Tag: new house

Design: a French chateau-style self-build

A local couple wanted to design the perfect family home for themselves, with plenty of room for entertaining and for guests to stay. This truly grand design replacement dwelling is the second largest self-build project ever undertaken by CB Homes.

A local couple wanted to design the perfect family home for themselves and their son in the village of Duddon, with plenty of room for entertaining and for guests to stay. This truly grand design replacement dwelling is the second largest self-build project ever undertaken by CB Homes and the largest that architect Russell Baker has ever undertaken.

When CB Homes embarks on a self-build project with a new client, design meetings are always held so that the architect can find out exactly what sort of house the clients want to build; the look, the style, the feel, and of course, the size.

This project has involved the most extensive set of design meetings that CB Homes has ever held with a client but it was definitely worth it to make sure we got the design exactly right.

Talking design

Architect Russell says,

“It can take a while to come up with the design that everyone loves but it is always totally worth the time taken. Once I started to understand what sort of house they were envisioning, I showed them sample photos of various buildings to help inspire them. Pictures of tall windows and double gables were very enthusiastically met so I knew I was heading in the right direction. I would describe the style we eventually decided upon as a rural French chateau, which has softer lines than  the very tall and ornamental chateaux of France often have. Everything about this house is going to be tall; the ceilings, doors and windows are much taller than usual, and simple elegance is the theme.”

The clients were very specific from the start that what they wanted most from their ambitious self-build project was symmetry. They wanted their home to be designed to be as symmetrical as possible. The final design is very symmetrical from front to back but Russell persuaded our clients to give him a little more freedom when it came to the side elevations, to add some further interest.

Design requirements

Our clients wanted to have a very open plan feel to the house and, despite its size, to feel that there is good visibility through the house from front to back and also, where possible, and unusually, between the two floors too.  This is partly going to be achieved by two voids in the kitchen ceiling, where the kitchen will be open to the large upstairs lounge above it.

The double height windows at the rear of the property stretch from the ground the whole way up to the roof above the first floor.

The fireplaces’ design is very traditional, yet extremely contemporary too

The very grand hall has a double height entrance, featuring a row of ceiling lanterns and it will be truly spectacular on completion. A double sided fireplace takes centre stage in the middle of the house, providing heating for the kitchen/ dining space and the hallway. Surrounded by glass, this is simultaneously very traditional, yet extremely contemporary too. Making the fire the focal point, yet allowing uninterrupted lines of sight all around it, makes the house, despite its size, feel beautifully connected, with all the spaces flowing into each other. Upstairs, another double sided fireplace heats the first floor sitting room and the galleried landing too.

Five of the six bedrooms have ensuite bathrooms and the smallest of these bedrooms is about the size of the largest bedroom one might expect to find in an executive new build.

Design creates uninterrupted views across the Cheshire countryside

A very large master suite was on the menu of requirements, including an upstairs lounge or living area at the rear of the property, with a balcony from which the householders will be able to enjoy uninterrupted views across the countryside behind the house.

This balcony itself runs continuously across the rear of the house. Clever cut outs in the design mean that uninterrupted views can be enjoyed from anywhere in the rear of the house without the balcony seeming to be in the way.

The tall windows and doors throughout the property will have very slim, black metal frames, which are very French in feel. Solid slate is going to be used for plinths and sills, instead of the more usual brick and slate cappings will feature on the parapets too.

There is going to be a beautiful entertainment space or media room at the front of the house, along with a pool table for relaxed evenings at home. The majority of the rest of the downstairs space is taken up with a huge open plan kitchen/ dining area, a big lounge and a cosy, but still very spacious, snug.

The feeling of openness and space is emphasised by the use of lots of glass internally, with many sliding doors between rooms. The impact of taking so many solid walls away to allow for all the glazing is that a steel frame will need to be used to support the whole structure. This is all skilfully hidden away however so the feeling of elegant space is not compromised in any way.

Outdoor kitchen design

Initially, the homeowners were interested in including a swimming pool as part of their grand design but having considered it, decided that the large further outlay to build a pool would not actually add equivalent value to the house. A pool also requires a significant commitment to ongoing care and maintenance. An outdoor kitchen space is being designed instead, in a separate building to the house, along with a home office and gym in a second outbuilding. The brick detailing and natural stone coping on these outbuildings will perfectly match the material used on the house, while the doors and windows will have the same tall, slim elegance. The house, with its two outbuildings, is being built around a U-shaped courtyard, further echoing the symmetry of the entire project.

Watch us laying the foundations of this enormous house here.

Looking to design your own home?

If you have always dreamed of building your own home, talk to us. Whether it is a grand design, or a cosy country cottage, find out how we can help you design it, secure planning approval and carry out the whole build with our complete turn key self-build package. 

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 us to find out more. 

Finishing our modern replacement dwelling in Timperley

On walking up to the front doors of this remarkable house you immediately become aware that this house is a genuine one-off when it comes to the ambitious design.

The stunning double doors are custom built from one enormous piece of slate.

On walking up to the front doors of this remarkable house you immediately become aware that this house is a genuine one-off when it comes to the ambitious design. The stunning double doors are custom built from one enormous piece of slate. Slate is a natural product, made up of a multitude of very thin layers which are subject to wear and tear. This means that these doors will change appearance over time, remaining distinctive and unique as the house ages in the years to come.

Clutter free style

The kitchen takes the clutter free style of the whole home to a new level. The island in the centre makes a superb design statement being made from just one piece of quartz. The island is so heavy that the floor underneath had to be specially designed in order to support its weight. The hob is built into the quartz top with ‘invisible controls’.

Show stopping modern staircase

The show stopping glazed open staircase needed special design as there are no visible signs of support. Each stair is fastened to a steel plate that runs across the width of the wall.

Open plan design for modern living

From the start, it was really important to the homeowners to have a very open plan ground floor, with the kitchen completely open to the rest of the home. Their architect had incorporated a solid glass screen running from the roof down to the ground floor for fire safety. The clients decided this would interfere with the open plan vision they wanted for their home. Unfortunately, abandoning this would have presented a fire risk when it came to being compliant with building regulations. As an alternative, we installed a steel smoke screen ‘curtain’, that, in the event of fire, will descend from the ceiling, and act as a fire break.

Microcement finish

Our clients particularly like microcement and chose to use this decorative coating extensively in the build, including the whole ground floor and all the bathrooms – even down to the toilet seats.

This is a beautiful finish and the installer needs to be highly skilled. If you are considering a microcement finish to any elements of your self-build home, it is imperative to see examples of the installer’s work first so you can be sure of the quality.

Modern minimalist design

The balcony off the master bedroom is a real triumph of technical minimalist design, including internal drainage, so there are no visible signs of grates etc.

The final touch for this house was to render the whole of the outside. It is vitally important that the blockwork is completely dry before render is applied. The torrential rain we had towards the end of the build meant that we had to wait until after the homeowners had taken possession and moved in before we could return to complete this work. This just goes to show that to a certain extent we are at the mercy of the elements when it comes to some stages of a build.

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.

Pre-start: building a timber frame self-build in Hoole, Chester

We were very pleased to find a plot of land for a self-build on Stone Place, in the centre of Hoole, on the outskirts of Chester, with outline planning permission for building a house.

As space was quite tight and access somewhat restricted, we started thinking about building a timber frame house, rather than our usual brick and block build.

The importance of due diligence for self-building

We were very pleased to find a plot of land for a self-build on Stone Place, in the centre of Hoole, on the outskirts of Chester, with outline planning permission for building a house.

The plot is located in a quiet cul-de-sac, less than a minute’s stroll from the centre of  Hoole, which has a wonderful range of shops, cafes, bars and restaurants. Chester railway station and the city centre itself are just a few minutes’ walk away.

When it comes to acquiring city sites, especially in a historical city such as Chester, there is a great deal of due diligence that should be carried out before completion. Discovering after you have purchased a site that there are significant archaeological conditions attached to it, for example, can become costly and time-consuming.

Always investigate potential site challenges before buying land for a self-build

One issue we were aware of as soon as we looked at the site plans was to do with drainage. It seemed as though the site might have a sewer line running right across it. You need an area of three metres easement either side of a sewer, so if the plans were accurate (and they usually are about 90% correct), this would have meant the site was not viable for development. It was good to discover this before we were fully committed to the purchase.

Our first step was to undertake a CCTV survey of the drain and, when tracking the sewer line’s path, it seemed as if the plans were actually wrong. We decided to double check our findings with a ground penetration radar survey. This survey showed that the sewer line actually runs around the site. Some easement would still need to be taken into consideration when it came to the design of the dwelling, but it meant that developing the site was still feasible.

It is worth noting that the landowner had no idea of the existence of the sewer at all. A less experienced developer might not have investigated and just gone ahead with building plans. The best case scenario in that case would have been having to divert the sewer once it was discovered, which can cost many thousands of pounds. A more naive developer might have assumed that the plans were 100% accurate, so abandoned the site and the development opportunity it represented. All this goes to show how important it is to do all your due diligence before embarking on a building project.

Adapting plans for a conservation area

The site is located on the boundary of the conservation area of Hoole. Initially we wanted to build two semi-detached homes, akin to the next door property, but this was turned down by the planning department so we had to re-group and change our plans.

One challenge for the project was that access to it is across a private access road, so we had to ensure that the future homeowner and any services would also be able to use it for access.

When space is tight, consider timber frame

The next consideration to think about were the physical restraints of the site. Space is really quite tight and access is somewhat restricted, with a busy hotel close by, so we needed to get the structure of the house built quickly. This was when we started thinking about a timber frame house, rather than our usual brick and block build.

A timber frame house normally requires 30% shorter construction time than brick and block and dries out faster too. Much of the work, such as assembly of the external panels and internal partitions and trimming to length of joists and rafters, is completed off site in factory conditions.

There are many different standards of timber frame, which come in different thicknesses and with different features.

Something to bear in mind with some timber frames is that when insulation is installed, if there are any gaps, that gives cold bridging a chance to take effect, which will lead to condensation and then the formation of mould. This has historically put some people off using timber frame. However, technology has advanced rapidly and improved timber frame design dramatically. The type we chose, the InjectaWall system from the timber frame specialist Flitcraft, has insulation injected into it, thus expelling all the air from the panel.

The closed timber frame panels comprise timber studs, sheathed both sides with Oriented Strand Board and filled with injected polyurethane form insulation (CFC-free). The interior side of the panel is faced with a heath reflective membrane and an air gap is left between it and the internal cladding. This means no air gaps have a chance of forming and the insulation is highly effective, achieving a U-value of 0.13W/m2k. This is considerably more energy efficient than current Building Regulations require and means that this new house will be comparatively economical to run, will heat up quickly and retain heat well.

Thinking of building a timber frame house?

Using timber frame meant we would be able to get the structure built really quickly and get on site much faster, minimising neighbourhood disruption. Another advantage of timber frame is that it is not so weather dependent so construction has less chance of being delayed by bad weather. In fact, a typical timber frame house can be weather-tight in less than three weeks.

Planning your finances for building your own timber frame house

When it comes to planning your finances with a timber frame house, think carefully about how you are funding your self-build. Timber frame construction is recognised by many building societies, banks and insurance companies for lending purposes. However, the majority of timber frame suppliers will need payment before delivery, while brick and block is typically split into instalments throughout the build. So you need to have the funds available to make the purchase, or if you are funding your project through a self-build mortgage, be sure to check with your mortgage company that they are happy with the terms and conditions of your timber frame supply.

Interested in building a timber frame house? Talk to us to 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 turn key self-build package. 

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 find out more.

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.

Building an affordable self-build house

The affordable self-build project we are building just across the border in Staffordshire is progressing quickly.

The windows at the front of the house have been made bigger than those at the back to make the most of the fabulous views across the nature reserve in the valley below.

The affordable self-build project we are building, just across the border in Staffordshire, is progressing quickly and is due to be completed by the end of October. The windows and doors are being fitted.

The windows at the front of the house have been made bigger than those at the back to make the most of the fabulous views across the nature reserve in the valley below.

Owners Ben and Leanne are loving seeing the project coming together and are coming home every day to find something new. They have enjoyed making their way up to the first floor to look out of what will become the window of their master bedroom. Currently this is a precarious expedition, as the stairs have not been fitted yet!

Leanne had found it hard to envision the house just from the plans and describes herself now as ‘beyond excited’ as the house starts to take shape. It turns out that she thinks it feels bigger and even more spacious than she expected.

Leanne says,

“Watching the scaffolding come down is like unwrapping the best present in the world.”

Ben was a little nervous about what the bricks they chose would look like, as it was very important that they would blend in with the other buildings on the site, which are a variety of different brick types. Before making the final choice, he and Leanne drove all around the area taking photos of lots of different houses to make sure they were selecting the best one possible.

Ben’s two girls love seeing the house ‘grow’ and are already talking about how much they are looking forward to celebrating Christmas and New Year in their new house, with plenty of space to welcome guests.

Planning the kitchen

As the biggest room in the house, the kitchen is going to be the focal point of the home and where the household will gather.

The must-haves for the kitchen for Ben and Leanne were a kitchen island and a boiling water tap. Before making their final choices, the couple visited plenty of kitchen shops. They found using a virtual reality tool really useful, where they could  ‘walk around’ a kitchen to really get a feel for it. 

Leanne says,

“We’ve gone for a beautiful, very traditional, country style. We felt this was essential as the new house is being built next to a farmhouse. We’ve chosen a beautiful cream colour with oak tops. The salesperson could not have been more helpful and basically realised what we were after straightaway and gave us loads of good advice.”

Turning up the heat

For their heating source, Ben and Leanne have selected an air source heat pump and underfloor heating downstairs and are looking forward to a winter without gas bills.

Environmental considerations

It was vital that the previous building on the site was demolished before the swallows came back for the summer and started building their nests. This year the birds built their nests on the old stables instead. Bee bricks have been incorporated in the walls and bat boxes are going up too, along with a swift box as well. Once the build is complete, Ben and Leanne will be reinstating a dovecote too, as the old farmhouse always used to have one.

Positive feedback to affordable self-build project

A public footpath runs close to the new house and regular passersby often stop to check out the latest development. Some people say they have changed their walking route so that they pass by the self-build project more often.

Ben says,

“We’ve had so many positive remarks from people, from complimenting the speed of the build and how tidy the site team is, to the lovely colour of the bricks!”

If you are interested in building your own home, talk to us. With our complete turnkey self-build package, we can help you design it, secure planning approval and carry out the whole build.

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 find out more.

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.

Award winning homes

6 times winners

13 times winners

8 times winners

2 Awards for best luxury home

Pride in the job award