Advice Center

Advice Center

How close can you build to your boundary line?

27th January 20220

When planning a home extension or garden, it’s important to consider if planning permission is required. And then how close to the boundary line the build will be.  

What is a boundary line?  

A boundary is a line that divides one area from another. It may be called a border and defines the extent of one or more areas that are adjacent or in close proximity. Boundaries can be defined physically by coastlines, rivers, roads, walls, fences, and lines painted on the ground.  

How close to your boundary can you build? 

If you’re planning on building an extension of more than one storey, you cannot go beyond the boundary at the rear by more than 3 meters. However, this only applies when there is no other property on the land to the rear of your home.   

A general guideline shows that a build that reaches 2.1 meters is considered acceptable and anything over that  

How close can you build to the neighbour’s boundary?  

The party wall act allows an absolute right to build-up to the boundary between you and your neighbour. It also allows you to build astride the boundary line, but only with your neighbour’s consent. 

A householder planning application may be required, which takes into account the opinions of neighbours and any other parties that may be affected by the new build. You should talk with your neighbours throughout the process to reduce the risk of them rejecting any proposal.  

What is the process for building on the boundary (party wall)? 

If you want to build a wall or garden wall astride the boundary wall, you must tell your neighbour. You can do this by serving a notice, called a party wall notice. You must also inform the adjoining owner if you plan to build a wall only on your land but up against the boundary line. However, if you have a party wall agreement, your neighbour can’t prevent you from building such a wall.  

Permitted development boundary lines –  

If the proposed build falls within permitted development rights, then the council must approve it. As long as it meets the required regulations. For example, a detached new build must have a maximum eaves height of 3m and a total maximum height of 4m.  

Contact us

Contact us
Advice Center

Do you need an architect to build a swimming pool in the UK?

21st January 20220

For a lot of swimming pool projects, an architect will be the starting point. In this blog, we will explain whether you need an architect or not for your swimming pool installation.  

Do you need an architect for an outside pool?  

For an outside swimming pool, it is unlikely that you would need to hire an architect. However, you will need drawings and structural drawings as part of the building warrant application process. You don’t need an architect for structural drawings.  

Will you need an architect to install an indoor swimming pool?  

You should hire an architect to install an indoor swimming pool. They will usually involve the construction of an extension or new build. However, architects are a crucial part of any construction project and they have the necessary skills needed to help you with anything. In our opinion, an architect will help the entire process, which will result in a smoother building process and less stress.  

Benefits of hiring an architect for your pool  

Architects will be able to help you with:  

  • Drawings and design 
  • Planning permission 
  • Structural analysis  
  • Building warrants  
  • Help you save money when the construction begins  
  • Outlining building schedule  
  • Onsite supervision of the construction  
  • Liaising with contractors  

How close to the boundary can you build?  

When installing a swimming pool, you need to make sure that you are following protocols and laws. The pool can be at least 1m from the boundary line. And the landscape between the boundary line and the pool to enhance the overall appearance of the space.  

Can you build a swimming pool without planning permission?  

Homeowners with large enough garden space can build an outdoor pool under permitted development rights. Swimming pools are covered by class e for householders and can be built without planning permission as long as you stay within the regulations.  

How much does it cost to install a swimming pool?  

The lowest price for a professionally installed outdoor pool starts at around £15,000, but for this price, you’ll probably get a small pool. However, an average-sized pool would cost around £40,000 or so.  

Image: https://www.opulentpools.co.uk/project/swimming-pool-builders-heathfield-sussex/

Contact us

Contact us
Advice Center

Building a bungalow: the pros and cons

21st January 20220

In the UK bungalows are one of the most sought-after types of home, but they seem to be the most unavailable. Many homeowners have said that this type of property is the ideal place to live. This is why many home buyers are thinking of building a bungalow themselves.  

Designing a bungalow – 

When building any home making sure that it gets a load of daylight is a major priority to many people. Bungalows are usually wide, so you need to make sure that sunlight reaches nearly everywhere on the property. 

 A way to make sure that you can get a lot of light and to make your space more modern is by making an open plan bungalow. An open-plan area is great for bungalows because it can make the space feel bigger and airier.  

A great feature to add to the design of your project is a lot of glazing. You could have tall vaulted ceilings and add a number of skylights to make the place look more luxurious. Installing bi-fold doors is also a great thing to think about when designing a home. They provide the sense of bringing the outside in and are a great choice if you like to entertain because they open up the area.  

Pros and cons of building a bungalow –  

Pros –  

  • Space and privacy  

Bungalows generally come with more space because they are wider than a traditional house. This means that their plot is bigger and there is more space between neighbours, so you end up getting more privacy. Having other bungalows next door to you often means that there will also be fewer people overlooking your property.  

  • Great for all types of people  

One of the biggest pros of a bungalow is that they are suitable for everyone. Because there are no stairs this property is great for the disabled, the elderly, and children. Without a second floor, it is easier for people to get around their homes and do things independently.  

  • Less maintenance  

A reason why older people go for bungalows is that they are a lot less maintenance than owning a larger home. It is smaller property meaning it would be easier to clean.   

Cons –  

  • High demand, low supply  

Bungalows are hugely popular but there are fewer and fewer being built.   

  • Lack of sleeping separation  

A thing that some buyers dislike is that there is a lack of separation between the living areas and the bedrooms. This can be an issue for those who are sleeping and those who are awake making noise.  

  • Security worries  

Most people sleep with their windows open, but this can cause security worries for those living in a bungalow. It may be best to install a security system if you’re thinking of building a bungalow.   

How much do bungalows cost to build?  

Bungalows then be more expensive to build and they cost more per square foot than two-storey dwellings with the same number of bedrooms. The total average cost of building a bungalow can range anywhere between £181,000 and £552,000. The cost of a bungalow is heavily influenced by land costs and the size of the plot.  

Advice Center, Loft Conversion

Common mistakes made by people when converting their loft

21st January 20220

When you need more space converting your loft can be a great way to go about it. Installing one can be a big investment, so it is important that you make sure nothing goes wrong during the process. Here are some of the most common mistakes made by people, so you can avoid them.  

Not checking if you have enough headroom in the loft- 

Before you even make an enquiry to build a loft conversion you should check to see if you have enough headroom. You need a minimum of 2.2 meters for a loft conversion to be possible. Unless you live in a detached property and have the money to be able to raise the roof.  

How to measure your headroom –  

 The most important measurement you need to take is from the highest point, directly under the roof, vertically down to the floor. Once you have your tape measure in place you just need to check if it’s at least 2.2m.  

Assuming that you don’t need planning permission –  

A loft conversion is typically classed as permitted development, meaning that you don’t need planning permission. However, you shouldn’t always assume because your house or the area you live in could have limitations and conditions. For example, a listed building or a conservation area, which might need a full planning application.  

Positioning the new staircase in the wrong place –  

The position of your new staircase is crucial because it impacts the layout and architecture of the whole house. The staircase should give your home balance, and not seem like it’s intruding on the bedrooms or the upstairs space.  

Ignoring the neighbours –  

If you live in a terraced or semi-detached property, the wall you share with your neighbours is called a party wall. You must tell your neighbours that you’re planning to do a loft conversion and get a party wall agreement in place before work starts.  

Your neighbours have the right to disagree with the conversion, so communication is key and a party wall agreement is necessary to avoid issues.  

Poor loft design layout –  

Lofts often have limited space so the layout of your loft conversion is so important. You should make sure that the space can get lots of natural light. You should also make sure that the roof and wall space is being utilised to maximum effect.  

Image: SxS Design & Build

Contact us

Contact us
Advice Center

Interior design trends to look out for in 2022

20th January 20220

It’s always exciting when a new season or year arrives and it’s time to update your home décor to fit in with the trends. Our homes are constantly evolving and changing, to fit in with our style, so it is important that we keep our homes up to date with trends as well.  

Interior design trends in 2022 –  

The predicted trends to look out for in 2022 are all about embracing and re-engaging the world. Patterns, colours, and materials that represent more natural objects are becoming more popular. Here is a list of trends that you might want to incorporate into your home décor.  

Natural colours such as creams and browns –  

Natural colours are taking over from the pristine whites and greys in 2022. Including the simplicity and calmness of colours and objects that symbolise nature can create a more peaceful home environment. Especially after the craziness of the last couple of years.  

A hugely popular decorative accessory has been dried flowers and grasses. They work great alongside house plants and the aesthetic of your home because they are often cream in colour.   

Autumnal Interior Design Trends | Rated People Blog

Nature-inspired objects and surfaces –  

Many people are really liking the natural surfaces, for example, stoneware, marble, and travertine. These materials are being used everywhere from, flooring to, backsplashes, bathtubs, and decorative objects. The imperfect nature of these materials creates visual interest and helps bring the outside vibe inside.  

Home objects are also being made out of these materials, for example, chopping boards, dishes, vases, and so on.  

Is Travertine Stone the biggest Interior Design Trend?

Sculptural vases –  

Instagram has made sculptural vases become a massive trend for 2022 interior design. Their fun abstract characteristics and different designs have made people fall in love with them. Adding a couple of these vases to your shelf can up the wow factor of your space.   

Statement lighting –  

People love to add statement lighting because they are very useful. They are both functional and fashionable, they light up the whole area and look like a piece of artwork. And sales have shown that in 2022 a 27% increase of searches has been made for this type of lighting.  

So, hop on the statement piece lighting trend before it’s too late.  

Lighting Design Trends 2021/2022

Including shades of green –  

After being stuck inside due to the pandemic, I think it has made people appreciate the green and natural colours of the outside. And they now want to include them in their homes. It creates the vibe of bringing the outside in and making a fresh environment.  

Pinterest has seen searches for green interior inspiration increase by 80% this year. This is not a surprise because it is a beautiful colour, and works so well in a home.  

The 8 Best Living Room Paint Colors, According to Design Experts | Real Simple

Black accents –  

By adding black accents into your home, it adds more edge and depth to more minimal spaces. Especially if you love lighter furniture and elements, it adds the right amount of contrast to the space. You could include this by swapping handles for black ones, putting up a black mirror or just having black ornaments around the house.    

Black accents to create an interior with personality. - Interior Notes

House plants – 

House plants will always be a popular trend because they are so beneficial to your health. Plants have a calming effect and they help clean the air, so living with plants can be great.  

10 Tips for Interior Decorating with Plants | Stauffers

Contact us

Contact us
Advice Center

Everything to know about Area of outstanding natural beauty (AONB)

13th January 20220

What is an area of outstanding natural beauty?

An AONB is an area of countryside in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, that has been designated for conservation due to its significant landscape value. It is also protected by the countryside and rights of way act 2000 (CROW Act).

How are AONBs made?

Natural England can make orders to designate areas of outstanding natural beauty or vary the boundaries of existing ones. Before natural England proposes an area to become an AONB, it must meet the natural beauty criterion. This could be multiple different factors, such as:

Landscape quality.

Scenic quality.

Relative wildness, such as distance from housing or having few roads.

Natural heritage features, such as distinct species and habitat.

Relative tranquillity, where all you can hear is natural sounds.

Cultural heritage.

History –

The idea that would eventually become the AONB designation was first put forward by John Dower in 1945. Dower was a civil servant and architect, who was a secretary of the standing committee on national parks. Dower suggested there was a need for the protection of certain naturally beautiful landscapes that were unsuitable as national parks. They were usually unsuitable because of their small size and lack of wildness.

Can you build or renovate an area of outstanding natural beauty?

Before developing your property, it is important for you to know what rights you have as a property owner in an AONB. Because of the area, your permitted development rights may be reduced, and planning permission grants may become more uncommon.

Permitted development is a development that you can carry out without needing to apply for full planning permission. You may still need approval under other legislations.

You might be able to extend a house in an AONB under permitted development if you follow the rules, are some examples:

It must not go more than 4m beyond the rear wall of the property if it’s a detached house or 3m for any other dwelling.

Must not be more than 4m high.

Contact us

Contact us
Advice Center, Architecture & Building

Top things to consider when building a home for the disabled

12th January 20220

There are a number of disabled people that are living in a home, made for an abled person. By living like this it can make their life and day-to-day tasks a lot harder. This is why it is important that more disability-friendly homes are being built.  

A disability-friendly home should ensure independence for homeowners or family members with a disability. Whilst also allowing freedom of movement and comfort for all of the family members and visitors.  

Here are the top things to consider when building a home for the disabled:  

Wider doorways – 

One of the first things that you need to consider is building wider doorways so that it is easier for wheelchair access. For wheelchair users to comfortably navigate within their homes, it’s essential that doorways must be at least 32 inches wide.  

It is also better to use lever door handles because knobs can be difficult for people with dexterity problems. However, even if you don’t have a disabled person within the property, these features are still the most practical. Wide doorways are also growing in popularity which is a great thing for the future.  

The correct flooring – 

Flooring can actually affect the way people with certain disabilities live. Here are some options of flooring:  

  • Hard wood floors are very useful for people who use wheelchairs and walkers, because it is slick for the wheels.  
  • Vinyl floors are a popular choice because they are affordable and are known to be slip resistant.  
  • Carpeted floors provide softer cushioning which is great for people who suffer from joint pain. This is because having a softer floor helps to avoid aggravating the pain.  

Safer bathrooms –  

Bathrooms have proven to be the most difficult area in the home to access. It is important to give the bathroom more space than you would for an abled person. This is so there is more mobility for those who need it, this is why wet rooms are popular within these houses. If you don’t have a wet room or a shower, adding a bath lift will help you get in and out of the bath easier.  

It is crucial to use slip-resistant floor tiles so there is less chance of falling over. Installing hand railings where necessary will also help to provide stability when in the bathroom.  

Security –  

Adding an intercom or alarm system to the property can be very important because it could end up saving someone’s life. If someone falls, they could set off the alarm, and help can be on the way. You should also think about installing outside lights just for extra safety.  

Driveways –  

Driveways for disabled-friendly homes should be about 3.8 meters in width and 5.4 meters in length, maybe even bigger. This is because they need enough room when getting in and out of the car. There should be a wide flat path between the front door, with no plants or trees in the way. Having ramps and slopes is a must in these types of homes so that they are accessible to everyone.  

Contact us

Contact us
Advice Center

The best 6 insulation types for a loft conversion

11th January 20220

Firstly, a loft conversion is a great way to add extra space to your home. As well as, adding an extra room to the house, a well-insulated conversion may also provide savings by reducing the energy bills. It is important to know about and choose the best type of insulation for your home.

Here are the 6 main insulation types:  

Rigid foam (PIR/ PUR)-  

Both PIR and PUR boards are made by mixing chemicals with a blowing agent. However, this forms large rigid blocks which are low density, closed-cell insulation sheets. The gas which is trapped in the closed-cell of the insulation has a very low thermal conductivity.  

Extruded polystyrene –  

So, extruded polystyrene is rigid insulation that has also formed with polystyrene polymer, but manufactured using an extrusion process. . This means that there will be no further movement of the foam. Ensuring that it will retain its final structure and thermal values.  

Mineral wool (glass/ stone) – 

Mineral wool is available in rolls or slabs. It is man-made from a range of materials including, recycled glass and fibers. In addition, mineral wool is a porous material that traps the air, making it one of the best insulating materials. It is also good because it doesn’t fuel fire or propagates flames.  

Multi-foil insulation –  

Multi-foil is thin reflective layers of insulation. The layers are separated by wadding and foam. This insulation is perfect for preventing radiant heat loss.  

Expanded polystyrene –  

Also, expanded polystyrene often known as Styrofoam is produced by the expansion of beads. These beads contain pentane as a blowing agent. In addition, This closed-cell structure provides minimal water absorption and low vapor permanence.  

Phenolic foams –  

Finally, phenolic insulation is made by a process in which plastic foam forms. It creates an insulating core between two flexible layers.  

This insulation is perfect for preventing radiant heat loss.  

Earthwool

Contact us

Contact us

Mineral wool is available in rolls or slabs. It is man-made from a range of materials including, recycled glass and fibers. In addition, mineral wool is a porous material that traps the air, making it one of the best insulating materials.

Advice Center

Everything To Know About Damp Proofing Your Property

10th January 20220

What is damp proofing?  

Damp proofing in construction is a type of moisture control applied to building walls and floors to prevent moisture from entering the interior spaces. Dampness is one of the most frequent problems that happen in homes.    

The most common causes of dampness is:  

  • Condensation – is the change of the state of water vapour to liquid water when in contact with a liquid or solid surface.
  • Penetrating damp – is the development of moisture through the walls and roof or below ground area of a building. 
  • Rising damp – moisture absorbed from the ground and into the walls.  

Damp may be clearly visible from:  

  • Damp patches 
  • Mould growth 
  • Mildew, salts, staining and ‘tide marks.’ 
  • Slip hazards 
  • Frost damage 
  • Poor performance insulation 
  • Damages to surface finishes 

Methods of damp proofing –  

There are a range of ways you can damp proof your home, some of the more popular solutions are:   

Installing a damp proof course –  

A damp-proof course will provide a horizontal layer of waterproof material within the walls of the building. Protecting against moisture rising up through the walls, perfect if you have a rising damp problem.  

Installing a damp proof membrane –  

A damp proof membrane is a sheet of material that is waterproof. It is laid under a concrete floor, which should be connected to the damp-proof course. So, that the building is sealed from dampness.  

Integral damp proofing –  

In concrete, this involves adding materials to the concrete mix to make the concrete itself watertight.  

Installation of fans –  

Condensation is an inevitable damp problem in all properties. In addition, the kitchen and bathroom are the most susceptible to dampness. The installation of ventilation, such as fans, allows constant airflow throughout the property.  

Improving the exterior of the property –  

Penetrating damp is a form of damp that causes significant damage to exposed areas of a building’s roofs or chimneys. Penetrating damp expands in horizontal movements opposed to rising damp, which travels vertically. Clearing out your gutters regularly will allow water to flow away from the property.  

Damp Wall

Contact us

Contact us
Advice Center

What are Structural drawings? All you need to know

7th January 20220

What are structural drawings?  

Structural drawings are plans for how a building or structure will be built. The drawings are created by engineers. They are also based on information provided by architectural drawings.  

In addition, the plans show the size and materials to be used. They also don’t address architectural details like partition walls, surface finishes, or mechanical systems.  

What is the purpose?  

Furthermore, They are used to progress the architect’s concept by specifying the shape and position of all parts of the structure.  

What do the drawings entail?  

  • An actual drawing of the building project 
  • Structural details & instructions  
  • A licenced professional engineer’s signature & stamp 

When will you need a building permit? 

This drawing is a great way to communicate important building information to your local building department. Although, the information is straightforward your building permit may be a quicker process.  

Structural drawings set –  

  • Firstly, general notes are part of structural drawings and they cover the codes used in the design and by the laws of the building. Structural notes provide information regarding material properties or construction requirements. 
  • The structural drawings show the foundation, floor, and roof plan of the building. These inform you of the size and location of the structural elements in the plans.  
  • As well as, the elevations show the exterior walls of a building structure. In elevation drawings, you can find the height of floor & roof elevations.
  • Finally, the details drawings provide information on how to construct or connect the structural elements.  

Contact us

Elevations show the exterior walls of a building structure. In elevation drawings, you can find the height of floor & roof elevations. 

The detailed provide information on how to construct or connect the structural elements.