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Anyone contemplating a building project quickly realises how challenging it is to co-ordinate the different disciplines required – from the architectural and landscape design to the structural engineering to the interior decoration. Some people choose to keep control themselves – if you think about it, you may find you already have cashflow, negotiating, planning and logistics skills from your day job that you can apply to the project. There is even software available to help you – HBXL
Two homes, twice the trouble?
Would-be second- home owners should be aware of the risks when they start house-hunting, warns a Tunbridge Wells solicitor.
Jonathan Smithers from
CooperBurnett (
www.cooperburnett.com) says: “The second home could become a target for squatters, or there could be legal considerations when renting it out for short periods to holiday makers, and there are often insurance issues, not to mention the issues that come with buying any home, such as any legal anomalies or liabilities attached to the property.” Jonathan recommends using a solicitor accredited by the Law Society’s Conveyancing Quality Scheme when buying, as they will help you weigh up the risks and benefits.
www.indexmagazine.co.uk
Take DIY to a whole new level Clare Law looks at the skills required
offers packages for self-builders. Then there’s finding the contractors to do the work. While word-of-mouth recommendations are always good – you get excellent tips from professionals, merchants and tradesmen you trust – if you are lucky enough to have an affiliation of local businesses in your area, you’ve got it made. One such organisation, which covers 30 local businesses, is the Probuild Centre in Oxted. Owner Philip Maurice explains: “We’ve got offices with architects and structural engineers upstairs, and local
for self-building, and admires a modern apartment
tradesmen downstairs, as well as experts who can tackle areas such as living rooms, bathrooms and kitchens or who are experts in smart home technology, where the whole home is wired up to control lights, heating and appliances.” Alternatively, you could hand your home over to a project manager, who will take the project – in close consultation with you – from concept to finishing touches. A project manager will have the advantage of professional contacts, and
Property of the month
The Lancaster Suite, Molyneux Place, Tunbridge Wells: £995,000 – No Chain.
This beautifully presented three- bedroomed penthouse apartment in a sympathetically converted landmark Victorian building has a distinguished frontage and balconied façade. The stylish, contemporary
interior features a fabulous drawing/dining room with floor-to- ceiling windows, opening onto a wrap-around balcony that offers panoramic 180-degree views across Tunbridge Wells. Cleverly, the spacious decked area features great lighting, so it can be enjoyed into the evening – perfect for a spot of partying. Externally, Molyneux Place
offers a high degree of security – ideal if you’re keen to keep
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yourself to yourself – and within the electric-gated communal gardens are two parking bays. From the splendid entrance
foyer, access to the apartments comes either via the grand
…and after – the owner of this home used ProBuild to help him find a team to remodel his house. Photo: Frost Conservatories – ProBuildCentre Partner
Before The Probuild treatment...
heavier- weight
negotiating
powers. To find one, ask around for recommendations, or see The Association of Project Management or The Project Management Institute – these organisations require members to have certain qualifications, and encourage continuing professional development. Visit Probuild Centre at 105-107 Station Road East, Oxted, call 01883 734511 or see
www.pro buildcentre.com. The AMP is at
www.apm.org.uk, and the PMI is at
www.pmi.org.uk.
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stairway (very Downton Abbey) or by private lift. There is also a second lift and stairway from the underground parking via a walkway link. All this, and Molyneux Place is convenient for the town centre, which is just a stroll away across The Common. The Lancaster Suite is on the market with Alexandre Boyes. To find out more, call the Tunbridge Wells office on 01892 525522.
The INDEX magazine october 2011
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