Wye Valley Heritage, Builders Herefordshire

En-suite Extension Hereford

Thu, 09 May 2024 13:44:49 GMT

We were invited to build an en-suite extension in Hereford. The existing property was a Victorian house constructed of red brick with solid wall construction. Great care was taken to ensure that the extension aligned with the style of the existing Victorian house.

After consulting with a local architect, a suitable design was proposed, produced, and agreed upon. The chosen method of construction was a traditional build, consisting of a strip foundation. The construction included a traditional over-site, brick-and-block cavity walls (with a brick external wall and a block internal wall), and a traditional timber-pitched roof, hand-cut on site.

The original house was constructed with an English bond using nine-inch solid walls. To replicate this, including a cavity, an imperial brick was chosen to be laid in an English bond pattern. The exterior brick wall was designed to be four inches thick, with a snap header to mimic the English bond style. The existing house had plinth moldings along the exterior walls at window height and around the windows. Molding was cast on the new extension's walls to match the original moldings. The rafters for the roof were cut and left exposed to mirror the existing roof's construction.

Traditional cement mortar was used, consisting of six parts sand, one part hydrated lime, and one part cement. Careful selection of sand colors and cement helped maintain the appearance of the original lime mortar.

The interior fit-out of the en-suite was designed as a wet room. The floor was tiled on a reinforced concrete slab, with underfloor heating. The walls in the shower area were tiled floor-to-ceiling with single natural granite tiles measuring 3 meters in height. The remaining walls were partially tiled, with painted surfaces above. The ceiling was vaulted to create a sense of space and light, including a Velux skylight for additional natural light.

Dinning Room Extension Hereford

Fri, 12 Apr 2024 15:20:40 GMT

Wye Valley Heritage was tasked with constructing a single-story dining room extension for a nineteenth-century Victorian house in Hereford, adding approximately 60 square meters of space.

After consulting with the client, we engaged a suitable architect to design an extension that harmonized with the existing structure. Careful consideration was given to selecting bricks, mortars, and decorative stone to ensure the new addition seamlessly blended in with the original aesthetic.

The extension followed traditional building techniques, featuring a strip foundation, block and beam floor, and cavity walls consisting of brick (external leaf) and block (internal leaf) construction. Sky lanterns were incorporated into the ceiling to maximize natural light, while the flat roof with parapet walls, capped with stone copings, accommodated roof lanterns.

Positioned alongside the existing dining room on the side elevation of the house, the extension included a knock-through to connect the two spaces. A decorative archway crafted from fibrous plaster delineated the opening to the original dining room, which was renovated to incorporate a bar area complete with a wood burner and coving.

Internally, fibrous plaster covering was used throughout the extension and renovation, with decorative woodwork framing windows and doors to match the existing house. Skirting boards were fitted with plinth blocks, allowing for the addition of a recessed molding that matched the original skirting boards. Bifold doors were also installed as part of the build.

At the rear of the property, the original stables were renovated to create a plant room, office, and boot room, providing a second access point to the house from the stables. Given the differing levels between the stables and the existing house, a link was constructed to connect the new extension with the stables, housing steps to create a split-level entrance to the dining room.

The extension and stables were executed to a high standard, resulting in an outstanding space. Additionally, the build incorporated an air conditioning unit as part of the overall design.

Contemporary House Extension Hereford

Mon, 28 Mar 2022 11:22:53 GMT

Wye valley heritage were commissioned to add extra space to this well built and designed contemporary house.

Before and After images.

Wye Valley Heritage were commissioned to add extra space to this well built and

designed contemporary house, the purpose of the extension is to add a utility

area to the house

The extension was constructed partly in to a bank at a depth of 1.2 meters which

required a retaining wall and damp proofing membranes.

Construction was in keeping with the contemporary style of the existing house of

block and render, finished in Anthracite Grey, for all gutters, facias, soffits,

doors, windows and roof tiles with a modern breathable thin coat render system

in the colour winter white.

The floors were finished with a tiled covering over an underfloor heating system

The roof was vaulted to create extra light and space with two skylight windows

added

An out door area was also added to the end of the extension with open sides

constructed with block and render with an oak timber roof covered with a rubber

bond fleece backed EDPM roofing system

As part of the the build we were asked to reconfigure the existing gate area and

drive, which was again constructed in keeping with the house

The walls on each side of the gates had to form a retaining wall along with

pillars and electric gates

The construction of the walls was in concrete blocks reinforced with steel

finished with stone work facing and winter white coloured render, lighting was incorporated within the wall structure and

lanterns fitted to the gate piers

The drive was finished with a modern resin bound system edged with black cobbles

Completed internal renovation, removal of the internal wall opened up the living space between the dining and sitting room.

Before & After images above, of the front of the property.

Before and After images of the side of the property.

Before and After images of timber frame.

Before and After images of the kitchen

Hereford Renovations - Nineteenth Century Victorian House

Sat, 16 Jan 2021 22:01:00 GMT

Renovation of a lovely Nineteenth Century Victorian House in Hereford, Herefordshire.

Wye Valley Heritage, Hereford Builders have undertaken the renovation work to this Victorian property . Both internal and external work have been completed to a high standard, using older traditional building methods as much as possible but more modern methods applied sympathetically to be as cost efficient as possible to the client .

Both breathable and renovation plasters have been used along side the more modern gypsum plasters and plasterboard products. Physical barriers were used only where necessary as damp proofing membranes.

The works comprised of :
Repair all external paint work
Repair all external masonry
Sweep, repair chimneys and fit Cowell’s
Repair lead flashings
Timber treatment for infestation
Supply and fit consumer units
Supply and fit electrical outside lighting
Supply and fit electric supply for driveway lights and electrical gates
Alterations and updating to rooms to accommodate luxury en-suites
Taking out internal walls to create a more open living space
Refit new main bathroom
Repairs to all internal plastering
Reconstruct and repair all fire places.
Supply and fit cellar sump pump
Repairs to all internal timber framing for the windows surrounds

A complete and extensive renovation has been carried out to both the internal and external of this property over a period of months and is still an ongoing project.

Completed internal renovation, removal of the internal wall opened up the living space between the dinning and sitting room.

Repairs were made to the window surrounds both internally and externally.

Replacement windows fitted.

Wood burner was added to the renovated fireplace .

Ensuite bathrooms

Floor timber work treated for woodworm, wet and dry rot

Hereford Builder Extension & Renovation

Tue, 08 Dec 2020 10:24:24 GMT

Extension Renovation, Hereford - Renovation & Extension, Eltons Marsh, Hereford

This country cottage was in need of a full renovation, the decision was made to create further space by adding an extension. The extension was built in the traditional manor of brick and block work, using reclaimed Hereford bricks, the extension added valuable living space to the cottage, the ground floor of the extension gave way to a generously sized lounge, natural light was plentiful due to a well proportioned window and bifold doors leading out onto a raised patio.

The first floor of the extension produced two extra bedrooms, one of which served as the master bedroom with an on suit, a doorway was constructed within the build which opened out onto the kitchen flat roof which now served as a balcony This was one of the most enjoyable projects I have worked on, due to the client not only being a life long friend but also running a successful roofing company, E&R ROOFING.

WYE VALLEY HERITAGE assisted Rodney from E&R ROOFING from start to finish with this project, resulting in a fabulous family
home. The work undertaken:

Excavation of footings to receive foundations
Construction of the oversight
Overseeing the construction of the external and internal works including damp proofing and renovation works

" Hi Lyndon, I enclose final payment for works completed to our cottage renovations and extension. We are very happy with all aspects and will keep you in mind for any future work.

Regards R.G.Edwards. "

Director E.R. Roofing LTD. Hereford.

Damp Proofing & the benefit of added insulation

Fri, 20 Nov 2020 21:58:05 GMT

DAMP PROOFING & THE BENEFIT OF ADDED INSULATION

Damp Proofing Problems
No vertical damp proof was course in place at the ajoining wall from old to new part of the property where a solid wall meets the extension cavity wall.
No insulation was present in the cavity wall structure causing cold spots
The old fireplace had been boarded over without ventilation causing condensation.

Remedy..
A damp proof course was added to reduce the incidence of moisture rising in the existing wall creating damp and cold spots. This technique involves injections of damp proof course cream both horizontally and vertically. This stops moisture rising and bridging. A damp proof membrane was then fixed to both walls using plaster plugs, reinforced with battens and secured with brick plugs. The membrane was then fixed in place below the finish floor slab and sealed. Positioning the membrane this way, blocks out any residual dampness, salts and sulphates that are liable to be present in the fire place and chimney breast.

A vent was installed to encourage air circulation within the existing chimney and a membrane was fixed to the wall with plaster plugs. The membrane was over battened with 50mm x 38mm battens secured with brick plugs. The battens were then infilled with a 2mm insulation board. The insulation backed plaster board was then fitted to the battens over the insulation infill to prevent thermal bridging, creating a flat wall ready to receive two coats of plaster finish.

In conclusion..
A damp proof membrane will prevent moisture and salts from penetrating the new plaster work, but it is important to also include the injection technique when dealing with damp problems. The insertion of injectable creams inhibit rising damp behind membranes, reducing the incidence of cold spots and moisture within the masonary. Adding insulation keeps the walls warmer which prevents the finished plaster work from exposure to cold temperature and reduces condensation forming. This is especially useful in high moisture areas such as bathrooms with solid 9 inch walls, where warm air containing high levels of moisture settle on cold walls causing condensation.

For all your damp proofing solutions contact the experts at Wye Valley Heritage in the first instance.

Damp Proofing Herefordshire

Wed, 18 Nov 2020 17:09:05 GMT

Hire Us At Wye Valley Heritage To Take Care Of All Your Damp Proof Needs!

What actually is Damp and why do you need professionals?

Damp is moisture that is present in the structure of a property. We are based in Hereford and cover all the surrounding areas, please feel free to phone for a full validation. Damp can be caused by rain water and appears in the bricks and mortar. As the UK experiences 25,000 gallons of rain water each year, damp is one of the most frequent problems encountered in homes. Yet, the problem can also arise from a lack of poor property maintenance concerning the floors, doors, windows and pipe-work. The presence of damp can cause all sorts of issues ranging from colder temperatures and the degradation of a property's interior to risks of mould and more seriously, aggravated respiratory problems.

Minimising Condensation

Condensation is the only cause of damp that you can partially manage. Here are some tips:

• Produce Less Moisture in Your Home

There is always some moisture in the air but adding to the amount will only increase the likelihood of damp. Dry clothes outside instead of on the radiator, have the windows open when bathing and showering and keep lids on the pans or use a ventilator when cooking.

• Ventilate your Home

Keeping windows slightly ajar can help to reduce the natural moisture that occurs from breath. Make sure bathroom and kitchen doors you only open when needed. Leave space between furniture and the walls to allow air to circulate. Investing in a dehumidifier is also a great way to remove moisture from your home.

• Heat, Insulate and Draught-Proof your Home

The warmer your home, the less likely the presence of condensation. Keep your home heated as much as you can and install insulation and draught-proofing measures for the loft, walls and windows to keep your home warmer for longer. Double glazed windows are another effective option.

What are the Signs?
As damp can be quite a problem, it's a good idea to keep a look out that it isn't effecting your property. When attempting to spot signs of damp, look out for:
• Wallpaper or paint that is peeling away from the wall
• Skirting boards that have become discoloured or decayed
• Decayed Timber floors.
• Discolouration & the crumbling of plaster

Yet, damp does not always make itself as obvious as this so if you're still worried that it's present in your home, call us at Wye Valley Heritage to carry out a specialist inspection.

Damp Proofing

If your building has a history of or is suffering from a damp problem, it's a good idea to start alleviating the situation before it spirals out of control. Damp proofing most often requires a professional hand and depending on the type of damp situation, it could involve one or more of these measures:

Damp Proof Course:

This is the course most often taken for cases of rising damp . The process involves drilling holes into the brick of the property's internal walls and injecting the structure with a damp-proofing fluid to lessen the movement of water through the wall's capillaries. The course acts as a barrier to moisture rising from the ground and passing into the walls. Choosing this route will also involve the need to re-plaster the walls.

Structural Waterproofing:

This system involves the incorporation of a drain membrane into the walls and floors. It is the best remedy for damp problems that are caused by high ground levels. Once the membrane has been installed, the presence of damp is managed as the moisture can run down the membrane and be channelled into a drain.

Cementitious Tanking:
This process involves coating the internal walls of a property to seal moisture out of the home. This technique is useful for general moisture but ineffective for situations such as flooding. Three coats are applied and then the wall re-plastered.

For a quote please get in touch, either fill out our contact form or phone for more advice.

Damp proofing project Little Birch Hereford

Mon, 02 Nov 2020 15:22:34 GMT

This country cottage residence situated in little birch Hereford, was in need of updating, while suffering from water ingress along with the deterioration of the internal masonry and decorative finishes. This was caused mainly from a lack of maintenance over a period of years, a combination of failing gutters, down pipes running out into the surrounding ground with blocked and collapsed drainage, water buts against the house walls without piped overflows in operation and high soil levels. A shed was positioned against the rear house wall with the shed roof pitched falling back toward the house and the rear elevation house wall was subject to the run off of water from the shed roof. There were also bricks missing that became obvious once the shed had been removed, revealing water ingress. The cottage was constructed of a solid brickwork construction and painted with non breathable paints

Repairs to the walls and pointing was carried out with lime mortars. Removal of the paint in the near future will benefit the
breathability of the walls, due to the high levels of the outside ground. A combination of materials were used in order to renovate the kitchen and bathroom and restore the decorative finish of the cottage including physical membranes, tanking chemicals, damp course proof injection, breathable and renovation plasters, timber stud work and plasterboard.

The bath was replaced with a shower cubicle along with a new toilet, the wash basin was in a reusable condition although the taps needed to be replaced and extracting fans were fitted to aid ventilation. The existing kitchen was carefully removed and refitted, completed with a paint finish and vinyl floor coverings and the Client was able to move back in to the property.

The decision to prevent the water ingress from the outside was to remove the shed and water butts, repair all the drainage, gutters and down pipes, lower the ground level and insert a French drain to redirect the water away from the cottage.

Project Damp Proofing & Renovation Bromsberrow Ledbury Hereford

Thu, 15 Oct 2020 14:45:31 GMT

The dining room of this quiet country cottage situated in Bromsberrow near Hereford was suffering from both rising and penetrating damp, the walls were constructed in solid brick, finished with a basecoat sand and cement render, then a second rough cast coating was applied. The ground level outside was level with the interior floor level. Lowering the ground level outside was needed.

The interior plaster had to be hacked off right back to the brickwork from the interior of the two outside walls, after making some repairs to the walls we installed a damp proof course by means of injection preventing rising damp, a physical membrane was then installed to prevent penetrating damp entering the new plasterwork, repairs to the exterior pointing were made.

Customer Testimonial

Testimonial Damp Proofing Ledbury Lyndon recently carried out some damp proof work on our cottage, he did an excellent job, he was easily contactable and kept us imformed all the way through the job, we are very happy with the work completed, so much sothat we have asked him to quote for an additional job, i would thorouhly recommend him.

― Mr R & Mrs R Massey Bromsberrow Heath Ledbury Hereford

Artificial Grass Installers

Wed, 14 Oct 2020 10:40:32 GMT

Hereford Garden & Landscaping Adding artificial grass to a garden brings both low maintenance while adding colour

This wonderfully planted and well maintained garden in central Hereford, benefitted with the introduction of artificial grass, replacing an existing concrete paved area, adding the artificial grass enhanced the planting of the garden, delivering a low maintenance yet colourful alternative to the more regularly used paving materials, constructing a charcoal grey paver edging allowed a neat finish and colour contrast

"We are delighted with the work that Lyndon and his team at Wye Valley Heritage carried out on our back garden. It looks even better than we had imagined.
The imitation grass and the edging looks great and has had positive comments and admiration from the neighbours. We are very pleased with the whole job. An absolute transformation to the back of the house. Thanks."

Alan & Maz

Project: Garden Wall

Fri, 04 Sep 2020 13:46:32 GMT

We were instructed to look at a 4 ½ inch brick garden wall that was in disrepair following recent collapse. The decision was made to remove the decayed structure and build a new 9 inch wall with 1 ½ brick pier at each end, with intermittent piers along the length of the wall. This would create a much stronger wall and improve the existing design.

A new footing was created to withstand the increased width and weight of the wall. This was excavated using a mini digger and a one ton dumper truck to transfer the sub soil to an area where it could be removed from site. The remnants of the top soil was used to redress the ground once all work was completed.

The new wall was constructed of red facing brick (chosen by the client) and coursed at a brick gauge of 75mm. The brick piers were capped off with concrete caps and the wall was finished with a header course of solid red engineering bricks to weatherproof the facing bricks.

Sand, cement and lime mix were used for the mortar and stretcher bond coupled with integral stainless steel wall ties, which were used to reinforce the bricks and bond the two leaves. Several weep holes were strategically placed in the wall to allow drainage.

Customer Testimonial

“Thank you, Lyndon, for the exceptional work you undertook on my property rebuilding and extending my garden walls. The end results are better than I imagined and I have received many compliments from neighbours on my new walls. I was very impressed with how hard you worked and your reliability. As you know, I had no hesitation in recommending you to friends and family.”

― Angela, Hereford

Project: Fence Erection & Property Maintenance

Fri, 04 Sep 2020 13:39:17 GMT

Work was carried out to remove a mature Laurel Hedge and replace with a Picket Fence in Bodenham, Hereford. We removed and discarded the side Laurel Hedge and began landscaping the garden. We erected a one metre picket fence using 4 x 4 100 x 100 tanalised wooden posts and 4 x 1 100mm x 25mm wooden slats with 4 x 2 wooden rails.

We created a straight-edged flowerbed, dressed with soil containing coarse sand and compost and planted perennial plants to create a cottage theme. The remaining front Laurel hedge was neatly toped and reduced to a level of four feet /1.2 metres to allow light in to the front of the property. The ivy was removed from the retaining wall to reveal the ornate stone work.

We then removed a panelled fence to the side of the house, excavated the existing ground and stoned up with 40mm down to dust stone, ready to receive a top dressing of decorative stone. This material allows for good, natural permeable drainage of rain water.

We also replaced a close board fence to the rear of the property, boxed in an existing soil pipe and fitted a new set of bathroom taps.

Customer Testimonial

“Lyndon Davies of Wye Valley Heritage has assisted me with the first stage of an ongoing project to landscape my garden. This has involved the design, construction and installation of a garden fence and gates and some restorative work to the driveway. A large well established laurel hedge plus roots were removed and replaced with a picket fence made of treated softwood. Two estate gates where erected to open onto a sloping driveway. He has had to overcome many problems with this incline not exhaustive of attaching a rising hinge to allow fluid movement of the gates, realigning kerb stones and then he made and fitted a new side gate on site. The work was started and completed on time and budget and I am now ready for the second phase. I have been so happy and immensely satisfied with the standard of work accomplished so far, I have asked him to continue with the next stage.”

― Ms Price, Bodenham

Project: Garden Landscaping

Fri, 04 Sep 2020 13:30:55 GMT

The aim was to create a maintenance-free garden for our client. We cleared the existing garden and removed the Leylandii hedge. Heavy machinery was used, capable of lifting root balls and excavating a foundation for a retaining wall. To minimise costs, the wall was constructed of four inch concrete blocks laid flat with soldier brick edging seen visible on the top. Leftover soil from the excavation was used to back-fill the wall, incorporating weep holes.

Slotted fence posts were used with the fence to minimise costs, and 300 x 1800mm ground boards were used to form the facing of the wall. Five foot feather edge (close board) panels were erected and topped with a trellis top panel 1.8 x 300mm to finish the look.

The newly levelled ground was covered in a ground membrane (Taram) and a base layer of 40mm stone (OMT) was put down over the top. Part of the garden was coated with a layer of 30mm decorative stone (Forest of Dean Chippings). 600 x 600 reclaimed paving slabs were used to form a pathway leading down the garden to a private seating area.

The pathway also created a partition between the lawn and decorative gravel. The lawn was constructed by distributing a layer of washed sand over the stone for drainage and to ensure a uniform finish. Artificial grass (Astro Turf) was arranged for a totally maintenance-free garden. Reclaimed curb edging was used to edge the turf and the path and timber boards were positioned to maintain the existing party fence.

Customer Testimonial

“Lyndon was highly recommended to me by a family member. My garden had become too much for me to look after as I needed a maintenance-free alternative. Despite being a major project the disruption to my day-to-day life was minimal and Lyndon worked very hard to get the garden just how I wanted it. The end result is stunning and I can enjoy my garden again. Thank you so much.”

― Trevor, Hereford

Wye Valley Heritage, Builders Herefordshire

En-suite Extension Hereford

We were invited to build an en-suite extension in Hereford. The existing property was a Victorian house constructed of red brick with solid wall construction. Great care was taken to ensure that the extension aligned with the style of the existing Victorian house.

Dinning Room Extension Hereford

Wye Valley Heritage was tasked with constructing a single-story dining room extension for a nineteenth-century Victorian house in Hereford, adding approximately 60 square meters of space.

Contemporary House Extension Hereford

Wye valley heritage were commissioned to add extra space to this well built and designed contemporary house.

﻿ Before and After images.

Hereford Renovations - Nineteenth Century Victorian House

Renovation of a lovely Nineteenth Century Victorian House in Hereford, Herefordshire.

Hereford Builder Extension & Renovation

Extension Renovation, Hereford - Renovation & Extension, Eltons Marsh, Hereford

Damp Proofing & the benefit of added insulation

DAMP PROOFING & THE BENEFIT OF ADDED INSULATION

Damp Proofing Herefordshire

Hire Us At Wye Valley Heritage To Take Care Of All Your Damp Proof Needs!

Damp proofing project Little Birch Hereford

Project Damp Proofing & Renovation Bromsberrow Ledbury Hereford

Customer Testimonial

Artificial Grass Installers

Hereford Garden & Landscaping Adding artificial grass to a garden brings both low maintenance while adding colour

Project: Garden Wall

Customer Testimonial

Project: Fence Erection & Property Maintenance

Customer Testimonial

Project: Garden Landscaping

Customer Testimonial

Before and After images.