As summer 2022 ended, Expert Trades, a construction-based marketing consultancy in the Midlands, took on its very first property renovation project.
Teaming up with a host of businesses, contractors and suppliers such as Keylite Roof Windows (Keylite), the property renovation would be documented start-to-finish across social media platforms in a series called, ‘Verified by Expert Trades.’
The aim of the online series was to inspire and educate those in the construction industry and those interested in renovation, showcasing the best of the best in construction and renovation products and techniques.
The £500,000 property in the village of Marchington, Uttoxeter, was once one large building which had been split into a three-storey house and two-storey cottage by the previous owners. Both properties needed to be completely gutted and fully renovated by Expert Trades and its collaborators.
The works included two full house rewires with the addition of smart technology, new kitchens, bathrooms, downstairs WCs and an ensuite, plus new windows and doors throughout – including four Keylite roof windows.
Sara Callow, Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer at Expert Trades, comments: “This was a beautiful old building where the exterior matched that of the rural village surroundings perfectly. We wanted to retain as much of the original features as we could, preserving the character of the building whilst also bringing it into the 21st century.”
In the master bedroom of the house, where the ceiling was particularly low, the team decided to incorporate roof windows in order to invite natural daylight into the room.
Sara continues: “We knew roof windows would be the perfect way to lighten and open up the space. I worked for Keylite many years ago, and so knew the benefits that this brand would make to the renovation compared to other roof windows on the market.
“For example, during the renovation it was discovered that the roof had sunken in places, and so we’d need a whole new roof in order to make it functional. This was not in the schedule or budget, but fortunately our roofers were also big fans of Keylite Roof Windows and knew that the windows could be installed within minutes, thanks to Keylite’s Flick-Fit brackets and Click-Fit flashing. This meant the team could crack on with the task at hand.
“Similarly, whilst the roofers were on site it was flagged that the placement of one of the chimneys wouldn’t allow for the size of roof window we’d ordered. Without wanting to lose any more time or costs than we needed to, one of the Expert Trades team got on the phone to Keylite and we managed to downsize one of the windows within hours! The customer service we received was amazing.”
So, what does the renovation look like 12 months on? The exterior of the building blends in beautifully with the whole village thanks to the stunning landscaping and the doors and windows that are in keeping with the building’s rural charm.
Inside, the wooden beams, exposed brick and character remain, but the interiors have had a refresh to create a bright, modern yet cosy feel. The upstairs master bedroom and ensuite, where the four Keylite windows have been installed, offer a plethora of light. What was once a dark, cramped space is now brimming with life and daylight.
As with any old building, it was important to ensure its thermal efficiency. A whole new heating system was installed, whilst other aspects of the renovation were implemented to minimise heat loss. The Keylite roof windows include an Integrated Expanding Thermal Collar as standard, which minimises any heat escaping around the windows, making the space far more thermally efficient.
“As with any renovation, the project certainly came with its challenges and lots of learnings, but it’s been worth it. The two properties look fantastic, and now that both the house and the cottage are on the housing market, we’re really excited to see families enjoy the new spaces we’ve helped create.”
