Here’s a cheap way to expand your home and cut your energy bills at the same time
With the summer holidays only a few days away many families fear their crowded homes will be turned into an untidy tip over the next six weeks.
But there is one economical and environmentally friendly solution to expand the house and cut energy bills at the same time.
“The loft is the forgotten room,” said energy expert Ron Fox. “But it can easily be transformed from a dark, unusable space into a bright, clean, easy-to-access playroom where children can happily play and leave their toys out overnight.
“Refurbishing the attic is a good move as the spray foam insulation will cut energy bills by up to 50 per cent,” said Ron, of Noreus Ltd on the University of Keele Science and Innovation Park. “Also the price is a fraction of the cost of a conventional loft conversion.”
He added: “Our approach means householders can fully exploit the additional space within their home without the need for costly and time-consuming planning applications and approvals.”
“What’s more our chartered architect provides residents with a full package of technical specifications and certifications to provide the necessary reassurances should they choose to sell their home in the future.”
Ron, who has a team of experts in Shropshire and Mid Wales, said that the loft refurbishment can take from only four days to a week and costs under £5,000 for a small terraced house.
This includes a specially designed subframe using full structurally graded timber for the flooring Velux windows, spray foam insulation, loft ladder, the plasterboard and the lighting and electrics.
He added: “The environmentally friendly insulation system has been approved by the BBA (British Board of Agrément) for use in a loft and has been fully tested to British Standard, while the floor loading and the flooring complies with the UK Building Regulations.”
Ron said as a quarter of a home’s heat is lost through the roof if the loft space is not insulated, it makes sense to spray foam the attic as it provides protection against moisture, condensation and mould, as well as reducing noise and air pollution.
Firstly, an energy surveyor carries out a full survey of the house and then discusses the various options to achieve the space needed. Next the architectural team discusses the plan with the householder.
“Because we don’t have to wait for any planning approval we can be on site and installing within a few weeks,” added Ron.
“We offer the perfect solution to space issues, whatever the age or condition of the property, and children can play in safety in their own den away from the rest of the house.
“Also there’s no clambering into the loft and balancing heavy boxes across the joists, hoping neither you nor they fall through the floor into the room below.”
Any householders wanting advice on loft refurbishment or any other green energy issues should call Ron on 01782 756995 or go to www.noreus.co.uk
