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Everything To Know About The Party Wall Act 1996

8th December 20210

The party wall act is very important if you’re planning work that will affect a shared wall between you and your neighbours. Here’s everything you need to know about the act.  

What is a party wall?  

A party wall is a dividing partition between two adjoining buildings that are shared by the occupants of each residence or business. Typically, the builder lays the wall along a property line dividing two terraced houses. So, that one-half of the wall’s thickness lies on each side.  

What is the party wall act?  

The party wall act 1996 introduced a procedure for resolving disputes between owners of neighbouring properties. As a result of one owner’s intention to carry out works that would affect the party wall.  

The long title –  

An act to make provision in respect of party walls, and excavation and construction in proximity to certain buildings or structures; and for connected purposes.  

What does the act do?  

The act came into force on the 1st of July 1997 and applies throughout England and Wales. It provides a framework for preventing and resolving disputes in relation to party walls. Also boundary walls and excavations near neighbouring buildings.  

Anyone intending to carry out work of the kinds described in the act must give adjoining owners notice of their intentions. A notice must be given even where the work will not extend beyond the centre line of a party wall.  

It is often helpful if the owners consider themselves joint owners of the entire party wall instead of sole owners of part of it. Although there is no written consent or agreement, the act provides for the resolution of disputes.  

What does the act cover?  

  • Various work that is going to be carried out directly to an existing party wall or structure.  
  • New buildings at or astride the boundary line between properties.  
  • Excavation within 3 or 6 metres of a neighbouring building or structure. Depending on the depth of the hole or proposed foundations. 

What happens if you don’t serve a party wall notice?  

A party wall notice offers you protection from false or malicious claims from your neighbours and from expensive legal costs. If you fail to submit a Notice and damage is caused, when your neighbours take you to court it will be a black mark against you before you even attempt and defence.  

Party Wall Surveyors | London Party Wall Surveyors

Advice Center

A guide to words and terms used in architecture

7th December 20210

From architecture to construction terms, it is easy to feel left in the dark especially if you’re not an architect or a construction worker. To help you avoid confusion here is a list of some important words to familiarise yourself with before you meet with an architect or have any work starts.  

BIM –  

Firstly, BIM stands for ‘building information modeling. It’s a 3D model-based process that architects use to reduce errors and help the client envision a project. It digitally helps them plan, design, and construct buildings.  

Cladding –  

building cladding is the application of one material over another to add an extra skin or layer to the building. It could be any material wood, metal, stone. It needs to be waterproof because it is used to protect the building against leaking.  

Scale –  

Scale terms can refer to a few things. Firstly, it’s a triangular, ruler-like device used to determine dimensions. But more often, you’ll hear architects use the term in a statement like, “The scale is all wrong.” In that case, scale refers to how the sizes of different architectural elements relate to one another. 

Truss –  

A truss is a supporting structure or framework that’s composed of beams, girders, or rods, usually made of steel or wood. It usually looks like a triangle, as it’s the frame that supports the building’s roof.  

Carbuncle –  

A building that is extremely unpleasant to look at.  

Prefabricated –  

A prefabricated building is built in sections that can be moved and put together quickly.  

Cornice –  

Derive from the Italian word meaning ledge, a cornice refers to any horizontal, decorative molding that crowns a building.  

Spatiality –  

A general term that refers to anything relating to, involving, or having the nature of space.  

Massing-  

The general shape, or shapes of a building, as well as its form and size. You could compare it to the overall composition of a painting but in case it’s three-dimensional.  

Derelict –  

Something such as a building or piece of land that is derelict is empty, not used, and in a bad condition.  

Cantilever –  

These terms refer to any type of beam that’s only anchored at one point. Architects often refer to cantilever when discussing overhanging planes, like a cantilevered roof or deck.  

Dormer –  

A structural element of a building that protrudes from the plane of a sloping roof surface. Dormers are used to create usable space on the roof of a building by adding headroom and windows.  

Fascia –  

Finally, a horizontal board is attached to the lower end of rafters at the eaves. 

Advice Center, Architecture & Building

Who Is The Greatest Architect In The World? The Story Of Frank Lloyd Wright

2nd December 20210

Many people have different opinions, so when it comes to choosing the best architect, it will not be completely accurate. However, an architect that has been mentioned by a lot of sources, as being the number 1 architect in the world is Frank Lloyd Wright. 

Many people agree that frank Lloyd wright is the most famous architect of the modern era. Wright helped form a uniquely American architecture. 

Who was Frank Lloyd Wright? 

Wright (June 8, 1867 – April 9, 1959) was an American architect, designer, writer, and educator. He designed over 1,000 structures over a creative period of 70 years. He believed in a philosophy he called organic architecture, this included designing harmony with humanity and the environment. This philosophy was demonstrated in Fallingwater (1935), which has been called “the best all-time work of American architecture”.  

Early life –  

Frank was born in the town of Richland Center, Wisconsin. His father William Cary Wright was a gifted musician, public speaker, and preacher. Whereas, his mother Anna Lloyd Jones was a teacher, and also a member of the Lloyd Jones clan.   

According to Anna when she was expecting she declared that her first child would grow up to build buildings. To encourage her child’s ambition, she decorated his nursery with engravings of English cathedrals.   

Soon after Frank turned 14, his father filed for a divorce and sued Anna on the grounds of “emotional cruelty, physical violence, and spouse abandonment”. After this, his father left Wisconsin and Frank never saw him again.

Education –  

In 1886, at age 19 Frank wanted to become an architect. He enrolled in the University of Wisconsin and worked under a professor of civil engineering, before leaving the school without a degree. However, he was granted an honorary doctorate of fine arts by the university in 1955.  

Career –  

1n 1887 Wright arrived in Chicago in search of work. Within days, and after several interviews, he got a job as a draftsman with Joseph Lyman Silsbee. After only a year wright felt underpaid and left this job. 

He then started working for a firm called Adler and Sullivan, working directly under Louis Sullivan, the great architect known for “the father of skyscrapers”. 

 In 1889, a year after working for Sullivan, wright married Catherine Tobin and had 6 children together. His first architectural masterpiece was their home in the oak park suburbs in Chicago. It was after this wright established his own architectural practice. That same year, he designed the Winslow House in River Forrest, this was a landmark in his career because it was his first major commission as an individual architect. This was the first example of the organic architecture style. 

Taliesin –  

In 1909, after 20 years of marriage, wright abandoned his wife and kids for a woman named Mamah Borthwick Cheney. In 1913, Wright designed them a home, named Taliesin. However, tragedy struck and a mentals unstable servant set fire to the house killing Cheney and 6 others. He later decided to rebuild Taliesin, to in his own words “wipe the scar from the hill”. 

A couple of years later the Japanese emperor commissioned Wright to design the Imperial Hotel in Tokyo. He spent the next 7 years on the project claiming it was earthquake-proof. Only one year after completion the great Kanto earthquake hit and devastated the city. Although, the architect’s claims were true and it was the only large structure to survive the earthquake intact.  

20 Frank Lloyd Wright Buildings You Can Tour Virtually | Architectural Digest

Fallingwater project – 

In the mid-1930s, Frank had retired from running Taliesin before coming back into the scene to design many of the greatest buildings of his life. In 1935 he created the shockingly beautiful, Fallingwater project. It remains one of Wrights most celebrated works and is considered one of the most beautiful homes ever built.  

Frank Lloyd Wright's Beautiful Houses, Structures & Buildings | Architectural Digest

Other work –  

Later in his career wright created many more projects including around 60 middle-income homes. The aesthetic was modern ranch homes, they were revolutionary with features such as solar heating, natural cooling, and carports.  

Guggenheim museum –  

Finally, in 1943 Frank began a project that took up 16 years of his life, designing the Guggenheim Museum of modern and contemporary art in New York. This is now referred to as one of New Yorks’s finest buildings.  

7 Things You Didn't Know About New York City's Guggenheim Museum | Architectural Digest

Death –  

However, Frank was hospitalized for abdominal pain and was operated on, on the 6th. He seemed to be recovering but, he passed away on April 9, 1959, at age 91, 6 months before the museum opened. He was widely considered the greatest architect of the 20th century and the greatest American architect of all time.  

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Advice Center

Everything You Should Know About Quantity Surveyors

2nd December 20210

What is a quantity surveyor?  

A quantity surveyor (QS) is a construction industry professional with expert knowledge on construction costs and contracts. Their role is to keep a close eye on the project’s finances and contractual relationships.  

They make sure that the financial position of construction projects is accurately reported and controlled effectively. They also help to ensure that the construction project is completed within its budget.  

Quantity surveyors are hired by contractors to help with the valuation of construction work for the contractor, help with bidding and project budgeting, and the submission of bills to the client.  

What are their duties?  

Some of the duties of a quantity surveyor are:  

  • Firstly, cost estimate, cost planning, and cost management.  
  • Prepare tender documents, contracts, budgets, bills of quantities and other documentation.  
  • Predicting potential risks in the project and taking precautions.  
  • Select and/or source construction materials.  
  • Take note of changes made and adjusting the budget accordingly. 
  • Contract management and contractual advice.  
  • Finally, claims and dispute management         

Is quantity surveying a good career? 

Yes, it is a good career because it offers the ability for career progression and great compensation. If you don’t like the set 9 – 5 jobs then this role might be perfect for you. Quantity surveyors spend much of their time on the field watching over the construction, or, meeting with clients and architects.  

It is also a great career choice if you favour numerical and financial management skills. As well as, the ability to work on a team, the ability to negotiate, communication skills and excellent relationship-building skills.  

Qualifications – 

However, a university degree does not allow one to register as a quantity surveyor. Although, anyone looking to qualify as a quantity surveyor or a charted quantity surveyor must have the appropriate qualifications and work experience.  

The RICS requires an RICS approved degree, several years of practical experience, and passing the assessment of professional competence to qualify as a charted quantity surveyor.  

In addition, people without a quantity surveying degree might begin in the field as technical surveyors or surveying technicians.  

The average quantity surveyor salary – 

Quantity surveyors in the UK take home an average of around £33,265. The price of the salaries varies on how long you have been in the business and your experience, for example:  

  • Less than a year – £23,305 
  • 1- 4 years – £29,638 
  • 10 – 19 years – £42,531 
  • 20 or more years – £45,794 

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Advice Center

What Will Happen If You Alter A Listed Building Without Consent?

1st December 20210

What is a listed building?  

Firstly, a listed building is a building that has been placed on a statutory list. Maintained by Historic England, historic environment Scottland, and in Wales and historic Northern Ireland. The building may not be demolished, extended, or altered without special permission from the local planning authority.   

There are 3 types of listed buildings:  

  • Firstly, grade l – Buildings of exceptional interest.  
  • Grade ll* – Particularly important building of more than special interest.  
  • Finally, grade ll – buildings that are of special interest, warranting every effort to preserve them.  

What is planning permission?  

Planning permission refers to the approval needed for construction, expansion, and sometimes demolition.

 listed building consent what is it?  

Consent from the local planning authority for the demolition of a listed building or the carrying out works for the alteration or extension, in any manner that would affect its character. 

Listed building offenses –  

Offenses given by the planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990.  

It is a criminal offense to carry out work without having listed building consent. Not all projects require consent, only the works that affect the character of the building.  

Carrying out building works to a listed building or changing it in any way without consent can result in court action and legal penalties. And it is also illegal to fail to comply with an enforcement notice.   

According to the planning act 1990 under section 9. Doing work without consent to the building can result in a person being charged. As well as, being fined up to £20,000 and/or up to 6 months imprisonment.  

In addition, the maximum penalty is two years’ imprisonment or an unlimited fine. In determining the fine a judge must have regard to any financial benefit which has accrued or appears likely to accrue to the wrongdoer so as to deny them any benefits.  

It is also an offense for anyone who would do damage to a listed building. Or to do anything which causes or is likely to result in damage to the building with the intention of causing damage. Damage to the building by an unauthorised person other than the owner or occupier would be criminal damage under the Criminal Damage Act 1971. 

When do I need listed building consent? | Building surveyor Cambridge | Anglian Home Surveyors

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Advice Center

Should you buy in the city or the country?

26th November 20210

Buying a home in the country can be very attractive to some people because the property is cheaper and there are amazing spaces you can explore. However, what if you prefer the fast pace, active city life. This blog will help you consider a list of things before you decide to move.  

Transportation –  

Firstly, if you want to live in the country, you should be prepared to drive everywhere.  If there are multiple people living in your house you should ideally have 2 cars. This is because public transport is rare when it comes to countryside travel, and if it does come it usually takes a long time.  

Whereas with the city, the only problem you might have is the traffic. Every type of public transport runs frequently and they are usually always on time. Because of all of the public transport, you will most likely use your car less.  

Space –  

A major reason people decide that they want to move out of the city and into the country is for the space. Houses out in the country are a lot larger for the price you pay, compared to the city. The garden space you get when you move to a more rural area is incredible as well. The gardens include trees, fields, rivers.  

However, if you are young, single, or just prefer living in the city then it is perfect for you if you don’t mind having less space.  

Farmhouses for Sale 2017 - Country Homes In Every State

Signals and WIFI –  

If your job involves you needing to be on the internet a lot or if you can’t live without WIFI or service then you should think hard about moving to the countryside. Rural areas are known for their poor reception and no service. So, if your life revolves around the internet then it is best to say in the city.  

The sky –  

Sunrises and sunsets are beautiful in the country when because it’s all you can see. However, it’s the night sky that brings major joy, because there is no light pollution the stars light up the night sky. If you are contemplating moving from the city to the country then the views are a big advantage.  

Crystal clear skies give stargazers stunning views thanks to Arctic blast | Daily Mail Online

Community –  

When living in a city the people and neighbours like to keep themselves to themselves and don’t like to be bothered. So, if you are looking for a friendly community then the best bet would be to move to the countryside. It might be cliché but villagers are more involved and friendly with the community.  

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Advice Center, Planning Permission

Learning About Change Of Use And What Their Class Mean

19th November 20210

What is a change of use?  

A change of use means when a building or occupancy is altered or replaced, for example from manufacturing to an office.  

If you wish to apply for a change of use of premises, you may need to get planning permission from the local authority. However, planning permission will not be needed if your existing and proposed fall within the same class.  

Current use classes –  

For any applications, the use classes in effect when the application was submitted will be to determine it.  

Class B – 

  • B2 General industrial – use for industrial process other than one falling within class E.  
  • B8 Storage or distribution – this class includes open air storage.  

Class C –  

  • Firstly, C1 Hotels – hotels, boarding and guest houses where no significant element of care is provided.  
  • C2 Residential institution – residential care homes, hospitals, nursing homes and boarding schools 
  • C2A Secure residential institution – Including prison, young offenders’ institution, detention centre, custody centre, secure hospital etc. 
  • C3 Dwellinghouses – this class is formed in 3 parts: C3A use by a single person or family.  
  •  C3B covers up to 6 people living together. E.g., supported housing for people with learning disabilities and mental health issues.  
  •  C3C allows for groups of people living together as a single household.  
  •  C4 houses in multiple occupation – small shared houses occupied by 3 – 6 unrelated people.  

Class E – Commercial, Business and Service – 

  • E(a) Retail sale of goods, other than hot food 
  • E(b) Sale of food and drink for consumption on the premises 
  • E(c) provision of: Financial services and professional services 
  • E(d) Indoor sport or fitness 
  • E(e) Medical or health services 
  • E(f) Day nursery or day centre 

Class F – Local Community and Learning – 

  • In addition, F1 Learning and non-residential institutions –   

             (a) Provision of education 

            (b)  Display works of art  

            (c)  Museums 

            (d) Public libraries 

            (e) Public halls 

            (f) Worship or religious instruction 

            (g) Law courts 

  • F2 Local community –  

              (a) Shops selling essential goods, including food.  

              (b) Halls or meeting places for the use of the local community.  

              (c) Places for outdoor sports.   

              (d) Indoor or outdoor swimming pools or skating rinks. 

 Sui generis

 Finally, the definition is buildings that don’t fall within any particular use class. Some examples include theatres, arcades, casinos, nightclubs, laundrette.  

Can I change the use of my business premises? - IWG Solicitors

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Advice Center, Architecture & Building

Find Out The Fastest Way To Get Technical Measurements: 3D Laser Scanning

18th November 20210

Here at Pro Arkitects we are using a state-of-the-art 3D Lazer scanner, to get the technical measurements of your property. If you are interested and want to find out more about the scanner and what it does, read on.   

What is 3D scanning?  

3D scanning is used widely in architecture and construction. It is a highly accurate method to capture the details of an existing building or construction site. The laser scanning can help designers visualize their designs by using real building data as a foundation.  

Laser scanning in architecture –  

The ability to scan buildings in high detail makes 3D scanning a very popular request when it comes to surveys. With the high accuracy information, it saves productivity and time which is important when delivering results to a client.  

How does 3D scanning work?  

 The laser projects a line of laser light onto the surface. While 2 sensor cameras, continuously record the changing distance and shape of the laser in 3 dimensions as it goes along the object.  

Pros and cons of 3D scanning –  

Pros –  

  • Between 1 and 2 million points of measurable data is collected per second.  
  • It takes a fraction of the time compared to measuring by hand.  
  • You will get the drawings quicker.  
  • Helps design teams to save money.  
  • Increases professionalism of your project. 
  • Gives architects confidence in their work. 

Cons –  

  • The laser scanner is very expensive  
  • Errors could happen while the scanner is scanning  

Functionality –  

The purpose of a 3D scanner is to create a 3d model. However, the 3D models often consist of a point cloud of geometric samples on the surface of the design.  

The scanner shares similar traits with a camera, and like cameras, they can only collect information about surfaces that are not obscured. While cameras collect colour information about surfaces within their field of view, a 3D scanner collects distance information about surfaces.  

However, a single scan will not produce a complete model of the building. You will need to do multiple scans, in different directions to get the information of all sides of the project.  

Notre Dame fire will accelarate the adoption of 3D scanning of historic sites

Advice Center

The Ultimate Guide To Knowing About A Drop Kerb

16th November 20210

What is a drop Kerb? 

A dropped kerb is the dip in the path and kerb that lets you drive up to your house. The kerb is dropped from the normal height and the path is straightened to take the weight of the vehicle.  

Do I need a dropped kerb?  

If you intend to drive your car over the path into your driveway off a road, then you will need a drop kerb. It is against the law to drive over the path. If you do so, you are breaking the law and enforcement action could be taken to prevent such practice. Furthermore:  

  • Fistly, You may become liable from a collision with a pedestrian  
  • You may become liable for damage to the path  
  • You may face considerable costs as a result of damage to any utility apparatus under the path.  

Can I drop a kerb myself?  

The majority of local authorities will assign a contractor to complete the job, once your permission has been granted. The local council will strongly advise against DIY dropped kerbs. However, the council will allow you to DIY it if you are qualified to do the jobs yourself.  

Do you need planning permission?  

If your road is owned by the council you will need to apply for planning permission. However, if your road is a private road, you will not need to get planning permission. If you don’t get planning permission and you decide to build a dropped kerb, you may be fined up to £1,000.  

The cost of a dropped kerb –  

The average dropped kerb cost is around £600. This price covers the costs of materials and the labour’s work although, it doesn’t cover the costs of the planning permission. The average drop kerb prices for 2 kerbs will typically start at £350 for labour and materials, while the price you can expect for 3 kerbs is £ 525 and £700 for 4. They can take up to 1 – 6 weeks depending on the size, complexity and whether any utility’s need moving.  

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Advice Center

Everything You Need To Know About Commercial Architecture

16th November 20210

If you are looking into building a commercial property or renovating an existing one, then hiring the right architect is key. A professional, architect can help turn your dreams into reality. 

What is commercial project architecture?  

So, commercial architecture is to design functional buildings and structures that will be used to provide a service to people. Commercial properties could include offices, restaurants, shops, warehouses, hospitals, and so on. As a result, this type of architecture focuses on combining function with style. This helps to meet the needs of the business. 

What is the architect responsible for on a commercial project?  

The architect is in responsible charge of construction means, methods, techniques, safety procedures, and precautions of everyone working on the project. In addition, the architect must also obtain proper licenses and contractors’ general liability policies in order to perform construction services.  

The architect is responsible for the total cost of the design and construction, as well as, the timing and stages. For instance, dates and time frames of when the projects should be completed.   

There are three main categories in commercial architecture. This includes:  

 residential architecture –  

Firstly, residential architecture is the design and development of properties used for living. For example,  

  • Apartments 
  • Family homes  
  • Flats  
  • Maisonettes  

office development –  

So, Office development is about creating a new space that helps the business and employees thrive and achieve their goals. For instance, the types of offices are:

  • Corporate headquarters 
  • Studios 
  • Office buildings  

 industrial architecture –  

For example, the types of industrial buildings are:  

  • Warehouses  
  • Factories  
  • Breweries  
  • Manufacturing  
  • Powerplants  
Commercial architectural

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hello, how are you Commercial architecture is the design of buildings and structures for use by businesses?

Change of use Architecture is an architectural practice comprised of Planning Consultants, Architectural & Interior Designers, and Senior Architects. We also have a branding facility, which offers corporate identity design to blend with your newly refurbished space.

Our team is proud to have a proven track record in planning submissions. With over 1400 changes of use and residential applications to date, we understand the importance of successfully obtaining planning permission with your first application. This is because it facilitates future applications from the change of use landlords or tenants.