Bringing The Outside In

Bringing light into your home can transform it.

In years gone by, big windows simply meant colder houses. These days with improvements in insulation and thermal performance, you can have plenty of glass in your home and still be warm.

So if you are fed up with your dark, pokey kitchen or sitting room, then why not consider the options for bringing light into your home. You can incorporate skylights, sun lights and roof windows into existing rooms. You could add whole extensions made of glass, glass walls, sliding or folding glass doors.

Now the defining feature in many modern extensions, glass not only brings in light, but it also blurs the boundary where the house ends and garden begins. It can literally bring the outside in.

It also pays to use thermally efficient panes to ensure you keep heat in during the winter heat out in the summer. Remember to check whether you need planning permission and don’t forget that glass provides little privacy!

The Master Builder of the Year Awards 2010

Every project entered into the Master Builder of the Year Awards has one thing in common – a delighted client. The awards give customers a platform to publicly thank their builder, both for their excellent work and for their consideration they have shown throughout the build. The competition is open to any U.K, from a large commercial firm to a sole trader.

So if you know a builder who has done some first class work, completed since 1st August 2008, and provided excellent customer service, then fill in the form and give them the recognition they deserve.

The 10th Master Builder of the Year will win a Nissan van worth up to £20,000 and the owner of the winning project will win a £3,000 holiday. The customer from each winning category will enjoy a weekend break courtesy of Barceló Hotels, so you could be a winner too!

To register online, visit www.fmb.org.uk or call 0207 092 3870 for an application pack.

What price peace of mind?

New deposit protection insurance from FMB builders

All FMB builders can now offer their customers peace of mind with a new deposit protection insurance which safeguards the homeowners’ deposit even if the firm stops trading, becomes insolvent or the owner dies before the building work begins.

Any FMB member who has been trading for three years or more can offer deposit protection insurance. So if you are working with an FMB builder, don’t forget to ask for it. For more details log on to www.fmb.org.uk

Seeking design inspiration for your home ?

The Essential Guide to Home Improvement provides practical, yet beautiful examples of ways that FMB builders and their customers have brought light into their homes.

Whether you are looking for simple changes or considering extensive building work, you will find inspiring designs and realistic solutions to help you improve and brighten your home.

Download the Guide from www.fmb.org.uk/guide.

News Stories supplied by The Federation of Master Builders, for more information please visit www.fmb.org.uk