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Advice Center, Extensions

Common mistakes made by people when extending their home

24th February 20220

Extending your home is a big project and can cost you a lot of money. So, here is a list of common mistakes that you may want to avoid.  

Having an unrealistic schedule  

It is common knowledge that building work can be unpredictable and can take longer than expected. There are some things you can’t just predict or plan. Having an understanding of this from the beginning of the project can help you prepare for delays. For instance, having a positive and chilled attitude will help form a better relationship with your contractor.  

Rushing the design  

If you’ve recently purchased a property or moved into a new home, you should live in the home for a while before extending or renovating. This is so you can get a real insight into what changes you want to make to the property. By waiting a year or so, you can see how the house stands and works throughout the seasons and different weather types.  

Upsetting the neighbours  

You must always inform your neighbours about any renovation that is going to take place on your property. Regardless of whether you get along with them or not. Often building works can be disruptive to your neighbours and their properties. So, to make sure no conflicts occur you should be aware of and get a party wall agreement. The agreement with your neighbours usually takes place in letter form and can be done by a third party such as a party wall surveyor.  

Going over your budget  

Running out of money when you are halfway through a project can be one of the worst things that can happen. This is why ensuring that you get fixed quotes and estimates from the beginning is vital. Before you start your project, it is important to have a contingency fund available just in case anything unexpected comes up.  

Not researching tradespeople properly  

It can often be tempting to choose a cheap builder so you can save a bit of extra money. However, employing a skilled professional is a good investment, so you can avoid unfinished or bad-quality work. You should choose a trade person based on their previous work and trusted recommendations.  

Image credit: Simon Burt

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House Renovation

The Best Renovations To Improve Your House Value

23rd February 20220

Are you wanting to increase your house value so you can sell? Then you are in the right place. Here are some of the best renovations you can do that will improve your houses value. 

Kitchen Renovations  

Kitchen renovations are one of the most popular projects to do. Every home buyer will always look out for how the kitchen looks. Nowadays, modern kitchens are most wanted. You can increase the value a little bit by working on cupboard doors making the kitchen look better. However, you can increase the value by a big some by working on the worktops and tiling, or even adding new kitchen appliances. A kitchen renovation can raise the value up to 12%. However, before you begin make sure you have planned this correctly as this can take time and be expensive. 

Bathroom Renovations 

Another popular choice is bathroom renovations. This can increase the value of your home to around 7-8% however, if this is done incorrectly it can decrease the value of your home by a lot. When renovating a bathroom, you should take into consideration the trends people want. For example, wet rooms, marbled surfaces or steam lined storage. Little things like that can raise the value. 

Decorating  

Decorating is one of the cheapest ways to raise your houses value. Depending on the materials you decide to use you can raise your houses value by 5%. However, you have to consider lots of different styles and what style would make the home perfect for you or homebuyers. Decorating can cover a variety of projects such as painting, wallpapering or flooring. However, since decorating raises the value so little sometimes it’s best to leave the home plain with no damage and let the homebuyers decorate themselves. 

Smart Home  

Nowadays having technology is your home is very desirable. For example, having smart lightbulbs or a security system. This is becoming increasingly common for homebuyers to want this for their homes. There are many more smart technologies you can add to your home. Adding technology can raise the value of your home by 7% however, it also has been known to raise the value by an amazing 35%. This depends on what kind of technology you add to your home. 

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Advice Center

A Guide To Houses In Ashford Kent

23rd February 20220

Are you wanting to move or buy a house in Ashford? If you are here are different types of houses explained so you know what’s most suitable for you.  

Semi-Detached Houses In Ashford 

A semi-detached house is a property that shares at least one wall with an existing property. The homes that are connected are usually mirror images of each other. Semi-detached homes save space and are cheaper than detached homes. These homes are very popular and provide an adequate level of privacy. However, the average cost of a 3-bedroom semi-detached house in Ashford is around £300,000. The only really downside to a semi-detached home is that it is a possibility that you could hear your neighbours if they are really loud. 

Detached Houses In Ashford 

Detached homes are structures built by themselves. No shared structural walls or hearing your neighbours what so ever. They have a great deal of space and privacy. And, most have front and back gardens for you to enjoy. The average value of a 3-bedroom detached homes in Ashford are around about £375,000. Detached houses are generally more. 

Terraced Houses  

Terraced homes are one of the most common and popular homes in the United Kingdom. They save a lot of space in the community. However, parking your car can be a nightmare at the front of your home. Terraced homes have a wall on each side connected to another home, essentially making a row of houses. The average value of a 3-bedroom terraced house in Ashford is £325,000. 

Flats  

Flats are one of the most known about homes in England. These homes are usually given to people that live alone or have a small family. Flats are often being offered as a series within a single building. But, flats are known for their space-saving qualities. The average value of flats in Ashford are around £200,000. There are many different types of flats as well such as, converted, split-level and studio flats.

Bungalows In Ashford  

Bungalows are single-storey detached homes. The difference between a bungalow and detached home is that a bungalow is a lot smaller with usually no stairs. These homes are usually very small having a small number of rooms However, you may have an attic. This home is quite popular to older people as it is small. however, it has no stairs to get up. The average value for a 3-bedroom bungalow in Ashford is around £300,000. 

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Materials

All there is to know about a cavity wall

23rd February 20220

What is a cavity wall?  

A cavity wall is constructed with two separate walls for single wall purposes with some space or cavity between them. They can be described as consisting of two “skins” separated by a hollow space (cavity). The skins typically are masonry, such as brick or cinder block. Masonry is an absorbent material that can slowly draw rainwater or even humidity into the wall. One function of the cavity is to drain water through weep holes at the base of the wall system or above windows.  

What is the purpose?  

The purpose of a cavity wall is to ensure that the inner skin of the wall remains dry and that no moisture penetrates the inside of the building. 

History of the cavity wall – 

Cavity walls existed in Greek and Roman times, but only developed as a component of more recent construction in the 18th and 19th centuries. Even during this time, they were very rare. The use of metal ties to connect the two skins only emerged in the second half of the 19th century and then became more common towards the beginning of the 20th century. In the UK, most new, external masonry walls have been cavity walls since the 1920s.  

Insulation –  

Cavity wall insulation is used to reduce heat loss. This happens by filling the air space with material that inhibits heat transfer. This immobilises the air within the cavity, preventing convection, and can substantially reduce space heating costs.  

During the construction of new buildings, cavities are often filled with glass fibre wool or mineral wool panels placed between the two sides of the wall.

Advantages of cavity walls –  

  • They act as good sound insulators  
  • Economically they are cheaper than solid walls  
  • They also reduce the weights on foundation because of their lesser thickness  
  • Moisture content in outer atmosphere is not allowed to enter because of hollow space between the skin. So, they prevent dampness  
  • Cavity walls give better thermal insulation than solid walls. It is because of the space provided between two skins of cavity walls is full of air and reduces heat transmission into the building from outside. 
Advice Center

How to get planning permission on green belt land Kent?

22nd February 20220

Over the years there are a large number of misunderstandings about the purpose of green belt land, and whether you can get planning permission for it. While green belts are extremely important and should be preserved to protect the countryside and urban areas. There are circumstances, that extensions and alterations can be permitted.  

A strategic land availability assessment must consider the following factors:  

  • Firstly, flood risk  
  • National parks  
  • Heritage coast 
  • Heritage assessment  
  • Sites of special scientific interest 
  • Areas of outstanding natural beauty  
  • Finally, protected sites (birds and habitat directives) 

local planning authorities shouldn’t approve the construction of new buildings unless they propose the following exceptions: 

  • Firstly, Agricultural buildings 
  • Limited infilling in some villages 
  • Facilities for outdoor sport and recreation  
  • The replacement of an existing building by one that is not materially larger 
  • The extension or alteration of an existing building.
  • Facilities for cemetaries

Why would you want to develop on green belt land?  

The main reason people want to develop on this land is because it is cheap. For example:  

A 15-acre site in Epping has a guide price of £145,000. 

As green belt land that works out to be £0.22 per square foot. 

And if it got residential planning approval it could be worth £570 per square foot. 

How to get planning permission?  

The national planning policy framework states that “inappropriate development is, by definition, harmful to the green belt and should not be approved except in very special circumstances”.  

An experienced architect or architectural technologist can usually get you planning permission to make reasonably sized additions to your house or to replace it with something larger.  

In addition, securing new development on green belt land will depend on aspects of design quality. There is a presumption in favour of development for buildings or infrastructure that promote high levels of sustainability.  

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Loft Conversion

What is The Best Loft Conversion For You

18th February 20220

Here is a guide to loft conversions to help pick the best one for you and your home. When choosing a project you must take into account the styles, budget, your existing roof structure and any planning restrictions you may face.  

Types of Loft Conversions  

There are four main types of conversions which are: 

  • Dormer 
  • Roof light 
  • Hip-to-gable  
  • Mansard  

Dormer Conversion  

Dormer conversions are one of the best and more popular loft conversion, they provide lots of extra space. A Dormer is an extension that is built on the slop of your roof. There are different types of Domer conversions you should know about such as: 

  • Single dormer 
  • Double dormer 
  • Flat-roofed dormer 
  • Gabled dormer  

Pros and cons of getting a Dormer 

Pros  

  • Suitable for most homes  
  • Less expensive than other conversions  
  • Adds a good amount of extra space 
  • Planning permission isn’t needed in most cases 
  • An option for most that houses that have sloping roofs 

Cons  

  • Not a quick process  
  • More structural changes than most conversions  

Roof Light Loft Conversion 

A roof light conversion is simply your existing loft is retained but rooflights are added. However, after that all you need to do is lay down flooring and add some stairs. Don’t forget about plumbing along with insulation. This is perfect for smaller spaces. 

Pros and cons of a Roof light conversion 

Pros 

  • The cheapest loft conversion  
  • Suitable if you live in a conservation area 
  • Not a lot of structural changes  
  • Least disruptive to the home 

Cons  

  • Less space provided than other conversions 

Hip-To-Gable Loft Conversion 

Hip-to-gable conversions work by extending the sloping roof at the side or your house outwards to create a vertical wall, creating more space. 

Pros and cons of a Hip-to-gable conversion 

Pros 

  • Natural looking  
  • Less expensive than extending outwards 

Cons  

  • More expensive than a dormer  
  • Can only be done on semi-detached or detached houses 
  • Only suits house’s with a sloping side roof 

Mansard Loft Conversion 

A Mansard conversion involves replacing the sloping roof structure with a wall that is almost vertical. The final roof is flat. This project can add a whole additional storey for say. 

Pros and cons of a Mansard conversion 

Pros  

  • A large amount of additional space 
  • Suitable for different types of properties 

Cons  

  • Expensive  
  • Does not look natural  
  • Complex project meaning it could take longer  

Planning Permission & Permitted Development 

Usually when wanting to convert your loft you will not need to do a full planning application as this will come under permitted development rights. In some cases, you will need to apply for planning permission. If you: 

  • Live in a flat or maisonette 
  • Exceed permitted development  
  • Live in a conservation area  

You will need to apply for permission. For your project to be considered as permitted development it must follow these set rules. Here are a few: 

  • Not to build higher than the highest part of the roof. 
  • Not have any dormers or extensions on the roof plane of the principal elevation facing the road. 
  • Be constructed with materials similar in appearance to the existing house. 

There are more rules you will have to follow under permitted development. 

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Extensions

Thanet: What Extensions Are Good For You

17th February 20220

One of the best ways to raise the value to your home or to add to space is to add an extension in Thanet. There are many extensions you can have. For example, adding a single-storey, side or double-storey extension. 

Types of extensions  

  • Side return 
  • Rear 
  • Single-storey 
  • Double-storey 
  • Front 
  • Wrap around  

Rear extension 

This extends out from the side of your home and combines with the back of your property. This gives a lot of extra space and is a great project for those wanting a larger kitchen area or an open floor plan. 

Side return extension  

Providing you own the side of your house, building a side extension to the side can have a huge impact on your home. It will make your home look larger. 

Wrap around extension 

If you cannot decide between a side return and rear extension, why not have both? This is a combination of the two. 

Double-storey  

When wanting as much space as possible a double-storey extension would be the best for you. It means you can have an additional or bigger living space and have an extra room upstairs.  

Will an extension add value to your home in Thanet? 

On average the homes in Thanet are sold on an average of £282.000. An extension can raise the value of your home by 5-15% depending how much work you’ve decided to put into it. £282.000 raised by 15% is £324.300.  

Planning permission 

Some extensions will not need full planning permission and can come under permitted development before construction you should find out what it falls under before starting to prevent your local council from taking action. If you build without following the planning rules you can be told to fix it so it complies or they can force you to demolish the work that’s been done. 

Building Regulations  

Regardless if you need full planning permission or not you will need to follow the building regulations. Building regulations have set standards: 

  • Fire safety  
  • Energy efficient  
  • Damp proofing 
  • Ventilation 
  • Structural integrity  
  • Anything else that will ensure health and safety. 
Image:https://www.harveynormanarchitects.co.uk/portfolio/sandpit-lane-st-albans

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Extensions

Extensions: Things You Should Keep In Mind

17th February 20220

Are you thinking about creating an extension on your home? this is one of the best ways to create extra space or additional rooms in your home. Here is some information on extensions you should think about.

Rear Extensions  

A rear extension extends from the rear of your house into the garden space. It’s a great option for someone that’s wanting to extend their kitchen or have an open floor plan. 

Side Return  

A side return extension is an extension that is built at the side of your home. This extension can make your home look larger. 

Wrap around extensions  

A wrap around extension is a rear and side return extension combined together making a large space. If you cannot decide between one or the other, why not have both! 

Double-storey  

A double-storey extension gives you additional living space and an extra bedroom upstairs. The advantage to this is that you get double the space but it doesn’t double the cost. Normally a double-storey only cots around 50-60% more than a single-storey. 

Things You Should Think About Before Starting Any Extension  

Will adding an extension to your home increase the value? 

Constructing this project will add value to your home, it has been known to raise the value by 5-15%. How expensive the build is depending on the value. How much the value will be depends on:  

  • The quality of the work 
  • What additional rooms you’ve created 
  • Is it modern?  

Have you got enough budget? 

Having a realistic budget is very important. Without a budget there’s no project. While many know about the material and labourer fees people often don’t know or forget about these hidden fees such as: 

  • Legal fees  
  • Stamp duty and land tax 
  • Measured surveys 
  • Architecture fees 
  • Structural engineer fees 
  • Planning application fees 
  • Building regulation fees 
  • Warranty  
  • Services  
  • Waste removal 
  • External works 

There will most likely be more fees that will come along with it, so make sure your prepared. 

Do you have permitted development rights? 

Permitted development allows you to extend your home without planning permission. There is a number of guidelines your project will need to follow and not every home will come under those guidelines, meaning they will need a full planning application. Here are some of the projects you can build under permitted development if your home qualifies: 

  • Rear extension  
  • Side return  
  • Two-storey
  • Garage conversion 
  • Loft conversion  
  • Annexe 
  • New additional storey  

You still need to be aware that if you decide to do a complex project it could become a chance that you may need a full planning application. It depends on the work you decide to do. 

Image: https://craymanor.co.uk/house-extensions/larger-home-extensions-now-permitted/

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Extensions

All there is to know about extensions in Sevenoaks Kent

16th February 20220

If you are looking to build an extension in the Sevenoaks, are you have come to the right place. Building an extension is a journey. Your build journey will be unique to you and your home, so it is important to plan and manage it well for it to be successful.  

What is an extension?  

An extension is a great way to add additional space to your home, without moving properties. On average the cost of a house extension in Sevenoaks is a lot less compared to if you were to move to another location that offers more space.  

Are extensions in Sevenoaks worth it?  

If an extension provides you with the space, you need and is going to improve the quality of the way you live then it is definitely worthwhile. In addition, extending your home can also be a cost-effective investment that will pay back on itself when you eventually sell.  

Sevenoaks house value increase 

Single-storey extensions are most commonly used to extend kitchens and/ or living rooms. With open plan living becoming hugely popular with homeowners in the UK. Single-storey extensions can often add 5-8% to the value of your home. Whereas, creating a double bedroom and an En-suite can add up to 23% to the value of the property.  

Planning rules have changed  

In recent years the government has relaxed planning rules in regards to extensions. The changes have given homeowners more flexibility to improve and increase the value of their homes. Previously, without planning permission, you could add a single-storey extension of up to 3 meters in depth for an attached property and 4m to a detached house, these distances have been doubled. 

How much does an extension cost in the Uk?  

  • Small rear extension (15m2) costs around £15,000 – £20,000 
  • Medium rear extension (25m2) costs around £30,000 – £40,000 
  • Large rear extension (50m2) costs around £50,000 – £60,000 

Get in contact with us –  

If you are looking for someone to provide excellent advice and support in and around the area of Sevenoaks. Here at Pro Arkitects we will provide you with the best possible services.

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Planning Permission

Planning Permission Your Questions Answered

16th February 20220

Here below are the most popular questions asked about planning permission answered for you. 

What is planning permission? 

Planning permission is the consent from your local authority for a proposed building, which is in place to stop constructions that could be unsafe. 

What can I build without planning? 

  • Firstly, standard Loft conversion 
  • Single-storey extension 
  • Install garden room  
  • Replace windows and doors  
  • Reconfigure internal floor  
  • Erect fences and walls on boundaries 
  • Evaluate space with two-storey rear extension  
  • Install solar panels 
  • Add a side extension  
  • Put up a porch 
  • Construct a conservatory 
  • Build a shed 
  • Install rooflight or skylight 
  • Finally, install raised deck 

Under certain circumstances, these may need planning permission. For example, if you decide to have a complex loft conversion you will most likely need permission. 

How long does planning permission last? 

Your planning grant will eventually expire, usually in 3 years from when the permission was granted. 

What can affect you getting permission granted?  

  • Firstly, loss of privacy  
  • Loss of light/overlooking  
  • Noise 
  • Impact of a listed building  
  • Impact on conservation area 
  • Disabled access 
  • Government policy  
  • Parking  
  • Traffic  
  • Design, appearance and materials  
  • Nature conservation  
  • Previous planning decisions  
  • Proposals in development plan  
  • Layout and density of building  
  • Finally, highway safety 

What size extension can you build without planning permission? 

In addition, you can add up a home extension or conservatory up to six meters if your home is detached, without needing to apply for planning permission. 

What is the 4-year rule? 

The 4-year rule allows you to make a formal application for a certificate to determine whether your unauthorised use or development can become lawful. 

How big can a building be without planning permission? 

Maximum height of 2.5 meters. No Varadas, balconies, or raised platforms. 

What is the 7-year rule? 

Your local authority can take action against you if they find unauthorised development. However, if the development has been there for 7 years or more, legally your local authority cannot take action. 

What happens if you decide to ignore planning? 

If you do require planning but you proceed without it, you would have committed a planning breach. In the event of a planning breach, you will need to submit a retrospective application to the local council. 

Is breach of planning a criminal offence? 

Generally, enforcement. However, failure to comply with a planning enforcement notice is a criminal offense. 

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