Thermonex (www.thermonex.co.uk)
Yellow Pages (www.yell.com)
Thomson Local (www.thomsonlocal.com)
Magnets (www.magnet.co.uk)
iLife Solutions (www.ilifesolutions.co.uk)
Solex Energy (www.solexenergy.co.uk)

How can we help?

Finding reputable house builders for your house building project can be hard, especially if you are new to the house building game. Why not let us give you a helping hand?

The first step in your project is to hire the right builder. Take a look at our web site to see who we are affiliated with and our previous works to make sure you choose the best builder for you.

Another Satisfied Customer!

Linley Developments team createed a granny annex for us in the summer and autumn of 2010.  At the same time we aske dthem to think about how we could landscape out sloping garden to create a workable outside space.  Our experience of working with Trevor and his team was very positive from beginning to end.

From Trevor's interpretation and improvement of our placs to the professionalism of his team throughout the build phase, we were delighted with the way that out extension was build.  Trevor's project manager Alfie managed the process for us and made sure that any concerns we had were addressed immediately and although all of the trades worked together seemlessly through Alfie's coordination, the craftsmanship and attention to detail that the core team of Tim and Chris had meant the outcome met out expectation of an outstanding quality build.

Throughout the build there was no scope creep and all of the agreed build milestones were met (or beaten) and although Linley Developments were not the cheapest builder to bid for our work, what they quoted for is exactly what we got.  Since we believe that generally you get what you pay for we were delighted with the premium product that Trevor and his team delivered for us and would not hesitate to recommend their work.

Neil Meddick

Associated Members

NHBC (www.nhbc.co.uk)
FMB (www.fmb.org.uk)
FSB (www.fsb.org.uk)
The Green Apple Awards (www.thegreenorganisation.info)

The Times (www.thetimes.co.uk)
Inside Readers Homes (www.homesandgardens.com/homes/readershomes)
25 Beautiful Homes (www.25beautifulhomes.com)
Hertfordshire Life (www.hertfordshirelife.co.uk)
Herts Advertiser (www.hertsad.co.uk)

Mark Wilkinson Kitchens (www.mwf.com)
Vale Garden Houses (www.valegardenhouses.com)

The Building Centre (www.buildingcentre.co.uk)
RICS (www.rics.org.uk)
East Herts Government (www.eastherts.gov.uk)
North Herts Government (www.google.co.uk
north-herts.gov.uk/living/planning)
Business Link (www.businesslink.gov.uk)
St. Albans Planning Department (www.stalbans.gov.uk)

When do you know you have chosen a reputible builder?

You know when you have chosaen a reputible builder when they can show evidence of :-

 

They Belong to a Trade Body - this means the builder will conform to a cade of conduct and disciplinary action of that code is breached;

 

They Have Current Public Liability Insurance - this means that if an accident happens to a member of the public during building works at your property the resultants costs are covered.

 

They Will Be Happy to Give You an Estimate in Writing - this means you will be able to compare estiamtes at your leisure and not have to reply on memory as to what is included in each price

 

They Will Be Happy to Have The Work Agreed in Writing - after all, this is a much to protect the builder as it is to protect you.  Producing a buildig contract is now realtively easy using a JCT pre-printed contract;

 

They Will Not Ask for Unusual Payment Methods - there should be no deposit required unless you request specific materials, no part payments unless the project is going to run for a long time and no special deal to exclude VAT.

 

 

 

 

Trevor's Latest 10k Run

Trevor Hyatt MD of Linley Developments and his friends have just completed another 10k run in London for charity as part of Linley's CSR programme

Outdoor Rooms

An increased interest in eco-friendly architecture is encouraging builders to incorporate outdoor spaces with the overall home design. The yard and garden become a part of the floor plan when sliding glass doors lead to patios and decks. These outdoor "rooms" may even include kitchens with sophisticated sinks and grills.

Barcelona Triathlon

Linley's Corporate Social Responsibilty programme saw MD Trevor Hyatt doing a Triathlon in Barcelona recently in aid of various worthy charities

Trevor Hyatt MD of Linley Developments does Willow Foundation 10k Run

As part of Linley's Corporate Social Responsibility programme Trevor Hyatt MD of Linley Developments has completed the Willow Foundation 10K run at Hatfield House on Sunday 9th October 2011

Knebworth Old Boys Football Team

Linley Developments are sponsors of Knebworth Old Boys football team. See the team proudly wearing their new kit. You can follow their progress through the season by following this link www.clubwebsite.co.uk/knebwortholdboysfootballclub

Advantages of Apprentices

Linley Developments have recently employed an apprentice to help build for the future. Recruitment costs were lower, retention rates higher, and apprentices are instilled with company values. As such they are the individuals who will fill jobs at all levels in the future.

Planning Permission

A property with planning permission usually commands a higher price than one without, obtaining planning permission, even if you do not intend to use it yourself, can be a great way of maximising your property’s value for minimum outlay

Prime Minister Takes up cut the VAT Campaign

Motivated by FMB's 'cut the VAT' campaign a builder in David Cameron's local constituency has had a meeting with Mr Cameron to back cutting VAT to support the building industry.

The Prime Minister said he would seriously consider this and has written to treasury ministers to ask them to look at the case for cutting VAT for the building industry.

Value Added Extensions

Provided it is well built and in keeping with the rest of your property, an extension can add significant value.
Extensions can be built without planning permission, subject to restrictions on height and volume, and certain other conditions.

Cost Effective Ways to Inprove Your Home

There are various ways of improving the value of your property without having to spend alot of money.  A new bathroom, kitchen or the addition of a conservatory are ways of improving the property, adding value and if remodeled adding extra space in a cost effective way.

Loft Conversions and Extensions

Recent research by HSBC shows that a loft conversion was likely to add the most value to your home. Extensions are also thought to be a fairly safe bet for homeowners looking to boost their property's value.

A conservatory, new kitchen or having replacement windows are the next imrprovements to add value to your property.

"It's a Knockout"

Follow the link below to see pictures from a recent chaity "It's a Knockout out" Event held on 17th July 2011 in aid of Chron's Disease and Colitis.

Linley Developments were proud to be one of the sponsors of this event which raises money for awareness and the treatment of Chron's disease and Colitis.

http://www.nacc.org.uk/knockout/knockout.asp

A Shared Vision

Trevor was able to share his vision with us and we quickly began to develop a number of mood boards, sketches and outline scheme exploring all the possibilities in the design of open space living, utilising natural light and modern structures.

Throughout the consultation and design stage we were fully briefed on the complexity of the construction, the disruptive nature of the build, timeframes and estimated costs.  Linley took total control of all building regulations, drawing specifications and submissions with the local council, their knowledge and relationship with the building control department was highly professional which gave us comfort as a client.

Once an agreement to commence was made we were introduced to the team of craftsmen who were appointed to carry out the building work.  We found these guys to be freindly, totally trustworthy and imprtantly to us, they lived locally in Hertfordshire.

The Linley team interacted extremely professionally with the other trades and held our privacy, security and saftey as their number one priority; this allowed our family to continue to live normally and still take our family holidays in the knowledge that all was well back home.

The completed build was exactly as planned, costs were slightly higher than forecast due to upgrades on finish and materials but the timeframe was about spot on.  As a design and build business we would highly recommend Linley Developments, as such we have welcomed 3 potential Linley clients to our home in the past 6 months.

Mr and Mrs Jones, Welwyn Garden City

Permitted Development (PD) Rights

You can now extend a dwelling by 4m to the rear if it's single storey or 3m if it's double storey without having to obtain planning permission

There are height restrictions but they are that a single storey extension not being higher than 4m in height to the ridge and the eaves and the ridge heights of any extension not being higher than the exiting property.

Changes to Planning Permission

Improvements which do not now need planning permission include: building a porch, carrying out internal decorations, coverting the loft space to a habitable space, installing satellite dishes, putting in rooflights or dormer windows, extending the back of your home

Trevor Appears in July FMB Magazine

Trevor Hyatt MD of Linley Developments appears in the July Issue of FMB magazine.  Trevor is featured this month as a previous winner of an FMB award  who has gone on to be the winner of ITV's "May The Best House Win" and the article covers his donation from winning the show to Noah's Ark children's Hospice.

Changes to Planning Permission

Improvements which do not now need planning permission include: building a porch, carrying out internal decorations, coverting the loft space to a habitable space, installing satellite dishes, putting in rooflights or dormer windows, extending the back of your home

Permitted Development Rules Change

The rules on Permitted Development (PD) - what you can do to your home without needing planning approval have recently changed. You can now convert your loft into living accomodation, extend the roof to the back or sides up to 40m2 and add dormer windows or rooflights

Goverment to Build New Homes

The government are to free up land to build 100,000 new homes.  Plans will be pubished to sell thousands of acres of land to home builders.  The new homes are expected to be built over the next four years creating 25,000 jobs.

House prices remain fairly stable

A recent NHBC report showed that house prices remain fairly stable with regional differences.

Most consumers do not think it is a good time to purchase a new home and are having extensions, renovations and home improvements instead

Reduce Energy Costs and Environmental Impact -

A control system can reduce the running costs of a typical three bedroom home by £850 per year while lowering its CO2 emissions

A Recent Sunday Times Report

In a recent Sunday Times report it is estimated that properties with smart technology can achieve up to 30% higher values than their unmodernised counterparts.

Noah's Ark Children's Hospice

On Behalf of Noah's Ark Childrens Hospice I would like to thank you for your kind donation of £1000 forom your participation in "May the Best House Win"  We are delighted that of the many worthy causes you could have chosen, Noah's Ark has received your support.

Gemma Laragy
Corporate and Community Fnd Raising Manager
Noah's Ark

Some Kind Words

"Your team certainly conducted your building operation efficiently and if I were to need any work done I shall bear you in mind" - Mrs Dowling, Tewin

"Thank you to you and all the guys who worked on our loft conversion.  we were both very pleased with the work and glas that it was completed on schedule" Mr Sangster, St Albans

Improve the Value of your Property

Latest Nationwide Building Society figures show that adding an extension can add 11% value to your property and a kitchen refit or landscape gardening will help sell your property more quickly.

Add a good sized room onto a 2 bedroom property and raise the value by 10.8% and an extra bathroom can add 10%.

Adding a bedroom may also negate the need to move up the property ladder saving moving costs and higher mortgage payments.

Research shows that the best investments are those which raise the value of the property and include adding central heating, a garage, an extension or an extra room.

Ways of selling your property more quickly include refitting your kitchen, restyling the house or landscape gardening.

All of the above services are offered by Linley Developments.