Window Shutters (internal) - So popular we've created a new 'Quoter site.

Sometimes referred to as the 'Plantation look', there has been a steady increase in the number of homeowners installing this most enduring of window features - internal shutters.

As more and more homeowners decide to stay rather than move, and invest in their homes appearance and comfort, so window shutters are really coming to the fore.

And it's not hard to see why. Window Shutters not only look very grand, they do also have a seriously functional part to play in your everyday life.

For example, internal shutters (when closed) add a noticeable extra layer of insulation to your windows and doors - not to be sniffed at in this era of energy saving and spiralling fuel bills.

It's possible, given their heritage, that window shutters may be one alternative for listed building owners who've been unable to install double glazing - worth checking with your local planning office.

But they're not all about saving energy. In the Summer, you'll find shutters can make your home cooler and more comfortable without compromising on your privacy.

They're also a great way to control the harmful fading effects of direct sunlight on your furnishings.

Styles and Materials

When it comes to choice, there's a material and style to suit everyone and every window. Don't be put off if you've got an arched window or other non-rectangular window/door to include as there's usually a bespoke option.

Materials range from 'craftwood' (made using low density fibreboard) to premium red cedar hardwood from North America, which is noted for its durability, lightness and strength as well exceptional resistance to moisture, heat or cold. Each style and design can be finished in a range of colours or stains.

There's also a variety of styles to choose from; you don't have to have the whole window covered with one shutter. Normally you should be able to choose from full height shutters to split (tier on tier) where the window is literally split into top and bottom halves - each half can be operated independently of the other.

Cafe style usually applies to just the bottom half of the window being shuttered and finally there's a solid version, which my sources tell me is very popular in period properties.

Oh and of course, there are usually motorised options for you to consider that will open and shut the individually moving shutter panes.

So it is possible to add considerable style and comfort to your home with the one improvement project and there's no doubt it's catching on.

To reflect their popularity, Home Improvement Quotes has just launched a new 'Quoter website - Window Shutter Quoter. Visit our newest website, enter a few details and then select size and style of shutter you're interested in. Our clever website will then return an instant online quote in seconds, based on the measurements and styles you entered. It couldn't be simpler to find out in minutes how much window shutters will cost you - from one window to a whole floor to the whole house. Try it as many times as you like.

Like all our 'Quoter websites - it's completely free and no salesman will call on you.

photo credit: The Appeal Group Ltd

Adding a conservatory to a listed building

Owners of listed buildings will be well aware that certain restrictions will probably apply to any major home improvement like fitting double glazing etc but there are also regulations in place for conservatories too.

It seems the chief areas of concern are the size of the planned conservatory (in relation to the existing floor-plan of the house barring any previous extensions) and the appearance being in keeping with the overall property and in particular the elevation that the conservatory is joining onto.

You may also find that permission is only given for wooden conservatories, however it's always worth checking with your local planning office in advance or indeed your local conservatory companies. They may have experience of installing on similar properties to yours in the area, and as such may well be able to suggest designs and features that will gain planning consent.

Here are a few tips to consider.

Think about a physical doorway between the conservatory and the rest of the house. If you're thinking of a more open plan, flowing floor space, adding a doorway can help your conservatory be considered as a conservatory rather than a full extension.

Size matters. We've seen articles which suggest that considering the 'flow' of room sizes with a natural progression towards smaller rooms the further back you go can aid a planning application. Lantern style conservatories (where there's a second tier of roof/glass) may also make your application harder.

Don't choose an overly fussy design. Your application will be more successful if your planned conservatory is in keeping with the period appearance and features of your home. Some standard conservatory designs can appear fussy and overly detailed. Wood conservatories are usually favoured more because they usually have slimmer frames, compared to the more 'box-like' construction of a upvc conservatory, and detailing can be smaller in appearance, but modern upvc frames are always progressing and shouldn't be discounted that easily.

Shop around. As we've mentioned, a local conservatory company may have more local knowledge, useful for suggesting designs and features which will help meet planning applications. They may have already installed similar structures on other properties in the area and be uniquely aware of what is usually allowed and what is not.

Be prepared to 'negotiate' on the finished size of your planned conservatory, even if that means changing the build / design style.

Window-Quoter has access to 100's of local conservatory companies, specialising in hardwood, upvc and aluminium. You can get a rough expectation of cost based on your own measurements before having to contact any companies. What's more, you can use our free matching service to locate the very conservatory companies you seek, without obligation.

As with any improvement or alteration work on a listed property or one within a heritage or conservation area, it's vital to get all the proper consents before starting any work.

photo credit: Home Improvement Quotes

This story first appeared in our weekly homeowner newsletter - week beginning Monday 13th December 2010 - click here to read the newsletter in full.

Listed Buildings: What are your double glazing options?

Listed Buildings: What are your options?

Buildings which are listed, or are within a conservation area, can sometimes seem like a headache to improve or renovate. Strict planning laws often prevent modern renovations being made, or specific materials being used.

When it comes to installing double glazing on a listed building, it seems the advice that English Heritage are happiest to give out is “don’t”. Clearly, the benefits of double glazing are numerous, particularly in terms of increasing the energy efficiency of your home, reducing your heating bills and indeed pushing up the value of your house.

So what options are available to you, if you wish to install more energy efficient windows in your listed home?

Try to match the style

Nowadays, double glazed windows are available in a wide range of frame styles, including sash and mock Georgian, which have the appearance of traditional windows. These can be constructed from hardwood, to help give the appearance of the original wood frames, and window manufacturers are increasingly able to replicate the original styles.

Make sure you enquire with your local planning office before considering taking this approach, however, as they need to be notified whenever you change anything – especially if it involves replacing window frames. Explain what frame styles and materials you’re looking at, and if possible who you’ve found to supply them.

Re-use the old materials

You can score points with your local planning office by attempting to use the materials – particularly original cylinder and crown glass panes – if your house already has them. Changing out rotten or draughty frames around the original glass can give surprisingly large energy savings, but may require a specialist.

If you’re looking for a fitter you can ask about frames, we can help you find local double glazing suppliers as well as guide prices – our network of suppliers crosses the entire UK, and includes small, independent companies as well as nation wide brands. Just go to WindowQuoter.co.uk to get started straight away.

Secondary Glazing

If you’re unable to match the style of your original windows, either because they are an unusual style or because you can’t find a supplier, one common way of getting around this issue is to simply leave the old windows in place, preserving the listed building’s façade, and install secondary glazing. This is an extra window placed directly behind the existing frame, giving effective double glazing, and all the benefits it provides, without altering or even touching the building’s existing façade.

Secondary Glazing is an excellent way to improve your listed home’s energy efficiency whilst staying within all but the harshest of planning regulations, but can take up space on the windowsill, and is far harder to open. If possible, .

Making efficiency gains elsewhere in the house

If you can’t have secondary glazing or find a suitable way to have double glazing fitted, In many old houses and cottages, the windows do not cover a large proportion of the outside of the building. When this is the case, efficiency savings from installing double glazing can be smaller than you might expect, and greater gains could be made by sealing up draughty holes and window frames.

Find a window supplier who can help you get started by going to WindowQuoter.co.uk for a free online double glazing quotation.

NB: This article applies mainly to Grade II listed buildings, the category which covers 93% of listed buildings in the UK. For Grade I and Grade II* listed buildings, the planning office restrictions also cover changes to the inside of the building, meaning that secondary glazing will also require permission. For more information contact your local planning office.


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