Welcome to CMS Building & Maintenance Limited, your go-to solution for comprehensive construction and building maintenance services in the UK. We take pride in offering a tailored and personal experience, distinguishing ourselves from larger corporate entities.
1 customer review
Callum Green
We had CMS round to install spotlights in a few different rooms around the house and a couple of light fittings. Really happy with the work done and would definitely recommend for future work!
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How can someone tell if their Garage is suitable for conversion?
To determine if a garage is suitable for conversion, consider the following key factors:
1. Structural Integrity
• Foundation: Check if the existing foundation is strong enough to support any additional weight (e.g., flooring, insulation, or roofing upgrades).
• Walls: Ensure walls are structurally sound and not suffering from dampness or cracking.
• Roof: Inspect the roof for leaks, sagging, or poor insulation.
2. Building Regulations and Planning Permission
• Permitted Development Rights: In many cases, garage conversions fall under permitted development, meaning you may not need planning permission. However, this depends on your location and the intended use.
• Building Regulations Compliance: The conversion must meet standards for insulation, ventilation, fire safety, and structural stability.
3. Size and Layout
• Confirm the garage is large enough for its intended purpose (e.g., bedroom, office, gym).
• Check ceiling height and whether it allows for proper insulation and usability.
4. Services and Utilities
• Electrical Wiring: Ensure electrical wiring is up to code and can support additional outlets or lighting.
• Plumbing: For bathrooms or kitchens, check proximity to existing water and drainage lines.
• Heating: Plan how to heat the space, whether by extending existing central heating or using an alternative method.
5. Access and Natural Light
• Evaluate the access point—will you need to add a new door or maintain the existing one?
• Consider adding windows, roof lights, or doors for natural light and ventilation.
6. Damp Proofing and Insulation
• Floor: A concrete garage floor might need damp-proofing and leveling.
• Walls and Roof: Insulation should be added to meet energy efficiency standards.
7. Neighborhood Restrictions
• Check if there are any restrictions, such as covenants, in your area that might prevent you from converting the garage.
8. Parking Requirements
• If you’re converting the garage, ensure you meet any local requirements for off-street parking.
9. Cost and Budget
• Evaluate the cost of the conversion compared to the potential increase in property value or utility.
By thoroughly assessing these factors, you can determine whether your garage is a viable candidate for conversion.
Run us through the different stages of the Garage conversion process - what's involved?
A garage conversion typically follows these stages, with specific tasks at each step to transform the space into a functional room:
1. Initial Planning and Design
• Assess Feasibility: Inspect the structure, utilities, and space to determine suitability.
• Define Purpose: Decide on the room’s use (e.g., office, bedroom, gym) to inform the layout.
• Obtain Approvals:
• Check if planning permission is required (often not for permitted development).
• Ensure plans meet building regulations for insulation, ventilation, fire safety, and electrics.
• Draft Design Plans: Work with an architect or designer to finalize the layout and details.
2. Preparation
• Clear Out the Space: Remove all items and fixtures from the garage.
• Structural Checks: Assess and, if necessary, repair walls, foundations, and the roof.
• Services Assessment: Confirm the state of existing plumbing, wiring, and drainage.
3. Structural Modifications
• Walls and Openings:
• Replace or block up the garage door with a wall, window, or entrance door.
• Add new openings for windows and external doors if needed.
• Flooring:
• Level the concrete slab, add a damp-proof membrane, and install insulation.
• Finish with a screed or subfloor.
• Roof and Ceiling:
• Insulate and plasterboard the ceiling.
• Address leaks or structural issues with the roof.
4. Services Installation
• Electrical Work: Install wiring for sockets, lighting, and other electrical systems.
• Plumbing (if required): Extend water and drainage systems for bathrooms or kitchens.
• Heating and Ventilation:
• Extend central heating or install an electric radiator.
• Ensure adequate ventilation to meet building regulations.
5. Insulation and Damp Proofing
• Walls: Insulate using stud walls or insulated plasterboard.
• Floor: Add insulation layers to meet energy efficiency standards.
• Damp Proofing: Ensure all surfaces are protected against moisture ingress.
6. Internal Finishes
• Plastering: Apply plaster to walls and ceilings.
• Flooring: Install the chosen flooring material (e.g., carpet, wood, tiles).
• Painting and Decorating: Add paint, wallpaper, or other finishes to complete the aesthetic.
7. Final Touches
• Fixtures and Fittings:
• Install doors, windows, lighting, and any built-in furniture.
• Utilities Connection: Finalize connections for electricity, plumbing, and heating.
• Compliance Checks: Have the work inspected and signed off to ensure it complies with building regulations.
8. Handover and Cleanup
• Conduct a final walkthrough to check that all work meets expectations.
• Clear away debris and clean the space.
Timeline
The entire process can take 4–8 weeks depending on the complexity of the conversion and availability of contractors.
This systematic approach ensures a smooth transformation of your garage into a functional living space.
How can someone tell if their loft is suitable for conversion?
Determining if a loft is suitable for conversion requires assessing several key factors:
1. Head Height
• Measure the height from the floor to the highest point of the roof.
• Minimum Requirement: Generally, a minimum height of 2.2 meters is recommended after accounting for insulation and flooring.
• If the height is insufficient, options include:
• Lowering the ceiling of the floor below.
• Raising the roof (this requires planning permission).
2. Roof Structure
• Traditional Roofs (with rafters): Easier to convert, as they typically provide open space.
• Modern Trussed Roofs: More complex, as these have supports that may need to be replaced or reinforced with steel beams.
3. Floor Structure
• Assess whether the existing joists can support the additional weight of the new room.
• Reinforcement may be required to meet building regulations.
4. Accessibility
• Plan for a staircase that meets building regulations.
• Check there is sufficient space for the staircase on the floor below without significantly impacting the layout.
5. Lighting and Ventilation
• Determine how natural light and ventilation will be introduced:
• Add roof windows, dormers, or skylights.
• Ensure adequate ventilation for moisture control.
6. Insulation
• The roof and walls need to be insulated to meet thermal efficiency standards.
• Consider the space required for insulation when assessing the loft’s dimensions.
7. Utilities and Services
• Electrics: Ensure there’s capacity to extend wiring for lighting, sockets, and heating.
• Plumbing: If adding a bathroom, check the proximity of existing water and drainage systems.
8. Structural Integrity
• Check for cracks, leaks, or signs of structural weakness in the roof and loft area.
• Reinforce or repair the structure as needed.
9. Building Regulations and Planning Permission
• Building Regulations: Ensure compliance with fire safety, insulation, structural integrity, and staircase design.
• Planning Permission: Not always required, but necessary for:
• Raising the roof height.
• Adding dormers or balconies in certain locations.
10. Roof Pitch and Shape
• A steeper roof pitch offers more usable headroom.
• Some roof shapes, like hipped roofs, may require more structural alterations to create usable space.
11. Chimneys, Water Tanks, and Obstructions
• Check for obstacles such as chimneys or water tanks that may need to be relocated.
Steps to Confirm Suitability
1. Measure the loft and draw a basic plan.
2. Consult a professional (architect, builder, or structural engineer) for a detailed assessment.
3. Check local planning and building regulations.
If these criteria are met or manageable, your loft is likely suitable for conversion.
Run us through the different stages in the loft conversion process - what’s involved?
A loft conversion involves several stages, each with specific tasks to transform the unused attic space into a functional room. Here’s an overview of the process:
1. Planning and Design
• Initial Assessment:
• Measure head height, check roof structure, and assess feasibility.
• Confirm if the project needs planning permission (e.g., for dormers or roof height changes).
• Design and Layout:
• Work with an architect or designer to create detailed plans for the space, including stairs, windows, and utilities.
• Building Regulations: Submit plans for approval to ensure compliance with fire safety, structural integrity, insulation, and ventilation standards.
2. Preparation and Site Setup
• Clear the Loft: Remove stored items and prepare the area for work.
• Scaffolding Installation: Erect scaffolding to provide access and ensure safety during roof modifications.
• Temporary Protections: Protect the property from debris and weather during construction.
3. Structural Alterations
• Reinforce the Floor:
• Install new joists to support the weight of the new room and meet building regulations.
• Roof Modifications:
• Add dormer windows, skylights, or other roof extensions as needed.
• Strengthen the roof structure if necessary (e.g., with steel beams).
• Chimneys and Tanks: Remove or relocate any obstructions like water tanks or chimneys.
4. Staircase Installation
• Build a staircase that provides safe, easy access to the loft and complies with regulations.
• Carefully plan the staircase placement to minimize disruption to the floor below.
5. Insulation and Internal Walls
• Insulation: Install insulation in the roof, walls, and floor to meet thermal efficiency standards.
• Internal Walls: Build stud walls to divide the space and create rooms if necessary.
• Soundproofing: Add soundproofing to minimize noise between floors.
6. Windows and Ventilation
• Install roof windows, dormers, or skylights for natural light and ventilation.
• Ensure proper airflow to prevent dampness and condensation.
7. Electrical and Plumbing Work
• Extend electrical wiring for lighting, sockets, and heating.
• Install plumbing for bathrooms or en-suites, connecting to the existing water and drainage systems.
8. Plastering and Interior Finishes
• Plastering: Smooth out walls and ceilings to prepare for painting and decorating.
• Flooring: Lay the chosen flooring (e.g., carpet, wood, or tiles).
• Doors and Trims: Fit internal doors, skirting boards, and other finishing touches.
9. Final Utilities Connection and Testing
• Test electrical and plumbing systems to ensure they are fully functional and compliant.
• Connect heating systems or radiators if part of the design.
10. Final Inspection and Handover
• Arrange a building inspection to ensure the work complies with regulations.
• Clean the area and hand over the finished loft to the homeowner.
Timeline
The duration of a loft conversion depends on the type:
• Basic Conversions (e.g., skylight-only): 4–6 weeks.
• Dormer Conversions: 6–8 weeks.
• Complex Conversions (e.g., mansard or hip-to-gable): 8–12 weeks.
By following these stages, your loft conversion will progress smoothly from planning to completion.
How long have you been in business?
CMS Building & Maintenance Limited has been in business for 3 years.
What guarantee does your work come with?
CMS Building & Maintenance Limited offers a 1 year guarantee on all works completed
What do you love most about your job?
Owning a building company offers many rewarding aspects. I love to:
• Transforming Spaces: Seeing a project evolve from an idea to a completed structure is incredibly satisfying.
• Helping Clients: Bringing clients’ visions to life and improving their homes or workspaces can be fulfilling.
• Creativity and Problem-Solving: Every project presents unique challenges that allow you to think creatively and develop solutions.
• Building a Reputation: Watching your company’s reputation grow through quality work and customer satisfaction.
• Team Leadership: Leading a skilled team and fostering their growth and expertise.
• Variety of Work: Every day brings new projects, locations, and challenges, keeping the work exciting.
• Making a Difference: Contributing to your local community by enhancing properties and creating functional, beautiful spaces.
What inspired you to start your own business?
Many builders are inspired to start their own company by a combination of personal ambition and professional passion. A few things that inspired me are:
• Passion for Craftsmanship: A love for building and creating high-quality, lasting structures.
• Desire for Independence: Wanting the freedom to set your own standards, choose your projects, and lead your own team.
• Improving Standards: A drive to provide better service, attention to detail, or innovative solutions that you felt were lacking in the industry.
• Client Relationships: The joy of working directly with clients to bring their visions to life.
• Long-Term Vision: The goal of building a legacy and establishing a trusted name in the construction industry.
• Problem-Solving: Enjoying the challenge of turning complex designs into reality.
• Career Growth: Wanting to take your skills to the next level and grow both personally and professionally.
Why should our clients choose you?
Clients should choose CMS Building & Maintenance Limited for their building works because:
1. Expertise and Experience
• With 3 years in business, CMS has honed its skills in delivering high-quality workmanship across a variety of building projects.
2. Customer-Centered Approach
• CMS prioritizes clear communication, understanding clients’ visions, and tailoring solutions to their needs, ensuring satisfaction at every stage.
3. Comprehensive Services
• From renovations and extensions to maintenance and conversions, CMS offers a one-stop solution for all building and maintenance needs.
4. Quality and Attention to Detail
• CMS is committed to using top-quality materials and maintaining meticulous attention to detail, ensuring durable and visually appealing results.
5. Reliable and Professional Team
• The skilled team at CMS values punctuality, professionalism, and delivering projects on time and within budget.
6. Transparent Pricing
• CMS provides honest, detailed quotes with no hidden fees, helping clients make informed decisions about their projects.
7. Proven Track Record
• Positive client testimonials and repeat business showcase CMS’s dedication to excellence and trustworthiness.
8. Passion for Building
• The passion for construction and customer satisfaction shines through in every project, no matter the size or complexity.
Choosing CMS Building & Maintenance Limited means choosing quality, reliability, and a partner dedicated to bringing your building vision to life.
What changes have you made to keep your customers safe from Covid-19?
At CMS Building & Maintenance Limited, we’ve implemented several measures to ensure the safety of our clients and team during the COVID-19 pandemic:
1. Enhanced Hygiene Practices
• Regular handwashing and sanitizing by all team members.
• Use of hand sanitizers and disinfectant wipes on-site, especially in high-touch areas.
2. Social Distancing
• Maintaining a safe distance from clients and among team members wherever possible.
• Limiting the number of workers on-site at any given time to reduce contact.
3. Use of PPE
• Providing and wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), such as masks and gloves, when required.
4. Increased Cleaning Procedures
• Cleaning and disinfecting work areas and tools frequently, particularly at the start and end of each day.
5. Remote Communication
• Utilizing phone calls, emails, or video calls for consultations and progress updates to minimize face-to-face interactions.
6. Site Access Control
• Restricting site access to only essential personnel to reduce external exposure.
7. Health Monitoring
• Monitoring the health of team members and ensuring anyone with symptoms stays home.
• Implementing a clear protocol for managing any suspected cases of COVID-19.
8. Flexible Scheduling
• Adjusting schedules to accommodate client needs or concerns, including rescheduling work if necessary.
9. Adherence to Government Guidelines
• Staying updated and complying with the latest government and health authority regulations.
These measures reflect our commitment to keeping clients, workers, and their families safe while continuing to deliver quality work.
Extensions
Adding an extension to your property is one of the easiest ways to create more living space and add real value. We can create an extension to meet your needs. A single-story rear extension to create that open plan living/family space. A double story extension to add space downstairs and extra rooms upstairs. A wrap around extension to increase the footprint of your property. Extensions offer limitless possibilities and are often the go to option to upgrade a property. Adding full width doors to a rear extension increases the living area by incorporating a seamless transition from indoor to outdoor space, perfect for those lovely summer evenings. Cleaver use of glass can also increase the amount of light that comes into the house and can brighten even the darkest corners. Extensions really are the blank canvas to create your dreams.
New Builds
Sometimes the right home just doesn’t exist. In that case we can help you build it. We can bring you vision of a dream home to life. From clearing and preparing the site, connecting utilities, to full construction and interior fit out. Create the home you want from scratch. We will work closely with you to make sure every aspect of your build goes smoothly and the results meet your expectations. You can control every aspect of the build to make sure the end result is as close to your original concept as possible.
And we can even complete this work with our full project management package to make things even easier for you!
Full Project Management
When it comes to carrying out work on your own home it can become quite daunting, especially if it is something you have never experienced before. Our full project management service takes all the stress away from you. We take care of everything from initial concept right through to building regulations sign off. All you need to do is provide the idea and the spark…….although we can even help with that part too.
With our full project management service we will hold an initial design meeting to talk through your ideas, we will assess your needs and budget. Then you relax while we take your ideas to our architect to be drawn up. Once you have agreed the designs we will submit them for planning approval if required. Our architect will keep you updated on the process at key milestones. Once planning is approved we can instruct a civil engineer to create detailed drawings of your plans to allow us to fully cost the complete job. We will present you with our cost breakdown, showing how much individual works will cost and plan a schedule of the work so you can get an idea of how long it might take. When everyone is happy with the plan, we will set a start date and begin bringing your dream to life. We will liase with building control on your behalf to make sure the works meet the exacting standards required. We will keep you informed of any changes requested or needed for you to guide us on how we should tackle any situations. We will make sure all work is carried out to the highest standard and your house is returned to you at the end of your project ready for you to enjoy. This really is the full package, the real VIP treatment.
Loft Conversions
A loft conversion is an ideal way to add rooms to your property when you have a very limited plot or if you don’t want to lose any of your garden. There are plenty of options to make use of the loft space in a home and add space and value at the same time.
Full Interior Renovations
When you’re looking for top quality work, CMS Building & Maintenance is here to help. Our team of professionals is available to provide a wide range of customizable options, all guaranteed to meet and exceed expectations. Contact our office today to learn more about this and our other available services
Electrical Installation
Our Electrical Installation Services cover a wide range of domestic and commercial needs, delivered by experienced professionals to the highest safety and quality standards. Whether you’re planning a new build, renovation, or upgrade, we provide reliable, efficient, and tailored to you
