There will be a rooflight for most types of home. Terraced houses can certainly make use of a rooflight but the right type is required to make the installation a success. The most common types of rooflight, such as flat glass rooflights and roof pyramids, will need to be installed on flat roofs, which suits many terraced houses that have had an extension built onto the back. If you have a pitched roof it can still be possible to install a rooflight, but the options will just be more limited. You can check the specifications of each rooflight and ask an installation professional if you want to fully understand your options. For light in more awkward spaces, there’s also the option for a suntube. This will channel natural light down into the room, making it feel brighter than it otherwise could, and in a much more natural way than with artificial lighting.

Extensions and loft conversions can both be great ways to expand a home and make it more attractive. You can get so much more out of a home that has additional space added, so which option is going to be right for you?

Much of it depends on the current layout of your property. If you have space up in the eaves, it might be very simple to have a loft conversion carried out. If you don’t, then an extension might be a better option. It also depends on what you want the space to be. If, for example, you want a snug, then you could extend into your garage, upgrade the insulation and the door, and make it a central part of your home. It might not always be possible to create the exact space that you want up in the loft, and so an extension using a garage is a very good option.

A home office is the dream of many homeowners, but how do you ensure that you are adding value without paying over the odds for, essentially, transforming a room of your home? If you are thinking about having your very own home office extension, here are some tips:

• Build the structure away from the home. This could mean building a separate annex, or it could mean building a regular extension. Your family will love the extra space and you will get more peace and quiet this way.
• Choose a material. If you want something rustic, you could have a wooden home office. If you prefer something modern, think about building a brick structure, either on its own or attached to your existing home.
• Make sure you have the right planning permission. You will usually need planning permission of some kind to extend a home or to build a new structure on your land.

Expanding your home to give yourself more space is something that many people are doing, as it is a cheaper alternative than moving home. The property market is difficult to negotiate and many homes and deemed overpriced, so an extension or conversion can seem like a better option for you and your family.

One of the cheapest and easiest ways to expand your home is by using space that you already have, that is, as part of an outbuilding or similar. Lots of families make more use of their garage space by making it into a living space, either as a standalone flat or granny annexe, or as part of the existing house. This is easier due to the fact there is already a structure in place, and it might not even require planning permission. If you want additional space, you can always expand the house further as well.

Buying in oak timber supplies for a project is a big job and not one that should be taken lightly. There are various grades of timber you can buy, and different types as well, so you need to choose the right kind for your project. It’s always useful to buy timber supplies from a good supplier, who can be there to help and advise, especially if it is your first project of this nature. Once you find a good supplier, they can be a supplier for life, so it’s always worth thinking about it long term.

The first step is finding a timber supplier who can meet your needs with regards to what you want for your project. From there, it will be an easier task to buy timber supplies. Look for an online timber merchant; this way, you won’t have to find timber supplies that are nearby. All good online suppliers will also offer timber delivery, making it easy for you to get hold of your chosen timber. They can also generally offer you lower prices when you shop online, especially if you are buying timber in bulk. If you know you have other projects coming up, and you have enough storage space, then buy as much timber as you can in one go to keep the costs down.

These are some of they main considerations before you buy timber online:

• What will you be using the timber for? This will dictate the type and grade of timber you need. If you want timber to build a dwelling or outbuilding, it’s usually advisable that you don’t use green timber. This can shrink as it dries out (green timber is freshly cut timber), which can leave you with structural issues if you have built something like a garden office or a gym. Some timber suppliers will supply timber based on the type of project. So if, for example, you are laying solid oak flooring or you need structural beams for a roofing project, they can supply the right type of timber for these.
• What type of timber do you need? There are various types of timber you can buy – not just oak. These might include larch, cedarwood, redwood, and other hardwood and softwood options. You don’t just have to have oak – consider what other options there are to ensure you are making the right decision.
• What quantities do you need? You should make sure you choose a supplier that can offer you the quantities of timber you need. It will usually be cheaper to buy in bulk, so if possible, and if you will need more timber in future, buy in this way.
• Do you need specific sizes? Many timber suppliers will be able to provide custom milled timber, sized to your specifications. Try to find a timber supplier that mills its own timber on site, as this will cost less – they won’t have to outsource the cutting of timber for customers who are looking for custom shapes or sizes.

In the same way that windows may get covered in condensation, especially in the winter when the weather is generally damp, you may find that a rooflight can be affected by condensation as well. However, there are steps you can take to reduce this condensation and to make sure it doesn’t affect your home. One of the most important things to do is replace old rooflights. Sadly, rooflights that are older will not use such advanced technology, and are never going to be as energy efficient in your home. It will be cheaper in the long run to replace them rather than adding to them and improving them.

If you have a decent rooflight in your home, you are much less likely to have condensation. Choose a rooflight that is glass, or at least double skinned, and make sure they have adequate glazing to make sure they do not decrease too much in temperature.