This is the final stage of the build where the internal features of a property are finished. Because a lot of the work is interior design features, there are a hundreds of things to decide from colour schemes to taps to landscaping.

Kitchens

According to the home extension loan providers GE Money, a new kitchen adds 4.6% to the value of the average house. This is because in a modern home they are not just the place where food is prepared, they are the focal point and busiest space in a property.

The options and gadgets list is endless but the most important factor is practicality, this can be achieved by ensuring:

• The sink is close to the oven and hob.
• Dishwashers, tumble dryers and washing machines are not near busy parts of the kitchen like the oven or sink.
• There is enough room for two people to fit past each other.
• The opening of a cabinet or appliance door does not obstruct anything else.
• Plug sockets are installed at work level and away from the sink and hob.
• There is enough storage for everything and a bit more.
• Hobs and ovens need workspace on both sides.

Marble can get kitchen units and fittings at a much lower price than a customer can due to repeat purchasing and economies of scale.

Bathrooms

This is a space for relaxations and there are many different features to sooth and unwind the user including jacuzzis, corner baths, whirlpools, spa tubs, steam rooms, double headed showers and wet rooms. As well as these luxurious options it is also important to remember the basics such as cupboard spaces, hangers, towel racks and mirrors.

Practically there are also a lot of things to consider, baths are very heavy, especially when containing the home owner and 60 litres of water. For this reason it is important that the floor underneath is built from something a bit stronger than the standard chipboard flooring.

Everybody also knows that electricity and water does not mix, all pipping should be earthed and there shouldn’t be anything other than a pull cord light switch and a shaving plug in a bathroom.

Electrical Fittings

The first fix will leave wires protruding from neat holes cut in the new plastered walls. During this stage all light switches, power sockets and light fittings will need fitting to this protruding wiring. Some things such as plug sockets are obviously quite standard, but with light switches and fittings there are plenty of styles to choose from. Building regulations will demand that light fittings must only be able to fit energy saving bulbs to make the extension more efficient. They will also require that lighting in the bathroom is sealed into the ceiling to prevent direct contact with water.

Once all done the electrics will be safety tested and will receive a certificate of safety.

Plumbing

Second fix plumbing involves connecting up kitchen units, sanitary systems and the boiler although radiators can be installed after painting. Once all connected up Building controls will want to inspect the site and test it for leaks, fluent discharge and a working boiler. During testing the plumber and electrician will need to be there.

Joinery

during the second fix the carpenter will be a bit of an odd-job man tying up the loose ends like staircase railings, skirting boards, kitchen units and boxing in pipes. There is a wide choice of timbers and man made boards to choose from but it is important the work is consistently high quality and the choice of timber and finished is coherent with the decoration.

Another role of the carpenter during this stage is the fitting of internal doors which come in two types, solid and hollow. Solid doors have better sound insulation and fire protection but are also a lot more expensive.

Decorating

This is best done as close to the end as possible to reduce the risk of damage and having to remove it to fit pipes or wiring. It is also important that the property is clean and dust free before things like varnishing or painting can start.

The quality of the decorator can undermine or enhance the quality of any work done, so is of vital importance that it is done properly which can be a pain staking task of sanding, filing, hole filling, scrubbing, washing, painting, tiling, grouting and rendering.

It may also be work hiring a landscaper to re-design the garden space after all the building equipment is removed.

Completion

Once all the above is done, Marble will tidy and hoover to leave the extension and existing property spotless. Building regulations will give a final inspection and the certificate will be issued. The only thing the customer has to do is decide how to celebrate their new living space!