Author: wahid

Architecture & Building

Permitted Development, Everything You Need to Know (PD)

2nd December 20210

What is Permitted Development?(PD) 

Permitted development is a scheme that was created that allows you to extend or renovate without the need for a full planning application. In addition, PD rights are an automatic grant of planning permission that allows building works and changes of use to be carried out. 

What is the difference between Planning Applications and Permitted Development? 

Planning permission is asking your local council for permission to construct a scheme. Whereas PD is notifying your local council of your intentions to construct. 

Do I need drawing for permitted development? 

Yes, you do need drawings. Also, any PD application must be accompanied by Architectural drawings.  

Do I need to pay a fee for a PD Application? 

Furthermore, yes, you do need to pay a fee. 

What size extension can I build without Planning Permission? 

Without planning permission you can only extend on a terraced or semi-detached property. However, you cannot go any taller than four meters in height or three meters across. 

What projects fall under Permitted Development? 

  • Firstly, building a small rear extension 
  • Building a porch less than 3m2. 
  • Changes of use, such as loft conversions, basement conversions and garage conversions. 
  • Internal altercations (knocking down internal walls) 
  • Installing satellite dishes and erecting antenna 
  • Finally, adding roof-lights or dormer windows 

Properties that don’t have PD rights 

  • Flats, Maisonettes or Houses in multiple occupation. 
  • Builds in conservation areas. 
  • Listed buildings 
  • Finally, properties that have had the rights removed. 

Do I need Building Regulations approval under Permitted Development? 

Yes, building regulations are for the construction work itself. Also, you must comply with the rules of building regulations, as it’s not permitted to carry out the work. 

What happens if I’ve built under PD rights, but should have sought Planning Permission? 

So, If it’s already constructed you could be faced with enforcement action, which would result in a request for a retrospective planning application. However, if the permission is refused you will need to demolish the new construction. 

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Design and Inspiration

Doors, Which One Is Best for You?

1st December 20210

There are many different types of doors you can have in your home. For example: 

  • Wooden
  • Glass
  • Pocket
  • Aluminium
  • Roller
  • Pivot
  • Metal  
  • UPVC
  • Fiberglass
  • Flush
  • Dutch   
  • Sliding
  • Roller  
  • Hollow core
  • Hinged  
  • Veneered Timber
  • Composite  
  • Bi-fold exterior
  • French   
  • Panelled  
  • Barn
  • Saloon
  • Steel
  • Battened ledged

The best doors to use in your home  

  • Wooden  
  • Glass 
  • Fiberglass 
  • UPVC  

Pros and cons  

Wooden Pros 

  • Considered to be secure  
  • Wooden doors complement all styles of homes 
  • Decent wooden doors start around £100 and upwards  
  • Noise reduction  

Wooden cons  

  • High maintenance – you need to paint and varnish a wooden door re-applying as it weathers 

Glass pros 

  • Natural light – It does not matter if the glass is clear, tinted, low iron or satin it will not block the natural light. 
  • Strength – Toughened glass doors are known for their strength and durability. 
  • Glass is easy to maintain 

Glass cons 

  • Lack of privacy – You can see straight through glass but this can be sorted. 

Fiberglass pros 

  • Durable – Pet friendly, people friendly and weather friendly. 
  • Performance – Energy efficient Saves money on energy bills 
  • Easy maintain 
  • Versability 

Fiberglass cons  

  • Price – Fiberglass doors are more expensive. 
  • Sizing – The material is not easy to cut, so this is not great for exterior doors that are not normal size. 
  • Installation – The entry system comes with a full unit with the frame, it must be installed by an experienced professional. 

UPVC pros  

  • Durability 
  • Ventilation  
  • Low maintenance  
  • Security 
  • Soundproofing 
  • Eco-friendly 
  • Weather resistant 
  • Insulation  
  • Fire retardant   

UPVC cons 

  • Structural Integrity – UPVC is prone to sagging due to their light weight and also because they are structurally not as strong. Too much heat can result in a rupture of their frames. 

Types of doors  

Glass  

  • Textured glass 
  • Decorative glass 
  • Insulated glass 
  • Stained glass 
  • Frosted or etched glass 
  • Clear glass 
  • Clear class 
  • Single glass 
  • Double glass  

Wooden 

  • Internal 
  • External 
  • Solid oak 
  • Solid hardwood timber 
  • Hollow softwood timber 

UPVC 

  • Slide and fold
  • French  
  • Sliding
  • Casement
  • Lift and slide 

Steps to take that will make your front door safer 

Wooden doors are secure but just like any you will need a good lock. Other steps you can take to increase security are: 

  • A peep hole 
  • Door chain 
  • High-quality glass 
  • Secure hinges 

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Design and Inspiration, Interior Design, Materials

Double-Glazing and Triple-Glazing Advantages

30th November 20210

Advantages of Double Glazing and Triple Glazing 

What is double-glazed glass? 

Double glazing is used in all kinds of glass installations and involves two panels of glass set in the same frame that are separated by a thin layer or air or sometimes gas such as argon. Double-glazed windows keep the cold out and the warmth in keeping away the draft. 

What is triple-glazed glass? 

Triple glazing is a window that has three panes of glass separate my argon gas. This extra layer makes it even more difficult for heat to escape and cold to come through. 

The benefits of Double and Triple glazing 

Double glazing 

  • Reduces heat loss and drafts – Double glazing reduces heat loss by not allowing the heat to escape. 
  • Provides acoustic insulation – This attempts to prevent sound leaving and coming into the home. 
  • Increases security – This increases security as it’s a lot more difficult to break than standard glass, making burglars want to avoid trying. 
  • Reduces build-up of condensation. 

Triple glazing 

  • Reduces condensation on your windows 
  • Reduces heating bills – This keeps the heat in your home and the cold outside. This will prevent the heat leaving your home meaning you don’t need to use the heating as often. 
  • Makes home noticeably more comfortable  
  • Reduces carbon output and greenhouse gases. 

Types of double glazing 

  • Low-E glass 
  • Float glass  
  • Laminated glass 
  • Toughened glass 

Advantages of Low-E glass 

  • Makes your home more energy efficient  
  • Potentially saves money on heating bills 
  • Reduces the glare from the light 
  • Reduction in your heating bills correlates to a reduction in total energy usage, reducing carbon footprint. 
  • Low-E glass helps keep unwanted UV rays out of your home that can damage your skin or furniture. 

Is Low-E glass worth double-glazing? 

High-efficiency double-glazed Low-E glass is really good at reducing heat loss saving on bills in the long run. 

Advantages of toughened glass 

  • Strength – This glass is known as a safety glass is five times stronger that regular glass.  
  • Sound reduction  
  • UV protection 
  • Impact resistance 
  • Heat resistance  
  • If broken the glass will shatter evenly into small pieces so there are no shards or splinters of glass causing less risk of injury. 

Toughened glass is commonly used for car windscreens, greenhouses, shower screens, glass shelves and table tops. 

Advantages of Float glass 

  • Float glass has a complete even surface. 
  • Environment friendly  
  • Displays – its crystal-clear transparency   

Advantages of laminated glass  

  • Has a plastic layer between the two panes of glass which holds the shards when broken. 
  • Easy to apply colouring  
  • Reduces the effects of harmful UV rays. 
  • Improves sound insulation 

Laminated glass is commonly used for external and internal doors, shop fronts, car windscreens, shelving and security glass. 

Questions that are commonly asked  

What’s wrong with single-glazed windows? 

There is nothing wrong with single glazed windows, it still does its purpose but single pane windows can cause heat loss, noise and condensation. 

Do I need planning permission? 

You don’t need to apply for planning permission to double glaze windows. However, if your home is in a conservation area or your home is a listed property you may find yourself to be under restricted rules only being allowed single pane windows. If you live in a conservation area or listed property, check your restrictions before starting anything. 

Is triple-glazing more expensive than double-glazing? 

Yes, it is. Triple-glazed glass costs up to 33% – 50% more expensive than doubled-glazed glass. 

What frames can I use? 

  • Timer 
  • Aluminium  
  • PVCU 

There key benefits: 

Timber:  

  • Natural appearance  
  • Renewable raw material  
  • Excellent insulator  
  • Durability  

Aluminium  

  • Durability  
  • Easy care 
  • Modern look 
  • Eco-friendly 
  • Light weight 

PVCU 

  • Easy care  
  • Long durability  
  • Very good insulation properties 
  • Versatility  
  • Many colours available  
  • Light weight  
  • Lower price  
  • 100% Recyclable  

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Design and Inspiration, House Renovation

Renovations That Increase Your House Value: Part 1

29th November 20210

Renovations to consider when wanting to add more value to your home 

Loft and garage conversions  

These two conversions are the most popular way of extending and adding value to the property. However, converting these into living space will add value by 15%. In addition, a garage conversion will increase the value by 20%. People convert these to create more living space and storage. 

Energy efficiency improvements  

This can fall into two categories: 

  • Simple low-cost improvements 
  • High-cost improvement works 

From research, energy-saving improvements to your property can raise the value by 14%. Meanwhile, improving lost insulation, cavity wall installation, double glazing, and adding a high-performance boiler would decrease energy bills giving the home more value. 

Outdoor décor (garden landscaping and external works) 

Furthermore, maintaining the garden area can add value by 10% – 20%. The things people keep in mind about the garden is: 

  • Privacy and security  
  • Good lighting  
  • Well thought terraced area  
  • Flat lawn  

Other renovations that can increase your house value  

  • Firstly, garage conversion 20% increase 
  • Secondly, loft conversion 15% increase 
  • Energy saving 14% increase 
  • Balcony 12% increase 
  • Outdoor décor 10% – 20% increase 
  • Open living plan 6% increase 
  • Kitchen 6% increase 
  • Central heating 5.4% increase 
  • Bathroom 5% increase  
  • Paint and decorate 5% increase 
  • Fireplace 5% increase 
  • Conservatory 5% increase 
  • Flooring 3% increase 
  • Roof 3% increase 
  • Finally, decking 2% increase 

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Uncategorised

A Guide to Commercial Buildings

29th November 20210

What is a commercial building used for?

Commercial property is a space that allows you to use the space for commercial activities such as food service, retail, or any other business. Commercial buildings have been split into classifications designated into classes A, B, and C. 

Firstly, Class A buildings are usually newer construction properties with better amenities and infrastructure. However, this could be an older building that has been remodeled, they are usually located in a popular area. 

Secondly, Class B buildings are maintained and well managed. Not always a new build but can be easily transformed by some renovations. 

Thirdly, Class C buildings are often old properties, located in unbeneficial areas that are less maintained. Although, there are building that tends to need more work done. Landlords will charge less due to the work needing to be done. 

Classifications  

For example, classifications for each building:

Firstly, A1 – shops such as:  

  • Retail (not hot food) 
  • Post office 
  • Hairdressing 

Secondly, A2 – Professional services 

  • Banks 
  • Health and medical services 

A3 – Food and Drink  

  • Cafes  
  • Restaurants   
  • Anything that serves hot food 

A4 – Drinking establishments  

  • Bars 
  • Wine bars  

B1 – Business 

B8 – Storage and Distribution  

  • Wholesale warehouse 
  • Distribution centre  
  • Repositories 

C1 – Hotels  

  • Hotels  
  • Guest homes  

Finally, C2 – Residential institutions  

  • Boarding schools 
  • Training centre 
  • Hospitals  
  • Nursing homes  

Do I need planning permission?  

Furthermore, yes you would, it is essential that you have planning permission for commercial buildings.

When do you need commercial planning permission? 

You will definitely need to have planning permission if you intend to: 

  • Add an extension or large-scale renovation. 
  • Build a new property. 
  • Change the use of the building. For example, changing the use from commercial to residential or residential to commercial. 

Do I need Planning permission if I work from home? 

Using space in your home will not usually need planning permission. However, you should get planning permission if: 

  • Your business is unusual to be in a residential area. 
  • Your employees work from your home. (But are not occupants) 
  • The number of customers visiting your home increases. 
  • Your business could disturb your neighbours. 

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Design and Inspiration

Everything You Need to Know About Installing a Balcony

26th November 20210

How much does it cost to add a Balcony? 

Depending on the complexity of the job would depend on the price. The estimated price of installing a balcony would vary between £1,500 – £5,500. 

The estimated cost would cover: 

  • Size
  • Design  
  • Labourer costs 
  • Material costs 
  • How complex the job is. 

Types of balconies  

  • Stacked – The most popular and common. Easy to install. 
  • Juliet/Faux – This is a faux balcony that may contain a small standing area but usually does not. A Juliet balcony contains a balustrade connection to the building without flooring to walk on. 
  • Hung – This structure is made out of stainless-steel cables that are fixed on the sides of the structure. These balconies are less common but have great strength. 
  • Cantilevered – This structure can be made from concrete, steel or timber. This type of project needs to be planned accordingly as the job is quite complex. 
  • Mezzanine – They have a large decking area with railing. This structure gives you more space. 

Do I need planning permission to install a balcony? 

Furthermore, if your home is in a conservation area or your property is listed you must apply for planning permission. 

In other cases, if your balcony is smaller than 300mm you may not have to seek planning permission but it is always best to do so. When submitting your planning application form expect to pay a fee. 

Installing a Juliet/Faux balcony means you won’t have to apply for planning permission unless you decide to add flooring to walk on and then you must. 

Will it raise my house value? 

There are no guarantees that this will raise the price value, but they have been known the raise the value up to 12%. 

What are balconies used for? 

In addition, balconies are used for extra space, kind of like an outdoor room. Many people like to use their balconies as a garden. For example, adding a barbecue or flowers onto it. Whereas, others like to use their balcony to admire the views the structure allows them to see and relax on it. 

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Zaha Hadid
Design and insperation

Zaha Hadid – Top Woman Architect

6th January 20210

Zaha Hadid, full name Dame Zaha Hadid born in Baghdad, Iraq on October 31, 1950. She was the best Iraqi born British architect known for her radical designs. Furthermore, she is the first lady architect to receive the Pritzker Architecture Prize in 2004. She died 31, March 2016, Miami, Florida, U.S.

Childhood

Zaha Hadid was born in Baghdad, Iraq during the period where the government was investing in modernized city’s architecture. During her childhood, she had seen many great architects such as Frank Lloyd Wright and Le Corbusier designing such iconic buildings. Her father Muhammad al-Hajj Husayn Hadid was a politician and industrialists and her mother Wajiha al-Sabunji was an architect.

Zaha Hadid said once that looking at her parent’s background, she always knew that she will be a professional. Her elder brothers want her to become the first Iraqi astronaut. She wanted that too but at the age of 11, she began to realize that she wants to become an architect. Her parents encouraged her to become an architect by letting her do the interiors of their home.

Her parents travelled a lot; hence she got the chance to get a multi-cultural international education. She got her formal education from boarding schools in Switzerland and England, and informal with her family. She said that wherever she goes with her father, he let her visit every museum and building in the area. Maybe that is what inspired her to become the best architect in England.

Zaha Hadid’s Early Life and Career

First Hadid got her education at the American University in Beirut, Lebanon. After completing her bachelor’s in mathematics, she moved to London in 1972 to learn Architecture. She chose Architectural Association as it is one of the progressive Architectural institutes back in the 1970s. There Zaha Hadid met with other architects Rem Koolhas and Zenghelis. These guys were those whom she had collaboration at the office of Metropolitan Architecture. Later, she establishes her Firm named Zaha Hadid Architects In 1979.

The first time Zaha Hadid got the international recognition with Entry for the Peak. It was a recreational and leisure centre in Hong Kong. Her most of the designs in the 1980s and 90s were not realized including Kurfürstendamm in Berlin (1986).

Zaha Hadid First Project

One of her first mega projects was the Vitra Fire Station. Hadid worked on the project from 1989-93 in Germany. Her design was so unique contains a series of sharply angled planes. You can resemble the design with a bird in flight. She has also done some housing project for IBA Housing in Berlin. Furthermore, she worked on the Mind Zone exhibition space in 1999 in Greenwich, London. After doing such projects, Hadid found an interest in creating interconnecting spaces.

She first gets the attention of the people as the best architect of built works in 2000. She was the first woman architect to design an American museum of 85000 square foot in 2003. The design consists of a series of voids and cubes.

Death of Zaha Hadid

Zaha Hadid died in 2016 from a heart attack while she was getting treatment for bronchitis. She dedicated her whole life to her work and hence she did not have her own family. She said, “If [architecture] doesn’t kill you, then you’re no good … you have to go at it full time. You can’t afford to dip in and out.” The Guardian described her as the “Queen of the curve”.

single storey rear extension
Extensions

Single Storey Rear Extension: Few Things to Know Before Planning

20th December 20200

Adding a single-storey rear extension is a great idea to have some extra living space in the home. But before you start planning check out advice from experts.

There is no doubt that an extension is a great alternative to moving home. Buying a new home is a lengthy and daunting task than adding a simple extension. We also know that space in the UK is often tight for families in the cities. Hence, an extension is a neat solution to all of their living space problem.

It is also true that extension doesn’t come cheap and require a handsome amount of money. On the other hand, they can be a good investment as it adds value to your property.

Types of Extension

When we talk about British cities, there are mainly three types of extensions: Side return extension wrapped extension and the rear extension. We are going to talk about a single-storey rear extension in this article.

A rear extension goes across the full width of the house. It goes out towards the garden. Edwardian and Victorian houses have a cellular feel. So, adding a rear extension can link together two areas to provide you with more open space for your family. Furthermore, it can add value to your home and can bring a lot of daylight in the house.

Does Single Storey Rear Extension Add Value?

Well, how much value it’s going to add depends on the extension and space you want to create. Any extension adds value to the property that’s for sure. But you have to create a balance. You have to make sure that the extension is cost-effective and also adds value to your house.

On the other hand, adding a large extension increase the value of your home. However, the added value is nothing compared to what you have spent. We will recommend you to talk with a local agent to get an idea about the local market.

Lawful Development Certificate

Whether you need planning permission or you can develop under permitted development rights. Single storey rear extension does require LDC (Lawful Development Certificate). You need to apply for this certificate to your local authority. Basically, It indicates that the extension you are building met PD requirement and you don’t need planning permission. It will cost you around 103GBP which is less than the planning fee.

Flat Conversion Services in Kent
Conversions

Flat Conversion Services in Kent

26th November 20200

People are converting their houses in two or more apartments. It has become very popular in recent years among landlords. Suppose you have a house and have the potential to increase your profit by converting into multiple flats. If you have a property in Kent, then contact flat conversion services in Kent to increase your profit-making potential.

Benefits

There are several great advantages to sub-dividing a property. Which includes

  • If you want to sell your property in the future, then you will have multiple assets instead of a single house. Furthermore, you will have multiple properties for rental income.
  • Having multiple properties for rent means you will have more revenue.
  • You can also have the opportunity to sub-divide property and sell one to free up some cash.
  • It is a great choice in cities where professionals are looking for a single apartment than an entire house.

Research Beforehand

Just like with any other property investment, it is good to do some research before making any decision.

  • First of all, you need to make sure which kind of people renting a property in the area. Furthermore, you need to know whether they are looking for a flat or an entire house. How many bedrooms do they look for?
  • You also need to find out the property prices. As you are looking for flat conversion services in Ken, you need to consult with local property dealers. You can also do some online research to get an idea about the prices.
  • There is always a desirable area in a county. An area where the majority of the people like to live. If you are buying a property on a street where no one wants to live then you are wasting your money. People usually like those places which are near to amenities and transport links.

Legal Issues

Buying a property and then sub-dividing is not an easy process. There are lots of rules and regulations that you need to comply with.

After buying a suitable property for your project, you need to hire a solicitor too. They will do all the research related to the conversion. Furthermore, a solicitor will help you with the lease process. You cannot sell an apartment without them.

You also need to apply for planning permission. The process of planning permission can be complicated so we will recommend you to find flat conversion services in Kent like us who can help you get planning permission. Our designers will provide you with all the things such as planning drawings to help you get your application approved without any delay.

Flat Conversion Services in Kent

We are providing all kind of architectural services in Kent. Our team of professionals is highly experienced in handling such projects. Furthermore, we are a Design & Build company, which means you do not need to go elsewhere as you are going to get all the services from planning, drawing to construction under one roof.

Fill up the form below to get a quote for your project.

    kitchen conservatory extension
    Extensions

    Kitchen Conservatory Extension: Things You Need to Know

    21st November 20200

    Are you planning for a kitchen conservatory extension? Then you are in the right place. There are a few things that you should know before planning.

    You need to know all the pros and cons of it before you decide whether it is the right choice for you.

    Kitchen Conservatory Extension Cost

    You may be thinking that you need a simple budget for the conservatory. Well, you are wrong as it can cost higher than a simple living room.

    There is a reason because you need a budget not only for a conservatory but also for the fitted kitchen. Maybe you need some new appliances for the place such as an over or Hob.

    Things You Need for A Kitchen Conservatory Extension

    There are the following things you will need for the extension:

    Planning Permission & Building Regulations

    The requirement for planning permission depends on the design and layout. You can build a kitchen conservatory extension under permitted development rights to avoid this lengthy process. However, you may still need to comply with building regulations.

    You can consult with a professional regarding the requirement. You can also consult with the local authority about whether you need planning permission or not.

    Design and Style

    What type of extension do you need in your home? There are lots of designs and styles to choose from. In most cases, the kitchen is at the rear of the house. The main purpose of the conservatory is to increase the size of an existing kitchen.

    A conservatory uses a lot of glass in the walls. So, either side of the conservatory should have a solid wall for the kitchen. After all, you can’t place cupboards and worktops in the glass walls.

    You need to work your way around with the design. You need to mark the area where you want to build the extension. However, it is better to get the help of a professional designer to do this for you.

    Doors

    Do you want the conservatory to be a part of the kitchen or do you want to separate using a door? If you want doors between these two areas then which type best suits the extension. It is an important consideration as it will have an impact on the overall design.

    For example; if you have a small conservatory then adding swing doors is not good as they will take up valuable space. Instead, we will recommend you to use pocket or sliding doors.

    Final Thoughts

    A kitchen conservatory extension is a good place for your family to sit and enjoy the meal. A kitchen is an important area of a house. Furthermore, it should be bright and airy for your family to socialize. Hence, planning is an essential part to make sure everything is as you want.