Advice Design Planning Questions & Answers

For FREE advice contact us on

029 2073 4662

Request a
Call Back

Please call for information
tel. 029 2073 4662

Book a Free
Appointment


Some Questions and Answers
			Industry acknowledgement 13 March 2006 ASK ME ANOTHER: THE ASK-QUESTIONS.COM CONSERVATORY EXPERT PROVIDES HIS 1,000TH ANSWER Gary Deverson, the ‘resident’ conservatory expert on consumer home improvement advice web site www.ask-questions.com, has recently provided his 1,000th expert answer to homeowners in Britain and the U.S. seeking impartial advice for their conservatory needs and worries. The Ask-Questions site, part of the same eBuilders Ltd stable that includes ConservatoriesOnline, features a Q&A forum that allows visitors to the site to ask questions on a range of home improvements including conservatories, double glazing and kitchens, with answers provided by leading experts in each of their fields. Gary, who learned his trade at the sharp end, running his company in South Wales, a building & conservatory business, Cosy Living Ltd, takes pride in providing the free and independent advice to users of the web site, including such questions about using gas fires in a conservatory, defective polycarbonate roofs, self-cleaning glass; and condensation. The most frequent enquiries concern superstore DIY conservatories, and kitchens from a leading, Scandinavian home retailer. Gary, who was presented with a bottle of champagne by eBuilders’ boss Barry Dunlop to celebrate his milestone at the recent Glassex trade show, is happy just to help: “I really like helping people, to do my good deed each day,” says Gary. “But I also hate seeing companies rip people off - it gives our industry a bad name.” Gary’s Website: http://www.advicedesignplanning.co.uk Ask Questions Discussion Forum: http://www.ask-questions.com/yabbse/index.php
	Do I need Planning?
	Around 50% of new build in Wales needs planning, this is something we can advise on but as a general rule, always ask.
	Once you have helped us design our new extension, can you deal with planning on our behalf?
	We can produce your planning drawings in house or put you in touch with an architect if so desired.
	Do I need Building Regulations?
	This is complicated and is something we can discuss with you. If you would like more information now go to http://www.planningportal.gov.uk/permission/.
	We are not sure if we want a conservatory, extension or orangery, can you help?
	That’s what we are here for, after sitting down and listening to your needs and requirements and because we are independent, we can tell you the pros and cons of each project.
	Can you save us time?
	You can either have 3 builders & 3 conservatory companies spending 1 to 3 hours each, (that could be a massive 18 hours) or we can help and you can spend as much time as you wish.
	What happens with the drains?
	Drains are all part of the design service and depending where they are and how they run, will depend how we recommend they are dealt with.
	Can you deal with our water supplier?
	Yes, please remember your water supplier must be contacted, if you are extensing your home over a drain.
	Will I have to move my manhole?
	Sometimes the manhole can be raised and sealed, but they do not need to be obtrusive.
	Can my rain water down pipe run into the nearest drain?
	This will depend where you live and whether you have a split system for soil and rain water but can be checked on a visit.
	Where does your experience come from?
	Our experience comes from many years of building and dealing with all local control departments.
	How do we know what you design is going to be structurally sound?
	Everything is given the utmost care and attention and where you require calculations for structural work, we will make sure it is checked by our structural engineer before you proceed.
	What do you design?
	Extensions (1 & 2 storey) Orangeries Family rooms Glass extension Conservatoires	Kitchens Bi-Folding Doors (extending your home into the garden) Garage Conversions Landscaping
	Can we project manage our own extension, to keep the cost down?
	Yes you can and we can be there for advice but please remember if you have never managed before, it could cost you more than the cost of a professional manager.
	Do you offer a project management service?
	We have a wealth of experience of project management and can keep the cost right down.
	How can you save us money on labour?
	To keep costs to a minimum, you can pay all the trades people directly, as lot of trades people are not required to be VAT registered, saving 20% on labour costs.
	How can you save us money on materials?
	We have negotiated excellent costs with local suppliers, so if you wish, you can order and pay direct.
	Are the trade’s people you recommend good?
	These trades people are people we have used ourselves during our years of building and you will have their qualifications, before they start work.
	Are the trade’s people insured?
	Everybody we put you in touch with will have public liability insurance.