⚖️ Choosing the Right Contractor: Why the Lowest Quote Isn’t Always the Best Choice

Planning a home extension or renovation is exciting — but when the contractor quotes start rolling in, it can quickly become overwhelming. How do you know which offer truly delivers the best value, not just the best price? It's easy to assume that cheaper is better, but when it comes to your home, cutting corners can cost you far more in the long run.

In this article, I’ll walk you through how to confidently compare contractor quotes, ask the right questions, and make a choice you’ll feel good about — both now and for years to come.

🔥 Let’s get started: How to Compare Contractor Quotes for Your Home Extension or Renovation

🔍 Why Architect-Led Design Adds Value to Your Project: Insights from Fincloon Architects

We’re excited to launch the first in a new series of guest articles on the DSN+BD blog—starting with a thought-provoking piece by Eugene Reid, Founder & Director of Fincloon Architects Ltd.

In "Design Led by Architects: Unlocking Value", Eugene explores how architect-led design brings clarity, creativity, and long-term value to a wide range of projects—from new homes and extensions to commercial builds and fit-outs. It’s not just about how things look—it's about how they work, how they flow, and how they deliver value from day one.

At DSN+BD, we believe great design is the foundation of a successful build. That’s why we always work with fully qualified architects on all of our design-led design and build projects. It's how we ensure quality, cohesion, and the best possible outcomes for our clients.

👉 Read it here: Design Led by Architects: Unlocking Value

A big thank you to Eugene for kicking off our guest series with this brilliant contribution. More expert insights to follow—watch this space.

🆕 New on the Blog: Why Choose a Design-Led Design & Build Approach for Your Home Project?

If you're planning a home extension, renovation, or internal reconfiguration, one of the most important early decisions you'll make is how to deliver the project.

Should you hire an architect first? Go straight to a builder? Or consider a more integrated route?

At DSN+BD Construction, we champion a design-led design and build approach — one that brings design creativity and construction knowledge together under one roof, from day one.

In our latest article, we explore:

• What this approach really means in practice

• The key benefits for homeowners

• How it helps you stay on time, on budget, and aligned with your goals

🔗 Read the full article here: Why Choose a Design-Led Design & Build Approach for Your Home Project?

Whether you're just starting to plan or already weighing up options, this piece will help you make a more informed, confident choice for your home project.

⚡ Electrical Sub-Mains Installation for Modern Residential Projects

As homes become smarter and more connected, the infrastructure behind the walls becomes just as important as the finishes we see every day. At DSN+BD Construction, we approach every component of a build — from structure to socket — with the same level of thoughtfulness and care. Our latest electrical sub-mains installation is a great example of this mindset in action.

🔧 What Is an Electrical Sub-Mains Installation?

A sub-main is a dedicated electrical supply line that connects a property’s main consumer unit to a secondary distribution board — often located in an extension, outbuilding, or remote part of the home. It ensures:

• Balanced load distribution across zones

• Futureproofed circuits for growing power demands

• Enhanced safety with localised control and protection

In this particular project, we’re delivering power from the front of the property all the way to a new rear extension. That’s over 30 metres of sub-mains cabling, designed and installed to the highest regulatory standards.

⚙️ How We Installed It – Safety First, Future Ready

We're currently laying a brand new armoured sub-mains cable, stretching a solid 30+ metres from the main electrical board to the newly built rear zone of the property. This isn’t just a simple connection — it’s a futureproof power link built to last.

To meet both practical and safety standards, the cable is being routed underground within a rigid duct, at a depth of no less than 450mm. This complies fully with Regulation 522.8.10 of BS 7671:2018+A2:2022, which governs the protection of buried cables.

This means:

• The cable is safely protected from mechanical damage

• Maintenance and access are simplified with proper ducting

• Long-term performance is optimised for changing household power needs

We also ensured appropriate termination, earthing, and certification as part of the full Part P compliant installation.

💡 Why Electrical Planning Matters in Design-Led Construction

A sub-mains cable may not be the most glamorous part of a project, but it's a vital one. It enables safe, robust power delivery to areas of the home that would otherwise overload the main board or rely on compromised routing.

By planning for this early — at the design stage — we ensure that the infrastructure supports the lifestyle of the household, not just today, but for years to come. That includes future loads like:

• Electric vehicle (EV) chargers

• Garden offices and studios

• High-spec kitchens or utility zones

• Renewable energy systems and battery storage

🏡 From Cable to Comfort

This sub-mains installation is a great reminder that thoughtful building isn't just about finishes — it’s about what lies beneath. With this upgrade, our client can now enjoy peace of mind, knowing that their home is powered by an electrical system that’s safe, future-ready, and built to last.

Need help planning the infrastructure behind your extension or renovation?
We offer a fully integrated design and build service that considers every detail — visible and invisible.

📩 Get in touch to talk through your project.

🌧️ Soakaway Crates Installation – Smart, Sustainable Drainage by DSN+BD

At DSN+BD Construction, thoughtful building isn’t just about stunning interiors and precise finishes — it’s also about the systems beneath the surface that keep homes dry, durable, and environmentally sound. Our latest soakaway crates installation is a great example of this approach in action, combining performance engineering with eco-conscious design thinking.

💧 What Is a Soakaway System?

A soakaway is an underground drainage system that manages surface water runoff — typically from roofs or paved areas — and allows it to gradually percolate back into the ground. It’s a key element in any high-performing home, especially where sustainable drainage (SuDS) and compliance with Building Regulations Part H are required.

Rather than overwhelm mains drainage, soakaways reduce pressure on infrastructure and help prevent waterlogging and foundation issues.

♻️ Meet the System: Polystorm-R Modular Soakaway Crates

We’re putting serious sustainability into the ground with this one.

For this installation, we’ve used Polystorm-R Modular Cell Crates — a high-performance solution made from 90% recycled materials. These modular units are cleverly engineered to store and slowly disperse rainwater collected from the property’s roof.

Water is funneled through a system of drainage pipes from the gutters, and directed straight into the soakaway system.

Installation specs include:

• 📏 20 Polystorm-R units, each measuring 1m x 1m

• 💪 Compressive strength of 61 tonnes/m², suitable for residential loads

• 🧱 Stacked and locked to form a stable, high-capacity underground system

• 📐 Buried at a depth of 500mm to keep the system discreet and protected

• 🧵 Wrapped in Geotextile Highly Permeable Fabric — allowing water to filter out while keeping soil and debris from clogging the system

It’s smart, invisible engineering designed to work quietly in the background — and it’s built to last.

🛠️ Why It Matters in Design-Led Construction

We treat infrastructure with the same respect we give to design. Proper drainage is foundational — not just for regulatory compliance, but for long-term performance and peace of mind. Poor drainage can lead to:

• Water pooling near foundations

• Damp or internal moisture problems

• Erosion or landscaping damage

• Stress on public sewers

By integrating drainage strategy from the outset, we ensure homes that are not only beautiful and functional, but resilient and low-maintenance.

🌍 Building Smarter, Building Greener

This soakaway installation isn’t just technically sound — it’s a smart, eco-conscious solution. By using recycled materials, reducing pressure on mains infrastructure, and promoting groundwater recharge, we’re delivering value far beyond the surface.

At DSN+BD, we build homes that look good, work hard, and respect the environment — with every layer working together.

Planning an extension, new build or landscaping project?
Let’s talk about how to make your project sustainable from the ground up.

📩 Get in touch to learn more about how we integrate smart drainage, structural planning, and precision detailing into every build.

🏠 Flat Roof with a Smart Upgrade – Built to Perform, Designed to Last

At DSN+BD Construction, we know that a flat roof isn’t just a cap on a structure — it’s an opportunity to bring together smart detailing, robust performance, and seamless integration. In our latest flat roof upgrade, we delivered a system that ticks every box: weather protection, thermal efficiency, and a sleek, architectural finish — all without compromise.

🔧 A Smarter Flat Roof Build-Up

This project involved a full structural and thermal rework of the roof, not just a cosmetic upgrade. We approached it as a complete system, layer by layer:

• ✅ 18mm structural ply for a stable, resilient base

• ✅ A bitumen vapour control layer to prevent interstitial condensation

• ✅ 150mm PIR rigid insulation boards for high-performance thermal efficiency

• ✅ A self-adhered single-ply waterproof membrane — more on that below!

Each layer was chosen for performance, compatibility, and compliance — creating a high-spec build-up that will stand the test of time.

🌧️ Enter Sarnafil AT-18 FSA P – The Game-Changer

For the waterproofing layer, we went all-in on Sarnafil AT-18 FSA P, a self-adhered, high-performance membrane that delivers on every front. Why did we choose it?

• 💧 Outstanding waterproofing properties

• 🎯 Minimal material interfaces, reducing the risk of leaks at junctions and upstands

• 🪄 Clean, sleek visual finish that mimics profiled PPC aluminium cappings

• 💸 Cost-effective without compromising on quality

• 🔒 Backed by a full warranty and HomePro Ltd insurance guarantee

This system not only simplifies the construction process by eliminating complex transition joints and fixing points, it also streamlines future maintenance and enhances long-term durability. It’s waterproofing — made smarter.

🧠 Design-Led, Build-Informed

Because we approach every project as a design-led design and build team, we’re able to anticipate where performance and aesthetics must align. With this roof, the upstands and interfaces were seamlessly handled — with clean detailing and hidden transitions — so that the final result performs technically while looking beautifully minimal from the outside.

We also considered:

• Proper drainage gradients to avoid standing water

• Clean integration with parapets, fascias, and external wall finishes

• Long-term serviceability without visual disruption

🌦️ Ready for the Elements, Designed for Everyday Life

Flat roofs must stand up to the full range of British weather — rain, heat, frost, UV, wind — and this system is built for it all. With the added assurance of warranty coverage and an insurance-backed guarantee, the client gets peace of mind along with a visually sharp and technically sound installation.

Thinking about a flat roof upgrade or building a new extension? We create flat roofing systems that look great, perform flawlessly, and last for years — thanks to smart material choices and fully integrated detailing.

📩 Get in touch to speak to our team about your next project.

🏠 Sarnafil Flat Roof Installation – Seamless Waterproofing Done Right

At DSN+BD Construction, we know that getting the structure right means going beyond what’s visible. Flat roofs — especially in residential extensions — require a precise balance of performance, aesthetics, and longevity. That’s why, for this recent flat roof installation, we chose a material that delivers on all fronts: Sarnafil AT-18 FSA P.

🧰 Why Sarnafil?

The roof’s now fully set and sealed with the Sarnafil AT-18 FSA P membrane — a self-adhered, high-performance product designed specifically for flat roofs and upstands. Here’s why we chose it:

• ✅ Flexible polyolefins (FPO) construction for long-term durability

• 💧 Creates a robust, flexible waterproof barrier that adapts to movement and weather changes

• 🔥 Fully welded and sealed on-site by trained installers

• 🧱 Perfect for tricky junctions and vertical elements like upstands and parapets

• 🌧️ Excellent protection against the full force of the UK’s changing weather

This material doesn’t just sit on the roof — it bonds, seals, and defends.

🔒 Protection With Peace of Mind

We don’t just install it and walk away. Your investment is backed by a full product warranty and an insurance-backed guarantee from HomePro Ltd — giving you total reassurance that your roof is protected for the long haul.

That means no stress about leaks, no worries about workmanship, and no unexpected surprises later on. Just easy, reliable, watertight peace of mind.

🛠️ Our Flat Roof Approach

This isn’t a quick fix. It’s part of a fully considered roof system — typically starting with:

• 18mm structural ply or OSB deck

• A bitumen or foil-faced vapour control layer

• High-performance PIR insulation boards

• Tapered falls and integrated drainage, where required

• And finally, the Sarnafil AT-18 FSA P membrane — fully adhered, welded, and sealed

We design the build-up to suit the use of the space beneath, energy goals, and future maintenance needs — all while keeping detailing crisp and clean.

🌦️ Designed for British Weather, Installed for Life

Whether it’s relentless rain, UV exposure, freezing conditions or expansion and contraction through the seasons, this system is built to handle it — without compromising on appearance.

Because we’re a design-led design and build company, we don’t just focus on how it works — we focus on how it looks and lives with the rest of your home.

Need a flat roof that delivers peace of mind as well as performance?
We specify, build, and warrant premium roofing systems tailored to your project — with the finish and function you expect from DSN+BD.

📩 Get in touch to talk to us about your upcoming project.

🪟 Internorm HF 410 Window Installation – Built for Comfort, Efficiency & Silence

At DSN+BD Construction, we treat every layer of the build — from structure to glazing — as a chance to improve the way people live. That’s why we were excited to install the Internorm HF 410 Timber/Aluminium Window as part of a recent project. This isn’t just a window — it’s a serious upgrade in energy efficiency, acoustic performance, and airtight precision.

🌡️ Exceptional Performance, Inside and Out

The Internorm HF 410 window is engineered to deliver maximum comfort in modern homes. Here’s why it’s such a standout:

• 🔒 U-value of just 0.64 W/(m²K) – outstanding thermal insulation

• 🔇 Up to 45dB sound reduction – keeping the outdoors where it belongs

• 🪵 Timber/aluminium hybrid frame – combining warmth, strength, and durability

• 🌿 Ideal for low-energy and Passivhaus-level airtightness goals

This window doesn’t just meet standards — it redefines them.

🔧 Installed the Right Way

A premium window deserves a premium installation — and we delivered just that. To ensure maximum performance, we:

• Secured the frame back to structural blockwork using extended brackets

• Aligned it perfectly with the external Celotex insulation to prevent thermal bridging

• Created a 10–15mm perimeter gap around the frame

• Filled the void with high-density RW3 Rockwool for acoustic and thermal integrity

• Sealed internally and externally with FR Acoustic Mastic to maintain airtightness and soundproofing

The result? A seamless, high-performance seal that keeps heat in, noise out, and cold at bay — all year round.

🎯 Why It Matters

High-spec glazing is one of the smartest investments in any new build or retrofit. It improves:

• 🔥 Thermal efficiency – reducing heat loss and lowering energy bills

• 🛏️ Acoustic performance – especially important in busy or urban environments

• 🧱 Structural integration – when installed correctly, it works with your insulation strategy, not against it

And because DSN+BD is a design-led design and build company, we ensure these technical details don’t just work — they’re beautifully integrated into the fabric of the building.

🌿 Comfort You Can Feel, Quality You Can Trust

The Internorm HF 410 is now in place — airtight, secure, and seamlessly finished. With its advanced design, expert installation, and long-lasting materials, this window will continue to perform for decades to come.

Enjoy the quiet, energy-efficient comfort of your new window — and know it’s been built to the highest standard.

Looking to elevate your project with high-performance glazing?
DSN+BD offers complete design and build solutions, including specification and precision installation of premium windows and doors.

📩 Get in touch to talk through your vision and requirements.

🛡️ Novia Breather Membrane Installation – Advanced Protection for High-Performance Building Envelopes

At DSN+BD Construction, we believe that what’s behind the facade is just as important as what you see on the surface. That’s why, when it comes to building performance, we only install materials that deliver on durability, fire safety, breathability, and weather protection.

Our current project features the installation of the Novia Class B-s1,d0 UV Facade FR Breather Membrane — and it’s already proving itself as an exceptional choice for contemporary construction.

🏗️ Why We Chose the Novia UV Facade FR Breather Membrane

This isn’t your everyday breather membrane. The Novia UV Facade FR is a fire-rated, UV-stable membrane designed for both wall and roof applications — and it’s particularly ideal for open-jointed rainscreen facades, where both appearance and performance matter.

Key Specs:

• 🔥 Class B-s1,d0 fire rating – excellent flame resistance and low smoke production

• 🌬️ Highly breathable – allows internal moisture to escape, protecting the building fabric

• ☀️ UV resistant – designed to perform even when exposed through open facade systems

• 🧱 Dual-use – suitable for both wall and pitched roof applications

This makes it the perfect fit for projects where technical performance, regulatory compliance, and aesthetic freedom need to work in harmony.

🔒 Airtight. Watertight. Fire-Resistant.

We don’t just install materials — we install them properly. For this project, we’ve taken every precaution to ensure the membrane is fully sealed and performing as intended:

• ✅ All vertical and horizontal laps sealed with Novia Ultraviolet Lap Tape (UVLT)

• ✅ Membrane carefully wrapped around key junctions for continuity

• ✅ Installed over insulation and under battens to maintain ventilation while ensuring protection

• ✅ Detailed integration with windows and openings to avoid thermal bridging or moisture ingress

This ensures a continuous, airtight envelope that resists wind-driven rain, allows internal vapour to escape, and adds a passive fire barrier to the outer skin of the structure.

🧠 Design-Led Details That Matter

Because we operate as a design-led design and build company, every component — from membranes to finishes — is integrated into the wider strategy. This means we consider the rainscreen design, cladding layout, insulation strategy, and fire compartmentation all in parallel, not in isolation.

Installing a membrane like Novia UV Facade FR is about more than ticking a box — it’s about future-proofing the building envelope while aligning with the architectural intent of the facade.

🏡 Long-Term Protection, Built In

With the Novia UV Facade FR now in place, this building has an added layer of protection against the elements — and the peace of mind that comes with certified fire performance and airtight installation.

It’s one more example of how DSN+BD Construction brings together design thinking and technical execution to build better, smarter homes and buildings.

Planning a rainscreen facade, timber frame build, or high-performance envelope?
We can help you specify and install the right protective layers — the ones that do the work while disappearing into the architecture.

📩 Get in touch to learn more about how we build from the inside out.

🧱 Dry Wall Installation – Building Quiet, Safe, and Comfortable Spaces

At DSN+BD Construction, great interiors don’t start with finishes — they start with foundations that are expertly planned and precisely built. Our latest dry wall installation is a perfect example of how the right materials and methods can enhance not just the structure of a home, but the way it feels to live in.

This project features the installation of Gyproc Soundbloc F plasterboard by British Gypsum — a high-performance board designed to deliver enhanced fire protection and sound insulation, perfect for modern living.

🔇 Why Gyproc Soundbloc F?

Not all plasterboard is created equal. For this build, we specified Gyproc Soundbloc F because it offers the kind of durability and protection that’s essential in high-spec residential construction.

Key Benefits:

• 🔥 60 minutes of fire resistance – adding critical safety to internal partitions and ceilings

• 🔇 Enhanced sound reduction – thanks to its high-density core, reducing airborne noise transfer

• 🧱 Robust and impact-resistant – perfect for busy homes or high-traffic areas

• ✅ Complies with British Standards for fire and acoustic performance

In short, it’s the go-to choice for spaces where comfort, privacy, and safety are a priority.

🛠️ Installed for Performance

Product choice is only half the story — performance depends on how well it’s installed. That’s why our team follows best practice every step of the way.

Here’s how we’ve raised the bar on this installation:

• ✅ Staggered joint lines to reduce sound transmission across board layers

• ✅ Acoustic mastic sealant applied between under-layers for airtight acoustic separation

• ✅ Precise board alignment and fixing for a smooth, reliable finish

• ✅ Full wall and ceiling coverage for consistent performance across the space

We’re not just lining walls — we’re building quieter, safer, and more enjoyable environments.

🧠 Design-Led Thinking, Build-Informed Detail

As a design-led design and build company, we don’t treat drywall as an afterthought. Whether it’s forming part of a party wall, a media room, or just dividing living zones, our approach is guided by:

• Spatial function

• Acoustic requirements

• Fire compartmentation

• Future flexibility and finish

This kind of planning ensures that every space not only looks great when completed — but feels comfortable and protected in daily life.

🏡 Building for a Better Interior Experience

With the Gyproc Soundbloc F system now fully installed, this home has gained more than just walls. It now has an extra layer of quiet, resilience, and peace of mind.

It’s just another way DSN+BD Construction builds beyond the surface — delivering homes that work better, feel better, and last longer.

Looking to improve soundproofing, fire protection, or interior comfort in your home? We specify and install the right materials for the job — always with care, clarity, and quality.

📩 Get in touch to talk to us about your next project.

🪵 Installation of Timber Frame Inner Wall Leaves – Structural Precision, Built to Last

At DSN+BD Construction, every structural element — hidden or visible — is approached with care, craftsmanship, and long-term performance in mind. Our recent work installing timber frame inner wall leaves is a textbook example of how thoughtful construction forms the backbone of beautiful, high-performing spaces.

This phase marks a critical step in shaping the internal shell of a project, where precision layout meets robust material selection — and where every stud and board plays a role in the home’s long-term durability, insulation, and spatial performance.

🏗️ What Are Timber Frame Inner Wall Leaves?

In timber frame construction, the inner wall leaf refers to the load-bearing or partitioning frame that forms the structural interior walls of the building. These are key to:

• 🧱 Dividing rooms and creating layout zones

• 🛠️ Supporting floors, ceilings, or roof structures

• 🌡️ Integrating insulation and airtightness measures

• 🔥 Meeting fire, acoustic, and thermal performance requirements

Done right, they ensure a strong, straight, and reliable skeleton that everything else is built upon.

🔩 Our Specification & Installation Approach

For this installation, we’ve focused on robust material choices and high-precision assembly. Key elements include:

• ✅ CLS-grade treated timber studs, ensuring dimensional stability and long-term resistance to movement

• ✅ Fixed to soleplates and noggins with secure mechanical fixings for a rigid, plumb frame

• ✅ Set out to exact centre-to-centre spacings for seamless integration with plasterboard and insulation

• ✅ Coordinated with structural and service layouts — including electrical first-fix and mechanical systems

Every wall leaf is built with forward planning in mind — ensuring the next layers (plasterboard, vapour control, joinery) fit perfectly, without compromise or rework.

🧠 Build-Informed, Design-Led

Because DSN+BD is a design-led design and build company, we don’t treat timber frame work as just a rough first fix. We treat it as the foundation of precision — affecting finish quality, service routes, and thermal performance later in the build.

Our timber frames are aligned with:

• Architectural layouts

• Door and window positions

• Services coordination

• Sound and fire separation requirements

This ensures every stud, brace, and board serves its purpose within the broader design intent of the space.

🏡 Framing a High-Performance Home

With the inner timber wall leaves now installed, this project is one step closer to becoming a high-quality, comfortable, and carefully crafted home. These frames will support not just the structure — but the comfort, durability, and liveability of the space for decades to come.

Planning a timber frame build or structural retrofit? At DSN+BD, we design and construct frame systems that deliver on layout, performance, and finish — all with total build precision.

📩 Get in touch to talk to our team about your project goals.

💧 Vapour Control Layer Installation – Protecting Your Home from the Inside Out

At DSN+BD Construction, we believe that a high-performing home isn’t just about stunning finishes — it’s about what happens behind the walls. One of the most overlooked but essential parts of any energy-efficient, long-lasting build is the vapour control layer (VCL). And on our latest project, this layer is now expertly installed and doing its critical job.

🛡️ What Is a Vapour Control Layer?

A Vapour Control Layer (VCL) is a thin but powerful barrier installed on the warm side of the insulation. Its job? To prevent warm, moisture-laden air from passing into the building fabric, where it could cool and condense — potentially leading to mould, damp, and damage over time.

Moisture control is one of the keys to a dry, durable, and energy-efficient home — and that’s exactly what this layer helps to achieve.

🔧 What We’re Installing: 500 Gauge Polyethylene Sheeting

For this project, we’ve used 500 Gauge Polyethylene Sheeting, a tried-and-tested VCL material that’s:

• 💪 Strong and durable – resistant to tearing during installation

• 💸 Budget-friendly – offering great value without compromising performance

• 🧱 Reliable – performs consistently across walls, ceilings, and floors

It’s a simple solution, but when installed properly, it makes a massive difference to the overall integrity and thermal performance of the home.

🔍 Why It Matters

When moisture finds its way into walls or roof spaces, it doesn’t just disappear. Over time, trapped condensation can:

• Damage timber frames and plasterboard

• Reduce the effectiveness of insulation

• Lead to mould and air quality issues

• Compromise airtightness and energy efficiency

By installing a VCL, we protect the structure and the insulation — ensuring everything performs as it should, for the long term.

🧠 Design-Led Thinking, Built Right

Because we work as a design-led design and build company, the vapour control layer isn’t an afterthought. It’s carefully considered as part of the whole wall build-up — alongside insulation, breather membranes, and airtightness detailing.

We ensure:

• Complete and continuous coverage

• Sealed joints around services and fixtures

• Secure fixing behind interior finishes

• Full compliance with Building Regs and best practice

It’s one more layer of thoughtfulness that makes a difference in how the home feels — warm, dry, and comfortable every day.

🏡 A Dry, Cozy, Energy-Efficient Home Starts Here

With the vapour control layer now installed, this home is well on its way to delivering real comfort — not just on the surface, but deep within the structure.

It’s a small detail with a big impact — and one more reason DSN+BD builds homes that last.

Planning a new build or energy-efficient retrofit? Let’s talk about the smart layers that make all the difference.

📩 Get in touch to find out how we deliver performance as well as precision.

🌲 Larch Cladding Installation – A Beautiful, Breathable Facade in the Making

At DSN+BD Construction, every surface tells a story — and that’s especially true with our latest Larch cladding installation. More than just a weather barrier, this cladding is an architectural feature in its own right: sustainably sourced, beautifully detailed, and built to evolve gracefully over time.

🪵 Why Larch?

Larch is a go-to material for modern external cladding — and for good reason. It’s naturally durable, resistant to rot and pests, and ideal for UK climates. But it’s not just practical — it’s visually stunning, offering rich golden tones that age beautifully into soft silvers and greys when left untreated.

For this project, we’re using specially prepared Larch boards, sourced from a trusted supplier to ensure the highest standard of quality and consistency. Each board is tailored to fit the design, bringing the facade to life with both form and function.

✏️ Design-Led Detailing

We’ve taken extra care in how these boards are cut and installed. Each one is carefully chamfered along the sides, creating a smart shadow-line detail that does more than just look great.

From straight on, the chamfered edges hide the gaps between boards, creating a crisp, continuous appearance. From the side, the gaps reveal depth, rhythm, and texture — a subtle architectural feature that gives the facade visual interest throughout the day as light moves across it.

🌬️ Built to Breathe

But this design isn’t just about aesthetics — it’s about performance.

Those intentional gaps between boards allow the cladding system to breathe, promoting airflow behind the facade. This:

• 🌫️ Helps moisture escape

• 🧱 Keeps the structure and insulation dry

• 🌡️ Improves long-term thermal performance

• ⏳ Extends the lifespan of both the timber and the building envelope

It’s passive design done properly — reducing the risk of trapped moisture and ensuring the cladding works with, not against, the rest of the build.

🎨 Finishing Touches: To Oil or Not to Oil?

Larch cladding can be treated with natural oils to preserve its vibrant colour — but for this project, the client has chosen to let the timber weather naturally.

Over time, it will transition into a soft grey/silver tone, giving the facade a beautiful, organic patina that helps it blend seamlessly into its environment. It’s a low-maintenance choice that enhances the building’s connection to nature, while still offering all the functional benefits of this high-spec material.

🏡 Functional Beauty That Lasts

This Larch cladding isn’t just a rain screen — it’s a carefully considered part of the architecture. It enhances the thermal performance, weather protection, and aesthetic appeal of the home, while also ageing gracefully and requiring minimal intervention.

At DSN+BD, we believe in materials that perform beautifully and age with character — and this installation is a perfect example of that ethos in action.

Looking to enhance your home with natural materials and smart detailing? We design and build high-performance cladding systems that balance aesthetics, performance, and sustainability — from concept to completion.

📩 Get in touch to find out how we can bring thoughtful, lasting design to your next project.

🧱 DPC & DPM Installation – Creating a Dry, Durable Foundation with Visqueen

At DSN+BD Construction, we know that a well-built home doesn’t start with finishes — it starts with foundation-level protection. That’s why we take moisture control seriously, installing high-performance damp-proofing systems that protect your structure for decades to come.

Our latest DPC/DPM installation uses an integrated system by Visqueen, ensuring this home stays dry, secure, and built to last — from the ground up.

💧 Why DPC & DPM Matter

Damp-Proof Courses (DPC) and Damp-Proof Membranes (DPM) are crucial elements of a building’s envelope, forming a barrier that stops moisture from seeping up through blockwork or below-slab surfaces. Without them, structures can suffer from:

• Damp and mould

• Degrading finishes and fixings

• Compromised insulation performance

• Structural decay over time

By specifying the right materials and detailing the overlaps correctly, we ensure that moisture stays where it belongs — outside the building envelope.

🔧 The DSN+BD Approach – Visqueen, Layered for Protection

For this project, we’ve installed a robust, multi-layered system using Visqueen products — and the results are watertight in every sense.

Here’s what we used:

• ✅ Visqueen Self-Adhesive Membrane, applied directly to the inside face of the blockwork over HP Tanking Primer, forming an impenetrable moisture barrier

• ✅ The membrane runs seamlessly down to the structural slab, with a 200mm overlap for extra coverage and protection

• ✅ Visqueen Radon R400 (red) 1600 Gauge DPM laid across the slab, overlapping the membrane to form a continuous damp-proof layer

• ✅ All overlaps and junctions are sealed with VisqueenPro Double-Sided Jointing Tape and Gas-Resistant Foil Lap Tape for a long-lasting, airtight seal

This system doesn’t just block water — it resists radon gas, adds structural resilience, and delivers full compliance with Building Regulations for moisture protection.

🧠 Designed for Longevity

Because we’re a design-led design and build company, our damp-proofing work is never rushed or pieced together at the last minute. Every layer is:

• Carefully coordinated with wall, floor, and insulation details

• Installed with correct sequencing and tape overlaps

• Integrated into the wider air and moisture control strategy

• Futureproofed with durable materials and robust workmanship

This gives our clients total confidence that their homes are not only beautifully designed, but resilient from the foundations up.

🏡 Dry, Strong, and Ready for More

With this Visqueen DPC/DPM system in place, this home is set up for success — protected from rising damp, ground moisture, and radon ingress. It’s one of those behind-the-scenes details that you’ll never see, but you’ll always feel the benefit of.

Planning a new build, basement, or slab-on-ground extension? We install fully integrated moisture and gas barrier systems that keep your structure secure for the long term.

📩 Get in touch to find out how we build with protection in every layer.

🧱 Joistwork Installation – Strength, Precision, and Structural Confidence

At DSN+BD Construction, we know that great architecture needs great engineering behind it. That’s why every element — from the footings to the roofline — is carefully considered and expertly executed. Our latest joistwork installation is a brilliant example of how structure and strategy come together to support a home that’s built to last.

This phase of the project involved the installation of FinnFrame I-Joists, delivering high strength, long spans, and reliable performance — all custom-specified by our structural engineer.

🔧 What We Installed – Engineered to Perform

We’re using 53mm x 300mm FinnFrame I-Joists, designed specifically for this project to carry the wide span and heavy load of the roof structure. These engineered timber joists offer:

• 💪 Excellent load-bearing capacity

• 📏 Consistent, straight dimensions for accurate installation

• 🌲 Lightweight yet strong construction, making them easy to handle and secure

• 🧱 Superior span performance compared to traditional solid timber joists

They’ve been precisely calculated and specified by our structural engineer to ensure safe, long-lasting support for the entire roof system.

🛠️ Installed with Strength and Detail

It’s not just about what you use — it’s how you install it. We’ve made sure every joist is installed to perfection, with solid bearing and smart fixings:

• 🔩 At the rear of the building, joists are anchored with Simpson Strong-Tie Masonry Joist Hangers for absolute strength and stability

• 🪵 At the front, joists rest neatly on a timber wall plate, which is firmly fixed to a frame of interconnected timber studs to spread the load evenly

• 📐 Everything has been checked for level, alignment, and spacing — ready for the next stage of the build

This structural detail is a crucial step, setting the stage for the walls, roof, and finishes to follow with total confidence.

🧠 Structural Precision Meets Design Intent

Because DSN+BD is a design-led design and build company, we ensure structural solutions don’t just work — they work in harmony with the architectural design.

That means:

• Clear headroom maintained

• No awkward junctions or boxed-in beams

• Integrated service runs accounted for

• A seamless flow from shell to finish

The result? A structure that’s efficient, tidy, and built to perform, ready to carry loads, support detailing, and deliver long-term peace of mind.

🏡 A Strong Base for a Beautiful Home

With the FinnFrame I-Joists now expertly installed, this home has a solid backbone in place — literally. It’s a reminder that behind every clean line and quiet ceiling is a framework of smart, deliberate craftsmanship.

At DSN+BD, we build this kind of care into every layer.

Planning a new build, loft conversion or extension? We deliver fully integrated structural packages, calculated, engineered, and installed with precision.

📩 Get in touch to learn how we support smarter builds from the inside out.

🧱 External Insulation Installation – High-Performance Warmth with Safety at the Core

At DSN+BD Construction, we believe energy efficiency and fire safety should go hand in hand. That’s why our latest external insulation installation combines premium thermal performance with best-in-class protective detailing — all tailored to suit the unique demands of this build.

We’ve just completed the installation of 100mm Celotex GA 4000 insulation as part of the external wall build-up, and it’s already making a big impact.

🌡️ Thermal Performance That Delivers

The Celotex GA 4000 is a high-performance Polyisocyanurate (PIR) board known for its excellent thermal insulation properties. With this installation, we’ve achieved a U-value of 0.17 W/m²K — a significant step toward lowering heating demand and improving year-round comfort.

Key Benefits:

• ✅ Reduces energy bills by improving thermal resistance

• ✅ Creates a consistent internal temperature through all seasons

• ✅ Lightweight and easy to fix without compromising performance

• ✅ Ideal for residential retrofits and new builds alike

It’s a smart, efficient choice that forms the backbone of a well-insulated, high-performing home.

🔥 Fire Protection Where It Matters

While Celotex GA 4000 excels in thermal efficiency, it is also a combustible material. That’s why we’ve taken proactive steps to address fire safety — installing a Class B-s1,d0 rated breather membrane over the entire insulated surface.

We’ve used Novia’s UV Facade FR Breather Membrane, which:

• 🔥 Meets fire-resistant standards

• 🌬️ Maintains full breathability to protect the wall build-up

• ☀️ Is UV-stable, making it suitable for open-jointed facades and exposed detailing

This ensures the insulation layer remains protected from flame spread while still allowing any internal moisture to escape — keeping the structure dry and safe.

🔒 Airtightness You Can Trust

To ensure the whole system performs as one continuous, protected envelope, we’ve sealed all junctions with Novia Ultraviolet Lap Tape (UVLT). This guarantees:

• 🛑 Airtight joints

• 💧 Water ingress prevention

• 🔒 Enhanced membrane durability and lifespan

Combined, this system provides thermal efficiency, moisture protection, and fire safety — all in one carefully layered solution.

🧠 Design-Led Detailing, Build-Informed Delivery

As a design-led design and build company, we consider every layer from the earliest stages of the project. This insulation and membrane combination is more than a technical requirement — it’s an integral part of the building’s comfort, compliance, and long-term performance.

From accurate fixing methods to smart sequencing, we ensure that every component works with the next — keeping your home warm, protected, and future-ready.

🏡 Built for Warmth, Designed for Safety

With the Celotex insulation and Novia membrane system now in place, this project is moving forward with confidence — combining the best of modern insulation with fire-conscious detailing and airtight installation.

It’s proof that smart building isn’t just about what you see — it’s about how each layer works behind the scenes.

Planning a renovation or energy-efficient new build? We design and install complete insulation systems that protect your home from the elements — and meet the latest in thermal and fire performance standards.

📩 Get in touch to discuss your insulation goals with the DSN+BD team.

🧱 Blockwork Installation – Building a Stronger Foundation with Dense Concrete Blocks

At DSN+BD Construction, structural integrity is at the heart of every build. Whether it's a new extension, a ground-up home, or a hybrid construction system, the quality of the foundation makes all the difference. Our current blockwork installation is a perfect example of getting the fundamentals right — with material choice and skilled execution working hand in hand.

We’re currently installing 140mm Solid Dense 7.3N Concrete Blocks, ideal for forming the internal structure of cavity wall systems, especially where one side is required to carry load.

💪 Why Dense Concrete Blocks?

Each block weighs in at 26.5kg, making it a serious structural component capable of withstanding significant compressive loads. These 7.3 Newton blocks are not only tough but also contribute to the thermal and acoustic performance of the building.

Key Benefits:

• 🧱 High strength – suitable for structural and load-bearing applications

• 💧 Great water resistance – essential for durability and internal dryness

• 🔇 Sound insulation – mass density helps reduce noise transmission

• 🔥 Non-combustible – adding to the overall fire performance of the wall system

These blocks are a top choice for projects that demand robust, long-lasting construction with excellent thermal and acoustic characteristics.

🧰 Installed with Accuracy and Care

Heavy-duty blockwork demands precision — both in layout and workmanship. Our team ensures every unit is:

• ✅ Laid true and level for consistent load distribution

• ✅ Jointed and aligned with care to maintain wall integrity and surface flatness

• ✅ Stacked to design specification, ensuring stability as the structure grows

• ✅ Prepared for follow-on trades, enabling smooth integration with insulation, services, and finishes

While there are no wall ties in this particular build-up, the blockwork forms a critical part of the standalone structural envelope — one that needs to be both robust and cleanly executed.

🧠 Design-Led. Build-Smart.

At DSN+BD, we work differently. As a design-led design and build company, our construction strategy is integrated from day one. That means each block, panel, or layer is considered in the context of the broader architectural, thermal, and build sequencing strategy.

The result? A structure that’s not just strong — but smart, forming a reliable platform for everything that follows.

🏡 Strength That Sets the Standard

With the 140mm dense concrete blockwork now going in, this project is shaping up with the kind of solidity and craftsmanship that underpins every DSN+BD build. It’s about more than walls — it’s about creating a lasting legacy of strength and performance.

Planning a new build or extension? Let’s make sure your structure is as refined and resilient as your design.

📩 Get in touch to discuss how DSN+BD can deliver your next project from the ground up.

🧊 Kingspan GreenGuard Installation – Insulating from the Ground Up

At DSN+BD Construction, we believe energy efficiency starts long before you step inside. It begins at the very base of your build — in the foundations. That’s why, on this project, we’ve integrated Kingspan GreenGuard Rigid Insulationinto the foundation footings, ensuring long-lasting thermal performance from the ground up.

This high-performance insulation is part of a holistic, fabric-first approach to energy efficiency that runs through every DSN+BD project.

🌍 Why Kingspan GreenGuard?

Kingspan GreenGuard is a rigid extruded polystyrene (XPS) insulation board specifically engineered for below-ground applications. It’s an ideal choice for foundation footings thanks to its:

• 💧 Exceptional moisture resistance – preventing water ingress from the surrounding ground

• ❄️ High thermal performance – reducing heat loss at one of the most critical junctions in the building

• 🧱 Robust compressive strength – built to handle the structural loads of modern homes

• 🛠️ Long-term durability – maintaining its performance over decades, even in damp or demanding conditions

Installing insulation at foundation level means your structure starts off stronger, more efficient, and more sustainable.

🏗️ Smart Detailing for Stronger Structures

Our team has installed Kingspan GreenGuard beneath and around the foundation footings, forming a protective barrier that does two jobs at once:

1. Keeps the cold out – by reducing thermal bridging between ground and structure

2. Keeps moisture at bay – thanks to its closed-cell structure that resists water absorption

By combining thermal insulation and moisture protection, we’re giving the building envelope a serious performance boost — from the ground up.

🌡️ A Key Step Toward Energy Efficiency

While insulation is often associated with walls and roofs, substructure insulation is just as important — and often overlooked. Heat loss at the base of a building can have a significant impact on long-term energy use and occupant comfort.

With Kingspan GreenGuard in place, this build is already on track to deliver:

• Lower energy bills

• A more stable internal temperature

• Improved EPC ratings

• A lower environmental footprint

It’s a simple, smart addition that aligns with our commitment to sustainable, future-ready homes.

🔒 Built-In Sustainability, Beneath the Surface

When you choose DSN+BD, you’re not just getting premium finishes — you’re getting deep performance at every level of the build. From waterproofing and structure to insulation and air tightness, we make sure each detail supports the bigger picture: comfort, efficiency, and quality that lasts.

Starting a new build or energy-conscious extension? Let’s talk about how to insulate smart — from the first layer of your foundations to the final finish.

📩 Get in touch to explore how we build homes that perform as beautifully as they look.

🌧️ French Drain Installation – Managing Groundwater the Smart Way

At DSN+BD Construction, we believe that high-performing buildings start with well-managed ground conditions. Water might be essential to life — but if left unmanaged around your home, it can be incredibly destructive. That’s why, for this project, we’ve implemented a French drain system to control surface and subsurface water with precision and reliability.

🛠️ What Is a French Drain?

A French drain is a tried-and-tested drainage solution designed to redirect surface water and groundwater away from critical areas of a property. It typically consists of a gravel-filled trench with a perforated pipe, which collects and channels water to a safe discharge point — preventing it from pooling around foundations or oversaturating soil.

💧 Why Install a French Drain?

Water accumulating around foundations or under hard landscaping can lead to:

• Damp ingress and structural movement

• Degraded insulation and finishes

• Soil erosion and saturated landscaping

• Reduced lifespan of driveways and patios

By proactively installing a French drain, we ensure your property stays dry, stable, and ready to perform year-round — regardless of the weather.

📐 Our Installation Approach

On this project, the French drain has been carefully designed and installed as part of a wider moisture management strategy.

Here’s how we do it:

• ✅ Trench excavated to proper depth and fall to direct water naturally

• ✅ Perforated drainage pipe laid in the base of the trench to collect water

• ✅ Surrounding pipe with clean drainage aggregate to allow free movement of water

• ✅ Wrapping the system in a geotextile membrane to keep soil out and water flowing

• ✅ Connecting the system to a suitable soakaway or discharge point for safe drainage

Every detail is executed with precision to ensure long-term performance with minimal maintenance.

🧠 Design-Led, Site-Specific Solutions

At DSN+BD, we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all drainage. Every site has its own water behaviour — from natural fall and permeability to the type of landscaping and construction above.

That’s why we consider:

• Local topography and soil type

• Rainfall volumes and water runoff zones

• Relationship between hard surfaces and permeable areas

• Future landscaping and irrigation plans

This ensures your French drain doesn’t just work — it works in harmony with your whole build.

🏡 Dry, Durable and Ready for Anything

With this French drain system now installed, the foundations of the property are well protected — delivering peace of mind, reduced risk of damp, and better structural longevity.

It’s one more example of how DSN+BD takes care of what you can’t see, so that everything you can lives up to its promise.

Concerned about drainage on your plot or project? We design and install integrated water management systems — from French drains to soakaways and beyond — to keep your home dry, stable, and sustainable.

📩 Get in touch to discuss your project’s drainage needs with our experienced team.

💧 Soak Away Excavation – Sustainable Water Management Below Ground

At DSN+BD Construction, building performance starts well below the surface. Proper drainage is one of the most essential — and often overlooked — aspects of a successful project. Right now, we’re carrying out a soak away excavation designed to keep surface water under control and your property protected for the long term.

This simple but powerful solution forms the backbone of a sustainable water management strategy, helping reduce pressure on existing drains while protecting buildings and landscapes from water damage.

🌧️ What Is a Soak Away?

A soak away is an underground system designed to collect rainwater — typically from roofs, driveways, and hard landscaping — and slowly release it back into the soil.

Rather than allowing water to pool around your foundation or overload public drains, a soak away allows the ground to do what it’s meant to do: absorb water safely and naturally.

🛠️ How We Install It

The process begins with a carefully planned excavation, based on soil permeability, site levels, and local drainage needs.

Here’s how we’re approaching this one:

• ✅ Excavating a trench or pit at the correct depth and size for the property’s needs

• ✅ Installing permeable materials such as clean gravel and/or modular soakaway crates to create void space

• ✅ Ensuring the system is connected to the rainwater drainage network, typically from gutter downpipes

• ✅ Wrapping the system in geotextile membrane to allow water through while keeping soil and debris out

• ✅ Backfilling and finishing the area neatly to reinstate the landscaping above

The end result is a fully functional soak away that manages runoff effectively without compromising the appearance or usability of your outdoor space.

🧠 Why It Matters

Without proper drainage, rainwater can quickly become a threat — leading to:

• 💧 Water pooling near foundations

• 🌿 Soggy lawns or unusable outdoor areas

• 🧱 Foundation movement or damp penetration

• 🚿 Overloaded drainage systems and localised flooding

A soak away provides a low-maintenance, eco-friendly solution that keeps your property dry, stable, and future-ready.

🌿 Sustainable, Effective, and Built to Last

Because we’re a design-led design and build company, we don’t treat drainage as an afterthought. We integrate solutions like soak aways into the overall site strategy — considering not just the practical outcome, but the impact on the structure, the landscaping, and the long-term maintenance.

This kind of forward-thinking detailing ensures that your home functions as beautifully as it looks.

Worried about rainwater runoff or standing water in your garden? We design and install complete drainage systems — from soak aways to French drains and beyond — tailored to your site conditions and future plans.

📩 Get in touch to talk to us about sustainable drainage solutions for your home or project.