Darwin Home Improvements

10/03/2025

ARE YOU THINKING OF REJUVENATING YOUR CONSERVATORY INTO A STUNNING, MORE USABLE LIVING SPACE?

At Darwin Home Improvements, we understand the importance of a well-designed, stylish and efficient conservatory. We will transform your conservatory whatever the size or shape into a stunning, temperature economical living space that feels like a great addition to your home, and your lifestyle.

At Darwin Home Improvements we offer a range of high-quality bespoke tiled, solid or prefabricated conservatory roofs that are personally designed to rejuvenate the look and feel of your conservatory. All our roofs are designed and built bespoke to fit your conservatory perfectly, ensuring a stress free and professional installation. So, no matter the weather, your new conservatory roof will make certain your conservatory remains at an ideal temperature all year round.

Below are listed 4 Reasons to rejuvenate your conservatory with a new conservatory roof:
• Having a conservatory that is usable all year round, regardless of weather.
• Quick, easy straightforward replacement
• Replacement roof ensures your conservatory blends in with your home better.
• Replacing your conservatory roof is a smart financial investment.

Darwin Home Improvements guarantees your new stylish conservatory will add enhance your lifestyle, as well as adding to the value to your property. Darwin Home Improvements are proud to be one of London's and the Southeast premier, bespoke building and design companies

After serving 11 years in the Royal Marine Commandos, I founded Darwin Home Improvements over 22 years ago. We apply the strong personal and professional work ethics and principles I learned in the forces to every aspect of all our clients’ projects big or small.

Contact us today on 020 335 55561 to discuss how we can help you with any aspect of your project, and to arrange a free site.

John Pembridge
Managing Director

Telephone: 020 335 55561

Mobile: 07834769631

11/08/2024

11/08/2024

Kitchen/Fact sheet Checklist

Prepared by:

Darwin Home Improvements

From concept, to design, to completion

The evolution of your home

Turning your ideas, visions, and dreams into reality

Darwin Home Improvements will help and support you at every stage of planning the kitchen of your dreams, we ensure it will be as smooth and stress-free as possible.

Kitchen/Fact sheet Checklist
Initial planning:
a) Who will project manage the build?
b) Do you intend to remove any load bearing walls internal/external? (if yes you will need the services of a structural engineer)
c) Is the property in a conservation area or subject to a restrictive covenant?
d) Do you need a party wall agreement?
e) Do you have off-street parking?
f) Is there access to rear of property?
g) Will you be living at the property at the same time?

Getting the right design for you:
a) Have you an idea of the design and layout of your kitchen ?
b) Have you factored in a contingency budget?
c) What is the shape of the kitchen?
d) Technologies and wiring?
e) Have you visited any kitchen showrooms to get an idea of what you want?
f) How you found the style/one you want?
g) Type of kitchen worktop?
h) Are you having an island?
i) If you are having an island, are you having a pendant light above it?
j) Are you having wall tiled or glass splashback?
k) Are you having a splashback behind the hob/cooker?
l) Are you having a cooker hood?
m) Wooden or tile flooring?

Fixtures and fittings:
a) What colour paint do want?
b) How many wall sockets do you want?
c) Will you source wall sockets?
d) Do you want wiring for television or social media?
e) Do you want down-lights?
f) Will you source the lighting?
g) How many down lights do you want?
h) What type of switching do you want?
i) What flooring are you having?
j) Will you source and get flooring?
k) Are renewing the kitchen appliances?
l) Will you source these if you are getting new?

The above list of information is not a definitive list, and not everything on the list will apply to your extension or home renovation. Questions and queries will continue to arise prior and during any building/renovation project. Effective communication and transparency will everyone involved in the process are essential to the success of any project and long-term relationships.

All work is fully insured and guaranteed.
£5 Million Public Liability Insurance
£10 Million Employers Liability Insurance

11/08/2024

LOFT CONVERSION FACTSHEET

Compiled by

Darwin Home Improvements

Helping your home to evolve

from concept to design to completion

House extensions come in all shapes and sizes – single-storey, two-storey, wraparound or to one side.
Whatever house extension you are intending to build there are a lot of things to work out and make decisions on before your project even gets going. This is a busy and exciting time for you and your family.

Darwin Home Improvements will help and support you at every stage planning and application processes and steps in planning the extension of your dreams, should ensure a stress-free build.

Have a clear understanding of what you want to do first:
a) Have you completed a “would like list” of the fixtures and fitting your loft?
b) Will you be living in the house during the renovation?
c) Can you afford to do all the work you want to do at the same time, or do you need to stage the project?
d) Research your design and décor ideas to know what you want the finished job to look like.
e) Always ensure everyone involved in the decision making are included in the emails/texts and WhatsApp messages?
Initial planning:

a) Do you need planning permission?
b) Have you applied if yes?
c) Have you found architect for your loft conversion?
d) Have you applied for building control application? (is the building inspector, private or council?)
e) Have your neighbours been informed about your plans?
f) Have your neighbours had similar loft conversions done?
g) Is the property in a conservation area or subject to a restrictive covenant?
h) Do you need a party wall agreement?
i) Do you have off-street parking?
j) Is there access to the rear of property?

Getting the right design for you:
a) What is the realistic total budget you can obtain/spend?
b) Have you factored in a contingency budget of 10%?
c) Do you know the design/layout of the loft conversion you want?
d) Do have a design plan A and B just in case your first choice is not possible
e) Do you need to lower the ceiling height in the bedrooms?
f) Are you losing any bedroom space?
g) Do you need to raise the height of the roof?
h) Have you factored in how you will use of the loft conversion now, in 5 years’ time, in 10 years’ time?
i) What technologies, lighting and plug sockets have you thought about?
j) Are you having a Juliet balcony ?
k) Are you having French doors?
l) Built-in wardrobes?
m) What size Velux windows are you having
n) How many Velux windows
o) How you found the bathroom fixtures and fittings you want?
p) How are you heating the loft?

Your house:
a) Has the property had any structural changes before?
b) Are there any cracks in the property?
c) Any damp in the property?
d) Any woodworm or rot?
e) Does your current boiler need to be moved or changed?
f) Does the electrical system need up-grading?

Fixtures and fittings:
a) What colour paint do want?
b) How many wall sockets do you want?
c) Will you source wall sockets?
d) Do you want wiring for television or social media?
e) Do you want down-lights?
f) Will you source the lighting?
g) How many down lights do you want?
h) What type of light switching do you want?
i) Will you source and get flooring?
j) Will you purchase any windows as required?

The above list of information is not a definitive list, and not everything on the list will apply to your extension or home renovation. Questions and queries will continue to arise prior and during any building/renovation project. Effective communication and transparency will everyone involved in the process are essential to the success of any project and long-term relationships.
Our team of skilled craftspeople only use the best materials to deliver the finest craftmanship.

We never compromise on quality.

All work is fully insured and guaranteed.
£5 Million Public Liability Insurance
£10 Million Employers Liability Insurance

11/08/2024

KITCHEN EXTENSION FACTSHEET

Prepared by:

Darwin Home Improvements

From concept, to design, to completion

The evolution of your home

Turning your ideas, visions, and dreams into reality

House extensions come in all shapes and sizes – single-storey, two-storey, wraparound or to one side.
Whatever house extension you are intending to build there are a lot of things to work out and make decisions on before your project even gets going. This is a busy and exciting time for you and your family.

This factsheet is in the form of a questionnaire, but this questionnaire is for you to ask yourself at the beginning and during the build, not to complete and return to Darwin Home Improvements.

Have a clear understanding of what you want to do first:
a) Have you completed a “would like list” of the fixtures and fitting your extension/kitchen has?
b) Will you be living in the house during the renovation?
c) Can you afford to do all the work you want to do at the same time, or do you need to stage the project?
d) Research your design and décor ideas to know what you want the finished job to look like.
e) Always ensure everyone involved in the decision making are included in the emails/texts and WhatsApp messages?
Initial planning:

a) Do you need planning permission?
b) Have you applied if yes?
c) Have you found architect for your renovation?
d) Have you applied for building control application? (is the building inspector, private or council?)
e) Do you intend to remove any load bearing walls internal/external? (if yes you will need the services of a structural engineer)
f) Have your neighbours been informed about your plans?
g) Have your neighbours had similar extensions done?
h) Have you contacted the local water authority regards and drainage and build over pipes?
i) Is the property in a conservation area or subject to a restrictive covenant?
j) Do you need a party wall agreement?
k) Do you have off-street parking?
l) Is there access to the rear of property?
Getting the right design for you:
a) What is the realistic total budget you can obtain/spend?
b) Have you factored in a contingency budget of 10%?
c) Have you factored in how you will use of the extension for now, in 5 years’ time, in 10 years’ time?
d) What technologies, lighting and plug sockets have you thought about?
e) Are you having a new kitchen fitted?
f) Have you visited kitchen showrooms to get an idea of the layout and style of kitchen you want?
g) How you found the kitchen you want?
h) What type of kitchen worktop are you having?
i) Are you having a kitchen island?
j) If you are having a kitchen island, are you having a pendant light above it?
k) Are you having wall tiles or glass splashback?
l) Are you having a splashback behind the hob/cooker?
m) Are you having a cooker hood?
n) Do you have/want a utility room?
o) Are you thinking of underfloor heating, if so electric or water?
p) Wooden or tile flooring?
q) Velux windows, or up-light?
r) Are you having sliding or bi-folding doors?
s) Have you decided on the type of roof you want?

Your house:
a) Has the property had any structural changes before?
b) Are there any cracks in the property?
c) Any damp in the property?
d) Any woodworm or rot?
e) Does your current boiler need to be moved or changed?
f) Does the electrical system need up-grading?

Fixtures and fittings:
a) What colour paint do want?
b) How many wall sockets do you want?
c) Will you source wall sockets?
d) Do you want wiring for television or social media?
e) Do you want down-lights?
f) Will you source the lighting?
g) How many down lights do you want?
h) What type of light switching do you want?
i) Will you source and get flooring?
j) Will you purchase any windows as required?
k) Are renewing the kitchen appliances?
l) Will you source these if you are getting new?

The above list of information is not a definitive list, and not everything on the list will apply to your extension or home renovation. Questions and queries will continue to arise prior and during any building/renovation project. Effective communication and transparency will everyone involved in the process are essential to the success of any project and long-term relationships.

All work is fully insured and guaranteed.
£5 Million Public Liability Insurance
£10 Million Employers Liability Insurance

08/08/2024

INFORMATION AND ADVICE ON THE COST OF YOUR EXTENSION, LOFT CONVERSION, OR RENOVATION PROJECT

With house prices constantly increasing, and the cost stamp duty (it’s like simply giving money away!) estate agents’ fees, solicitors’ fees, and searches fees, removal costs, you would be better spending your money renovating your current home. A new report by the Nationwide, and the Halifax, reveals that house prises are on the rise again, and that a top-quality renovation project can add an average of between 15%-25% to the price of a property.

A ball-park figure for an affordable, quality renovation, would be between £70,000-£115,000 for a extension, and £60,000-£85,000 for a loft conversion depending on style, size, property location, and fixtures and finishes.

Below, we have listed the main cost areas which need to consider when estimating the overall cost of a project.

• Architects’ drawings (depending on your project) = £1200-£2,500
• Structural engineers drawing calculations (depending on the level of your project) =£1,000-£1,500
• Planning application = £900-£1100
• Building control = £350-£1,500
• The extension build itself, depending on what work is included in your quote = £70,000-£105,000 plus
• The build loft conversion itself, depending on what work is included in your quote = £65,000-£95,000 plus
• Kitchen/bathroom furniture = £5,000-£35,000
• Flooring = £1,500-£3,700
• Under floor heating (if chosen) = £2,500-£6,000
• Bi-folding or sliding doors (kitchen extension) =£2,800-£7,000
• New boiler/mega-flow (if renewing) = £ 3,000-£6,500
• Renew electrical system (if renewing) = £2,700-£4,500

The prices listed above is only a guide, and not a definitive list. Each build, personal specifications, design and size of the project will affect the overall cost.

At Darwin Home Improvements we will project manage all aspects of your renovation project. Collaborating with architects, structural engineers and building control to turn your dreams and visions into reality.

Darwin Home Improvements are proud to be one of London's and the Southeast premier building and design companies. Our dedicated team of experts, deliver top-quality renovations, refurbishments and new builds, turning our customers ideas and dreams to reality, blending modern materials, contemporary design principles, with practicality, lifestyle, and world-class craftmanship, to deliver a bespoke service for all our customers. Whether you are looking for something contemporary, chic, or more traditional, we will deliver your dream home.

After serving 11 years in the Royal Marine Commandos, I founded Darwin Home Improvements over 22 years ago. We apply the strong personal and professional work ethics and principles I learned in the forces to every aspect of all our projects.

Contact us today to arrange a free site survey and quote, and to see how we can help you with any aspect of your project.

John Pembridge
Managing Director

Telephone: 07834769631

Website: www.darwinhomeimprovements.co.uk

Email: [email protected]

Facebook: www.facebook.com/2darwinhomeimprovements/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/darwinhomeimprovements/

12/12/2023

ARE YOU LOOKING FOR THE RIGHT BUILDER FOR YOUR EXTENSION, LOFT CONVERSION, OR RENOVATION PROJECT

It can sometimes feel like walking through a minefield trying to find the right builder, for your renovation project.

You wonder:
1. are they dependable?
2. do they listen to you?
3. do they understand what you want?
4. do they have the right experience, skills, knowledge to deliver what you want?
5. will they do the job to the standard you expect?
6. can they turn your visions and ideas into reality?
7. will they deliver your project on time, and in budget?
8. do they have trade accounts with suppliers?
9. do they communicate regularly on the progress of your project?

Talk to us today, to discover how Darwin Home Improvements, can help you at every stage of your project.

You don’t want to get the cheapest quote and pay twice because of cheap materials and bad workmanship, which mean fixing problems and issues in the future. The work you don’t see, it just as important as the work you do see.

After serving 11 years in the Royal Marine Commandos, I started Darwin Home Improvements over 22 years ago, which has now grown to become one of London's premier building companies. We will help you design your renovation project, as well as co-ordinate all aspects of your project, working with architects' structural engineers and building control.

Based in West London, we will bring your ideas and dreams to reality, big or small. Working with modern materials and design principles, balancing practicality, lifestyle, and cost efficiency, we provide a bespoke service for all our customers, across London, and the Southeast.

Darwin Home Improvements are happy to announce that we are giving all our customers a 10% discount on all projects booked for 2024.

Please quote Ref: DHI 2024 offer.

Contact us today for an informal chat and to discuss how we can help you with your project and to arrange a free site survey and quote, or alternatively visit our website or page for more helpful information.

John Pembridge
Managing Director

Telephone: 07834769631

Website: www.darwinhomeimprovements.co.uk

Email: [email protected]

Facebook: www.facebook.com/2darwinhomeimprovements/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/darwinhomeimprovements/

10/01/2023

ARE YOU WONDERING IF IT IS BETTER TO EXTEND OR MOVE TO A NEW HOUSE IN 2023?

For many people in London, and space becomes tight, deciding if it is better to extend your current home or up-heave you and your family to a new area becomes a priority. Therefore, trying to get more space has become a sought-after “must have” for people in London. A kitchen extension, loft conversion or even a garden room can add must needed space you need, as well as real financial benefit.

A recent report in the Financial Times shows that even in this challenging economic climate, the average house price in London has risen by 8% in the last 12 months. Adding an extension, loft conversion or a complete home renovation to your current home can add an average of between 15%-35% to the price of your property a report by the Nationwide reveals.

We have come up with some areas you might want to consider when deciding whether to move home or extend:
1) Will You Miss Anything if you move?
2) Travelling to Work, easier, harder, the same?
3) Safety?
4) Socialising?

Based in Twickenham West London, Darwin Home Improvements are proud to be one of London’s premier building companies, we are a friendly, professional, conscientious building company you can trust; built on over 20 years of knowledge and experience helping our customers across London turn their ideas and visions into reality from concept to completion, we project manage the whole process for you.

Contact us to today to discuss your plans and ideas in detail, and for a free quote.

John Pembridge-Hore
Mobile: 07834769631

Website: www.darwinhomeimprovements.co.uk

Email: [email protected]

Facebook: Darwin Home Improvements

30/05/2022

ARE YOU LOOKING FOR THE PERFECT BUILDER YOU CAN TRUST AND RELY ON FOR YOUR HOME RENOVATION PROJECT?

It can sometimes feel like walking through a minefield trying to find the right builder. Are they dependable and can they transform your plans and ideas into reality? Getting the right builder who can project manage the whole process for you is essential to the successful and timely completion of your building project.

London space is a premium, so a reliable builder sought after for a lot of people who want to add more space to their existing home, in London space is a premium.

A recent nationwide report reveals that an extension, loft conversion or a complete home renovation can add an average of 15%-35% to a property price. Finishes, property location and size of project are factors on the value the project adds to your property.
Based in West London, Darwin Home Improvements are one of London’s premier building companies, we are a friendly, professional, conscientious building company you can trust; built on over 20 years of knowledge and experience helping our customers turn their ideas and visions into reality from concept to completion, we project manage the whole process for you.

Contact us today for a free quote and to discuss your plans and ideas in more detail.

John Pembridge-Hore
Managing Director

Mobile: 07834769631

Website: www.darwinhomeimprovements.co.uk

Email: [email protected]

Facebook: www.facebook.com/2darwinhomeimprovements/

03/04/2022

ARE YOU WONDERING HOW MUCH IT WILL COST TO EXTEND YOUR HOME AS THE PRICE OF BUILDING MATERIAL SOARS?

Because of the issues associated with Lockdown and Brexit, UK homeowners are facing higher bills for their renovation projects as builders grapple with soaring costs and shortages of essentials building materials in a booming housing market. A busy market for building materials has triggered widespread price increases of between 20%-40%, which then increase the price of your project.

This has the effect of project cost increasing due to the high demand of goods and manpower. The construction materials shortage is expected to continue into the end of 2022 at the earliest.

There is also a shortage of skilled labour, which means many homeowners are waiting 4-6 months longer than usual to get their home extension, loft conversion or home renovation started. Homeowners also need to factor in the extra time it takes to get your planning permission from the local council, this is due to workers still working from home, different working practices and processes at the council due to Covid. Now is the ideal time to plan and book in your builder, even if you are not planning to do the work until 2022. Contact Darwin Home Improvements today for a free quote and to discuss your plans and ideas in more detail.

With this shortage of materials in mind, I always advise my customers that, but they before caught up with the excitement and planning their project, they need to consider their budget, so they know what they can and cannot afford. The purpose of setting a proper and realistic budget is so that design they chose is one they can afford and can be delivered. Unless you tell your architect/builder what your budget is, then there is no way that they can tell you whether your expectations are realistic. A recent nationwide report reveals that adding professionally designed and built space can add an average of 15%-35% to the price of your property.

Be aware that the build design, specifications, and materials you choose will also have an influence on the overall cost of the build. A single storey extension will cost the following per/m².

So, a ball-park figure would be between £65,000-£105,000 for your extension depending on style, size, and location, including kitchen and all fittings and fixtures. The types of finishes, fittings, electrics, new boiler, underfloor heating, and flooring will increase the cost, these should be discussed and agreed with your builder at the start.

Not all builders deliver the same service:
Some builders will want to just come in and simply do the build and leave the project management to you. Ensure you agree what roles and services you want your builder to provide. It is always a good idea to get your builder on board early in the planning and design stage of any project you are having, big or small.

About us:
Based in West London, Darwin Home Improvements are proud to be one of London’s premier building companies, we are a friendly, professional, conscientious building company you can trust; built on over 20 years of knowledge and experience helping our customers turn their ideas and visions into reality. This has helped us to become one of London’s leading and most reliable building companies. We are an environmentally focused building company, recycling all waste materials where possible.

Design:
At Darwin Home Improvements, we manage the whole process from concept to completion, working with our architects and structural engineers we can help you with the design, layout and flow of your extension, loft conversion, home renovation or garden room. We can help design in environmentally friendly features and aspects. We specialise in bringing innovation, style, and functionality to life, turning your ideas, visions, and dreams into reality. Or we can work, coordinate, and liaise with your architect and structural engineer.

Project Management:
From concept to completion, we will project manage the whole process for you. From day one you will have dedicated Project Manager will be on hand to help and advise you, as well as overseeing and managing the entire process. This is why Darwin Home Improvements is one of London’s leading and most reliable building companies.

Communication:
Effective and continuous two-way communication with you the customer is a major element of a successful and stress-free build. Once we start your project, we generate a WhatsApp group for everyone involved, this enables everyone to stay informed and involved, as well as enabling you to ask questions before and during your project.

Advice and Information:
Please check our page for more great advice and information on types and costs of extensions, to engaging the services of a reliable builder whatever your building needs are.

Contact Details:
Please contact us for a free quote and to discuss how we can help you turn your plans and ideas into reality

John Pembridge-Hore
Managing Director

Mobile: 07834769631

Website: www.darwinhomeimprovements.co.uk

Email: [email protected]

Facebook: www.facebook.com/2darwinhomeimprovements/

03/04/2022

ARE WONDERING HOW LONG YOUR LOFT CONVERSION, HOME EXTENSION OR RENOVATION WILL TAKE?

With lockdown and people more likely to continue to do homeworking, space has become the most sought-after must have for people in London, a kitchen extension, loft conversion or even a garden room can add the much-needed space as well as adding real value to your home.

The most common mistake most people make when planning an extension or loft conversion, is underestimating the amount of time it all takes. From the day you decide you want to go ahead, to the day it is all fully finished and completed, can be between 4-10 months depending on the size and type of your project.

A recent report reveals that an extension, loft conversion or a complete home renovation can add an average of 15%-35% to a property price. Finishes, property location and size of project are factors on the value the project adds to your property.

Getting the right builder is essential to the successful and timely completion of your building project. At Darwin Home Improvements we can come and talk to you to help you plan and design your renovation project using all social distancing protocols.

Not all builders are equal:
Some builders will want to just come in and do the build, and leave ordering materials, arranging trades people, and the project management to you. At Darwin Home Improvements we do all the project management for you.
Below is a reasonable timeframe for your extension, there are several stages to every project, each phase can and does have an impact on the overall timeline.

How long can it take to build and extension or loft conversion from concept to completion:
• Project design and planning – 2-3 months.
• Building Regulations – 4-8 weeks.
• Tender & choosing builder – 4-6 weeks.
• Construction – 3/6 months depending on the size and complexity of the project.
• Contingency time– at least 1 month.
Total: 6-10 months, this depends on planning application issues, size, type and location of project and materials used. You may also be thinking of renovating you home at the same time, which will increase the cost and time but can be a saving in the long run as the builder are already there.

Not all builders deliver the same service:
Some builders will want to just come in and simply do the build and leave the project management to you. Ensure you agree what roles and services you want your builder to provide. It is always a good idea to get your builder on board early in the planning and design stage of any project you are having, big or small.

About us:
Based in West London, Darwin Home Improvements are proud to be one of London’s premier building companies, we are a friendly, professional, conscientious building company you can trust; built on over 20 years of knowledge and experience helping our customers turn their ideas and visions into reality. This has helped us to become one of London’s leading and most reliable building companies. We are an environmentally focused building company, recycling all waste materials where possible.

Design:
At Darwin Home Improvements, we manage the whole process from concept to completion, working with our architects and structural engineers we can help you with the design, layout and flow of your extension, loft conversion, home renovation or garden room. We can help design in environmentally friendly features and aspects. We specialise in bringing innovation, style, and functionality to life, turning your ideas, visions, and dreams into reality. Or we can work, coordinate, and liaise with your architect and structural engineer.

Project Management:
From concept to completion, we will project manage the whole process for you. From day one you will have dedicated Project Manager will be on hand to help and advise you, as well as overseeing and managing the entire process. This is why Darwin Home Improvements is one of London’s leading and most reliable building companies.

Communication:
Effective and continuous two-way communication with you the customer is a major element of a successful and stress-free build. Once we start your project, we generate a WhatsApp group for everyone involved, this enables everyone to stay informed and involved, as well as enabling you to ask questions before and during your project.

Advice and Information:
Please check our page for more great advice and information on types and costs of extensions, to engaging the services of a reliable builder whatever your building needs are.

Contact Details:
Please contact us for a free quote and to discuss how we can help you turn your plans and ideas into reality

John Pembridge-Hore
Managing Director

Mobile: 07834769631

Website: www.darwinhomeimprovements.co.uk

Email: [email protected]

Facebook: www.facebook.com/2darwinhomeimprovements/