During 2011 I was contacted by a customer in Hockley Heath who wanted a home extension built, replacing an old conservatory.  My details had been passed onto them as a recommended builder in Solihull area from a neighbour.  I had completed a large landscaping garden project for them and they were very happy with the results and therefore happy to recommend me as a quality, professional reliable builder in the Solihull area. 

Time was spent with the customers understanding what they wanted and we were able to talk through various ideas that I thought would work with the space that they had.  Once we had a clearer picture of what they liked and what was possible the Solihull building control were contacted to discuss and draw up plans which were progressed with the local council. 

The results were the plans were passed for a 15 square metre single storey extension with a stunning vaulted ceiling, Velux windows and a bespoke kitchen.  The building work started mid October with the removal of the old conservatory.  There have been many challenges with the project including the repositioning of the drainage, working on clay based soil which meant that footings had to be 2.4 metres deep. A bespoke kitchen was designed maximising the space created, containing a stunning marble tiled floor and a 3 metre bi-fold doors opening onto the soon to be landscaped garden!

My customers are already recommending us for further building extension projects in the Solihull area.  The area created has the wow factor and the vaulted ceiling is both unique and stunning. The customer has commented that they are exceptionally pleased with the quality and creativeness of the work and the professional way in which it was completed. 

The project was managed on time and within the agreed budget.  Another happy customer!  I am now working with the customer to create a unique landscaping garden design which will include garden decking, turfing and garden brick walls and planted area.

First task was to dig out the footings for the single storey home extension, which were 1.6 meters deep the next task and most important was the relocation of the drainage as this was located in his rear garden with shared services with his neighbor.  As part of this Home extension we created a bridging over the drain itself to allow the brickwork to sit on in preparation for the extension a concrete lintel was installed.

When building a single storey home extension Building Control states that they will inspect a minimum of 5 inspections this is standard practice for all builders in Solihull.

Our first inspection was of the footings and drainage which passed with flying colours.  We then proceeded to pour the ready mix concrete into to footings, we had dug out and prepared and this consisted of 1 meter deep of concrete by 600 cm wide. Depending on the size of the home extension this may vary accordingly and also please note that the type of ground is also taken into consideration which will affect the depth of the footings.

After 1-2 days the footing were dry and the brickwork could commence (weather depending). The bridge over the drainage using the concrete lintel and 4 courses of engineering bricks were used up to the damp course level. We then left a space of 100mm and put the inner course of brickwork up to the level of damp course; Building Regulations will state that the damp cavity must be filled in with a sand and cement mix.

The black damp course membrane was positioned in between the extension facing bricks and started to lay the brickwork, to connect the new brickwork to the house a fir fix or crocodile system is screwed to the house and the clips are located between the new brickwork keeping the brickwork tied into the old house as part of the home extension.

The floor of the Building extension must be laid in a certain way as part of Building Regulations to ensure that the floor is installed correctly and more importantly level and damp resistant. Sand is added to protect the plastic membrane once the plastic membrane is in place 6 inches of cellotex is then put into the inside of the home extension and then the 150 mm of concrete floor is then poured resulting in a set and level floor.

Work on the inside commenced with the inside walls being erected and the 100mm cavity walls insulation is added as the brickwork goes up, once up to roof level. We then took out the old rear windows out of the house, using acro props / strongboys.  At this point the steel beam was inserted into the house which was laid on to a concrete padstone.  This was held into place with slate, sand and cement for a secure final fixing.

 At this point we were unable to do any further works until Building Control had inspected and completed one of the statutory site survey inspections.

Once this had been completed we were able to remove the old brickwork this then provided to provide the opening for the new open extension.  The wall plates were then connected and the roof joists were put into place ready for the roof and velux windows to be set in.

 The roof was battened and a water tight membrane was installed then tiled, the lead flashing was put into place – this was to make the roof water tight. 

Underneath the roof tiles from the inside 6 inches of cellotex was then place between the joist and roof.

 Electrical and Plumbing first fix commenced and the plasterboard was then attached ready for plastering to the internal walls, once plastered the floorings is then screeded ready for painting and decorating.  Once completed the kitchen installation took place.

I have attached some photos of the home extension built, along with a full set of photos.  The customer’s thank you letter regarding the service received and has recommended us as a Solihull Builder for the build work that we completed.

The customer has kindly offered to let us use the property to show future customers the standard of our works along with pictures that can be found in the image gallery.

As part of our certification for the Federation of Master Builders and Trust Mark, this property forms part of the inspection process and portfolio and we are then recommended as a Solihull Builder.

I have also transformed the garden by completing a fully designed and landscaped garden that includes new garden fencing, garden decking, garden lighting, bespoke seating area and fire pit, new turf, gravel and handmade planters

As part of this new home extension we also built and installed a new downstairs shower room, upstairs bathroom that complements the new open plan modern kitchen / dining area.

For more details on building services and home extensions or conservatories and Builders in the Solihull Area please contact me via telephone 0121-744-7849 or via email through the website Contact Me

We have decided to give a little back to our customers this summer. during the months of June July and August Grant Allen designer homes will be passing all fencing and decking gravel , plants , block paving , sand and cement on too our customers at the price we pay for them.

So this is how it works!!!!!!!!

We will design and plan and build your landscape designer garden...

And you will pay for the materials at trade price!

This deal will only last until the end of August 2011 so for more information contact us today.