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Raising the roof on double renovation
As summer 2022 ended , Expert Trades , a construction-based marketing consultancy in the Midlands , took on its very first property renovation project .
Teaming up with a host of businesses , contractors and suppliers such as Keylite Roof Windows ( Keylite ), the property renovation would be documented start-to-finish across social media platforms in a series called , ‘ Verified by Expert Trades .’
The aim of the online series was to inspire and educate those in the construction industry and those interested in renovation , showcasing the best of the best in construction and renovation products and techniques .
The £ 500,000 property in the village of Marchington , Uttoxeter , was once one large building which had been split into a three-storey house and two-storey cottage by the previous owners . Both properties needed to be completely gutted and fully renovated by Expert Trades and its collaborators .
The works included two full house rewires with the addition of smart technology , new kitchens , bathrooms , downstairs WCs and an ensuite , plus new windows and doors throughout – including four Keylite roof windows .
Sara Callow , Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer at Expert Trades , comments : “ This was a beautiful old building where the exterior matched that of the rural village surroundings perfectly . We wanted to retain as much of the original features as we could , preserving the character of the building whilst also bringing it into the 21st century .”
In the master bedroom of the house , where the ceiling was particularly low , the team decided to incorporate roof windows in order to invite natural daylight into the room .
Sara continues : “ We knew roof windows would be the perfect way to lighten and open up the space . I worked for Keylite many years ago , and so knew the benefits that this brand would make
Client : Verified Build Style : Renovation Location : Marchington , Uttoxeter Build time : 10 months
to the renovation compared to other roof windows on the market .
“ For example , during the renovation it was discovered that the roof had sunken in places , and so we ’ d need a whole new roof in order to make it functional . This was not in the schedule or budget , but fortunately our roofers were also big fans of Keylite Roof Windows and knew that the windows could be installed within minutes , thanks to Keylite ’ s Flick-Fit brackets and Click-Fit flashing . This meant the team could crack on with the task at hand .
“ Similarly , whilst the roofers were on site it was flagged that the placement of one of the chimneys wouldn ’ t allow for the size of roof window we ’ d ordered . Without wanting to lose any more time or costs than we needed to , one of the Expert Trades team got on the phone to Keylite and we managed to downsize one of the windows within hours ! The customer service we received was amazing .”
So , what does the renovation look like 12 months on ? The exterior of the building blends in beautifully with the whole village thanks to the stunning landscaping and the doors and windows that are in keeping with the building ’ s rural charm .
Inside , the wooden beams , exposed brick and character remain , but the interiors have had a refresh to create a bright , modern yet cosy feel . The upstairs master bedroom and ensuite , where the four Keylite windows have been installed , offer a plethora of light . What was once a dark , cramped space is now brimming with life and daylight .
As with any old building , it was important to ensure its thermal efficiency . A whole new heating system was installed , whilst other aspects of the renovation were implemented to minimise heat loss . The Keylite roof windows include an Integrated Expanding Thermal Collar as standard , which minimises any heat escaping around the windows , making the space far more thermally efficient .
“ As with any renovation , the project certainly came with its challenges and lots of learnings , but it ’ s been worth it . The two properties look fantastic , and now that both the house and the cottage are on the housing market , we ’ re really excited to see families enjoy the new spaces we ’ ve helped create .”
www . keyliteroofwindows . com
CLEARVIEW-UK . COM JANUARY 2024
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