As a reputable firm of local builders based in Witney, Oxfordshire, we are proud to offer our clients a comprehensive range of building services. We understand that the world of builder services can often seem complex and confusing, so we want to explain in detail the full scope of what we can offer.
- New builds
- Extensions
- Loft Conversions
- Renovations
- Kitchens
- Bathrooms
- Plastering
- Landscaping
- Painting and Decorating
- Plumbing
- Combining Builder Services
New Builds
A new build refers to a newly constructed property built from scratch and not previously occupied. The term can apply to a variety of property types, including:
- Residential properties include single-family homes, townhouses, country houses and flats.
- Commercial properties such as newly built office buildings, retail spaces, hotels, and other business-related structures.
- Industrial properties like newly constructed warehouses, factories, and other facilities intended for industrial use.
Characteristics of a new build service might encompass:
- Contemporary architectural styles.
- Latest amenities like energy-efficient systems and up-to-date building styles.
- Opportunity to customise aspects of the property, such as floor plans, finishes, and fixtures.
- New builds typically come with warranties on elements such as the structure, appliances, and systems, which can give you peace of mind.
- Since everything in a new build is generally new, maintenance costs are generally lower than those of older properties.
- New builds are often easier to sell due to their modern features and reduced need for immediate repairs or renovations.
Extensions
A house extension is a building service that adds extra space to an existing house. Depending on space and regulations, we can build outwards, upwards, or by converting existing spaces like basements or lofts (see our section on loft conversions).
The main goal of a house extension is to increase the living area, improve functionality, and potentially add value to the property.
Common types of house extensions include:
- Single-storey extensions – add a single level to the rear, side, or front of the house.
- Double-storey extensions – extend the house vertically, adding another floor.
- Wrap-around extensions – combine rear and side extensions, often to create an L-shaped addition.
- Loft conversions – convert the attic or loft space into a usable room.
Different extensions serve different purposes, such as creating more bedrooms, expanding a kitchen, adding a home office, or providing a larger sitting area.
When considering an extension (whether it is a standard extension or a loft extension), you must consider planning permission for the size and design. You should also consider heating and insulation, as glass structures and roof spaces can be prone to temperature fluctuations.
How Disruptive are Extension Services?
The construction phase can be disruptive due to noise, dust, and the presence of construction workers, affecting daily routines, especially if the extension is built close to living areas.
Generally, larger builds take longer, but if utilities such as electricity or water are required, there could be additional disruption.
We also may need access to parts of your home or garden, and you may need to be restricted from certain areas for safety reasons.
Consider how builder services might impact your neighbours, especially concerning their privacy or enjoyment of their property. It’s a good idea to talk to people who live close by.
Loft Conversions
A loft conversion involves the transformation of an unused attic or loft space into a functional room or living area. You can add extra living space without extending the footprint of the property. Loft conversions can serve various purposes, such as an additional bedroom, office, gym, or playroom.
Types of Loft Conversions
Dormer loft conversion – an extension of the roof to create additional headroom and floor space. where a box-like structure is added to the existing roof.
Mansard loft conversion – alters the roof structure with a flat roof and steeply sloping sides, often built at the rear of the property. Offers significant additional space and headroom.
Hip-to-gable loft conversion – changes the sloping side of a roof (hip) into a vertical wall (gable).
Commonly used in semi-detached or end-of-terrace houses.
Velux (roof light) loft conversion – the simplest and most cost-effective, involving the installation of Velux windows into the existing roof slope. Minimal structural modifications. Suitable for lofts with sufficient headroom.
Considerations of a Loft Conversion
For a successful loft conversion, the ceiling height must be at least 2.2 meters. A staircase is necessary for access and needs to be well-designed to save space and meet building codes. Insulation and ventilation should also be considered to keep the new space comfortable and prevent condensation.
Renovations
A renovation is the process of improving, updating, or restoring a room or a building. Renovations can range from minor cosmetic changes to major structural alterations. They can be carried out on residential, commercial, or industrial properties and serve various purposes, such as modernising outdated spaces, repairing damage, or improving energy efficiency.
Types of Renovations
Renovations can be broken down into different types:
Cosmetic renovation involves aesthetic improvements like painting, flooring replacement, and updating fixtures and fittings.
Structural renovation includes significant changes to the building’s structure, such as adding or removing walls.
Restoration focuses on returning a property to its original condition, often in older or listed buildings.
Energy efficiency upgrades aim to reduce energy consumption and improve the property’s environmental impact.
Reconfiguration involves changing the layout of a property to improve its flow and functionality.
Kitchens
Building services for kitchens consist of constructing or extensively renovating a kitchen within a home or commercial property. This can involve completely overhauling an existing kitchen space or building a new kitchen from scratch in a newly constructed or previously unused space.
A kitchen renovation may involve removing or adding walls to create an open-plan space or reconfiguring the existing layout. New windows or doors may also be required for better lighting and access.
You need to consider the plumbing and electrical work for a kitchen renovation.
Do you want new installations or relocation of sinks, dishwashers, and other water-dependent appliances?
Is there wiring to be done for lighting, outlets, and appliances, including ensuring the kitchen meets safety standards and building regulations?
Bathrooms
A bathroom renovation involves the construction or extensive renovation of a bathroom in a residential or commercial property.
This can involve creating a new bathroom space from scratch in a new or existing building or updating and refurbishing an existing bathroom to improve functionality, aesthetics, and efficiency.
Just like a kitchen renovation, you need to consider the plumbing and electrical work.
Plastering
Plastering is basically where we apply a smooth layer of plaster to walls and ceilings to prepare them for painting or wallpapering. It’s a skilled job that requires careful attention to achieve a high-quality finish.
Types of Plastering
Internal Plastering
Dry lining – fixing plasterboard to walls or ceilings without using wet plaster. Joints are then filled and sanded to create a smooth surface.
Skimming – applying a thin coat of plaster over the plasterboard or existing plaster to create a smooth finish.
Two-coat plastering – applying two layers of plaster (base coat and finish coat) to bare walls or over existing plaster.
External Plastering (Rendering)
Rendering is when we apply a mixture of sand, cement, lime, and water to external walls to create a protective and decorative finish. Depending on the desired finish and weather protection, one or multiple coats may be necessary.
Landscaping
A landscaping service from a builder in the UK involves planning, designing, and building outdoor spaces to improve their function and appearance. Landscaping projects vary in scope and can include anything from simple garden improvements to complete outdoor area redesigns.
The service typically consists of a site survey, ground preparation, hardscaping installation such as patios and paths, and softscaping like planting and turfing. It may also involve building walls, installing fences, water features, irrigation, lighting, and security.
Painting and Decorating
In the building industry, painting and decorating are the processes of adding paint, wallpaper, and other decorative finishes to surfaces in homes, offices, and factories. We focus on making indoor and outdoor spaces look better and protecting surfaces.
Painting and decorating are essential for maintaining, renovating, and building properties in the UK. They improve the function and appearance of homes, offices, and industrial buildings.
Plumbing
Plumbing is the system of pipes, fixtures, and fittings in buildings. It distributes clean water and removes wastewater. It is crucial for ensuring water supply, sanitation, and hygiene in homes, businesses, and industrial properties.
People rely on plumbing to access clean drinking water and ensure efficient usage. We guarantee proper water pressure and flow rates as reputable plumbers in Witney.
There are so many services available within the realm of plumbing—why not call us to see if we can help?
Combining Builder Services
Our builder services can be combined—for example, you could have an extension and renovate your front room. We might build an extension for you, but you also want painting and decorating services in other areas.
Concluding Our Services
And there you have it – a comprehensive list of the builder services offered by H&OB Building, all conveniently explained in one place. We trust that this adequately addresses any questions you may have, but if not, please get in touch.
About H&OB Building – Your Reputable Builders in Witney
We are Stuart and Michelle O’Brien, and operate H & OB Building as a family business. We are your local builders, providing training courses to our staff to enhance their skills while improving our builder services. H & OB Building is a unique construction firm with extensive experience managing projects of all sizes, including all the builder services mentioned above.