. When it comes to matching the bricks, for example, this has involved painstaking work, involving four to five brick manufacturers to get the closest possible match for these old commercial buildings so that the new houses will  blend in.

Levelling up

The varying floor heights inside the buildings have also provided a construction challenge. The site team has come up with some ingenious workarounds, including using different types of screed and insulation, to bring the thickness down, while still achieving the U-Values required for optimum performance.

The location of the site also means that our site manager has had to be even more organised than usual, being very mindful of comings and goings to the site. If a delivery is due, then access has to be cleared and maintained, as well as being very aware of the needs of our neighbours too.

A magical time of year!

We have also had to work closely with the Highways Agency as the loadings for the electrical supply to the building need upgrading. Of course, at this time of year, the Christmas embargo has taken effect, so that retail trading can be prioritised to make the most of the seasonal boost to shopping. This means our schedule has had to be pushed back to January before the electrical upgrading can take place. This is all part and parcel of undertaking building work in a popular and bustling village centre like Tarporley. The end of the project is in sight now and we are looking forward to completing the final phase of this ambitious project very soon.

We’ve been designing and building award-winning homes since 1981. From prestigious turnkey self-build projects, to distinctive developments and exclusive barn conversions, each bespoke home is built to the same exacting standards.

CB Homes is an A1+ member of the National House Building Council (NHBC), registered builder with the Local Authority Building Control (LABC), as well as a member of the Federation of Master Builders.

To find out more about Blagg’s Court, Tarporley High Street, our latest development, contact our head office.

Looking after your new home: exterior maintenance

The exterior of your house is the part that experiences the worst wear and tear. From inclement weather to the general passing of time, the exterior elements of your house will need keeping a close eye on.

The exterior of your house is the part that experiences the worst wear and tear. From inclement weather to the general passing of time, the exterior elements of your house will need keeping a close eye on. Your new-build will be finished to a high-quality spec, so there should be little chance that you will have to address external issues immediately – unless it’s simply a matter of personal preference for colour scheme or design, of fascias and guttering for example. However, as you will have no doubt given a great deal of thought to the designs, this is the exception rather than the rule. But over time, it’s important to keep an eye on the exterior of the house.

Keep yourself covered

The outside of your house needs to be functioning properly, as everything from the roof down is doing a job. Take the roof itself, for example. The roof covering will need to be kept in good order, so that there can be no leaks allowing water to penetrate the roof covering. Any tiles or slates that become chipped or broken will need to be replaced at the earliest opportunity. Although there will be a membrane below the roof covering, the water getting in can cause problems over time. The same is true of any problems with the ridge or hip tiles, the specially-angled tiles that protect the extremities of the roof covering. If they or the mortar that holds them in place become damaged or dislodged – by high winds or a storm, for instance – they will need attention as soon as possible.

Clear the channels

The gutters too need to be doing their job. This is one maintenance aspect of a new-build that will need addressing regularly from year one. It’s especially important if your property is near any deciduous trees, which lose their leaves in the autumn. The falling leaves and dead twigs can clog up guttering channels and eventually this can cause an issue. The layers of leaves can build up, especially if the conditions are damp for extended periods, and meld together or become mouldy. This can cause major clogging issues in the channels and means water cannot drain to the downspout. At the bottom of the downspout, the same process can occur and block the galleys, so rainwater will then pool at ground level. A general building maintenance contractor can help you clear them if needs be.    

Groundwater drainage

When it comes to exterior maintenance below ground, your drains need to be working properly too, so that any surface water can drain away well. Surface water flooding from gullies and manholes will not only cause problems to ground surfaces, but also cause damp problems with brickwork and pathways, due to lying water. If you think that debris has been washed down your drains, you will need to engage a drainage specialist to examine the drains and clear any blockages. Surface water can be problematic if it’s allowed to stand for too long. If drainage away from a property is a problem then this will need to be addressed. Is there too much hard standing and not enough drainage, and how can this be remedied?        

Outside views on exterior maintenance

Other aspects of exterior maintenance include windows and walls. Windows will need some attention if there are any cracks or scratches to the glass. The best thing about modern UPVC window units is that the glazing can easily be replaced. It’s simply a case of removing the beading and replacing the glass. Older timber units may have putty and tacks holding the glass in that can be more difficult to replace. If cracks in glass – especially in double-glazed units and VELUX roof lights – remain, they can cause problems over time, such as condensation. Even if the glass isn’t letting water in, it can be doing damage in other ways. Seals around windows should also be checked regularly, and repointing to brickwork or any cracks in the mortar render need to be addressed too sooner rather than later – especially before winter arrives.

CB Homes is an A1+ member of the National House Building Council (NHBC), registered builder with the Local Authority Building Control (LABC), as well as a member of the Federation of Master Builders.

Each of our homes is backed by our unique and dedicated personalised approach to customer service. This ensures every CB Homes development delivers ultimate peace of mind to its new owner, long after we’ve handed you the keys.

Contact CB Homes today to discuss your next move.

Setting the stage: modern replacement dwelling reaches second fix

Our replacement dwelling in Timperley is now at the second fix stage. The stunning balcony leading off the master bedroom, with views over the back garden, will be installed shortly.

When the house is finished, this will be a space for relaxation, with low maintenance container planting and perhaps a couple of recliners so the owners can enjoy relaxing in the evening sunshine.

Our modern replacement dwelling in Timperley is now at the second fix stage. The stunning balcony leading off the master bedroom, with views over the back garden, will be installed shortly. When the house is finished, this will be a space for relaxation. There will be low maintenance container planting and perhaps a couple of recliners, so owners Dharmista and Jayme can enjoy relaxing in the evening sunshine.

Two sets of bi-fold doors, with slim aluminium frames to match the windows, have been installed across the kitchen/ dining area.

These lead into the back garden and open up onto decking.

Bifold doors to the downstairs family room also open the whole corner of the room out to the garden, bringing the outside in.

Microcement, a modern option

Turning to the inside, originally the owners wanted polished concrete floors but decided to opt instead for microcement.

Microcement is a mix of resin and powder. It is a very versatile material that can be customised as to colour, finish and texture. It is featuring extensively in this very modern house. Microcement is hard wearing and the maintenance is very easy, which is part of the appeal of this attractive finish. If it should get damaged, it is straightforward to repair too.

Microcement is being used as a finish across the whole ground floor and in all three ensuite bathrooms, in varying shades of sandstone and in a variety of different textured finishes too.

Island living: microcement throughout

Downstairs, the kitchen, due for delivery shortly, is going to be a very simple yet striking design. It includes an island with the same microcement coating as the floor, so it will appear to rise up seamlessly.

Recapturing childhood memories in a modern home

What will potentially be the most striking feature of the house, and certainly the most unique, is an indoor swing, which will be arriving soon. Dharmista has many happy childhood memories of visiting relatives in India and enjoying sitting on a porch swing with her cousins. As a special surprise gift, husband Jayme ordered the swing, which will be an intricately carved wooden seat suspended on brass chains attached to the roof of the atrium.

Renewable heating

Efficient underfloor heating has been built in throughout the house, powered by an air source heat pump. There are extensive solar panels on the roof too and the homeowners hope to generate as much of their own energy as possible.

The two children are very excited and have already started arguing about which bedroom they want! All the bedrooms are ensuite and will enjoy plenty of natural light.

Dharmista says,

“We visit the site every weekend and it still feels totally surreal that one day soon we will be moving into our new home. Our rented house is very nice but we can’t wait to be in our own home and re-connecting with our neighbours once more.

“CB Homes has been so great to work with and I am so glad we selected them as our contractor. We have a building project we are supervising currently at work, so we are very glad that we don’t have to worry about the house building at all – we just leave CB Homes to get on with it – which has really taken the heat off us.”

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Building your own home

CB Homes is an A1+ member of the National House Building Council (NHBC), registered builder with the Local Authority Building Control (LABC), as well as a member of the Federation of Master Builders.

Each of our homes is backed by our unique and dedicated personalised approach to customer service. This ensures every CB Homes development delivers ultimate peace of mind to its new owner, long after we’ve handed you the keys.

Find out how we can help you build your own home. We can help you design it, secure planning approval and carry out the whole build with our complete turnkey self-build package. Contact us to find out more.

Progress report on our new homes on Tarporley High Street

The shop on the ground floor of our Blagg’s Court development in the heart of Tarporley is now open.
Meanwhile, construction work is continuing apace on the two apartments over the shop and the two houses behind, causing much interest from many passers-by.

The shop on the ground floor of our Blagg’s Court development in the heart of Tarporley is now open. Trading as a coffee shop and florist on Tarporley High Street, named Reva Green, it’s already proving extremely popular with locals and visitors to the village. Meanwhile, construction work is continuing apace on the two apartments over the shop and the two houses behind, causing much interest and enquiry from many passers-by.

Rooms with a view onto Tarporley’s historic high street

The main front door leading to the two apartments is next to the door into Reva Green. It leads into a stairwell, which is now awaiting plastering. A beautiful new staircase, which will be painted shortly, leads up to the first apartment and then onto the second, located on the floor above.

Stunning new kitchens and bathrooms have been installed in both of these residences. The kitchens feature pale green units with chrome handles and worktops with a wooden finish.

Ovens, hobs and fridge freezers have been built in and the new homeowners will find everything they need to enjoy cooking and entertaining in the very stylish space.

Once the decoration throughout both apartments has been completed and the flooring has been installed, the new homes on Tarporley High Street will be ready for viewing.

Design for living: renovating existing buildings on Tarporley High Street

Behind the listed building fronting Tarporley High Street, which contains Reva Green and the two apartments, the separate former outbuildings are being renovated as two houses.

The site team is currently working on the ground floor of the houses, creating openings for new windows and doorways and bricking up any that are not going to be required. While the majority of the former structure is being kept, the roof has been completely taken off the Plot 2 building and the gable end wall has also been removed.

Every effort is being made to ensure that the renovated dwellings will blend seamlessly with the listed buildings surrounding them. All the old bricks will be re-used as much as possible in the development; a local builder’s merchant has already made numerous trips to the site to bring a variety of different bricks to find the best one to match the old ones where additional bricks are needed.

The next step for the two houses will be for the joinery team to arrive and start building stud walls to be sure that plenty of air can circulate between the external and internal walls. Next, the plumbers and electricians will arrive to install all the wiring and pipework required before the walls are plastered.

Rather than being one of our new-build developments, Blagg’s Court is a remodelling and renovation of a number of buildings within a listed building setting, in a busy village environment. This means it has been at times quite a challenge for the teams working on the site, as space is restricted and careful management has been required to ensure deliveries have been made and building work has carried on without a hitch.

To find out more about Blagg’s Court, Tarporley High Street, our latest development, contact our head office.

Looking after your new home: interior maintenance

When you first move into your new home, the interior design aspect is one area where you can really make an impact – and also put your own personal stamp on the décor.

With a new build property, there is a lot of flexibility regarding interior decoration. Our Sales Executive will help you choose your finishing touches

How to preserve that high quality finish in your new home

When you first move into your new home, the interior design aspect is one area where you can really make an impact – and also put your own personal stamp on the décor and subsequent interior maintenance.

With a new build property, there is a lot of flexibility regarding interior decoration. Our Sales Executive will help you choose your finishing touches, from tiling to toothbrush holders.

The interiors of our houses are always finished to a high standard so there won’t be bare plaster on the walls and exposed screed floors – walls will be painted or tiled, while floors will be tiled, boarded or carpeted. Whatever finishes you choose, it’s worth bearing in mind how easy – or difficult – they will be to maintain.

A lick of paint for interior maintenance

When it comes to preserving that high-quality finish, it’s worth making the extra effort to make sure this standard is retained. Any surfaces that have been painted can pick up occasional knocks. This can even happen as you move in – it’s all but impossible to avoid unless every box and item of furniture is swathed in bubble wrap.

Having a selection of the paints that were used by the decorators is useful – even if it’s simply a small ‘tester pot’. This ensures if you need any touching up with a colour match, you have something readily at hand. You can check with the developer as to what colour shades were used. Of course, it’s easy to carry out your own decoration these days – if you find that you don’t like your initial colour choices, you can always change them. In an ideal world, to maintain a good quality finish, a repaint should be carried out every four-to-five years. But in thoroughfares that have higher usage, such as halls, landings and passageways, this may need to be redecorated more frequently.

To carpet or not to carpet?

Carpeting is another aspect that is very much down to personal taste. It’s getting the balance right between being practical and looking stylish. Maintaining carpets can be difficult however, especially if they are getting a lot of use by a large number of people. Households with a number of children and/or pets will be using (and wearing out) their carpets much more than single people or couples. Location has an impact too, as rural properties can often have to endure much more wear and tear, by dint of the ‘outdoors’ often being brought inside on footwear. There are some handy ways to keep your carpet in great shape, including for-hire carpet cleaning machines, which both hoover and deep-cleanse the carpet fibres and keep them in excellent condition. There are a number of other carpet cleaning solutions too, and they’re worth exploring to keep your home in its best condition.  

Hard floor options for ease of interior maintenance

Carpeting isn’t your only option when it comes to flooring, however, and there are several alternatives that offer certain advantages – especially in terms of maintenance.

Hard floors such as tiles and timber are so much easier to maintain than a carpet. They can be cleaned much more easily and are often much more hygienic. If you have interior maintenance issues with the new build, your flooring may be the worst affected. A water leak, for instance, might cause a wooden floor to warp, or wash grouting away from tile joints. But any replacement or repair will be easier than a ruined carpet.

CB Homes is an A1+ member of the National House Building Council (NHBC), a registered builder with the Local Authority Building Control (LABC), as well as a member of the Federation of Master Builders.

Each of our homes is backed by our unique and dedicated personalised approach to customer service. This ensures every CB Homes development delivers ultimate peace of mind to its new owner, long after we’ve handed you the keys.

Contact CB Homes today to discuss your next move.

Looking after appliances, heating systems and warranties

When you move into your new build home, there is so much to take in. From the décor and spaces that you can fill with your own items and tastes, to the working elements of your new home, there is much to get to know. It is important from the outset that you ‘test drive’ your home and check that everything is in full working order.

Moving into your new build home

When you move into your new build home, there is so much to take in. From the décor and spaces that you can fill with your own items and tastes, to the working elements of your new home, there is much to get to know. It is important from the outset that you ‘test drive’ your home and check that everything is in full working order.

Integrated appliances

There will be a certain number of integrated appliances in your new home, as items such as cookers, toilets and showers will be part of the structure of the building, with plumbed-in, hidden pipework, electrics and wall fixings. It is very important that you make sure that these appliances are in full working order from the outset, as replacing them could be an issue that requires considerable remedial work. It might mean tiles being removed, for example, to access pipework or a power supply, or floorboards or carpeting lifted up.

From our turnkey self build projects, to exclusive new build developments, we offer a variety of specifications on bathroom suites, cookers, hobs, sinks, fridges, freezers and dishwashers. As they are brand-new, these appliances will be covered by guarantees and warranties, so in the event of any problem, they should be able to be easily replaced. You will find details of these guarantees and warranties in your homeowner pack.

Heating and water appliances

It’s important too that you check the heating system works to its optimum performance. These days, heating systems are designed to be hyper-efficient and also environmentally friendly. But any mechanism can develop minor or major faults, irrespective of their type. If a joint on a run of pipework hasn’t been adequately sealed, then it’s going to leak, regardless of how well the rest of the heating system is installed. The whole system – the water supply and the central heating system – is only as strong as its weakest point. This could mean that a leak on a radiator could require the system being drained, which is a bigger job than a simple repair.

If your new build property features solar panels for its power generation, make sure that they are working efficiently and as they should. If you have a boiler for hot water and heating, make sure it’s functioning. Familiarise yourself with its operation – how to set the boiler for various timings, how to override the settings – ask a member of our team at the point of handover, or use the manual, or have a plumber explain it to you when he visits to service your boiler.

Servicing is important and in order to validate any warranties, regular checks should be carried out on the central heating system and boiler. A common fault is leaking radiator valves. These can be difficult to spot, particularly if they are behind furniture. They are harder to notice on carpeted floors, while on tile, vinyl or wooden floors, any leakage from a radiator – or indeed a water pipe – will become obvious quite quickly. If the leak is upstairs, water will also appear on the ceilings of rooms below.   

Get to know your property

Regarding your heating and water system, one thing you should always check is where your stop tap is situated. This is essential in an emergency, as if you have to cut the water supply off due to a leak, this is the quickest way to do it. In an emergency, if you can’t locate the stop tap, you may be able to shut the water off in the road or drive outside your property, where the water meter is often situated under a metal plate that can be lifted on a hinge. This is a last resort however and you should try to locate the stop tap inside the house or garage.     

It’s vital that you make sure that you are happy with all aspects of your new home and you address any issues early on. It’s important both for your own peace of mind, but also for the practicalities of getting anything amiss rectified as quickly as possible. Be aware of any warranties that apply to appliances and material, so you can address any problems and have them repaired, while they are covered, at no extra cost.

Award-winning homes

We’ve been designing and building award-winning homes since 1981. From prestigious turnkey self-build projects, to distinctive developments and exclusive barn conversions, each bespoke home is built to the same exacting standards. We take great pride in every project we embark on to ensure the end result is as pleasing to its new owners as it is to us. This level of pride, passion and professionalism is epitomised in our craftsmanship and build quality, which has been recognised by many local, regional and national awards.

CB Homes is an A1+ member of the National House Building Council (NHBC), registered builder with the Local Authority Building Control (LABC), as well as a member of the Federation of Master Builders.

Each of our homes is backed by our unique and dedicated personalised approach to customer service. This ensures every CB Homes development delivers ultimate peace of mind to its new owner, long after we’ve handed you the keys.

Contact CB Homes today to discuss your next move.

Designing a mixed use development

Blagg’s Court, our Tarporley High Street development is not a new build, but a re-modelling and renovation of existing buildings.

We briefed our architect, Russell Baker, to renovate the ground floor shop that fronts onto the high street, change the flat above the shop into two flats and convert the outbuildings behind into two spacious mews house properties.

Creating a contemporary feel in a listed building setting

Blagg’s Court, our Tarporley High Street development is not a new build, but a re-modelling and renovation of existing buildings.

We briefed our architect, Russell Baker, to renovate the ground floor shop that fronts onto the high street, change the flat above the shop into two flats and convert the outbuildings behind into two spacious mews house properties.

The first step for Russell was to work out what floor areas would be possible to achieve within the fairly restricted and challenging shaped space available.

Access all areas?

Access from the high street

The two flats need to have access from the high street, rather than through the back as had been the case with the old single flat. This is to avoid having access through the outdoor space that will belong to the new houses. A new hallway and staircase rising to both flats was also needed.

The flat above the shop is being converted

The flats each needed to be a compact design with everything needed for one or two people to live comfortably. Each flat has a double bedroom, a well-appointed kitchen, a sitting area and an ensuite bathroom.

Architect Russell has created more by taking the existing, overly large staircase out of the flats, which took up a lot of space, and replacing it with narrower stairs. This enabled the new kitchens to be designed to be considerably larger. Although the two flats do not have their own dedicated parking spaces, the newly created large entrance hallway at ground level has been designed to have plenty of space for bike storage.

The challenge of updating a listed building

We worked closely with the Cheshire West and Chester conservation officer to come up with a satisfactory design for the shop front that would not only maintain the character of the building’s historic past but would also enhance its appearance.

The primary concern for the design, with it being a Grade Two listed building, was the shop front but even the separate outbuildings at the back need to be very sensitively renovated as houses too, as they are still within the curtilage of the listed building.

Designing the houses

For our architect, it was so important not to try to jam multiple rooms into the two properties at the rear of the development. Rather than creating lots of rooms, he just wanted beautiful, large, open plan spaces.

The outbuildings behind are being converted into two spacious mews houses

When it came to the outbuildings at the back, it was important to approach the design as we would one of our barn conversions, retaining the original feel while enhancing any nearby existing buildings too. We have created a contemporary feel in a listed building setting.

The rear walls of both Plots 1 and 2 back onto the brick boundary walls to the neighbour’s garden and the next door pharmacy so it is not possible to have lots of glass on that side so the design needed to find other ways of bringing in as much light as possible.

Open plan design

Russell decided that an open plan design would be ideal for these two homes. This is very popular with homeowners but also makes the best use of the space. It means no room is sealed off but each one has plenty of openings, glazing and partial walls to let the light and space flow. For example, if you stand at one end of Plot 2, The Bailey, you will be able to see from one end to the other. A generous kitchen leads into a large diner, which links to a spacious lounge. A double sided contemporary glass fireplace with a solid brick surround supplies heat to the lounge and the dining room but can be seen even from the kitchen. It makes a beautiful centrepiece to the house.

The lounge is in the single storey part of the building, so a stunning skylight set in the roof makes a beautiful design feature as well as providing an additional source of light.

Plot 1, The Motte, is a three bedroom house. Initially, we had hoped to have a two storey glazed window where the current entrance to the building is. This was considered to be too much of radical change by the planning officer, so the design had to be dialled back to be the same size as the existing entrance. Luckily, this is still large enough to allow plenty of natural light in, creating an entrance hall filled with daylight.

Natural light

Again, to allow more light into the first floor rooms, we have pushed the dressing room and ensuite of the master bedroom as far back as possible and designed a glazed screen for the second bedroom rather than a solid wall to borrow light from the landing, which has abundant daylight.

On the ground floor, as much light as possible has been gained by providing a galleried landing and a double height stairwell. Again, rather than solid walls, we have designed a partial timber screen between the ‘media retreat room’ and the hallway, allowing plenty of light to enter from the front of the building.

The main contemporary feature of this house is a horizontal modern fireplace with TV above it against the back wall. This is visible from the front entrance through the timber screen, creating a wonderful feeling of spaciousness.

Maximising outdoor space

The other challenges for the design included how to maximise the outdoor space for the houses and also how to mitigate the fact that this area could potentially be somewhat overlooked by the neighbouring properties.

It’s important to make the indoor spaces feel connected to the outdoor spaces so no one feels hemmed in, which is often the case in town centre developments. Russell’s clever design allows for sufficient outside space to create beautiful smart and contained courtyard-style spaces, with plenty of room for outdoor living.

Privacy will be provided by timber panelling and canopies over a decking area, providing total privacy.

Overall, our architect has managed to mitigate all of the design challenges to create four truly stunning homes.

Find out more about the beautiful apartments and houses for sale here.

We’ve been designing and building award-winning homes since 1981. From prestigious turnkey self-build projects, to distinctive developments and exclusive barn conversions, each bespoke home is built to the same exacting standards.

CB Homes is an A1+ member of the National House Building Council (NHBC), registered builder with the Local Authority Building Control (LABC), as well as a member of the Federation of Master Builders.

Contact us to plan your next move.

Mixed use development in Tarporley: gaining planning permission

We are currently working on a very exciting development in the heart of the village of Tarporley. This combined residential and retail development is very different from the usual CB Homes project but is very local to us, being only a two minute drive from our headquarters.

We are currently working on a very exciting development in the heart of the village of Tarporley. This combined residential and retail development is very different from the usual CB Homes project but is very local to us, being only a two minute drive from our headquarters.

High Street development in Tarporley

The Blagg’s Court development is located on Tarporley’s beautiful high street. It is just over the road from the Swan pub, and within the village’s conservation area. For CB Homes, this was a very rare opportunity to acquire a site with development potential in this highly sought after village.

Blagg’s Court renovation and conversion

Blagg’s Court consists of a renovation of a ground floor retail unit, the conversion of the two storey flat above it into two flats and the re-development of outbuildings behind the shop into two houses. The building that fronts the high street and contains the shop and the flats is Grade Two listed. The outbuildings to the rear that have served the shop and back onto neighbouring properties were constructed in the 1970s.

The property had been in the same family ownership since 1941. Firstly as a family home and sweetshop, followed by the family electrical business of Blagg Bros and then, from the early 1980’s until late 2020, J.Blagg & Sons. When the vendor began looking at selling options, CB Homes was recommended to them by a friend.

Planning application for mixed use Tarporley development

After in-depth discussions with the vendor to assess the site’s potential, our team submitted a planning application, with the agreement that we would buy the site if planning could be granted.

For the design, which we knew would throw up some intricate challenges, we instructed Russell Baker, an architect who has designed multiple building projects for us.

Listed building in conservation area

The listed building has a long heritage within the Tarporley community so it was important for us to engage actively, such as meeting with the Parish Council and provide detailed drawings to show our vision for the proposed development.

The retail unit had to be kept in order to meet planning requirements for the busy high street. We were very keen to ensure that the retail unit would be let to a shop that the community really wanted so, after carrying out a survey among local people, it was decided that a small café and florist would be a very positive contribution.

A design challenge

Getting planning permission for a scheme like this is a massive challenge, owing to the building fronting the high street being listed, and the whole development being in Tarporley’s conservation area.

The conservation officer initially did not want any changes made to the large bay window and entrance at the front of the shop. We wanted to create two entrances from the high street so that the access to the flats above the shop would be separate to the access to the shop itself.

After searching through the archives and old photographs supplied by the vendor, we discovered that there in the past, some time in the 60s or 70s, there had actually been two entrances. This meant that our new design, with two far more attractive, separate entrances, could be passed as satisfactory by the conservation officer, as it would match a previous incarnation.

It took nine months to get planning permission for the two flats, two houses and the shop. The planning officer really liked our final design and did not want us to make any significant changes, apart from slight adjustments regarding the windows design.

Keep an eye on our blog and social media for further updates to this exciting mixed use development.

Find out more about the beautiful apartments and houses for sale here.

New home snagging: how to ‘snag’ your new house

When your new home is completed, this isn’t quite the end of the story. In some instances, there may be some snagging work required.

Actually, a customer can raise a query or complaint regarding a snag at any point in the construction process.

When new homes are completed, this isn’t quite the end of the story. In some instances, there may be some new home snagging work required. This occurs when the workmanship on the new build fails to meet expectations and standards. Actually, a customer can raise a query or complaint regarding a snag at any point in the construction process. If you are unsure about the quality of workmanship, you can also engage an industry expert, who can advise you on whether you have a case or not, regarding snags and rectifying them. The main thing is – if something is not to your satisfaction, ask the question, so you can then independently verify if it meets industry standards.

Keeping track

Some snags in new homes are obvious and will not be difficult to spot. Missing components, such as coping stones on walls or the wrong type of material used, will be easily verifiable by referring to the agreement and contract that was signed – and checking the design specification. If you are carrying out regular site visits to keep up-to-date on progress, make a note of anything that you think may qualify as a snag. You don’t have to wait until the contract is completed to address the issue with the contractor. You should always mention something you are not sure about as soon as you can. But it is usual to prepare snagging lists at the end of a contract, when the new-build is complete and you can take a proper, close-up look at the property. It’s important to keep track of anything that you think may constitute a snag.

The New Homes Quality Code (NHQC) has introduced the chance for customers to carry out a pre-completion inspection – either by themselves, or by an accredited professional – after notice has been given that the property is completed, but within the five calendar days prior to settlement. The New Homes Quality Board (NHQB) advises how to make complaints about workmanship. If you are unhappy with the quality of your new home or the service provided, then you should contact your developer.  Details of how to do this can usually be found on their website, or in any information provided for you when you moved in.

Code of conduct for construction of new homes

If you are dissatisfied with how your complaint is dealt with, you can check whether you are protected by the New Homes Quality Code. If your developer is on the Register of Developers and you reserved your home after their registration date, then you are covered by the New Homes Quality Code and can ask the New Homes Ombudsman to investigate your complaint. The easiest way is via their website at www.nhos.org.uk or by calling 0330 808 4286. If your developer is not registered, or you reserved your home before their registration date, then you aren’t covered by the New Homes Quality Code. You may however be protected by an alternative scheme, which can be confirmed by your developer.

As a new homeowner, you should make a full inspection of the property, both internally and externally. The average new-build can have a range of defects or snags, that may require remedial work. Snagging issues aren’t unusual, but need to be addressed early, before they cause bigger problems.

Questions to ask when you are looking for defects in new homes

Windows – are there scratches on the frames or the glazing? Do they operate how you’d expect, and open and close easily on their catches and latches?

Doors and doorframes – do the doors open and shut properly? Also check that the door furniture works well, so locks and handles work. Remember that if you have added a thick carpet you may need to get the bottom of doors trimmed to fit.

Walls and ceilings – is the plasterwork smooth and are there any obvious blemishes, such as screw or nail pops? Are the walls and ceilings straight and are there cracks appearing that are not covered by decoration? Is the decoration carried out satisfactorily, with no drips or runs?

Floors – if they are concrete, are they level and free from cracks and if they are timber, are they level and do they creak?

Lighting – do all the light switches and fittings work properly? If there are faders fitted, do they work and do the right switches operate the correct lights?

Acorn Gardens Leftwich Kitchen Design

Central heating and plumbing – do the boiler and radiators work properly and efficiently, and is the pipework free from leaks? Also, do the taps work and not drip or leak, and the toilets operate as they should?

self-build bathroom with towel rail

If in doubt on these issues and many more, it’s always worth asking your developer in the first instance.

CB Homes is an A1+ member of the National House Building Council (NHBC), registered builder with the Local Authority Building Control (LABC), as well as a member of the Federation of Master Builders.

Each of our homes is backed by our unique and dedicated personalised approach to customer service. This ensures every CB Homes development delivers ultimate peace of mind to its new owner, long after we’ve handed you the keys.

Is self-build cheaper than buying?

CB Homes has recently started work on a new self-build project, just over the border of Cheshire, in the neighbouring county of Staffordshire. The design for the attractive two storey, three bedroom cottage was drawn up to provide the most cost effective solution for our clients to make the best use possible of their self-build budget.

Is building a house cheaper than buying an existing house? A comprehensive cost analysis.

Are you considering the idea of building a house but wondering if it’s cheaper than buying a pre-existing house? You’re not alone. Many people wrestle with the decision of whether to build or buy, weighing the costs and benefits of each option. In this comprehensive cost analysis, we delve into the numbers to help you make an informed decision.

Building your own house from scratch offers the advantage of having a bespoke design and allows you to create your dream home exactly to your specifications.

Can self-building be an affordable option?

CB Homes has recently started work on a new self-build project, just over the border of Cheshire, in the neighbouring county of Staffordshire. The design for the attractive two storey, three bedroom cottage was drawn up to provide the most cost effective solution for our clients to make the best use possible of their self-build budget. Find out whether self-build is cheaper than buying with this client story.

Our clients, Ben, who is a manager at a nearby joinery firm, and his partner Leanne, who works as an administrator, had been keen for a long time to buy their own home. They liked the idea of living in a new build three-bedroom house but could not find one of the size they wanted at a price they could afford. They began to toy with the prospect of building their own home. Like many other people, they had always assumed self-building would be too expensive. It was not until lockdown that they started investigating it more seriously.

Building a replacement dwelling

The couple’s family owns a former working farm, which now runs some livery stables. The couple looked at converting a stable block but every option they investigated for this turned out to be too expensive, so demolishing it and building a replacement dwelling seemed to be a sensible and affordable way forward.

Ben came across our CB Homes website online and sent through an enquiry email to set up a consultation with Nathan, one of our directors. Ben also had a good look through the self-build resources on our website, which he found very useful.

Our brochure, which showcases several of the self-build projects we have undertaken, really appealed to him, as the houses, despite the variety of designs, all seem to share the ‘warm’ feel that he and Leanne were after. They loved the idea of designing a very individual affordable home that really epitomised authentic country living. They also did not want to end up with a house that looked just the same as dozens of others.

Ben and Leanne had already consulted with an architect to see if they could design a home to be built on a plot on the family’s land. They were keen to make sure that any design would fit in with the existing adjacent old farmhouse and two new build cottages.

The stables, which were to be demolished, date back more than a century, so it was important to the couple that their house design would somewhat replicate the shape of these original old buildings.

Future proofing for a growing family

Ben says,

“Originally, we had an architect friend, who followed our instructions to design a five bedroom house so we took that design to CB Homes to see if they would build it for us.

“In our consultation meeting with CB Homes, Nathan was very helpful by being very direct. He suggested various improvements and variations to the original design and was not afraid to push back so that we were making the absolute most of our budget. For example, he said that we would end up with rather small, boxy bedrooms if we insisted on sticking with our existing five-bed design.

“Following his advice, we re-designed it with the help of CB Homes to have just three bedrooms. There’s one master bedroom with an ensuite and a dressing room and two rooms for my two girls.

“To begin with we were a bit downcast at the thought of having fewer bedrooms than we had envisioned. The main reason we wanted five bedrooms was that as the two girls grow we want them to be able to have more of their own space. Brilliantly, Nathan suggested that in years to come, once our house is built, we could apply for planning permission to add two more bedrooms above, which could have a ‘Jack and Jill’ bathroom. So that’s been allowed for in the design, with things like joists being located now to enable a staircase to be put in later. We would never have thought of future proofing like that, so we are very happy.”

What does your dream house look like?

Leanne says,

“Our inspiration for our house design, simply put, is what you get if you ask a child to draw a picture of a beautiful house, as that’s what it looks like! It’s very simple, as we didn’t have the budget for an enormous footballer style house – and we didn’t want that either! But it has absolutely everything that we want.

“Downstairs, we will have an open plan kitchen and dining area leading into a big living room with French doors opening out. The CB Homes team was so good at visualising what we wanted. Once we had worked out our budget and how much everything was going to cost and made sure it was affordable for us, it was all very straightforward.”

Jumping for joy

Having lived in a static caravan for nearly three years, Ben and Leanne can hardly wait to move into their new home. Ben is particularly looking forward to being able to invite friends round for socialising in their brand new kitchen. Leanne is looking forward to enjoying the view from the master bedroom, as well as having space to be able to do a star jump, which she certainly can’t do in the caravan!

Thinking of your own affordable self-build project?

Ben says,

“If you are thinking of building your own home, go for it, it’s well worth it. Be prepared for the fact that you will have to start spending money long before construction starts, as things like surveys have to be done first, so you have to allow for those costs. Find a company that you feel you can trust to be honest with you and really advise you, based on their years of experience.”

If you have always dreamed of building your own home, talk to us. Find out how we can help you design it, secure planning approval and carry out the whole build with our complete turnkey self-build package. 

We’ve been designing and building award-winning homes since 1981. From prestigious turnkey self-build projects, to distinctive developments and exclusive barn conversions, each bespoke home is built to the same exacting standards.

CB Homes is an A1+ member of the National House Building Council (NHBC), registered builder with the Local Authority Building Control (LABC), as well as a member of the Federation of Master Builders.

Contact us to plan your next move.

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