How to choose a builder

 

Are you looking to renovate your home or business in the near future and don’t know where to start? Here’s a few helpful tips to help you choose the right builder for you.

Looking for inspiration for your bathroom and home renovation? Take a look through our past project case studies.

Looking to hire RedBox for your next project? Check out our reviews on Houzz 

 

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1. Seek recommendations
   As you would when hiring any tradesman, the first step you should take when looking for a builder is to ask for recommendations.You can also lookat Which? Trusted Traders https://trustedtraders.which.co.uk/for reviews and verified tradesmen.if you’ve already hired an architect or designer for the project – they should be able to recommend a builder they have worked with previously also.
2. Check their credentials
   Once you have a prospective builder set up, don’t forget to do your due diligence before signing any agreements.You can verify they’re a legitimate registered company by visiting the Companies House website at www.companieshouse.gov.uk and of course websites such as Which? Trusted Trader are a useful resource as above.

 

Ask the builder for information on previous projects, where possible images or a site visit, and access to testimonials or where possible a chance to speak to a previous customer that has a completed job – ideally more than 12 months ago – as it can take a year for the house to settle and any cracks to show.

 

Check also they have they have appropriate insurance to protect against liabilities incase anything goes wrong.

 

This should include:

• Employers Liability
• Public/Products Liability
• Excess Public Liability
• Contractors All Risk Liability

[vc_single_image image=”9520″ img_size=”full”][vc_single_image image=”9374″ img_size=”full”][vc_single_image image=”9364″ img_size=”full”][vc_single_image image=”9509″ img_size=”full”]3.  Payments
Your contract should include a payment structure that both yourself and your builder have agreed.

Good practice is usually to offer up to a maximum of 10% up front, followed by payments based on agreed goals reached.  As the stages progress the payments progress.

I.e first payment after the initial groundwork is completed, walls being constructed and so forth.

Look out for a builder who expects you to make a substantial payment upfront. This could be a sign they do not have the cash flow to start the project with their suppliers – or they are planning to take your money and run.

Ensure you get everything in writing, mutually signed and copied and keep everything in a safe place –you may want to consider hiring a project manager to help liaise with the builders and keep track of the progress.

 

4. Check if they employ their workers or subcontract

If you’re using a small to medium sized business they should have 3 or 4 projects on the go at any one time, with at least 2 or 3 full time workers at each site (on average about 10 employees).  If they have less than this, they could rely on heavily  on subcontractors which could put the quality at risk.

However, if they are using subcontractors it’s not always a bad thing, you just need to ensure they have they have all the relevant documents and plans before they begin, and make sure you find out who is responsible should any work be substandard. Also check that the builder will be overseeing the project you have hired them for – if not consider an alternative company or insist on a meeting with the actual project manager to ensure regular communication and checks are being done.

 

5.  Plan ahead and help things go smoothly.

What should your builder need from you?  Good quality drawings and diagrams of the project you want completing, make sure the architect is giving the appropriate detail, specifications and requirements, the more details you provide and fine tune – the more accurate a job the builder can complete.

Remember, employing a builder can be stressful – but if you do you research and planning this should make the entire process smoother, and quicker.If you are planning to do work in your home planning is key, we hope these tips and ideas for  home renovation and home improvements. Feel free to drop us an email or give us a call to start discussing your project for a free quotation.

For inspiration see some of our website and Instagram photos as these can really help with inspirational ideas.   If you would like more ideas or advice, then, by all means, drop us an email with a list of what you’d like to achieve, and we’ll advise you as to how to make your budget stretch as far as possible.

CONTACT RED BOX

How to choose the right shower for your bathroom and home renovation?

 

Recently, many homeowners are switching their bathrooms over from a bath to a shower.  If you are planning a new bathroom and looking for a new shower – here are a few things to consider when browsing home renovation shower and bathroom options.

Here’s our tips and information to help you choose your new shower

First thing to consider, what type of water system do you have?

Before buying a new shower, you need to consider the water system already in place at the property. This will affect what models you can select.

For example, an electric shower will work with any water system – but mixer or digital showers need a high pressure water system.

 

Looking for inspiration for your bathroom and home renovation? Take a look through our past project case studies.

 

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1. What is an electric shower?

Electric showers are an economical solution – they heat the cold water supply on demand.
As you are only heating the water you need for the shower; you do not waste as much energy.

Benefits:

• On demand hot water – you do not need to switch on the hot water and wait for the boiler to heat up to take a shower.
• Fairly Easy and quick to install.
• Can be economical & therefore good for the environment
• Can work with a low pressure water system.

 

2. What is a Mixer shower?

A mixer shower takes both hot and water supplies blending it to the required temperature when needed. They tend to be a little more stylish than the electric shower designs.

Mixer showers are perfect for any home with a hot water supply but work better with a high pressure water system. However, some models are also available to work with a low-pressure water system so make sure you check before buying.

Benefits:

• Modern designs with advanced functions
• Look better than electric shower units.

Note to consider: Mixer showers do not have their own hot water supply, so if your boiler is slow to heat up or breaks down – you will be left with cold showers.

If you have got an unreliable boiler, it might be time to replace it, or consider another shower type.[vc_single_image image=”7713″ img_size=”full”][vc_single_image image=”7710″ img_size=”full”][vc_single_image image=”7707″ img_size=”full”][vc_single_image image=”7709″ img_size=”full”]

3. What are Power Showers?

Power showers work similarly to mixer showers in that they combine hot and cold water supplies.  However, they differ in that they contain a pump to boost the flow of water through the shower head.  This is a great option for homes with low-pressure water systems.

There are two types of pumps – plastic or metal. Plastic of course is cheaper and can be noisier whilst the metal options are a more expensive but will likely last longer and be quieter.

Benefits:

• Ideal for low-pressure water system homes
• Boosts the water pressure for a stronger shower.
• Combines hot and cold water supplies.

Note to consider: Power showers are a lot more expensive than electric or mixer showers, and they also use a lot more water.  This type of shower costs a lot more to run and uses more energy – therefore is not as good for the environment or your heating/water bills.

 

4. What are Digital showers?

The latest innovation in shower design, the Digital shower, offers features including precise temperatures and wireless control units that can be installed anywhere in your bathroom.

They work in a similar way as the mixer and power showers, taking water from your hot and cold water supplies but the bonus is you can specifically set the ideal temperature and get it right every time before even setting foot in the shower.

Benefits:

• Accurate water temperature
• Wireless access to set temperature before getting in the shower.
• Control unit can be hidden from sight to help match a sleek bathroom design.
• Ideal for low pressure systems
• Often includes a pump turning them into digital power showers.

If you are planning to do work in your home planning is key, we hope these tips and ideas for  home renovation shower and bathroom options has helped, reach out to start planning your bathroom renovation.

For inspiration see some of our website and Instagram photos as these can really help with inspirational ideas.   If you would like more ideas or advice, then, by all means, drop us an email with a list of what you’d like to achieve, and we’ll advise you as to how to make your budget stretch as far as possible.

CONTACT RED BOX

Have you thought about your light switches and fixtures?

Electricity is now one of the most vital parts of any household. With the emergency of smart electronics such as speakers, lights, thermostats and other devices there are more gadgets than ever in our homes.  With that in mind, more advanced switches and sockets are available on the market – for both function and fashion.For 2023, there are some great companies, bringing out some creative solutions to sockets and switches – developing with the technology.

 

Plug sockets and switches are often over looked and forgotten, if you’re choosing a modern design for your home renovation – then it can make or break the look!

 

If you’re planning a home renovation, it’s worth considering modernising the fixtures and fittings to ensure it stays compatible with the smart technology coming out for the home.

 [vc_single_image image=”9559″ img_size=”full”][vc_single_image image=”9392″ img_size=”full”]Here’s a few different types of smart switches and sockets available in 2023 that caught our eye and some of our favourite suppliers to help you with your renovation shopping list:

Smart Wi-Fi Light Switch Plates

With 5G now being unleashed, consumers will expect to see a lot more home smart devices controlled by their mobile phones. These devices can allow homeowners to switch on lights from the flick of a button on their phone – without being home.

Previously, this feature was achievable with plug in adaptors – now, many innovative companies are integrating smart technology directly into sockets and switches.

The newest of these has been cleverly enabled to allow for voice control – by your AI voice assistant (from devices such as Google Home or Amazon Echo).  This means that if your phone isn’t in reach, you just need to instruct your digital assistant to make the adjustment for you.  This feature is handy if you forget to turn out the lights downstairs when you’ve gone to bed – just get your phone out or tell your device to turn out the lights! Year on Year the list grows and technology gets better and better!Interchangeable Faceplate Covers

Not interested in USB ports or upgraded tech? Don’t worry you can still get the contemporary, modern and sleek looks for your electrical sockets with interchangeable faceplate covers – which are very on trend this year.

These faceplate’s allow the homeowner to switch up the design when they want to freshen up the look with customisable/personalised socket covers – in a wide range of colours and designs.  It’s a cost friendly way of giving different rooms in the house their own personality.

Screwless Faceplates

Even a basic change to a simple light switch can make a difference on how the room looks and feels.  If you don’t want all the upgraded tech, you can still have a modern, sleep switch face plate.
The screwless designs looks minimal and are available in many options. Anewer glass faceplate can add a hint of luxury. They come in glass and plastic finishes and really update the look of any home or office.[vc_single_image image=”9560″ img_size=”full”][vc_single_image image=”9426″ img_size=”full”]Elegant Rocker Switches                                                                                                                     

Everyone knows what the basic standard light switch looks like, nothing special about it, but still nothing wrong with it, they do the job they’re meant to and are affordable – but they can just look a little off with your flashy new interior design.

If you don’t want or need the flashy Wi-Fi/voice activated switches – you can still get that little touch of luxury look with a designer stylish rocker switch.  Some of the designs look like they wouldn’t be out of place in an upscale boutique hotel room, complete with shiny, metal trim.

Rocker switches are gaining popularity, but these designer switches are still rare enough to draw some attention to, after you’ve installed the new switch.Here are a few of Red Box’s favourite designer brands we have been working with recently:

 

Buster+Punch
www.busterandpunch.com

London-born home fashion label, Buster+Punch have come out with some incredible designs in the past year which we have been able to install into some of our home projects.  Launched in 2013, they are now one of the most popular London base designer brands in their field.

They work with rare, solid materials to make extraordinary items for everyday use around the home.

They take inspiration from London’s fashion, music and sub-culture scenes where they collaborate with street artists, bike builders, musicians and fashion designers to inject attitude into their fantastically crafted products.

They offer designer switches, fixtures, lighting (including designer bulbs) and also have accessories such as candle holders and furniture.

We recently fitted all new switches and sockets, by Buster+Punch , in one of our projects in Kensington – which gave the finished kitchen a modern look, with the added upgraded tech.[vc_single_image image=”9555″ img_size=”full”][vc_single_image image=”9551″ img_size=”full”]Forbes & Lomax

www.forbesandlomax.com

Established in 1987, Forbes & Lomax are known for approaching the electrical accessory market from a decorative view point.

The elegant glass, nickel and brass switches of the 1930s had become hard to get, and the modern look equivalents were not suitable for some of their upscale projects interior designers were working on at the time.  So, Forbes & Lomas launched their “Invisible Lightswitch”, a simple, transparent acrylic plate allowing the wallpaper or paint to show through, with a stylish metal toggle switch in the centre.  The brief was simple, combine an attractive design with the advantages of modern technology.

Since then, the brand have added switches, sockets and dimmers to the range plus launched further designer options in a variety of finishes – to suit the high end demands of both traditional and contemporary interior design needs.Wandsworth Electrical

www.wandsworthelectrical.com

Founded in 1904 by 3 former Tucker Switch Company employees, they originally named their company Wandsworth Electrical Manufacturing Company (WEMCO), with Wandsworth chosen as the name because a founding member came from that area of London.

Since then the company has continued to grow and continue to manufacture in the UK, in 2014 they were selected as supplier for the Battersea Power Station redevelopment.

They offer elegant designs for your homes switches, sockets, smart lighting and controls, aswell as a bespoke design service.

 [vc_single_image image=”9556″ img_size=”full”]If you are planning to do work in your home including electrical upgrades and decor, then these points are, some to consider and preparation is the real key to a successful result that you will be happy with.

For inspiration see some of our website and Instagram photos as these can really help with inspirational ideas.   If you would like more ideas or advice, then, by all means, drop in or send us a list of what you’d like to achieve, and we’ll advise you as to how to make your budget stretch as far as possible.

CONTACT RED BOX

Things You Should Know Before Beginning a Home Transformation Project

Perhaps you’ve found a property in a perfect location but the building needs a lot of work… or repairing and upgrading your existing home to something more modern – a home transformation requires a lot of forward planning, and we’ve got a few tips to help you along the way!

1. Architect drawings are well worth it

You might have an idea already about your dream home, getting an architect at the pre-planning stages is key to a smooth process in the building stages.  They’ll help you reconfigure the space optimally – this will then later on down the line help the builders work more efficiently.

 

2. Hire a specialist Design & Build company for any structural work and extensions. 

By hiring a company, like Red Box, to plan, design & build your conversion, extension or structural changes to your property this can help make the process more efficient.

Most builders and or contractors require direction and instruction, even often the good one. They want to be told what exactly is needed doing and in which order to do so.

Even if you have your own architect or interior designer creating the design plan for the property, you could then hire a project manager and a builder separately – but often this can work out more expensive and will be a lot more work for you, by hiring a Design & Build company – they’ll do everything from scratch to finish, alleviating some of your time to go shopping for décor.

A Design & Build company will also handle any building control, fire regulations and bring in relevant electricians, plumbers and plasterers to complete the project.[vc_single_image image=”7713″ img_size=”full”][vc_single_image image=”7710″ img_size=”full”][vc_single_image image=”7707″ img_size=”full”][vc_single_image image=”7709″ img_size=”full”]

3. What are Power Showers?

Power showers work similarly to mixer showers in that they combine hot and cold water supplies.  However, they differ in that they contain a pump to boost the flow of water through the shower head.  This is a great option for homes with low-pressure water systems.

There are two types of pumps – plastic or metal. Plastic of course is cheaper and can be noisier whilst the metal options are a more expensive but will likely last longer and be quieter.

Benefits:

• Ideal for low-pressure water system homes
• Boosts the water pressure for a stronger shower.
• Combines hot and cold water supplies.

Note to consider: Power showers are a lot more expensive than electric or mixer showers, and they also use a lot more water.  This type of shower costs a lot more to run and uses more energy – therefore is not as good for the environment or your heating/water bills.

 

4. What are Digital showers?

The latest innovation in shower design, the Digital shower, offers features including precise temperatures and wireless control units that can be installed anywhere in your bathroom.

They work in a similar way as the mixer and power showers, taking water from your hot and cold water supplies but the bonus is you can specifically set the ideal temperature and get it right every time before even setting foot in the shower.

Benefits:

• Accurate water temperature
• Wireless access to set temperature before getting in the shower.
• Control unit can be hidden from sight to help match a sleek bathroom design.
• Ideal for low pressure systems
• Often includes a pump turning them into digital power showers.

If you are planning to do work in your home including bathroom replacements, then these points are, some to consider and preparation is the real key to a successful result that you will be happy with.

 

For inspiration see some of our website and Instagram photos as these can really help with inspirational ideas.   If you would like more ideas or advice, then, by all means, drop in or send us a list of what you’d like to achieve, and we’ll advise you as to how to make your budget stretch as far as possible.