FAQ

Dependent on what works are required and time span, the works could be subject to a number of legal requirements and notifications such as: Building Control approval; 1996 Party Wall Act; Construction Design Management (CDM) and Listed Building Consent (LBC). Robert Ozols Limited will help navigate through the process to ensure long term peace of mind.

All works are undertaken by qualified tradesmen and inspected to ensure standards are maintained. A line of communication is upheld with customers to maintain dialogue and confidence

There is no real ‘best property’ to renovate. Properties pre-1930s were built without any regulations and tend to be more expensive and take longer to renovate. 1930s, 1950s and properties built since 1980 tend to be easier to renovate as construction is similar from property to property. 1970s properties can be trickier to renovate as they weren’t always built with good materials and many renovation jobs may require work being undone before renovation can be started.

Robert Ozols limited has experience of working on Listed Properties. Listed buildings are important heritage sites which come with lots of restrictions for renovations, such as materials used and what you must retain. Dependant on the works, it is important to establish if the materials are still available or if a suitable alternative if available. These details must be confirmed as acceptable prior to commencing the work detail with the designated local authority officer.

When looking at renovating a Listed Property, if you are not represented by an architect, you would be advised to discuss your plans with your local planning office even before you apply for planning. It is as important to discuss your ideas with the local conservation officer as well. A meeting can be arranged with specific personnel by contacting your local authority

This can be less obvious than at first thought. Homeowners can be put off by having external works done in the winter period, but in recent years the summer months have been extremely wet, hindering progression of building works. It can be costly to the homeowner to wait to have the repair works done. Good examples of this is would be: if the property is not maintained watertight i.e. a roofing issue, or; that the condition is allowed to deteriorate such as a fungal/insecticidal infestation. Home improvement and repairs continue to be carried out throughout the year to ensure your home is warm, safe and secure. Some of this money is spent on replacing things like kitchens, bathrooms, windows and doors and some is spent on less obvious improvements like re-pointing brickwork or replacing soffits at rooflines. Whatever the issue call Robert Ozols on 01524 853388 or complete our online contact form to arrange for a thorough property survey.

Wet Rot

Is one of the most common forms of timber decay. Wet rot is a wood-destroying fungus that forms from very damp timber, for example in timber windows or fence posts. Wet rot requires high moisture content to grow continuously. Thriving in moisture content between 30% – 60%, wet rot can cause serve structural damage if not adequately treated. Unlike dry rot, an attack of wet rot will not spread through the building. The fungal attack will only be sustained locally. This is not to say that it may not have severe consequences, for example: if the fungal attack was to a structural timber which was to fail. Woodworm is also attracted by damp or wet timbers.

Dry Rot

Dry rot is a form of timber decay that can cause severe weakening to timbers such as in floorboards and joists. A wood-destroying fungus, dry rot thrives on moisture found in timber as a result of excess water, although the moisture content is less than found in situations where wet rot my flourish. Dry rot fungus will germinate in moisture-laden timbers, grow and eventually release spores into the air. This allows the fungus to spread around your property requiring immediate treatment to eradicate the fungal attack.

It can be very serious not to treat a dry rot attack. Dry rot (Serpula lacrymans) can spread quickly through a building, and if left unattended can be very expensive to eradicate. The extent or outbreak must be determined and treated effectively. It can cause structural collapse. Early treatment is recommended to prevent growth and on-going costs.

Unless the problems have been properly diagnosed, for example, a wet rot/ dry rot or insecticidal infestation, then timber replacement in itself, will not rectify the situation, delivering a short rest-bite whilst the underlying cause will lead to further attack. A timber survey will establish the cause, extent and treatment plan, avoiding repeated and disruptive repair works.

Woodworm is associated with the Common Furniture Beetle (Anobium punctatum). However, there are other beetles that attack timber, such as the Powder Post Beetle (Lyctus spp) and Death Watch Beetle (Xestobium rufovillosum) for example. Dependent on the beetle infestation, would determine the treatment plan. Unless the beetle attack is diagnosed correctly, the treatment may be ineffective and financially wasteful. For example: The Bark Borer (Ernobius Mollis) only infests the bark and immediately underlying sapwood of softwoods. It will not infest other timber areas, or cause significant structural damage. No treatment is necessary except the stripping of the bark.

Get peace of mind, seek a professional assessment to ensure the right treatment is instigated. Contact us today If you believe you have either a fungal attack or insecticidal infestation, on 01524 853388 or complete our online contact form to arrange for a thorough property survey.

It is illegal to damage, destroy or disturb any bats or their roosts, however the law does not prevent pest control occurring in within a property where a bat roost is present.

All bats and their roosts are protected by law, under The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) and The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010 (as amended).

Bats should be considered during pest control activities, as it is illegal to damage, destroy or disturb any bats or their roosts without having taken the necessary precautions. In this context ‘damage’ could include such operations as treatment with chemicals found in wood preservatives.

You must take great care when seeking to identify a potential bat roost and it is very important not to disturb any bats. There are a few simple signs to look for like such as: Bat droppings; which are similar in appearance to rodent droppings, bat droppings will be very dry and will crumble to dust under very little pressure. If you notice droppings, a quick crumble test (with gloves or a tissue) is a good way to get an indication of bat presence.

To avoid an offence from being committed, if bats are known to be or have been present, or bats or their droppings are discovered at any stage (including after operations have started), work must not commence or must stop immediately and advice be taken from the Statutory Nature Conservation Organisation (SNCO).

There are many processes and considerations to be determined, Robert Ozols Limited can develop the initial concept into a reality. Call Robert to arrange a meeting to discuss your ideas, where the initial concept can be developed to the next stage.

By adopting a “team approach” involving members from the client, design team and contractor from the beginning gives the following advantages to the build process.

The process requires the inclusion of three key parties.

1. The homeowner, who provide clear direction based on the required needs, wants, priorities, and preference.
2. The architect or designer, who develops an initial “informed design” based on function and aesthetics.
3. The builder brings expertise on construction process.

This collaboration is best when the team is formed from the beginning.

1. Architects/designers are well qualified to interpret your vision and needs into an acceptable design.
2. An experienced builder can provide ongoing cost analysis, suggest possible alternatives,
3. A builder’s experience working with local planning and building control can also save time, money, and headaches from planning application through final inspections and sign off.
4. But most important, there is no “handoff” when the actual construction begins. Instead, the builder will be well informed and working from an understanding of the project rather than just a set of plans.
5. This understanding of priorities and the intelligence behind various design decisions can dramatically improve communication, reduce misunderstandings, and ultimately, result in a better finished product.

This might be one of the most important decisions you make in the home building process. Whichever builder you choose, you’re going to be working with them for many months. It’s important to get the choice right at the outset to head off problems down the road. Many situations can be offset through analysis of the project. Firstly, in the pre-contract stage by understanding the contract and determining contract requirements. Once the works commence: ensure correct procedures are adopted in relation to the project. Communication is paramount throughout to ensure problems are not allowed to grow or that changes are addressed. These represent just a very few of the factors, but will aid a successful and timely completion of the works.  Robert Ozols has been trading since 1991 and is uniquely qualified in the Country, operating as a small building contractor. Contact Robert to discuss your new build project and get the project off to a good start.       .

There can be many benefits to new build customers which may differ to individual needs, however a selection is listed below, although these factors are not exhaustive, they should be considered?

• Many people like the fact that they will be the first to live in the property.
• Repairs and redecoration costs should be minimal for the first few years.
• Buyers can often select fixtures and fittings to tailor the property interior to their taste.
• With increased insulation and current technological products, homeowners can enjoy lower running costs and energy bills.

The design of your home should incorporate all aspects of home life that are important to you and your family. Think carefully about how you envisage your family living and your lifestyle. Make sure your architect has a good understanding of this to, so that the design of the home will flow naturally into your lifestyle patterns. Make use of natural sources i.e. where the house is built in relation to sunlight. This will not only assist with natural lighting and heating costs, but will extend comfort and enjoyment into outdoor areas.

Contact us today, on 01524 853388 or complete our online contact form to arrange for an informal meeting to discuss your project requirements.