Getting to Grips with Condition Improvement Funding

Are you trying to get to grips with an application for condition improvement funding? Luckily you have found the right place for help and information as this article tells you everything you need to know about CIF funding. This includes details about the funding, who can apply, eligible projects and more.

About Condition Improvement Funding

First, let’s start with a quick look at CIF funding and what it is. Funding is available to help keep learning environments in good working order and safe for those attending. Condition improvement funding is applied to cover such issues as:

·       Improving the condition of poor building construction;

·       Making improvements to meet building compliance;

·       Increasing energy efficiency;

·       Improving health and safety measures to bring them up to code.

While any funding requests are considered to improve schools and colleges, high priority is generally given to colleges and schools needing funding to address unsafe building conditions.

Along with issuing condition improvement funding to meet safety and health needs the funding may also be applied for to meet some expansion projects. However, there are caveats to this and they include the following:

·       Expansion of floor space of facilities to increase admission numbers;

·       Addressing overcrowding issues.

Who can apply for Conditional Improvement Funding?

To be able to make an application for funding you must meet the following criteria:

·       Be a stand-alone academy; or

·       Be a school as part of a multi-academy trust with less than five schools or 3,000 pupils; or

·       Be a Voluntary Aided school in a body or group with less than 5 schools or 3,000 pupils; or

·       A sixth-form college; or

·       A school holding a signed academy order.

Eligible projects for Funding

There are different categories of CIF Funding and these are condition, expansion and condition with expansion.

Condition projects are aimed at making improvements to the condition of buildings without expansion to the gross internal floor area.

Expansion projects funding is aimed at the creation of more spaces to address overcrowding issues.

Condition with expansion projects is aimed at making improvements to conditions of new replacement blocks up to 10% larger than the prior.

Important dates related to CIF funding

Condition Improvement Funding is an annual bidding round and as such, some important dates have to be considered if you are considering applying for the funding.

Launch of Condition Improvement Funding 2022/23

Information is made available for schools and colleges and it is published online from 20 October 2021, where you can also apply. Of course, here at Maunfunding, we make applying for CIF funding easier as we have secured more than £40 million to date for schools and colleges.

Deadlines

There is a deadline for submitting applications for 2022/23 and this is 15 December 2021.

The deadline for the Regional Schools Commissioner significant change approval in relation to expansion projects is 31 March 2022.

The applicants of CIF Funding are notified of the outcome in the spring of 2022.

New additions to Condition Improvement Funding 2022-23

This year CIF Funding has a new scoring and assessment model. Again, you don’t have to worry about this if you allow us to help you with your application.

Some of the changes include the removal of weightings for condition projects and expansion projects for project cost and planning. This newer model allows a wider range of scores in assessment projects; however, the overall requirements remain the same.

In regards to Environmental Sustainability, a new assessment criterion is included this year. CIF Funding is committed to supporting the targets and objectives of the Government to reduce carbon and improve energy efficiency.

Maintained schools and academies may also be eligible to apply for Public Sector Low Carbon Skills funding.

For the year 2022/23 some schools may be eligible to make an application for both overcrowding projects and added place expansion.

Tips for successful application for funding

Here are some tips we recommend to help improve your chances of successful funding for your school or college:

·       Provide strong evidence by way of detailed reports and surveys that stress the urgency for the work to be undertaken;

·       Stressing the importance and providing a clear understanding of any issues you are faced with and how it impacts learning and teaching;

·       Be as specific as possible about all aspects of the application;

·       Ensure the assessor understands your bid and needs;

·       Make it clear why your project should have priority for funding and why you cannot wait;

·       Make sure you understand the guidelines;

·       Put a focus on the areas of the highest urgency and need;

·       Make sure your proposal is supported with any expert technical advice you have;

·       Any surveys you have and are including must be within the last three years;

·       Any surveys should be independent;

·       Include photographic evidence that shows off the full extent of conditions to help the assessors understand better;

·       Make sure you apply for external approvals well in advance to ensure you have them to hand, for instance, planning approval and such;

·       Show a detailed and clear delivery plan that shows how, when and who is going to deliver the project;

·       Provide plans of how the project is to be delivered around school terms to keep down the disruption;

·       Show costings in as much detail and as clearly as possible;

·       Be realistic in regards to costing and try to keep costs as low as possible. However, don’t underestimate costs;

·       Use a specialist technical advisor for the preparation of your application.

Applying for CIF Funding

Maunfunding has extensive knowledge in CIF Funding having developed a winning format for applications. We have the technology to help ensure your bids include the necessary evidence required.

Our strong team is made up of a huge network of specialists who ensures your big stands out from the crowd and we have an 85% success rate.

You no longer have to get to grips with Condition Improvement Funding by yourself as it is easy to get support from us for your application; you can fill in your details here.

Condition improvement funding, CIF funding

Tyre Temperature Management

 

Energy that would otherwise be lost is used to power Ogab’s proprietary  Active Flow Control technology.

This can be utilised for a variety of purposes, such as maximising tyre temperature for maximum safety and performance without using any additional gasoline.

 

On-the-Go Tyre Temperature Management

Patented technology that allows you to manage brake and tyre temperature on demand and without using any gasoline.

Regardless of the weather conditions on race day, the performance grip product may heat or cool tyres while the vehicle is being driven to provide optimal grip.

Ogab® has a solution for the suffocating heat in Bahrain or the cooler air in Montreal.

 

The Performance Grip technology, like the other items in the Ogab® Sustainable Driving family, uses energy that would otherwise be wasted to fuel the heating and cooling it offers.

It also complies with all motorsport laws because it has no moving parts.

Performance Grip can also be employed with the Ogab® Sustainable Braking system, which is fueled by the engine's residual energy.

This can help drivers and their teams achieve improved performance and safety by preventing brakes from overheating.

 

Why is tyre temperature important?

F1 tyres have a relatively small operating window, with the sweet spot being where they function at their best in terms of grip levels.

Operating below this range results in lower mechanical grip and performance, while operating over it causes performance to drop and tyre wear to increase.

A tenth of a second can be lost in a lap time if the optimum tyre operating window is missed by a few degrees.

Because the front and rear tyres run at different temperatures, a change in track temperature will have a varied effect on them, increasing or decreasing their grip levels unevenly.As a result, changing track temperatures will impact the car's balance.As a result, teams will be changing the car set-up on a regular basis to respond to these adjustments. However, it's not just the teams who are affected by the changes.  It's also the drivers.

The temperature of their tyres is affected by their driving style. When it comes to putting heat in the tyres, drivers will push more, especially in high-speed corners.

While the track temperature has the greatest impact on the tyres, the air temperature has a greater impact on the brakes, cooling, and power unit.

As a result, teams are continually monitoring the temperatures of the air and track, as well as the temperatures of the car's components.

The teams will be able to watch how those components evolve and change throughout the course of sessions or races.

Temperature variations will alter the amount of cooling required to maintain the Power Unit working in the greatest possible window, providing the best power output to the teams.

If the ambient air is heated, the teams will open up the bodywork to boost circulation through the radiators.

Loughborough Driving Lessons

The Local Driving Academy is the place to go for driving lessons in Loughborough, Coalville, Shepshed, Silby, Quorn, Hathern, Mounthsorrel, and the surrounding regions.

We provide a variety of driving classes in the Loughborough region as your local driving teacher. Call us at 01509 563202 or send us an email

In Loughborough, cheap driving lessons are available for NHS employees and key personnel.

Loughborough LDA (Local Driving Academy), your professional and compassionate Local Driving Academy, would like to express their gratitude to all Loughborough key workers and NHS staff.

During the lockdown, they made a significant contribution to Loughborough and the UK as a whole.

 

Driving Instructors and Driving School Lessons in Loughborough

Discounts and block booking deals may be found on our Prices page.

Manual – Automatic – Pass-Plus – Intense – Refresher

Each of our classes is tailored to the needs of the individual.

We cater to each customer's specific wants and desires; no two persons learn to drive at the same rate and have the same demands and interests. As a result, we ensure that all of our drivers are patient, empathic, and professional, never hurrying you or making you feel uncomfortable with your lesson topic.

We are used to dealing with elderly drivers, as well as giving driving lessons to 17-35 year olds and Loughborough University students.

 

Why should you pick Loughborough Driving Academy as your driving school?

Clients in the Loughborough region adore the Local Driving Academy for a variety of reasons, including the following:

 

·        Make an appointment for your first class with no obligation.

·        You can start and end your class anywhere in Loughborough.

·        There's no need to commit to a certain number of classes; we make it simple to pay as you go.

·        Vehicles with air conditioning

·        The prices are reasonable and competitive.

·        7 days a week, flexible hours

·        Block bookings are eligible for discounts.

·        Lessons are one hour long.

·        We can assist you with mock practical examinations and free theory papers.

 

Pass your exam with ease.

We are dedicated to assisting you with passing your driving test without worry as your local driving academy.

Here are a few of the reasons behind this:

We provide the finest possible learning environment - our teachers are highly trained, experienced, and dedicated to helping you achieve your goals.

Choose a teacher who is a good fit for you - we want you to feel completely at ease with your instructor. We are all polite, easygoing, and accessible, and we maintain a cool demeanour even when traffic is heavy!

To ensure that your teacher is a good fit for you, request a sample session with us.

WhatsApp CRM Automation Tool for Small and Medium Sized Businesses

Whisper CRM

Customer Relationship Management," but that doesn't say much about what CRM performs for a company. This CRM description is too limited to convey all of the systems performs when it is functioning properly and is user-friendly enough to develop and evolve as a customer-client relationship evolves and expands.

CRM, in a larger sense, includes not just customer relationship management but also how CRM is managed and the most significant aspects of a CRM program that are critical to its success.

A business's success is determined by the type of relationship it has with its clients. Customer relationship management is one of the most important tasks of any organization since it is the main element. A firm that does not have a well-structured selling process generally suffers significant financial losses. This is mostly due to its failure to capitalize on the sales force's leads. This is not to say that a firm using CRM does not suffer losses.

Small business CRM helps you to keep in touch with your company even while you are traveling or vacationing overseas. With a 24-hour connection, you can manage your company activities with the touch of a mouse.

Whisper CRM

Whisper puts the control in the hands of small enterprises. Whisper is available for immediate use. CRM features that are both simple and powerful are available with your free WhatsApp business account.

Features of Whisper CRM

WhatsApp CRM for small and medium-sized business

l All WhatsApp saved contacts, broadcast lists, and any contact discovered in WhatsApp conversation are automatically imported.

l Simple transfer from your existing WhatsApp workplace to the rich Wisper workplace

l With automation, you may save time while increasing the potential of your organization.

WhatsApp automation tool

l Whisper gives WhatsApp the potential of automated campaigns.

l Control your interaction with thousands and thousands of consumers using WhatsApp.

l In WhatsApp conversations, welcome marketing is integrated with the automated lookup of new customers.

l Complete freedom in the development of broadcast campaigns.

Rich communications and customer insights

Virtual business cards

l A full-featured personal webpage that allows customers to quickly access your contacts and social media profiles.

l Feedback from customers form; get all customer input in a Whisper report.

l The interactions of customers with the Virtual Business card are recorded.

l Just the URL link is given to the consumer when using a cloud-based service.

Digital Catalogs

l While regular picture or PDF-based catalogs can be shared as attachments to any WhatsApp message, Whisper introduces the notion of digital catalogs.

l It is simple to create from several pictures.

l Whisper records and reports on customer interactions with the digital catalog.

l Only the URL link is given to the consumer when using a cloud-based service.

Appointment setting and Resource reservation

l Ideal for a number of different business profiles

l Sync your calendar with Google Calendar.

Whisper CRM is unique

Whisper CRM will be a one-of-a-kind technology in its own way. Whisper will offer unparalleled automation capabilities for importing from WhatsApp and automating WhatsApp massages in planned promotions.

Whisper CRM makes your WhatsApp communication smart

Whisper will add virtual business cards, digital catalogs, appointments and resource reservations, and consumer insights to WhatsApp chats.

For more information visit WhatsApp Automation Tool.

Small and Free business SMS replacement

Whisper provides all of the features needed to entirely redirect your company SMS traffic to your free WhatsApp Business Account.

 

 

What is a grease trap?

 

Grease traps have been around for over a century and are also known as grease interceptors, converters, catchers, grease recovery, management devices, and FOG traps.

 

They can be found in a variety of settings.

Restaurants

Cafes \ Takeaways

Pubs, bars, and inns are all types of establishments that serve alcohol.

Hotels

Colleges and universities

Bakeries

 

Why are grease traps needed?

 

Every year, the UK's sewer system receives more than half a million tonnes of grease and fat.

Grease adheres to pipe walls, causing blockages, and fats and oils can damage waste water treatment equipment, resulting in millions of dollars in annual costs.

If allowed to enter a natural water course, FOG can cause serious environmental damage.

Legislation requiring food service operators to use proper FOG management is being strictly enforced.

If FOG waste is not properly managed, polluters may face significant fines.

FOG is a major issue in commercial kitchens, as it causes sewage to build up in pipes, necessitating costly repairs and equipment.

 

How do they work?

 

Grease traps work because animal fats and vegetable oils have a lower density than water, so they don't mix with it.

Fats and oils float on the surface of the water.

The flow rate of wastewater entering a grease trap is reduced to allow the wastewater to cool and separate into three layers.

The grease is trapped using a baffle system, which is why it rises to the top.

When solids settle at the bottom of a tank, they separate clear water from solids under an outlet baffle.

Solid debris is collected by strainers in grease traps, which reduces the amount of debris that settles at the bottom of the trap.

If they are allowed to accumulate for a long time, they will begin to escape through the outlet, and in some cases, they will back up through the inlet.

For this reason, the trap must be pumped out on a regular basis.

Depending on the amount of wastewater produced, the grease trap is usually cleaned every two to four weeks.

The addition of a biological grease treatment fluid can extend the time period by up to 8 weeks.

Non-pathogenic bacteria, nutrients, and enzymes are combined in the solution to break down FOG and improve grease trap performance.

Dosing is a common term for this procedure. Dosing can also be used at the outlet stage to prevent FOG build-up in internal pipes, click here to view more on Grease trap supplier.

 

Grease traps that are automatically activated

 

The principles of an automatic grease trap are the same as a traditional passive trap, but it will skim out the FOG on a predetermined schedule.

The FOG that has been skimmed is placed in a collector bin for easy removal and recycling.

When the programmed schedule is based on how much FOG is produced, operators don't have to check grease levels or measure FOG production.

They're similar to passive systems in that they come in a variety of sizes to meet a variety of needs.

They are more efficient and have lower operating and maintenance costs than those who made a larger initial investment.

 

A Grease Trap should be installed in the following situations.

 

You must have a grease trap installed if you are a larger or commercial business.

Imagine receiving a call or a visit from your local government informing you that your business has blocked the main drain supply and that you must pay for repairs.

 

This could be problematic for your company, click here to learn more about Grease management.

 

internet casino and sportbetting

Sports betting has develop into a pastime for numerous and a recreation for quite a few sports enthusiast. As football has a lot of followers from all around the globe, it has also made a lot more thrilling by betting completed by enthusiasts and making guesses on who would win the game.

 

Do not chase your losses. In sports betting losing a bet or bets is inevitable. There are winning streaks and losing streaks. No matter what program or tactic you make use of, there is a time to loss. For that reason do not panic when this comes about by rising your bets to recoup the reduction but rather calm down and get back to the drawing board. With a good betting process or technique in location you can begin winning once more. Just get it effortless and review your bets very well.

 

There is no methodology at all and a lot of betting workplace regulars are just a bunch of headless chickens prepared to pay prolonged term for the warming buzz of the occasional win. Even more skilled common gamblers who are savvy enough to flip down bets that they know are stupid generally allow themselves down by continually bleeding their income with a pleasurable tenner here and a enjoyable tenner there. It takes excellent discipline to NOT bet at instances. It takes discipline to walk away from a horse when the price isn’t suitable. It takes discipline to say no to that tiny fun bet.

 

They have no lengthy term consistency in their slotpg and are continually tinkering with what wasn’t broke or moving on in search of the holy grail before a full evaluation of what they are presently examining has been finished.

 

These are also referred to as more than/under bets. Here, the combined score of each the teams are considered. You have to wager on in excess of or under a selected predicted level by the bookie. If the points tie to the predicted number, all your wagered cash is returned.

 

The principle of spread betting betting on above beneath corners is the very same as with goals. A corner is offered a variety of factors. The spread betting firm can make a spread prediction on the variety of factors and the consumer decides if the end result will be above or beneath the spread.

A Guide to Timber Casement Windows

Timber casement windows are an extremely popular choice of window style in properties ranging from new builds to old. They are one of the most cost-effective solutions and look stunning, with plenty of different styles available there is sure to be the perfect choice for your property. Check out this quick guide to learn more about this type of window and why you might consider casement windows for your home.

What are timber casement windows?

So, what is a timber casement window? The frames of the windows are made from timber as opposed to PVC to reflect windows that were installed during the 18^th century.

The casement window can open outward or inwards and has dividing glazing bars held together with glass panes. While there are many different designs, the most common is the six pane window; however, four and two panes have also become popular choices.

Styles of timber casement windows

Casement windows are the best-selling type of window in the UK today due to a large number of styles available. This makes them suitable for installation in a wide range of homes, both new builds and old.

The window styles can be traditional or contemporary, flush or lipped. The most suitable style may depend on your personal preferences or whether you own a new build or old property. Flush casements are usually found in pre-war properties and are considered to be more traditional than the lipped style.

Traditional casement windows – flush or lipped

Traditional casement windows are available in a wide range of stain options and generally mirror the styling of windows during the 17^th and 18^th centuries. Of course, thanks to us using the latest modern technologies during manufacturing your windows are brought into the 21^st century.

As the name suggests the traditional flush timber casement windows fit flush to the windows face, with openers closing into the frame.

The lipped windows have openers which overlap the front face of the frame of the window. This type of window dates back to the 1950s and looks right at home in period properties.

Contemporary casement windows – flush or lipped

The contemporary window, as the name suggests, is a more modern take on the casement window. The design of the casement window is minimalistic featuring crisp lines. Contemporary casement windows are designed in many different configurations and colours, so are easily matched to modern homes.

We manufacture timber casement windows from sustainably sourced pine, oak, larch, mahogany and more.

As with the traditional type of windows, contemporary casement windows can be either flush or lipped.

Tilt and turn

Another style of timber casement window that has become popular in the UK is the tilt and turn. This style of window features a dual opening mechanism and opening function. This means the window can be opened in two different ways, allowing for the perfect ventilation.

Casement windows safety and security

Timber casement windows are extremely safe and secure as due to the design the window is impossible to open from the outside when the windows are closed and latched.

The casements windows are available as single, double or triple glazed, with security choices such as the use of toughened glass to boost strength and safety, laminated glass or obscure for additional privacy.

All of our casement windows are supplied complete with stainless steel multi-point locks. Choices of window locks include automatic, press button, swing locks, mortice security and pivot locks.

Benefits of timber casement windows

So, why should you choose timber casement windows over other types and styles of windows?

Highly energy efficient

To start with, casement window frames are one of the most energy-efficient types of window. This is thanks to the fact that when the windows are closed and locked the seal is extremely tight, more so when compared to sash windows, which have a track allowing the windows to open. With a tight seal, heat is kept inside and cold outside, while outside noise is greatly reduced.

Superb ventilation

Casement windows offer superb ventilation for those rare hot sunny days in the UK. The hinged frames, particularly the tilt and turn, allow for full control of how much ventilation, from just a small gap to pushing them open fully.

Suitable for all types of property

Timber casement windows are suitable for all types of property. They look perfectly at home in period homes such as Georgian or Victorian as well as more modern properties.

Whether you own a barn conversion, a Georgian style, country cottage or Edwardian property, there is a type and style of casement windows to suit. Our experts provide help and advice from styling choices to construction, architectural and environmental issues to find the perfect solution for your needs.

Our surveyors begin by measuring existing windows openings then architects prepare drawings in detail, which you approve before we manufacture and install your ideal casement windows made from sustainably sourced high-quality timber of your choice.

Easy to maintain

Casement windows are one of the easiest types of windows and frames to maintain and clean thanks to how they open. The opening of the window frame even ensures cleaning the exterior window panes is easy.

All you have to do is open the window to its full extent and clean both the timber frame and the glass panes on both the inside and outside.

As the frames are made from timber they can be repainted or stained as required to keep them fresh looking and ensure the elements are kept at bay.

Contact Green Home Glazing for bespoke timber casement windows

Green Home Glazing work directly with suppliers and manufacturers of bespoke made to measure, replacement timber casement windows along with a vast range of other styles of windows and doors.

We offer a full service providing you with help and advice in all aspects. This includes providing you with architectural advice, obtaining approvals for the installation of windows for listed buildings, the construction and expert installation of your new windows.

Give us a call on 0207 118 0388 or leave your details on our contact page and we will get back to you.  

A Guide to Traditional Timber Sash Windows

If you are looking for an ageless design for new windows for your home, you might be considering traditional timber sash windows. Sash windows look right at home in properties ranging from stately period to modern residential, Victorian, Georgian, Regency or anything in-between. Thanks to our expertise, you get the help required to choose the perfect solution for your home. So, if you are thinking about installing sash windows in your home, check the following guide to find out more.

Throughout the guide, we are going to take a look at the following aspects:

·         How sash windows work

·         Why choose timber sash windows;

·         Sash window styles – Georgian, Victorian, Edwardian etc.;

·         Maintenance of sash windows.

How sash windows work

A typical window opens outwards by using a handle, unlocking the window, pushing and/or tilting the window open. However, the sash window differs in that it opens by sliding the whole of the window frame up or down to allow in the required ventilation.

It does this via a clever and innovative pulley system which includes a hidden sash weight within the window frame. This is not visible to the eye, so does not detract from the aesthetics.

Each of the panels of the sash window is split into panes; the amount of panes is dependent on the style of window chosen, for instance, Georgian or Victorian. However, regardless of the style, all sash windows work in exactly the same way.

To open the window and allow air into the room simply pull the whole of the window frame up and it will slide up. To close the window, just pull it down again.

Why choose timber sash windows?

There are many different types of window to choose from so why should you choose traditional timber sash windows?

Some of the many benefits of having timber windows are:

·         Wood is durable and long-lasting;

·         Timber offers a superb tactile effect that PVC cannot match;

·         Wood is a great insulator, therefore offering better thermal efficiency than plastic;

·         Timber window frames usually have a longer warranty than PVC;

·         Timber frames help to retain the value of a property or add more value than PVC;

·         Wood helps to retain the authentic and traditional details of your property;

·         Many types of finishes, stains and colours to choose;

·         Many different styles to choose from to ensure the perfect match for any period property;

·         More secure than PVC thanks to sash locks and stops;

·         Environmentally friendly;

·         Reduces noise by up to 45dB.

If you live in a period property and wish to replace old sash windows, it goes without saying you will want to retain the aesthetics and style of the property and traditional timber allows you to do just that.

Our specialists will provide advice about which timber is best for your windows with choices being such as pine, mahogany, oak, larch and more.

If living in a more modern property but love the timeless design of sash windows your options are more open thanks to a huge variety of paint and varnish colours, plus hardware choices.

Of course, one of the biggest advantages of choosing timber for sash windows is the environmental advantages. The timber we use for our windows comes from sustainably managed forests. This means less environmental impact.

Plus, did you know that you can timber-framed windows are not just single glazed? You can have sash windows in wood and benefit from having them double glazed to help keep the heat in and the noise out.

Sash window styles

Your new sash windows should reflect the era in which your property was built unless of course, you are installing the windows in a modern property and then the style is solely down to personal preference.

This type of window is made up of small panes of glass and astragal bars and the period of the property reflects the design, with the main eras being:

·         Georgian;

·         Victorian;

·         Edwardian;

·         Queen Anne Revival;

·         Venetian;

·         Regency/gothic.

In the Georgian property, the window panes will generally be in the style of six over six. However, some Georgian properties have been known to have larger windows with eight over eight panes.

The most popular styling during Victorian times was two over two panes. However, there were exceptions to this, including just single panes and/or side panes.

Six over two panes was a very popular type of style for sash windows during Edwardian times, but again, there were variations to the styling.

The Queen Anne Revival style was made up of many panes in the top sash with only one or a couple in the lower portion.

The Venetian style of windows consisted of a sliding sash in the centre with two fixed panes to the sides.

During the Regency and Gothic periods, sash windows featured arches and it was common to have sashes that slid horizontally instead of vertically.

Are timber sash windows high maintenance?

Being out in the elements, any window frames are going to require maintenance to keep them like new.

Unlike PVC window frames, traditional timber does not yellow with age, nor does it fade or discolour due to exposure to the elements. The beauty of timber is that it can quickly be brought back to its former glory with a new coat of stain or paint. Providing good quality paint or stain is used upon installation, you may not need to worry about maintaining them for between five to eight years.

Contact us for your traditional timber sash window installation

Green Home Glazing has many years of design, construction, architectural and environmental expertise to help you choose the perfect timber sash windows for your needs.

We offer a full service from start to finish, including obtaining approvals required on your behalf, something which is essential for a period or listed property renovation or repairs.

Give us a call on 0207 118 0388 or fill in our quick and easy online form, telling us what you require and one of our experts will get back to you to discuss your requirements.   

5 Kitchen Extension Ideas to Wow

Are you considering extending your kitchen to make it into the room of your dreams? If so, check out our five kitchen extension ideas to wow your relatives and friends and maximise your space.

1.    Bring the outside in with sliding doors

Why not bring the outside into your kitchen and dining area and one great way of doing so is with sliding doors. Sliding doors can be completely slid out of the way to open up the room fusing the outside and interior.

In the summer months, sliding doors can be slid open allowing plenty of fresh air into the room. During winter, they can be kept closed but plenty of light is filtered into the room and you still have a great view.

2.    Get more height with a pitched roof

If your ceilings are low, you might want to consider gaining more height by including a pitched roof in your kitchen extension design.

The pitched roof not only provides more height in the room, if you have skylights installed into it, ample light filters into your new kitchen.

3.    Go open plan

Why make just the kitchen larger? Have you considered going open plan and opening up the entire downstairs area?

By removing a wall and adding on a kitchen extension, you can create a light airy and modern look with the living room flowing effortlessly onto to the dining area and kitchen.

Meanwhile sliding doors and skylights will allow plenty of light into the room and bring the outdoors inside.

4.    Make the most of your garden or view

This is one of our great kitchen extension ideas for those lucky enough to have an exceptional view.

Most kitchens back onto the back garden but you might have an exceptional view, such as the ocean beyond to look onto.

Whether it’s your flowers and garden or crashing sea waves, you can make the most of the view from your new kitchen and dining area by incorporating sliding or bi-fold doors. You might also want to consider glass panels instead of a standard wall to make the most of that view.

5.    Have your own island

While you might not be able to afford to buy your very own tropical island, you can own an island. That is a kitchen island. Kitchen islands not only look great as a central point, but they also provide excellent additional work surfaces and can even be used as a breakfast bar.

Ask your architect and designer about having a kitchen island in your new kitchen extension design. Depending on your tastes, you might go for an industrial look, cottage look or a more up to date look. Whether you go for reclaimed wood, stainless steel or something in-between, you can show off your island for that wow factor.

Contact us

GOA Studio has many years of experience in the transformation of kitchens. Contact us to find out how we can help you design your perfect kitchen and obtain more kitchen extension ideas that will wow. 

 

Side Return Extensions: A Quick and Easy Guide

Side return extensions are one of the best ways to improve your home, whether it is a semi or terraced property. This type of extension can add space and bring light flooding in. However, there are some factors to consider before rushing in, so here is a quick and easy guide to some of the main concerns people have.

Side return extensions – what are they?

You might already know what this type of extension is and how it can benefit you but if not we will answer that question right here.

While you could essentially have this type of extension added onto any room, most typically it is installed in the kitchen area of your home. The extension is perfect for installing along the side of the property to open it up and bring in light.

By adding on a side return extension, you can expand a small kitchen into your dream kitchen. Alternatively, you might add in a dining area, which can be flooded with light thanks to roof windows and skylights. You can turn a drab unused piece of side land into something special, add on another room and add value to your home. 

The major changes when having a side return extension

Some major changes have to occur with any type of extension and this one is no exception. However, with specialists installing your extension you don’t have to worry as everything is explained and all questioned answered.

Some of the biggest changes when undertaking work to install the extension include:

·         A new wall will have to be built so if you have close neighbours this has to be taken into consideration;

·         The sidewall of the room you have chosen to expand will have to be knocked down, or partially knocked down, depending on your chosen extension design;

·         A new floor will need installing for the extension and many people choose to have the entire floor covered instead of just in the new extension, to tie it all together;

·         A new roof will be installed over the extension so you have to decide what type of roof you want in your new room. If you want to let more light into the property you might choose fully glazed or skylights. You might also choose windows that automatically open and close based on temperature or glazing that cuts down UV rays.

Which types of doors?

Another consideration for side return extensions is the type of door. Three of the most popular types of doors are bi-fold, folding and sliding.

This is a matter of personal choice. However, if the doorway leading outside is on the small side you might be better off with either folding or bi-fold. If the doorway is large, sliding doors often provide a wow factor.

Contact us to talk about your design preferences for new side return extensions. Our expert architects and designers will provide you with advice and a quote. GOAStudio is an award-winning practice with an approach based on careful consideration of all aspects before then talking over creative ways to make the most of your property.