The Benefits of Underfloor Heating: Why You Should Choose It When Renovating When planning a home renovation, one of the most impactful upgrades you can make is to your heating system. While traditional radiators have been the go-to choice for decades, more and more homeowners are turning to underfloor heating  and for good reason. Not only does it offer comfort and efficiency, but it also adds long-term value to your property. Here’s why underfloor heating is worth considering for your next renovation project. Ultimate Comfort and Even Heat Distribution Imagine stepping onto a warm floor on a chilly morning  that’s the kind of comfort underfloor heating provides every day. Unlike radiators, which heat the air unevenly (hot near the radiator, cooler farther away), underfloor systems distribute warmth evenly across the entire room. Because the heat radiates upwards from the floor, the temperature is more consistent and natural. Studies show that underfloor heating can maintain an optimal comfort level at around 2°C lower than radiator systems, meaning you’ll feel just as warm while using less energy overall. More Energy Efficient and Cost-Effective Underfloor heating operates at a lower temperature (typically between 27°C and 45°C) compared to radiators, which need to reach 65 - 75°C to heat a space effectively. Because it’s more efficient at transferring heat, it can significantly reduce your energy usage  and your bills over time. In fact, studies show that underfloor heating can be between 25 - 40% more energy-efficient than traditional radiators, depending on your home’s insulation and the type of system you choose. When paired with modern heat sources like air-source or ground-source heat pumps, underfloor heating becomes even more efficient and environmentally friendly. It’s a smart investment that pays off in lower running costs and greater sustainability. Aesthetically Pleasing - More Space, No Radiator s Renovating often means rethinking your home’s layout and style. With underfloor heating, you can say goodbye to bulky radiators and reclaim valuable wall space, looking more spacious and feeling more spacious. This gives you greater freedom in interior design,  more room for furniture, decor, and a cleaner, more minimal look. It’s a small change that can have a big visual impact. Works with All Floor Types Modern underfloor heating systems can be installed beneath a wide variety of flooring materials, including tile, stone, laminate, engineered wood, and even carpet  (with the right underlay). This makes it an ideal choice for kitchens, bathrooms, and open-plan living spaces, or even throughout your entire home. Healthier Indoor Air Quality R adiators rely on convection, which stirs up dust and allergens as warm air circulates. Underfloor heating, on the other hand, radiates heat gently without moving air around. This creates a cleaner, healthier environment, especially beneficial for allergy sufferers or families with young children. Long Lifespan and Low Maintenance Once installed, underfloor heating systems are remarkably low maintenance. There are no radiators to bleed, no valves to replace, and the system itself can last for decades. Wet (hydronic) systems, in particular, are known for their longevity and reliability, making them a true “fit and forget” solution. Adds Value to Your Home Buyers are increasingly looking for energy-efficient, modern heating systems, and underfloor heating is a standout feature that can boost your home’s value. It’s not just a luxury anymore,  underfloor heating not only adds value to your property but also helps to future - proof it against changing energy standards and buyer expectations.  When renovating, it’s the perfect time to install underfloor heating, as it can be integrated seamlessly while new flooring, insulation, or extensions are being added, making it far more cost-effective and less disruptive than a retrofit. Studies show that homes with energy - efficient heating systems such as underfloor heating can increase in value by 3-8% , while improving your home’s Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)  rating, a key factor for modern buyers, with 59% of listings mentioning EPC ratings. Altogether, it’s a smart, sustainable investment that enhances comfort, efficiency, and design appeal, a true value-adding upgrade for any renovation. Is Underfloor Heating Right for Your Renovation? If you’re renovating or extending your home, it’s the perfect time to install underfloor heating. It integrates seamlessly with new flooring and insulation, and once it’s in, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it. Whether you choose electric underfloor heating  for smaller areas or wet systems  for whole-house comfort, the benefits are clear: warmth, efficiency, style, and long-term value. Ready to Upgrade Your Home Heating? Transform your renovation project with the comfort and efficiency of underfloor heating, learn more about the work we do. Contact our team today for expert advice, a free consultation: ​​ info@voskefinish.uk +447886806712

In May 2025, a London homeowner partnered with VoskeFinish to breathe new life into an unused garage. The goal was to complete a garage conversion to a self-contained annex that included a modern kitchen, full bathroom, comfortable living area, and a stylish mezzanine bedroom. This project reflects a growing trend in the UK where an estimated 35% of homeowners are opting to convert existing space rather than move house ( IF Magazine ). Planning a Self-Contained Annex Conversion With the average cost of moving home in London now exceeding £30,000 (The Times, 2025) , many homeowners are investing that capital into high-return property improvements. Our North London client envisioned a stylish annex for long-term guests or rental income. The design included a rear extension to fit a compact kitchen, a raised roof to house a mezzanine bedroom, and internal zoning for a bathroom and living space. These improvements not only improve liveability but also unlock new functional square footage. Full Scope of Work The project included substantial structural and internal upgrades: Rear kitchen extension Roof raised to accommodate a mezzanine bedroom Stud wall construction for a separate bathroom Full bathroom and kitchen installation Thermal insulation to meet current Building Regulations (Part L) Engineered wood flooring throughout Custom-built staircase Complete plastering and decoration Notably, thermal efficiency was a key focus: Homes with high insulation standards can reduce heating bills by up to 25% per year ( Eco Homes Installation ). Timeline and Completion Construction began in May 2025 , with a planned completion time of 12 to 15 weeks . Garage conversions of this scope particularly with a raised roof and structural extension require more time than a simple re-fit. Planning, engineering, and interior finishing are all factored into the timeline. Given London’s ongoing housing shortage and the demand for flexible living space, these conversions offer exceptional long-term ROI. Legal and Planning Considerations Unlike a standard garage-to-room conversion, creating a self-contained unit with plumbing and cooking facilities usually requires full planning permission . In this case, approval was secured for: The raised roof The rear extension The inclusion of a kitchen and bathroom All work was fully compliant with UK Building Regulations , including fire safety, insulation, ventilation, and access. The project was delivered with full certification, ensuring the annex could be legally used as independent living space. Why Choose Voske Finish? Voske Finish is a trusted North London contractor known for premium-grade workmanship and attention to detail. Our team specialises in high-impact home upgrades, including garage conversions, lofts, kitchen extensions, and full refurbishments. This project featured: Custom joinery for the staircase Precision thermal insulation for year-round comfort Tailored bathroom and kitchen design Expert plastering and finishes VoskeFinish manages every stage, from design to finish, ensuring quality, compliance, and customer satisfaction throughout. Final Thoughts This garage conversion to a self-contained annex showcases the full potential of underutilised space. With thoughtful design, skilled construction, and the right permissions, homeowners can dramatically increase their living capacity and property value without moving house. Whether you're planning a rental-ready unit, a private guest space, office space or just more flexibility for multigenerational living, now is a great time to invest in your property’s potential. 🔗 Interested in your own conversion? Visit voskefinish.uk to see more stunning transformations or get in touch for a free quote: info@voskefinish.uk or +447886806712

We recently completed a walkway renovation in Barnes , blending traditional design elements with meticulous craftsmanship to create an outstanding outdoor space. This walkway upgrade , which took just two weeks to prepare and complete, highlights how a thoughtful approach to design and execution can elevate the look of any property. Although the tile supplier shop is located in London , the house where we installed the tiles is in Barnes one of the most prestigious postcodes in the Richmond Borough and London. A Vision for Classic Elegance The client’s vision was clear: a "classic" walkway design featuring the timeless beauty of Victorian Mosaic tiles . These intricate, decorative tiles are often associated with historical designs, making them the perfect choice for the client’s desire to incorporate a vintage aesthetic into her home’s exterior. The supplier European Heritage provided the high-quality Victorian Mosaic tiles used for the project, ensuring that every detail matched the client's vision perfectly. The Key to Success: Thorough Preparation The success of this outdoor walkway installation lies in the preparation. A well-prepared sub-floor is essential for a seamless and long-lasting tile installation, and the focus on ensuring a smooth surface was critical. The careful levelling and smoothing of the sub-floor before laying down the tiles ensured both durability and aesthetic quality, setting the foundation for a flawless finish. The Art of Planning: Symmetry and Proportion When creating a Victorian walkway with mosaic tiles , design plays an essential role. For this project, the layout was meticulously planned to ensure a perfectly symmetrical look, which highlighted the beauty of the mosaic tiles. The careful selection of design patterns for both the centre of the walkway and the proportioned border tiles allowed for an elegant flow, making sure the intricate details could be appreciated from every angle. The Tilers: Patience and Perfectionism The success of this project would not have been possible without the skill and patience of our tilers. Their dedication to precision and their perfectionist approach ensured that each tile was perfectly aligned, with attention to detail shown in every step of the installation. From carefully placing each tile to the finishing touches with the grout, the tilers' craftsmanship truly brought the design to life. Final Thoughts: The Walkway Project This walkway project serves as a beautiful example of how traditional Victorian tile designs can be brought to life through modern craftsmanship. The combination of meticulous preparation, thoughtful design, and skillful execution resulted in a walkway that is not only functional but also an elegant work of art. Whether you’re looking to upgrade your walkway with a classic touch or create a new outdoor space entirely, this project highlights the importance of attention to detail and the value of skilled professionals in creating lasting beauty. If you're considering a residential walkway upgrade, looking to incorporate Victorian mosaic tiles, or planning a full renovation or simple upgrade, we’re here to help bring your vision to life. Contact us today and explore some of our r ecent projects for inspiration on how we can transform your space.

In today's world, energy efficiency is a top priority for homeowners and businesses alike. Rising energy costs and environmental concerns have pushed innovation in construction and renovation, leading to smarter solutions that not only reduce energy consumption but also improve the overall comfort of living spaces. One such breakthrough is the combination of External 100mm Installation and Silicone Rendering, a project that has already proven its effectiveness by reducing heat loss by up to 35%. In addition Energy Saving Trust claims you can save between £140 and £700 annually on energy bills through external 100m installation.  The Project: External 100mm Installation and Silicone Rendering The goal of the recent project was to drastically improve the thermal performance of a building by installing External 100mm insulation along with silicone rendering. This method tackles two critical issues: heat loss reduction and the need for sustainable energy practices. By applying these techniques, the property sees a significant reduction in heat loss, depending on the initial state of the building’s insulation and structure. External 100mm Installation  refers to the process of adding a high-performance insulating material to the exterior of a building, which serves as a thermal barrier. This installation helps maintain consistent internal temperatures, regardless of weather conditions outside. In colder months, it reduces the need for constant heating, thus lowering energy consumption and heating costs. Silicone Rendering , on the other hand, is applied over the insulation as a protective and decorative coating. Not only does silicone render offer aesthetic appeal, but it also contributes to reducing the building’s overall energy consumption. The silicone material is breathable, allowing moisture to escape while keeping external elements, like wind and rain, at bay. The result? A structure that is both durable and energy-efficient, keeping the building insulated without compromising on style. Why 35% Heat Loss Reduction Matters In practical terms, reducing heat loss by 35% means a notable decrease in the amount of energy required to keep the space warm during colder months. For homeowners, this translates into significantly lower heating bills. For businesses, it’s an effective strategy for reducing overhead costs, especially in large buildings or office spaces where heating and cooling can account for a significant portion of the monthly budget. Moreover, the environmental benefits of reducing energy use align with global sustainability goals. For example, in an average-sized home, this reduction in heat loss could mean a reduction of up to £300-£400 annually on heating costs. For larger properties or offices, the savings could be even greater, making this investment in insulation and rendering an effective way to cut energy bills and carbon footprints. The Specialists Behind the Solution The success of this project was made possible with the support of our specialist supplier Eco House BM  who provided high-quality materials and expert guidance.  Ecohouse Store takes a whole-system approach to external wall insulation, offering a comprehensive range of insulation and render products from trusted manufacturers and well-established brand names. Their dedication to sustainability and energy efficiency, along with their commitment to delivering top-notch materials at great prices, ensured the project's outstanding results. Whether ordering online or over the phone, Ecohouse Store offers a seamless experience, delivering the right materials to your home, building project, or workplace.   Long-Term Benefits of External Insulation and Silicone Rendering This project doesn’t just provide short-term savings it also offers several long-term benefits: Energy Savings : With a reduction in heat loss, the demand for heating decreases, directly lowering utility costs over time. On average, this could result in savings of up to 35% on energy bills. Environmental Impact : Lowering energy consumption reduces the carbon footprint of the building, contributing to a greener, more sustainable future. Enhanced Durability : The silicone render not only improves aesthetics but also adds a layer of protection to the exterior of the building, resisting weathering, cracking, and other forms of wear. The silicone render’s resistance to moisture and harsh weather conditions helps extend the life of the building’s exterior. Increased Property Value : Energy-efficient improvements such as this are becoming increasingly sought after by homebuyers and property investors, boosting the value of the property in the long run. Energy-efficient homes are known to attract a higher resale value and marketability. Comfort : Maintaining a consistent internal temperature is vital for comfort. This insulation technique ensures that the building remains warmer in winter and cooler in summer, offering year-round comfort to the inhabitants. No more hot or cold spots in the home! Choosing the Correct Renovator The recent External 100mm installation and silicone rendering project stands as a prime example of how modern construction methods can significantly improve energy efficiency, reduce costs, and contribute to sustainability. By embracing these advanced techniques, property owners can take a step toward more sustainable living and enjoy the benefits of reduced heating costs for years to come. The house after the installation and rendering! We offer a number of renovation services  to help fulfill your dream home, and with the completion of this successful project coupled with numerous other projects, our team of experts is committed to providing high-quality renovation projects. If you're looking to enhance your home’s energy efficiency or undertake a similar renovation, contact us today  for a consultation and get started on your energy-efficient home improvement journey!