Showing posts with label planning permission. Show all posts
Showing posts with label planning permission. Show all posts
Tuesday, February 24, 2015
Lofts are one of the most underused spaces in many houses, often being left empty or used just to store rarely needed items. Homeowners interested in making better use of such areas can add not just useful extra room(s), but consequently increase the value and overall desirability of the property. As an increasingly popular home improvement project, there are now a number of companies who specialize in converting lofts into loveable space and they will be happy to go through each project to ensure that it complies with planning restrictions. This guide will help a homeowner understand the general restrictions on converting their loft and cover the feasibility of undertaking such a project.
If your home is within an area of designated land you are extremely unlikely to be granted permission to make extensions to the roof. Such areas include properties in national parks & The Broads, Conservation Areas, World Heritage Sites and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
There are strict restrictions on the amount of space that can be added during a roof conversion project. This must also include any expansion works previously carried out regardless of who owned the property at the time. Limits are 40 cubic meters for terraced properties and 50 cubic meters for detached/semi-detached. Check housing plans and deeds if unsure that a section has previously been extended or not.
Consider highways
People are not allowed to extend a roof beyond the plane of an existing roof slope when facing a main road.
Planning officers typically will insist that similar if not identical materials are used when making the extension, so as to maintain the character not just of the property but also surrounding streets and buildings. It is advisable to check with local authorities should you intend on extending with a different material or intend to make the project distinctive enough that it is likely to stand out.
Height limits
No extension will be allowed to be higher than the existing level of the top of the roof. This is in order again to maintain uniformity and help ensure structural stability.
Balconies & platforms
These will not be considered to be permitted developments when attached to a usual roof extension. Perhaps consult an expert to see if there is any way that such a balcony, veranda etc can be added to a lower section of the property if it's really desired.
Types of window
This is an important point that quite commonly may slip the mind. Any extension built to the ends of the property needs to either be entirely served by non-opening windows, or ensure that the parts that open the window (handles/locks etc.) are at a minimum of 1.7 meters above the loft floor.
Planning consent will not include provision for any new windows to overhang the existing wall of the property and will insist that there is at least 20cm distance between the eaves and window-frame.
Bats
You may be surprised to find bats nesting in the loft, but if their presence is discovered you might find yourself facing a planning headache as they are a protected species. Consent will likely only be given for redevelopment subject to license and provision being made for the creatures.
You may be surprised to find bats nesting in the loft, but if their presence is discovered you might find yourself facing a planning headache as they are a protected species. Consent will likely only be given for redevelopment subject to license and provision being made for the creatures.
As we have seen from these points there are plenty of potential issues to be thought through before committing to a loft extension. Employing the service of an experienced specialist can really make all the difference, check outBespoke Lofts, a London loft conversions company who can provide professional advice for any project.
Do I Need Planning Permission to Convert My Loft?
Monday, December 16, 2013
How amazing it would be to live in something as enormous as a cathedral. Tall, beautiful glass windows allow endless rays of light to enter. And every church can tell its own story. But if you are planning to buy and live in a church, you will need to consider some potential issues before making the investment.
Renovation costs of turning a church into a comfortable home may vary depending on the age and condition of the church and amenities included. Some of the churches might already have kitchens and bathrooms, where some older churches will need a total upgrade.Adding a kitchen and a bathroom will add a lot to the renovation costs.
If considering to renovate a church, think about energy efficiency. It could be very costly to heat a stone building during the winter. In addition, high ceiling will collect heat too, which will require installation of ceiling fans to push that heat downward.
Also take into a consideration restrictions on changes which might occur. A lot of churches are included in National Register of Historic Places, which means you will need to request a building permission to make any changes.
Although costs of renovating a church could be a bit sharp, many people think that living in such a unique place is worth of spending a little bit extra.
Renovation costs of turning a church into a comfortable home may vary depending on the age and condition of the church and amenities included. Some of the churches might already have kitchens and bathrooms, where some older churches will need a total upgrade.Adding a kitchen and a bathroom will add a lot to the renovation costs.
If considering to renovate a church, think about energy efficiency. It could be very costly to heat a stone building during the winter. In addition, high ceiling will collect heat too, which will require installation of ceiling fans to push that heat downward.
Also take into a consideration restrictions on changes which might occur. A lot of churches are included in National Register of Historic Places, which means you will need to request a building permission to make any changes.
Although costs of renovating a church could be a bit sharp, many people think that living in such a unique place is worth of spending a little bit extra.
Living in a Church
Friday, November 22, 2013
If you're reading this article then you may already have found your interior designer - we would hope! However, our policy with our clients is always clarity so whenever we recommend a client to hire a professional (including a designer), we want to make sure our clients know what to look for.
Of all the people you need to appoint for your project, a designer may seem like the something you only need later on when choosing the 'pretty' things, like bathroom tiles and furniture. Many clients assume they will need an architect, a structural engineer or a surveyor as a first appointment. However, many projects don't even require an architect and a surveyor may not give you all the information you need to submit your plans to Building Regulations approval, or to pass on the project to your builders.
There seems to be a lot of confusion in the industry about the role of an interior designer. DIY-based television programs may be contributing in part to this confusion, as well as a surplus of interior decorators labelling themselves as designers. Without sounding like a snob, there is as big a difference between an interior decorator and an interior designer as there is between an interior designer and an architect.
A good interior designer should not only design but also be able to manage and consult on your project. Therefore, the first person to appoint on your project should be the designer. It's not always easy to know where to start to look for a professional designer with a good reputation.
1. Ask friends and family. A personal recommendation is always a great start.
2. Look on industry websites such as the BIID (British Institute of Interior Designers) or SBID (Society of British Interior Design)
3. Try to find local designers on Google or other search engines. You should look at the work of various designers and find designers with a style that you like. If you can find feedback or reviews from customers (and it's positive), then that's a good sign.
Once you have selected some designers (we would recommend narrowing it down to less than five) - either through recommendation, locally, or through an institution - it's important to meet the designers for a face-to-face meeting to discuss your project requirements. Some designers offer fixed rates but a lot of professionals prefer to meet and understand the project in more detail before talking about fees. A tailor-made package is usually better value for money.
It's very important to remember that your designer should not only be a part of the design process, but should stay with the project until completion. Some clients say they prefer to manage the project themselves but from our years of experience, we strongly advise against this - there are so many factors to keep in mind during a refurbishment that need to be coordinated by an experienced professional - or you may find yourself paying more later to fix costly mistakes. 'Project management' or site coordination is not always included in a designer's standard fees so make sure that you mention this is something you require. Embarking on a refurbishment project without a project coordinator is like a ship leaving out to sea without a captain!
When you have met with your prospective designers and received back some quotes, try to get a like-for-like understanding of what they are offering. Many designers will tell you what they charge per hour so that is a good starting point. However, finding the right designer is not about finding the best price - your designer will be guiding you through the whole process of your refurbishment so there are other factors to consider. Although price is of course a factor in the selection process, you should choose a professional that you feel understands your requirements and style, has a good understanding of the building industry and who you feel you can trust with your project. You should see your designer as an ally and a mentor and it's important that you can be upfront about how much you want to spend - it's the designer's job to work towards whatever budget you have for the project and to advise on the best solutions based on your budget.
Then it's time to appoint your designer.
Once you have appointed your designer of choice, unless you have already done so, you should meet on site at your property. Once the designer gets a feel of what is required for the project from a building and design perspective, they can advise you on any additional specialists you might need to appoint, such as a surveyor or structural engineer. They can run you through the process of submitting a Planning or Building Regulations application, what other approvals are needed (are you a freeholder or a leaseholder, for instance). They can also get an idea of the types of Contractors to tender out to as most designers will have worked with a fair few building companies and should be able to recommend a few.
It will probably only be when the essential pre-works details are organised before your designer does any real 'designing' for you.
Of all the people you need to appoint for your project, a designer may seem like the something you only need later on when choosing the 'pretty' things, like bathroom tiles and furniture. Many clients assume they will need an architect, a structural engineer or a surveyor as a first appointment. However, many projects don't even require an architect and a surveyor may not give you all the information you need to submit your plans to Building Regulations approval, or to pass on the project to your builders.
There seems to be a lot of confusion in the industry about the role of an interior designer. DIY-based television programs may be contributing in part to this confusion, as well as a surplus of interior decorators labelling themselves as designers. Without sounding like a snob, there is as big a difference between an interior decorator and an interior designer as there is between an interior designer and an architect.
A good interior designer should not only design but also be able to manage and consult on your project. Therefore, the first person to appoint on your project should be the designer. It's not always easy to know where to start to look for a professional designer with a good reputation.
1. Ask friends and family. A personal recommendation is always a great start.
2. Look on industry websites such as the BIID (British Institute of Interior Designers) or SBID (Society of British Interior Design)
3. Try to find local designers on Google or other search engines. You should look at the work of various designers and find designers with a style that you like. If you can find feedback or reviews from customers (and it's positive), then that's a good sign.
Once you have selected some designers (we would recommend narrowing it down to less than five) - either through recommendation, locally, or through an institution - it's important to meet the designers for a face-to-face meeting to discuss your project requirements. Some designers offer fixed rates but a lot of professionals prefer to meet and understand the project in more detail before talking about fees. A tailor-made package is usually better value for money.
It's very important to remember that your designer should not only be a part of the design process, but should stay with the project until completion. Some clients say they prefer to manage the project themselves but from our years of experience, we strongly advise against this - there are so many factors to keep in mind during a refurbishment that need to be coordinated by an experienced professional - or you may find yourself paying more later to fix costly mistakes. 'Project management' or site coordination is not always included in a designer's standard fees so make sure that you mention this is something you require. Embarking on a refurbishment project without a project coordinator is like a ship leaving out to sea without a captain!
When you have met with your prospective designers and received back some quotes, try to get a like-for-like understanding of what they are offering. Many designers will tell you what they charge per hour so that is a good starting point. However, finding the right designer is not about finding the best price - your designer will be guiding you through the whole process of your refurbishment so there are other factors to consider. Although price is of course a factor in the selection process, you should choose a professional that you feel understands your requirements and style, has a good understanding of the building industry and who you feel you can trust with your project. You should see your designer as an ally and a mentor and it's important that you can be upfront about how much you want to spend - it's the designer's job to work towards whatever budget you have for the project and to advise on the best solutions based on your budget.
Then it's time to appoint your designer.
Once you have appointed your designer of choice, unless you have already done so, you should meet on site at your property. Once the designer gets a feel of what is required for the project from a building and design perspective, they can advise you on any additional specialists you might need to appoint, such as a surveyor or structural engineer. They can run you through the process of submitting a Planning or Building Regulations application, what other approvals are needed (are you a freeholder or a leaseholder, for instance). They can also get an idea of the types of Contractors to tender out to as most designers will have worked with a fair few building companies and should be able to recommend a few.
It will probably only be when the essential pre-works details are organised before your designer does any real 'designing' for you.
Ardesia Design is a design practice member of the BIID
Finding Your Interior Designer
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