Oct 11

How Technology Can Add Value to your Home Renovation

With technology moving so quickly, and new smart home gadgets coming out all the time, it’s sometimes easy to get carried away when renovating a property.

When doing full house renovations, we prefer to use technology that will make life easier, save money AND add value to the property.

So, here we look at a few different ways that in-home technology can add value to your property, and potentially increase it’s saleability or rentability.

Smart Lighting

Lighting can have an incredibly dramatic impact on a home. Its not just a simple on/off switch or warm/cool bulb that creates that impact now. With the installation of a smart lighting system you are able to change the mood (kids bedtime, movie night, date night), drive efficiencies (never leave an unwanted light on again), manage security (keep the burglars guessing by having changing patterns of lights on while you’re away).

Installing one of the smart home systems like an Amazon Echo, Apple’s Homekit or Google home, together with some smart bulbs and a mobile device removes the need for what was once a costly installation of a lighting system by a specialist. Wi-fi connectivity to these devices gives you control wherever in the world you are.

Credit – www.drinkfoodhome.com/www2.meethue.com

Smart Heating

Wi-Fi based smart heating systems such as Hive bring handheld heating controls to your mobile device in much the same way as the smart lighting mentioned above.

Installing a smart heating system when carrying out a redevlopment is a perfect time to do so as a typical cost for installation is around £250-300, (easily absorbed into the overall redevelopment cost), but shows that you are thinking of the convenience of your buyer in these little finishing touches.

The ability to control your heating from anywhere means that you never have to come home to a cold house on an unexpectedly inclement day. Just pop the heating on, on your way home and walk into a toasty threshold. Similarly easy to stop the hot water clicking on if you know you will be out and not back in time for the usual bath time.

Credit – www.techadvisor.co.uk

Smart Speakers

Apple, Sonos, Amazon, Google and many more players are coming to the market to join in with the tech boom that is the smart speaker.

Whether you are shouting to Siri or asking Alexa you can solve a multitude of problems using this versatile tech. They even play music!

Most are linked to apps and initially the manufacturers focus was on ability rather than sound quality, though this is now changing with some solutions appearing that can be used as a single solution to sound and smart operations.

Smart Security

I once heard a statistic that the most ignored sound in the UK was a burglar alarm. Today’s tech is getting round this problem of just annoying the neighbours.

Smart security systems are now alerting you (once again via your mobile device) to the activation of alarms or cameras inside or outside of your home. You can receive these alerts without tipping off the thief thus being able to contact the police and have a greater chance of capturing the culprit in the act. All while their actions are being recorded in beautiful HD.

Numerous systems are available either for self or professional installation with many benefits and features e.g. ignore the pets, track the movement, remote arming and disarming, see who’s been to the front door all from the comfort of wherever you are.

Credit – Tigerdirect.com

Adding technology to your home is a great way to create a more comfortable and convenient living experience. Better yet, you may ultimately make money.

With home technology’s continuous evolution, it’s becoming less and less expensive to make these changes to your home renovation project.

If you have, or are looking to buy a property in London to renovate, EDGE2 can help. We are boutique developers with over 30 years combined experience in renovating whole houses and flats in London. We provide a fully project managed service. We can help you get planning permission produce 3D architect drawings and do all the work for you, using 100% in-house trades.

For more information give Julian a call on +44(0)207 112 9081.

Apr 24

Admin

Full property renovation / London Property Renovation

The Latest Home Renovation Trend Taking London By Storm

The Latest Home Renovation Trend Taking London By Storm

When it comes to home renovation, be it a buy-to-let, a buy-to-sell or just improving your own home, achieving a high-end finish without breaking the bank is key.

One of the hottest design trends in London at the moment is marble.

This incredibly stunning material can have a huge impact in any room, giving it instant wow factor. But it can also be incredibly expensive, making it out of reach for most of us.

Thankfully, there is now an alternative – Book Matched tiles.

Made from porcelain, Book Matched tiles are inspired by some of the world’s most stunning and desirable marbles. They are ultra-thin, easy to install, and used to create one spectacular design – making a fantastic feature to a newly renovated property.

Best of all, they cost a fraction of the price of real marble.

They are very durable and low maintenance. Real marble needs constant TLC to keep them it looking good, porcelain tiles don’t. Regular cleaning will keep them looking spotless for years.

Book Matched tiles can be used on walls, floors or ceilings and come in a wide range of styles.

Here are some of the London companies supplying these tiles:

Porcelain Tile Collection

Bookmatched Tiles

If you’re working on a home renovation project, EDGE2 can manage it for you – our 100% in-house team of trades, designers and architects can take care of everything from 3D plans, planning permissions and all the work required to complete your project on time and on budget.

Get a quote here, or give us a call on 0207 112 9081.

Apr 11

Admin

Full property renovation / London Property Extension / London Property Renovation

Full House Renovations

Full House Renovations

At EDGE² we specialise in full house renovations. This is where our 100% in-house team of architects, designers and trades add the maximum amount of value for our clients.

Over the years we have developed a 5-step process to make sure every project runs smoothly and is delivered on time & on budget.

This 5-step process applies to any large-scale property renovation project, such as:

- Converting a house into flats
- Converting two flats into one
- Loft conversions & extensions
- Renovating all, or most of the rooms in a property

Step 1: Define each space/room

Know what each room in the house is going to be used for, and who is going to use it, is fundamental to creating a design the works for everyone as well as looking stunning. We create 3D plans for all our projects, and space definition is always the first step.

Step 2: Approval & preparation

Once the design is finalised, all aspects of the project are approved by the client, making sure everyone understands what is to be done & when. Preparation is key, and we always ensure that legwork required to prepare each space for the renovation work is carried out before we start.

Step 3: Remodelling

At this stage, all the remodelling work is done to the existing space to accommodate the new design. Depending on the project (if there is a loft conversion or an extension) we will also make sure the property is water tight again – fitting new roofs, walls, windows and doors.

Step 4: Fit out

Depending on the project (if there is a loft conversion or an extension) the first part of this stage is to make sure the property is water tight again – fitting new roofs, walls, windows and doors. Once the property is watertight, we look to do all the internal work such as plastering, doors, electrics and plumbing.

Step 5: Fixtures, fitting and finishes

This final stage includes everything from wallpaper and painting to kitchen and bathroom installation. The property is then dressed with all the furniture and furnishings, prior to handing back to the client.

If you’re planning your own full house renovation project, or if you’re in the process of buying a second property to do up and rent out/sell on, get in touch now on 0207 112 9081, or request a quote here.

Dec 22

Admin

Bathroom Renovation

5 Tips to Remodelling your Bathroom

5 Tips to Remodelling your Bathroom

Remodelling your bathroom can significantly add to both the sale-ability and rent-ability of your property. Particularly in London’s highly competitive property market, a newly renovated, sophisticated, trendy bathroom can increase your chance of snapping up the perfect tenant or buyer.

At EDGE2, we’re London bathroom remodelling specialists, and here are our top tips to getting the best look possible:

1) Try to keep plumbing it is

Plumbers are one of the most expensive parts of remodelling a bathroom. If you are able to leave the plumbing as it is, and create your design around your existing pipe locations, you will save a significant amount of both time and money.

2) Sophisticated feature fittings

Round mirrors and indirect pendant lights are a great way to add moodiness to a design and give it an eye-catching sophisticated look.

3) Embrace the size

If you have a small bathroom, it’s often tempting to use large mirrors to give the illusion of more space. Sometimes it’s best to embrace the size and make it look chic rather than big. This is particularly true on en-suites and second bathrooms.

4) Use warm colours NOT blue

Aside from giving a bathroom the look of a public lav, there are plenty of studies that talk about how light refection on blue surfaces have a cold effect on the skin. To give your bathroom a warm and inviting feel, use soft, warm tones for the walls and accent with tiling and fitting colours to match your taste.

5) His and hers vanity

If you have the space and want your bathroom to really stand out, create a his & hers vanity. As well as giving you a premium luxury fell, you will get the practicality of each having your own space. After all, this is the secret to a healthy and happy married life – apparently!

Got a London property to renovate? Why not let us take care of the whole project for you. We provide a fully managed, end-to-end service using only 100% in-house trades.

Give us a call on +44(0)207 112 9081 or fill out our contact form and we’d be happy to chat through your project and provide you with an obligation-free quote.

Dec 20

Admin

living room renovation / London Property Renovation / Top renovation tips

5 Tips to Renovating Your Living Room

5 Tips to Renovating Your Living Room

When renovating your property, it’s easy to overlook the living room – in fact they often come third after kitchens and bathrooms. This is likely to be the room where you spend most of your time, at least when you’re not sleeping, so getting it right is the key to a successful renovation.

If, like most properties in London where space comes at a premium, the property you are renovating has a multi-function living room, it’s even more important to plan properly.

At EDGE2 we have a huge amount of experience renovating modern and period properties in London. Here are 5 tips we think will help you achieve the look you are after:

1) Define the space

If the living room is going to be for relaxing, watching TV, gaming as well as a formal dining space, it’s really important to define the areas. Sometimes a statement light fitting and a carpet is all it takes to create definition in a room. Other focal points, such as wallpapers or different pain tones will also help achieve the desired effect.

2) Natural light

Particularly in the UK, where we suffer from long dark winters, how you conduct natural light in the living room is key. If your property doesn’t have huge windows, try to maximise what light you do have coming in. Mirrors are a very cost effective way to not only increase the feeling of space in your living room, but they can also be used take natural light to less well light parts of the room.

3) Focal points

In period properties focal points are naturally provided by the property but in contemporary apartments is always useful to create focal points to command a design.

4) Furniture choices

This is often the most difficult point for most of our clients, particularly when the property being renovated is already fully furnished. It’s expensive to replace everything, and easy to get emotionally attached to a sofa, certain pieces of furniture, or the whole room! The key is to make sure that all the furniture, whether old or new, is proportional to the space. This is of course much easier said than done – but we can help you come up with a design that works.

5) Statement lighting

Even if your budget is tight you should ALWAYS invest in one light fitting that will become a talking point.

If you have, or are looking to buy a property in London to renovate, EDGE2 can help. We are boutique developers with over 30 years combined experience in renovating London properties. We provide a fully project managed service. We can help you get planning permission (even in conservation areas), produce 3D architect drawings and do all the work for you, using 100% in-house trades.

For more information, download our brochure here, or give Julian a call on +44(0)207 112 9081.

Dec 15

Admin

Camden / Relocation / Working in Camden

3 Amazing Creative Shared Workspaces in Camden

3 Amazing Creative Shared Workspaces in Camden

As you might have guessed, we’re passionate about Camden, and all it has to offer.

At EDGE2 we specialise in high-end property renovations without the high-end price tag. We are boutique property developers, and we areas passionate about creativity and design as we are about quality and efficiency of the work we carry out.

It’s not just a new home that most of our clients are looking for, it’s the start of a new way of life, and that often includes a new way of working.

Whilst Camden has great links to the city and the rest of London, it’s long been a centre of creative industries, and there is a booming economy of small, boutique, design led companies – much like ours!

The growing desire for a better work-life balance is fuelling an exodus from the corporate 9-5, and Camden’s network of creative shared workspaces is helping to support this.

Being able to develop your network and have an affordable and creative space to work is crucial. This is exactly what shared workspaces provide – low-cost, contract-free, collaborative shared office spaces.

Whether you are relocating to London, or looking for a new home in the city where you can start your own new business, Camden is perfect.

Here is our pick of the most amazing creative shared workspaces in Camden:

1) Work.life

https://work.life/camden

Work.life is a creative, collaborative community on Hawley Road, just two minutes from Camden Town tube, the canal and Camden Market.

They provide hot desks by the hour and dedicated desks & private offices by the month.

2) Camden Collective

https://camdencollective.co.uk

Camden Collective is a regeneration project supporting start-up businesses, providing subsidised co-working spaces, free hot-desking and free creative tech courses.

They have 2 locations: BaseKX, on Camley Street and Temperance, in the Insull Wing of the old National Temperance Hospital on Hampstead Road.

3) LABS, Atrium

https://labs.com/location/atrium-london

Situated in the heart of Stables Market, the Atrium is the latest co-working space from LABS.

It has all the usual communal amenities, courtyard, open-air terraces overlooking Camden and multiple event spaces & meeting rooms available monthly.

If you have a property in Camden, or are looking to buy a property here that needs renovation, give Julian and the EDGE2 team a call on 0207 112 9081.

Dec 12

Admin

Camden

Unmissable Camden Street Art

Unmissable Camden Street Art

Camden has an incredibly rich street art culture, with pieces by renowned street artists such as Bambi, Dan Kitchener, Gnasher, Otto Schade, Trust Icon, Irony, the Lost Souls, Ali Hamish, Pegasus and many, many more.

There are far too many stunning pieces to mention, adorning buildings, walls, gates and hoardings all over Camden, but we’ve picked out some of our favourites – check them out next time you’re in town.

1) Amy Winehouse

The iconic North-London born singer Amy Winehouse features in several pieces in Camden – so many in fact that there is now an Amy street art trail you can follow!

The trail takes in this first piece, “tribute to Amy Winehouse”, by Otto Schade on Hawley Street, and culminates at the Jewish Museum with this second piece, “Love is a loosing game”, by Pegasus:

Credit: inspiringcity & totally-london

2) The Lost Souls

We just love this elaborate and incredibly detailed piece on Kentish Road by the Lost Souls (Captain Kris, Squirl, SPZero76 and Si Mitchell):

Credit: londoncallingblog

3) Flaming Aerosol Can

By street artist Irony, “Flaming Aerosol Can” is a stunning piece on Hawley Road:

Credit: inspiringcity

4) John Lennon

The Oxford Arms pub on the corner of Jamestown Road and Camden High Street is home to this fantastic piece by Gnasher, featuring John Lennon:

Credit: londoncallingblog

5) Time For Action

Thamesmead-based street artist Trust Icon has striking pieces all over London, and several in Camden. This tongue-in-cheek piece, painted in 2016 on a gate by the railway arch, features the iconic Alfred Hitchcock holding a can of red spray paint having just written ‘Time For Action”:

Credit: londoncallingblog

If you want to see the best of Camden’s street art, there are several organised guided walking tour you could join. Alternatively, here are a couple of unofficial tours you could follow yourself:

Camden Tour

Dec 8

Admin

London Property Extension / London Property Renovation

Growing family? Extend your home to keep up

Growing family? Extend your home to keep up

With London property prices showing no sign of falling, it’s difficult for most growing families to afford the cost of moving to bigger property.

If your home is bursting at the seams, extending may be the only solution to get you the extra space you need, without breaking the bank.

Adding an extension to your existing home is also a great way to increase it’s value, making it easier to take the next step up the property ladder in the future.

We recently helped Amanda and her growing family to extend and renovate their 1 bed ground floor flat in Fulham. We provided her with a fully managed, end-end service, including architect’s drawings & 3D visualisations and all the work was carried out by our in-house team of trades.

“As the family grew we needed to move up the ladder. We met Julian who focused our budget on the areas that would add value.”

“It felt so good to simply hand over and let Julian and his team organise things. His drawings were spot on and helped us visualise the entire project before they started.”

The project included the addition of a 120 ft2 rear garden extension, an extra bedroom, kitchen diner and a new bathroom with light well.

Amanda’s flat is in a conservation area, which makes obtaining planning permission for external modifications to properties particularly tricky. Using our in-house designers and architects, we were able to take care of this for her, taking all the stress out of it and got the permissions needed.

Throughout the flat, we installed high-tech sound-proofing, under-floor heating and a state-of-the-art climate control system to give Amanda and her family a cosy and quiet space.

The interior design touches added to the cosy, modern feel of the flat, as well as incorporating built-in storage keep all the family’s clutter hidden.

Outside, we created a unique & contemporary, child-friendly terraced garden with a seating area and raised beds.

Amanda is thrilled with their new, up-sized home, saying “I couldn’t recommend EDGE2 highly enough. Thanks guys!”

If, like Amanda, you have a growing family and need more space to grow into, be it an extension or simply a redesign to make better use of the space you already have, give us a call on 0207 112 9081.

Regardless of your budget and the size of your property, we can help you maximise your space, increase the property value and take care of all the planning, design and construction work for you. Our work is guaranteed, as is your satisfaction with the final product. Give us a call now to find out more.

Oct 31

Admin

London Property Renovation

Moving up the property ladder in uncertain times

Buying a property in London, whether for the first time or as your life evolves, is stressful.

You are about to spend more money than you can count and to make things even worse, every article, report or conversation you have regarding property at the moment is of the doom and gloom variety.

However, if you are looking to move up the ladder and the market is moving down, you can snap a fixer upper at a great price.

The challenge if the market continues to drop, is that your property is also going to be worth less when you come to your next move up the ladder. So how can you ensure your property retains it’s value so you can raise the extra funds you need for your next deposit?

Simple, you have to set the right budget and turn your property from a fixer upper into a turnkey before you put it on the market. So, by the time you come to sell your property, the price reflects the works you’ve done and it brings in the extra cash you need.

The key to success is making clever investment decisions, focus on areas where you can add value and avoid the temptation to be seduced by finishes you’d love but won’t add value.

Take Katharina from Southfields SW18, for example, who recently contacted us to upgrade her 1 bed apartment to afford a 2 bed in the same area. She invested £24k in the renovations, which generated a £61k price increase from the previous valuation. Find out More…

Remember, penny pinching is not solution – clever investment is the only way to climb up the property ladder in these uncertain times.

Give us a call on 0207 112 9081 and let us take care of it for you.

Aug 2

Admin

Relocation

From Small Portfolio Owner to Relocation Guru

From Small Portfolio Owner to Relocation Guru

Shawn, a finance director in the city, with a small portfolio made an investment in Fulham Broadway days after the Brexit vote. With other properties in central London he chose Fulham Broadway for its location, proximity to Chelsea and South Kensington and the quality of the rental market this borough is famous for.

The property, a one bedroom garden flat in a period property with a private garden and great natural light. After years of neglect the property was looking tired and the garden over grown, like many period properties in central London. The main attraction of the flat was the amount of natural light and the garden, which in London is a real luxury.

However, if you buy a property with a small deposit and a buy to let mortgage, is hard to achieve the rent you need to make the investment into a cash flow success.

Shawn Says: I did my research of the area’s rental values and I did think the property in its current state wouldn’t generate the revenue to cover my mortgage and provide me with a good spare monthly cash flow.

With market uncertainty at it’s all time high after the Brexit vote, the increase of restrictions by lenders and the current tax implications of having a real estate investment, buying a property that isn’t covering your monthly costs wasn’t an option for Shawn.

Shawn says: That’s when I researched several options and accessing the relocation market was very attractive. When I put my offer in I took £8,000 off the asking price and set a £10,000 budget to do a light renovation.

The result was bang on the money, the design was done to spec, the staging and advert stood out and drew the right kind of clients. Within two weeks I had two asking price offers and chose a relocation tenant. Now, I’m upgrading my other properties to replicate the formula.

Julian says: Our contacts keep asking for more properties like Shawn’s and it is thanks to our real estate partners and network of private owners that we are able to do what we love most. Shawn is the ideal owner, determined to make a success of it with a clear vision of who should live in that property.

If you have a period property and want to know what we can do for you just email us at design@edge2tr.wpengine.com