What to Take Care of When Moving into a New House

The move to a new home is an exciting and wonderful adventure… in theory. In practice, however, it can be a chaotic whirlwind of logistical hurdles and seemingly endless expenses.

No matter how many times you move in your life, you can still feel woefully unprepared in the run-up to moving day. No matter how well you think you’ve prepared, it seems there’s always something you’ve neglected to add to your to-do list.

Here we’ll look at some of the less obvious things that you should take care of when moving to a new house. So you won’t be caught unawares again!

 

The importance of setting up energy in your new house

Setting up a new energy contract may not seem like a high priority when you move. But according to the energy experts at Papernest, many new movers wind up paying far more than they should for energy in their new homes.

After moving house you’ll be put on a ‘deemed contract’ with whichever supplier the previous occupant used. Under this contract, you’ll likely have to use the supplier’s standard variable tariff. This is usually the most expensive that they offer.

Before you move, try comparing energy suppliers to see how much you could save in your new home. You won’t be able to switch until you’ve moved in.

But the closer to your moving day you switch, the more money you could save on your energy bills.

Renting? Ask to see your tenancy agreement in advance!

A tenancy agreement is an important document that deserves to be properly scrutinised before you move into your new rented home. The last thing you want is to lose part (or all) of your deposit because you unwittingly violated this contract because you didn’t get to read it properly.

 

Make sure that the rules are clearly established regarding minor cosmetic changes (like putting up pictures and shelves), changing energy or broadband suppliers, or allowing pets into the home. Tenancy agreements can be very one-size-fits-all. So make sure you flag any issues that may not be applicable to your tenancy. You should also make sure your deposit is covered by the Deposit Protection Scheme. This is a legal requirement.

Don’t let an important post get lost in the shuffle!

Moving usually involves a lot of time going back and forth between both properties. Sometimes this can all be done in a day. Other times it can be more protracted. If your move is likely to take a while, however, it’s important to ensure that no important letters or documents get lost in the shuffle. Leaving a forwarding address may not necessarily be enough to prevent this. Fortunately, Royal Mail offers a redirection service. This allows you to get your post redirected to any UK address for up to 12 months.

Pack little and often

Finally, it’s all-too-easy to underestimate how long it will take you to pack up your belongings. Even if your moving day is still some time away, the best time to start is now. Start with your non-essentials and pack little and often. This will make packing in time for your move much more manageable.

basement-beneath-feet-inset

Explore a new dynamic of space beneath your feet

Be inspired

If you currently reside in a property in the West or South West London it is likely you have witnessed a surge in house renovation and extension come across various home improvement fads, a hot one at the moment being the “Don’t move improve” so it has probably crossed your mind about extending down and creating a basement to form a more space below ground for a more spacious, versatile, valuable home.

But there is no clear cut guide on how to get started doing this.

In this blog article, we’ll explore the most inspiring, unique and practical basement conversion ideas. We’ll also offer technical suggestions to consider when it comes to converting your basement.

basement-build-in-putneyThere are numerous ways you can use your basement space to enhance your home. In fact, ideas for basement conversions are only really limited by a lack of imagination. With the right designs, your basement can be anything you want it to be!

To help with your decision, we’ve listed some of the most popular and practical basement conversion ideas below.


What’s the cost?

What is the cost we hear you shouting, patience waning… In general, the cost of a basement conversion in London is between £4,000 and £6,000 per square metre.

Things that will impact on the cost include:

  • The size you want the basement to be
  • Pre-existing Cellars
  • Garden soil type – certain soils and a high water table can also drive up the cost.

Can the basement expand out into the garden?

Yes the basement can expand out underneath your garden in London this project  type can vary greatly depending on the size required and garden space. However, since there is no underpinning required in the garden, the area extending underneath the garden can cost as little as half the cost of under property area, making it a great option to consider.

Additional garden basement room costs include architect fees if you need one, structural engineer fees, planning applications and surveys.


Entertainment 

basement-loungeA basement home cinema is perfect for a family that really loves entertainment. As a space with very little or no natural light, a basement is the perfect space for creating an environment for watching films and cinematics.

Furthermore, you’ll add an extra and dedicated social branch to your home meaning family members have more options as to where they hang out.

This can be a dedicated space to indulge in personal hobbies, games or to simply relax.

 

 


Accommodation

Converting a bedroom does however come with its own specific challenges. Building regulations officers have to consider lighting, ventilation and waterproofing.

These elements are crucial, as a sleeping space without windows or little natural light is more likely to suffer from damp issues. With the right approach to basement waterproofing, basements can make excellent bedrooms.


Create a basement games room

If you’re an avid gamer, there’s no better way to use your basement space than by creating a basement games room. When kitted out with a combination of different consoles, cosy furniture and accessories, a basement is a great option for a games room. The lack of natural light means gamers can get in the zone and enjoy hours of uninterrupted gaming.

If board and card games are more your thing, a basement can easily be designed to store your favourite games and create a social playing environment. Whether its collaborating in a game of Pandemic or going head to head in a poker tournament, basements rule!


Basement studio/study

Finding a space to study, create, work or write can be difficult in a busy home. A basement is an ideal space for building a study, home office or studio. With many more of us looking to spend time working from home, we need to make sure we are set-up to work. Having a dedicated space makes this so much more productive. It also helps separate work life from leisure time.

If you’re a creative, having a distraction-free work space to write & produce artwork is similarly essential.

Install a bathroom in the basement An extra bathroom can add a huge amount of value to a property and is especially useful for houses converted into flats with multiple occupants.

At APT Renovation, we have over 20 years of carrying out basement conversions across the South West of London.

gallery test

I am text block. Click edit button to change this text. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.

Load More

Latest Project Completion – Grove Road – Sep 2020

APT are proud to show you our latest completed project to complete in Barnes, the new upcoming area in house renovations, extensions and new builds.

The Job involved a side infill extension, internal remodelling and top to bottom renovation.

For a free architectural consultation, Contact our Barnes specialised architects today!

 

Fawley-Lodge-Before-After

Latest Project Completion – Farleigh Lodge – July 2020

First Build Since Lockdown

Since the lessening of the lockdown restrictions, we are proud to announce the start of a new project. The first since the lockdown.

A rear #extension, loft conversion & #renovation on a Victorian terrace house on Valnay street #tooting

For a free architectural consultation, Contact our #architects today!

tips kitchen extension

Tips For A Top Kitchen Extension

house extension - extend 5

The kitchen area is increasingly becoming the most focal point of the home, as families are not only spending more time there eating together, but they are using it as a social space as well. Kitchen extensions are hugely popular in London, as they represent a great way to gain extra space and create beautiful aesthetics. Here are some top tips for an amazing house extension:

Use The Natural Light

It’s always a great idea to let in as much natural light into the kitchen area as possible, and most extensions these days incorporate the outside with the inside. Skylight windows are often used in kitchens to great effect, particularly when they allow light to pour onto the dining table and seating areas. Using glass sliding doors is another effective way to bring in extra light to the kitchen, and offers a seamless passage to the garden area.

Connect To The Outside

As well as using glass sliding doors to create a smooth transition, there are some other great ways to create the illusion of an even larger space. Using matching floor tiles and textures in the kitchen and on the patio is an excellent way to blur the lines of the interior with the exterior. Similarly, using the same colour themes on the kitchen cabinets and counters with the external walls will make your kitchen extension seem even larger.

Choose A Beautiful Theme

Having a beautiful theme in your kitchen makes the world of difference, and it is important that this theme remains consistent throughout. Furniture, cupboards, appliances and walls should all match up and compliment each other. Many modern kitchen designs have a white and airy feel about them, and the most attractive ones always have a hint of an additional colour to create a really standout look.

Define Areas Of The Kitchen

Your kitchen extension will ensure that you get more usable space, so it’s definitely recommended to divide it into different areas. Having an island or peninsula will split up the cooking area from the actual dining area and will create a lovely open-plan kitchen scheme, where family members can relax while the others can prepare meals or drinks. This type of extension creates clear separate areas fit for different purposes but maintains a sense of cohesion.

Create Storage

Storage is one of the most salient things in a kitchen extension, as the chief purpose is to cook and to cook with practicality and ease. Making sure that your storage units and cabinets are all next to each other improves the functionality for all culinary activities and can be colour coordinated as such. Wall mounts can also be fitted to add additional storage space, while magnetic strips can also be placed on the walls for cutlery.

Meet APT’s Kitchen Extension Architects in who have recently completed a Job Earlsfield