ISO 14001:2004 The Simply Self Build's factory holds international environmental certification for dry timber structures SGS - Society General de Surveillance ensures that quality systems and procedures are used in the design, manufacture and erection of your engineered timberframe structure is of the highest standard FSC Forest Stewardship Council - FSC timber frame certification. TimberTecs part of the Benfield ATT Group hold chain of custody certification for the design, sale, manufacture and distribution of engineered timber structures - FSC endorsed by Greenpeace, Friends of the Earth and WWF and Forestry Commission Investors in People, TimberTecs members of the Benfield ATT Group are one of the few timber frame companies to hold an award for the training and ongoing development of their people and service. Green Dragon: The only dedicated professional service provider in the UK to hold Welsh Environmental Quality Standard Award   Examples of timber frame homes

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House Conversion Ideas

There are many reasons why converting a home is so popular; families expand, make more money from your home, circumstances change (you may like to work from home, for example) - most of us have a reason to want to convert our home one way or another. The secret is making it happen.


As you are reading this, you are probably doing more research than most - you're one of those people who makes things happen. So are we.


We are nationwide experts in helping people convert their property; property developers, home owners and architects. Past conversion projects have included:


First, lets try and understand why conversion is so popular. Converting the use of a building is not a new idea; whilst house conversions are difficult to historically trace, one of the most famous historical conversions of an existing building dates back to one of the most famous historical early conversions of a property is 1453; where Hagia Sophia church was converted to a mosque [ more].


A relatively simple concept (now less-so, with newer, tougher building regulations coming into place), conversions have always been popular. And, with a reduced rate of VAT (currently 5%) for residential conversions and renovations [ more], it is possible to convert parts of your home and make money.


Converting & Replacing a Loft


Loft Conversions
Loft conversions have grown in popularity in recent years, usually due to traditional extensions being impractical due to on-site planning restrictions or lack of space. These conversions are particularly popular with bungalows and one-storey homes.

Most conversions of this nature do not usually require planning permission, especially if purely using the space within the existing roof height and shape. All conversions, however, must comply with the Building Regulations. These can be obtained from your local council's Building Control department.

Certain conversions do require permission, and this can be offered through nationwide planning permission service providers such as TimberTecs [ more].

Loft conversions are generally easier in houses built before the 1960s. In 1962 trussed rafters were introduced to the UK which revolutionised construction methods and made engineered timber the most popular building material. Whilst this can reduce the potential loft floor area, loft conversions in modern properties are possible by roof replacement conversion.



Garage Solutions
Many of the costs involved in building a garage - whether integral or detached - are the same as building a house. Garages do not, generally, have to meet standard building regulations in regards to insulation or damp, and can be constructed with thinner skin walls. Groundwork and roofing costs can be similar to that of an extension.


Whatever stage of a conversion you are at, send your project details to SimplySelf-Build today for a free quotation and more information.


Chartered Building Consultancy - timber frame, OSM (off-site manufacture) and engineered timber structure advisors. Timber Research and Development Association – our work with TRADA ensures high quality, eco-friendly engineered Timber Frame build projects. The Green Register of Construction Professionals - Simply Self Build members of the Benfield ATT Group - Simply Self Build's membership demonstrates our passion for environmentally sustainable timber frame self builds for local housing authorities. AECB - Association of Environment Conscious Building – our FSC certified timber frame is endorsed by The Ecology Building Society Impact Upon Society Big Tick Award from Business in the Community – BITC – award-winning timber frame company within the Timber-frame industry TRA - Trussed Rafter Association – our membership assures Timberframe Trusses, Trussed Rafters, roofs and complex and innovative roofscapes are quality HBF - the only developer partnering timber frame company to be members of the House Builders Federation. Wales Quality Centre – members and committee members, we ensure the highest quality, especially when coupled with ISO 9001, FSC certification and Q-Mark Plus standards RICS - Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors, assures our customers of our professionalism in wood and timber frame building and developing and surveying
Simply Self Build is part of the Benfield ATT Group.
Chain of Custody TT-COC-1928. FSC Trademark (C) 1996 Forestry Stewardship Council