Tag: Home Improvement

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Uncategorised

Bulwell bathroom

Waterproof backing boards installed on the walls of a room corner during a renovation
Our customer’s brief was very clear: they wanted the best bathroom in Bulwell.
While their existing bathroom had served them well for years, it was time for an upgrade. They wanted a modern wet room with step-free shower access, high-end fittings, spotlights, his-and-hers cabinets, and a vanity unit matching their existing setup.
After providing an outline quote, our customer visited our trusted local suppliers—East Midland Ceramics and Michael Pavis. Both offer the kind of traditional showroom experience and product knowledge you simply can’t get from online marketplaces. Special thanks to Luke Henson at Michael Pavis for 5-star customer service. The quotes came right in line with our expectations (£1,400 for the shower screen and door after trade discount—though you can’t beat Merlyn 8mm fittings for quality).
We started by stripping the walls, which revealed three layers of tiles. It’s safe to say we were glad we ordered a skip from Enva, making sure to put protective boards down so the block paving didn’t get marked.
Next, we removed the existing floor and laid 15mm plywood followed by tile backer boards, and fitted a Qualitex floor profile for the shower. Minimising the step between the entrance hall and bathroom was very important to the customer to remove the trip hazard.
Finally, to make sure the water pressure matched the ambition of the project, we fitted a Stuart Turner Universal 2-bar pump supplied by Pavis. This didn’t just deliver for the wet room—it drastically improved the hot water pressure in the kitchen sink, too.
In total the work will take about 14 days, our bathroom installer is pulling in the weekends to get it finished for the customer. We appreciate that the work creates a lot of inconvenience to the customer.

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Categories
Renovation Roofing Windows

Garden room roof refurbishment

 

Garden Room Roof Refurbishment

Our customer reached out to us to replace the roof on their garden room. Over the years, several joists had succumbed to rot, which was letting down the rest of an otherwise pristine property.

We began by removing the existing roof, which revealed a higher level of degradation than we initially anticipated. As part of the update, we also fitted a brand-new window from Vale Windows in Mansfield for the potting shed.

For the new structure, we used pressure-treated timber overlaid with UPVC cladding for a clean, modern appearance. The new roofing sheets were supplied by Amari plastics, who provided a fantastic specialist cutting service to ensure a perfect fit.

Safety is always a priority, so we completely removed the existing wiring, which was no longer up to standard. We upgraded the setup by installing two new IP65-rated electrical boxes and a new IP65 light in the potting shed.

To finish off the project, we painted all exposed timber with Scuff-X base. While it’s a premium product, you simply can’t beat it for its exceptional coverage and durability!

Finally, a massive thank you to our wonderful customer for giving our team a thoughtful present at the end of the job. It was a pleasure working on this project!

Categories
Painting Renovation

Mapperley Flat redecoration

Kitchen

Case Study: Rapid 72-Hour Flat Refresh for a Repeat Client

Kitchen

When managing rental properties, timing is everything. A repeat client recently reached out to us with a tight four-day window before their new tenant moved in. With brand-new carpets booked to be laid on day three, the property needed a complete paint refresh on a strict deadline—and at a sensible, affordable price point.

Here is how we made it happen without a single hitch.

The Challenge: A 4-Day Window

Between outgoing and incoming tenants, schedule overlaps can easily derail a handover. Our client’s regular decorator hadn’t replied to them and with only 4 days to go they needed all walls and ceilings painted throughout the flat, but the space had to be completely clear, clean, and dry within 72 hours so the carpet fitters could work uninterrupted on day four.

The Solution: Fast Execution & Total Peace of Mind

  • Complete Trust: Because the landlord had worked with Swallow Hill Homes before, there was no need to arrange a time-consuming on-site meeting. They simply handed over the keys, confident that the property was in safe hands.

  • 48-Hour Turnaround: Our team got straight to work, applying a fresh coat of paint to every wall and ceiling, transforming the space in just two days.

  • Zero Disruption: We knew our client was busy at work, so we kept them updated with brief text messages and emails at key progress points. They were able to focus on their day job knowing the project was moving forward smoothly.

  • On-Time Handover: We wrapped up on schedule, leaving the property clean, dry, and ready for the carpet fitters to arrive on day three. Dropping the keys off with the customer for their convenience.

The Result

The new tenant moved into a bright, fresh, and modern home right on schedule on day four. The landlord achieved a high-standard finish between tenancies without losing rental income, overspending, or taking time off work to manage contractors.

Planning a property refresh between tenancies? Whether you need a quick turnaround or a complete renovation, working with a team you trust makes all the difference. Contact Swallow Hill Homes today on 07737 988 243 to discuss your next project.

Categories
Build costs

What is an R16 form and why is it important?

R16 form
An R16 form (formally known as the Regulation 16(4A) Completion Notice) is a mandatory building control document submitted to your local authority in England. It informs them that building work is finished and officially declares that the project complies with Building Regulations. [1, 2, 3]
Why and When It is Needed
    • The Deadline: By law, you must submit this form to your local council building control team within 5 days of the building work being completed. [1, 2]
    • The Goal: It triggers the final inspection by a building control surveyor. Once they are satisfied, they will issue your Completion Certificate, which is vital for selling or remortgaging your home. [1, 2]

Who Must Sign It?
Under building regulations, the dutyholders involved in the project must make formal compliance declarations on the form. This typically requires signatures or details from: [1]
    • The Client (You): A statement that to the best of your knowledge, the work complies with all applicable building regulations.
    • The Principal Contractor: Confirmation of their appointment and that they fulfilled their duties. (Swallow Hill Homes hopefully!
    • The Principal Designer: Confirmation that they have fulfilled their duties. [1]

How to Find and Submit Your Form
Most local councils have transitioned to online submissions or downloadable forms. For example, you can look up your local council’s building control portal or check a regional provider like the Local Authority Building Control (LABC) to access local contact details and find the exact form template applicable to your area. In the Nottingham area many local authorities have merged their building control into one function that is run out of Erewash.

Obtaining a Building Control Completion Certificate is formal evidence that your project complies with legal construction standards, such as Building Regulations. It is critical for the following reasons:

  • Property Sales and Conveyancing: Solicitors and buyers typically review completion certificates during local authority searches. An absence of this certificate can cause sales to stall, trigger price reductions, or lead to a deal collapsing.
  • Mortgage and Finance: Lenders often require proof that work is compliant to mitigate their risk. The certificate is frequently a prerequisite for releasing final funds or securing long-term financing.
  • Insurance Coverage: Insurers may refuse to pay out on claims or void your existing policies if you lack a completion certificate for property alterations.
  • Legal Compliance and Safety: The certificate confirms that your project has been inspected and meets required structural, fire safety, and energy efficiency standards. Without it, you risk local authority enforcement action, which could legally require you to alter or remove the work at your own expense.
  • Lawful Occupation: In many instances, occupying a building without a valid completion certificate may be considered unlawful.

You should keep the certificate in a safe place, preferably with your property deeds, as you will likely need it for future sales, remortgaging, or insurance purposes.