FINANCE & INSURANCE


was a basic loft space, used previously for storage, the roof height was raised to 1.2m. The additional roof height also allowed for more internal space to upgrade the thermal properties of the house.


This major alteration meant structural engineer Scott Boote was brought on board to calculate what additional support was needed so the timber structural frame could take the additional weight. Tom and Lettie say that the “bedroom benches” are one of their favourite features, along with the large skylight on the landing that brings in both natural daylight and views of stars. They also love the huge kitchen window, which looks over the garden. Six of the original window openings, in the kitchen, dining and living saces lus one oening in the gound  oo bedroom/snug, were pulled down to ground level to maximise the garden, and increase the natural daylight drawn into the home. That quaint bungalow has been replaced with a modern, striking home that feels warm and inviting. Tom and Lettie admit that when they started out on this full-scale renovation they were daunted by the prospect and wondered if they were really doing the right thing. “But once we had a quote, our builders were amazing,” says Tom. “They gave us a quote, and 100% stuck to it while delivering an excellent product. It’s so important to work with people who you trust. And manage expectations on timing. We


“The angled windows make the building look really innovative and striking from the outside”


did have a few delays we didn’t expect.” The renovation has cost £350,000 so far, funded by the sale of their existing house, savings and a mortgage. When funds allow, Tom and Lettie hope to add a full-length colonnade to the south side of the bungalow, leading off the kitchen/dining room and snug, to create a covered area so outdoor space can be used year round. This colonnade would also help mitigate overheating during the warmer summer months. “Holding off on the colonnade was a hard choice, as it’s a part of the design we loved, but we will come back to it,” says Tom. “What we love now is the light, the innovative and cool bits of design that make it unique, like the does the  o the act its ust ight o ou family. Being as sustainable as we could afford was very important too.”


PLANNING CONSULTANT Debra Slade, Draycott Chartered Surveyors draycotts.co.uk


QUANTITY SURVEYOR Peter Grant


pgrant202@gmail.com


STRUCTURAL ENGINEER Scott Boote


about.me/scottboote


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