How complicated is it to work on a listed building

Whether you want to replace a single broken roof tile or build an extension, the correct specification of materials is vital to any work on listed and conservation area buildings. But you’re not on your own: there are set procedures to follow and experts who can guide you through them and help you assess everything you can – and can’t – do.

This expert guide in Houzz will take you through the do’s and don’t’s of restoring a listed property.

If you are considering a property refurb or a house build and believe in doing your best to create a home that is harmonious with the environment, do give us a call on 02081917595. Or better still, book a FREE consultation with us and we’ll visit your property, discuss your ideas and share some of our recommendations with no obligation.

Which Projects will add value to my home?

which-projects-will-add-value-home-feature

We all want to add value to our homes. After all, property is one of the best investments so we should make the most of it. Whether you live alone in a one bedroom flat, or with your growing family in a 4-bedroom new-build house, there are always ways of making your home work harder for you.

Home renovation is a tool used by homeowners and investors alike to add value to their properties. Whether they are upgrades for personal purposes or a major facelift before putting the home up for sale, renovations can do wonders for a home’s value – when done right.
This article in Houzz will help you find out how to ensure your project will attract buyers. We thought it might be useful to you if you are in the process of refurbishing or building a new home.

If you are considering a property refurb or a house build and believe in doing your best to create a home that is harmonious with the environment, do give us a call on 02081917595. Or better still, book a FREE consultation with us and we’ll visit your property, discuss your ideas and share some of our recommendations with no obligation.

This genius idea will make wine lovers want to cut a hole in their floor

Wine lovers cut hole in their floor feature

Homes should be as unique as their owners.

SDA Build London have added cinema rooms, swimming pools and even a private art gallery to people’s homes. But this might be the most compelling home-improvement we have seen in a while.

Every wine lover’s dream is to have a cellar with all their collected bottles neatly categorised and easily accessible. This idea in House Beautiful is a perfect conversation starter and a showpiece for anyone who loves to entertain. We wanted to share this home design trend that’s happening more and more frequently.

 

Wine lovers cut hole in their kitchen floor

 

If you are considering a property refurb or a house build and have been inspired by our blog, do give us a call on 02081917595. Or better still, book a FREE consultation with us and we’ll visit your property, discuss your ideas and share some of our recommendations with no obligation.

10 Steps to Finding the Perfect Windows for Your Home

There’s no doubt that choosing windows can be one of the most daunting elements of any project, but getting them right is crucial. Have you ever noticed how different your room looks when you pull back the curtains or open your blinds? Windows are magical when it comes to improving the look of a room. The SDA Build London team can transform your home by helping you chose the best windows to accentuate your living space.

This article in Houzz highlights 10 points to bear in mind when you’re planning to install new glazing. We thought it might be useful to you if you are in the process of refurbishing or building a new home.

window types

If you are considering a property refurb or a house build and believe in doing your best to create a home that is harmonious with the environment, do give us a call on 02081917595. Or better still, book a FREE consultation with us and we’ll visit your property, discuss your ideas and share some of our recommendations with no obligation.

5 FAQ’s about Car Elevators in Chelsea Properties

car elevators chelsea

Are you a car connoisseur or collector living in the Kensington and Chelsea borough? We’re sure that you, more than anyone else, know the cost and security risk of parking your stunning, collectible vintage or sports cars the streets of London. Have you considered installing a car park with an elevator in your basement? It’s the ultimate luxury feature that allows you to feel secure in the knowledge that your latest classic Aston Martin or Lamborghini is tucked away safely and that you can take it out for a spin by simply pressing a button.

In fact, not too long ago a Middle Eastern Royal, with a fleet of over 80 supercars paid £21 million for an underground car park in the glitzy Knightsbridge neighbourhood, not far away from luxury department store Harrods. (Independent, 9 Feb 2017).

According to an article in the Daily Mail, one of the latest luxury home improvement features in the Chelsea area has been the £50,000 Thunderbirds-style pop-up garage.

The garage uses a hydraulic platform which can be hidden under a water feature, flowerbed or patch of gravel – or even a second car.

car elevators chelsea cardok

The modern Cardok lifts out of the ground at the touch of an electronic key fob.

Eight underground garages have already been built, four are in production and more than 10 are on order, with interest highest in Westminster, Kensington and Chelsea, Ealing, Dulwich and Highbury.

The hydraulic system allows urban homeowners to hide luxury cars beneath a normal-looking driveway – before summoning them to the surface at the touch of a button on a fob.

We thought we would answer some FAQ’s about car elevators that might be on your mind if you are considering installing one for your exclusive car collection.

  1. How much does a car elevator cost?
      • According to Cardok, their standard parking solutions are available from £35,000 but a lot of projects, especially the made to measure ones, can go over a few hundred thousand pounds.
     
  2. How high of a ceiling do you need for a car elevator?
      • Car lifts don’t fit very well in garages that are less than 22 feet deep. Ideally, the ceiling should be at least 11 to 12 feet high (though this author has used one – carefully – with a 9 1/2-foot ceiling).
     
  3. Do I need planning permission to install an underground car lift?
      • Depending on the size and structure of the lift and/or a basement garage, you may need planning permission. We suggest you check with Kensington and Chelsea council once your plans have been drawn up.
     
  4. What are the types of car elevators available?
      • Car Basement Lift
        Designed for pit installation, this car lift consists of a self-supporting platform with its own roof cover allowing Parking of cars on the lift roof. It uses a scissor mechanism and comes with a ‘Person On Board’ option allowing the driver to remain in the vehicles while the lift is in motion.
      • Pop Up Smart Car Lift
        Ideally designed to optimise parking space in residential homes where a standard above ground garage may have reduced dimensions, the lift will work using the homes standard electric supply and has a very sturdy 4 column structure ensuring perfect stability and easy installation.
      • Scissor Lift with Load Bearing Roof
        This lift not only allows a second vehicle to be parked on the roof when closed, but can be raised and lowered while the second car remains in place.
      • Double Scissor Lift
        Designed to store up to 3 cars, this double scissor mechanism lift allows 2 cars to be parked underground, leaving the driveway free for a third car to be parked.
     
  5. Who are some of the leading car elevator companies in the UK?
    Some of the most well-known companies who manufacture and install car elevators are:
      1. Cardok
      2. Total Lifting Solutions
      3. Parking Lift Solutions
      4. Sheridan Lifts

     

    1. If you are planning a complete home refurbishment that includes a car elevator, you will need this to be a part of your overall home design and plan. We believe you will need an experienced construction company like SDA Build to work with the car elevator company to design and build a system that works within the framework and structure of your current property or that will work in your newly refurbished property or new build.If you would like some advice on what we believe, given our experience in the Chelsea and Kensington areas, would be best suited for your home and lifestyle, give us a call on 0208 191 7595 or email us at enquiries@sdabuildlondon.co.uk. A member of our team will contact you and we’ll be happy to visit your property and discuss your options.”Luxury must be comfortable, otherwise it is not luxury.” Coco Chanel.