19/09/13 Self Build to be made that little bit more affordable..

The Coalition Government has issued new measures to help the self builder afford that dream home! These measures will help people on modest incomes who want to build a low cost home!

All self build and custom build projects will be exempt from the Community Infrastructure Levy and won't have to pay section 106 tariff, reducing the cost of building. A registration will be created by councils, depending on demand in the area, for self builders on brownfield sites so they can be given priority.

Community minister and Bath MP Don Foster said for the first time community self builders will be eligible for a share of the £65m Affordable Homes Guarantee Programme.

He also stated "For many people the concept of building your own home means one thing: a fantasy mansion built by people with deep pockets and endless spare time. We are determined to end this misconception so anyone with aspirations to build their own home has the opportunity to do so, including people on low incomes".

We are so pleased the government is doing something to help budding self builders out there whose dream house is something they feel they will never achieve. Hopefully this has given you faith that one day you might be in your ideal home!

Good luck to everyone with your projects!

Read more about these measures here.

10/09/2013 How we helped residents' household budgets go further!

Wouldn't we all like that! Barnsley Council teamed up with Chevin Housing Association to deliver Masterplan! This involved regenerating central Goldthorpe by improving poor quality housing and new housing.

How did we help? Specifying energy saving features such as an MVHR System, as part of the Code for Sustainable Homes level 3 build, is an effective means of achieving better quality housing because it results in more energy efficient and healthier homes.

The Chevin Housing Association were so impressed with the results they commented "The MVHR System from ADM provided the perfect solution," said Helen Martland Business Development Manager "We are highly delighted with the system as the improved energy efficiency makes the properties much more affordable to keep warm and comfortable."

Adding "The improved energy efficiency resulting from the MVHR System makes our residents' household budgets go that little bit further."

We are so pleased we helped this Housing Association with their Masterplan and the new residents' are benefitting from our MVHR Systems.

Get in touch with us if you'd like help making your home more energy efficient.

Read this case study in full.

03/09/2013 Fancy winning a share of £5,000?

Fancy winning £5,000? I know I do! All you have to do is design a 'self-build friendly' 2 bed home that can be built for less than £50,000!

The National Self Build Association (NASBA) is offering a prize of £5,000 which will be split amongst a few winning designs. The overall winner will be featured at Grand Designs live in London 2014.

The judges include Kevin McCloud, Nasba chair Ted Stevens and architect and Bristol mayor George Ferguson.

McCloud commented "This competition will appeal to all those brilliant architects, amateurs, building companies and kit home firms who believe that the future in housing is self build."

So get your design hats on, you've got until 5pm on the 20th September and it is absolutely free to enter. Good luck!

30/07/2013 How an MVHR System helped add 20% more living space to a property!

You are probably wondering how Heat Recovery with Mechanical Ventilation (MVHR) can increase the living space of a property?

Judith Summer renovated her home in London and this involved converting the basement into a self contained apartment, providing the property with 20% more living space!

Judith was concerned about the lack of ventilation into the basement and the fact that there was only one window, considering the design included a kitchen and an en-suite. This problem was easily solved with the introduction of an extra window to increase the natural light and an MVHR system to improve ventilation.

Judith stated "Installing the MVHR system was the best decision we made on this property. Everyone comments on how fresh and comfortable the converted basement feels - exactly what we were looking for!"

We are so pleased we helped Judith increase her living space by transforming the basement into an apartment and we love the results!

If you would like more information on how an MVHR can help you contact us now.

Read more on this case study.