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Modern architectural home design in a post-COVID world

The COVID-19 pandemic has drastically changed the way we live in a matter of months, where we live, work, and play in one space. The design and functionality of our spaces has never been more important. This is the first time in the history that home architecture and interior design, are being reimagined to an amplified consideration of the ongoing pandemic situation. While almost all the industries bracing the harsh impacts of COVID-19, the domain of home design and improvement has been incessantly flourishing.

Architects are aiming to make the home not just our living space, but also the preferred environment for stimulating creativity and productivity – a tall ask to say the least! Design industry experts have addressed our concerns about personal space, wellness, and sustainability, identifying key trends and tips for what the homes of the future should look like.

New uses for old spaces

Traditionally, homes had clearly defined spaces for various activities. There is a gradual shift towards this, from the otherwise open floor plan that is common in modern design. With more working and learning being done from home, there is a major emphasis on creating spaces that are primarily functional – but also aesthetically pleasing. Therefore, remodelling previously wasted space into an office, or meeting room, is now creating a new area where productivity can thrive.

Multipurpose Places

For years, open concept floor plans have been popular, but the pandemic has made homeowners shift to more traditional layouts, whereby rooms can be closed off to create individual areas. The modern home, both during and post-pandemic, must be multifunctional. By understanding how to redefine these large, open spaces, we will be better prepared to live, learn, work, and play in a single location - our homes! This multi-functionality will probably outspread to outdoor spaces, too. In this new pandemic era, spaces are being used to socialise with a more organized and controlled group, thus allowing people to adhere to social distancing norms.

Communal Kitchen Spaces

No longer just the space where dinner is cooked, the kitchen of the future needs to be a warm and functional gathering space, too. The coronavirus pandemic has necessitated a movement towards home-cooking that has not been seen in decades. Creating a cohesive, multifunctional kitchen is necessary to turn these spaces into communal gathering areas, where people can fill up on good company and comfort, in addition to good food. The key is to create a space that will support multiple needs of multiple household members.

Final Thoughts

As we continue to adapt to the changes the pandemic has brought to our lives, we must embrace and redefine homes as spaces of both learning and living, productivity and play, form, and function. Hence, while looking forward from this time of great uncertainty, let us find hope in the flexibility of starting fresh with well-designed homes that speak volumes of a renewed gratefulness for well-being, thus making homes a better place to live, work and play!

To find out more on how London and The Home Counties Alliance can help you Build Your Dream, please contact Robert Harrington at Robert.Harrington@londonhca.co.uk

How to find the perfect contractor to turn your dreams into reality!

When planning on undertaking a major building project, most of us outside of the industry, are fraught with fears derived from hearing endless horror stories of ‘cowboy’ builders… who haven’t completed a project properly, cuts corners and charged way too much!

With most of us being none the wiser, this article aims to help you become better informed and prepared - so that you can find the perfect contractor and turn your dream project into reality!

Finding the perfect contractor:  

  •   Contact a professional Project Management Consultancy, who can help manage and guide you through the end-to-end process, thus taking away your stress.

  •   Ask friends, family, or colleagues for recommendations, before conducing some online research.

  •   It is recommended that ideally you obtain a minimum of at least three quotes for your project, from different contractors. The best way to achieve this, is to identify at least five potential contractors to invite for site visits and to tender for the work.

  •  Take the opportunity to meet with them and talk through your plans. Use the meeting to assess their method of working, credentials and previous projects. Take the time to ask any questions you may have, as this is the ideal opportunity to receive instant answers. 

Do your due diligence:

Ensure you to your due diligence into any contractors quoting for your project. Check they are legitimate, able to provide you with all the insurances and guarantees and review their credentials and previous projects.

Joe Smereka, Managing Director of Buildwrights, advises homeowners to ask for their tender responses to include:

o   Evidence of their public and employer’s liability insurance

o   Details of their health & safety policy and record

o   A bank reference

o   Professional reference from previous contract, e.g. an architect

o   Customer reference from the previous contract

o   How long they have been established

o   Employees or sub contractors used.

o   Details of their previous work and an indication of their suitability for your type of project

Tender documents:

  • It is also hugely importance that as a homeowners, you provide well thought- out tender documents. These will help ensure you receive realistic quotes back and that your project remains in line with your budget.

  • It is often advisable to hire a qualified architect to scope the project work, provide these tender documents, help with planning permission, as well as potentially help with recommending reputable contractors too.

  • Tender documents need to be prepared and then sent out to your chosen shortlist of 3 or 4 potential contractors to seek tenders (bids) at tender phase.

  • The main documents required are a covering letter, form of tender, terms and conditions of the contract, bill of quantities, architectural designs and health and safety information.

  • The formal invitation to tender letter needs to be accompanied by your architects plans and drawings (printed to scale), copy of planning consent, any calculations from the structural engineer to allow the contractor to calculate them into budget if applicable. Remember to add an additional contingency amount (10-15%) for unforeseen expenses.

  • The tender documents need to cover all aspects of the build - from ground works, to finishing’s and can be used in conjunction with the plans. This full specification of the work will need to be discussed and agreed upon before the start of a project to avoid disputes at the end.

Producing such a comprehensive series of formal documents might seem like overkill, but it’s worth it. The time spent doing this will get you the best outcome and ensure your project runs seamlessly.

Evaluate the quotes

Once you have received multiple quotes, carefully consider each one. The project quote should be transparent and thorough. Every detail of the project should be noted, including the cost of materials, start and finish dates, and hourly rate. Your quote should also include factors like disposal/dumpsters, permits, portable toilets and labour cost (Self-build, 2021).

 A good contractor will make sure the information is in an organised document. If your quote is not properly itemised, feel comfortable asking for a revised quote before signing a contract (CLPM, 2021).

Remember, you are always able to negotiate with contractors on aspects of the quote, and if doing so, then this is best done before signing a contract. Discuss your budget with your contractor and agree, that any unexpected project expenses will be presented in writing to help you remain within your budget.

If you’d like to understand more about how we London & Home Counties Alliance can help provide professional Project Management to take all this stress away and help build your dreams into reality, then get in touch at marketing.assistant@londonhca.co.uk

Knocking down gender barriers in the world of construction

The construction industry has a reputation for traditionally being perceived as a male-dominated environment and often a place that was believed to be unwelcoming for women to enter. However, as part of a positive campaign to bridge this gap and dispel these outdated beliefs, of the sector being viewed as a ‘man’s world,’ many firms are now launching positive action campaigns in a bid to encourage more diversity and encourage women to pursue careers within the industry.