Tag: architect

Conversions

Loft Conversions: All Your Questions Answered

24th January 20220

Are you thinking about getting a loft conversion? Then you have come to the right place! Here are all the common questions asked about loft conversions. 

Things you need to know before starting a loft conversion. 

  • Structural integrity 
  • Head height 
  • Building regulations 
  • Windows and natural light  
  • Fire safety  
  • Insulation 
  • Stairs 
  • Storage space  

Do I need an architect? 

It is not a requirement to have architectural drawings for a conversion but sometimes essential. 

Does my loft have enough head height? 

For a loft conversion roof height needs to be at least 2.2 metres.  

What things can you do when your roof height is under 2.2 metres? 

  • Roof lift – This is a quick way to give headroom. Your existing room will be lifted and replaced with a higher roof. 
  • Dormer – Aswell as bringing in light, a dormer conversion is good it will add head height using a boxed projection from the slope of your roof. 
  • Hip-to-gable – This conversion adds both headroom as well as floor space. This is due to the fact that the slope of the roof is replaced by a straight wall. 

Can you convert a loft without planning permission? 

The majority of loft conversions fall under permitted development. Which means you won’t need to get planning permission as long as the building work fits certain criteria. 

Can my neighbour stop my loft conversion? 

You do not usually need permission from your neighbours nor your local council as it falls under permitted development. However, under certain circumstances you may need to have a Party wall agreement if the project is taking place in a terraced or semi-detached property.  

If you need to raise your roof, do you need planning permission? 

Yes, you will need planning permission. 

How much value can a loft conversion add to your home? 

This project can raise the value of your home up to 10-20%. 

Considerations you should remember: 

  • Ceiling height 
  • Access 
  • Services 
  • Lighting 
  • Planning permission 
  • Building regulations (related to floor strength and fire escapes) 

What are the main types of loft conversions? 

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

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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/

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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

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Extensions

The basic information to know before installing a Lean-to Conservatory

20th January 20220

Home extensions can often be seen as a difficult task to start, but they don’t have to be. Lean-to extensions are a great solution because they are time efficient, relatively cost-effective, and create a lot of space.  

What is a lean-to-conservatory?  

A lean-to extension is usually a single-storey structure constructed to enable the roof to lean against an outer wall of the existing property.  

Will you need planning permission for a lean-to-conservatory?  

Due to lean-to-conservatories normally being smaller in size it is unlikely that you will need planning permission. However, if you’re planning to put in a gable-ended conservatory with a taller and steeper roof you will need to see if your plans comply with building regulations. 

Planning permission is not usually needed. Although, it is likely you will need approval from your local building control department if you want to replace a glazed roof with a solid roof.  

you may need Planning permission if:  

  • It is taller than 4 meters. 
  • The conservatory width is bigger than half of the house.  
  • The extension can’t be higher than the eaves of your existing home.   

Are lean-to-conservatories any good?  

The biggest benefit of a lean-to-conservatory is the amount of space it can provide. It is also one of the brightest and most airy conservatory-style because of the straight edges and lack of detail. Due to its simplicity, it can be a very affordable option. Compared to a traditional extension or conservatory.  

How much do lean-to-conservatories cost?  

Depending on what kind of conservatory you choose will decide the price of your project. The average cost for this project would be between £4,500 – £10,500.   

Key characteristics of this conservatory –  

  • There smaller  

They are smaller than other conservatories and usually share two walls with the house rather than standing further apart and having three walls.  

  • They’re flexible  

These conservatories come in a wide variety of materials and can have many different add-ons if you’re not happy with the standard structure. You can add a dwarf wall, depending on if you think the structure needs more stability, however, this may need planning permission.  

  • They are DIY-able  

You can order lean-to-conservatories to be delivered and build them yourself. By doing this it will save you a load of money because you won’t have to pay for any workmen.  

Image: https://www.aogwindows.co.uk/aluminium-double-glazing-kings-lynn/

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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

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Extensions

Modular home extensions: is this the best choice for you?

19th January 20220

What is a modular extension?  

A modular extension is an extension such as a conservatory or orangery that has been pre-fabricated. When it leaves the factory, it’s then transported directly to the house for the final fitting.  

Benefits of modular house extensions –  

Faster –  

While there is no such thing as an instant home extension, modulars are great if you want an extension quickly. Prefabricated extensions greatly speed up the manufacturing and build time massively. This is because they’re constructed off-site and put together on site. Typically, once the foundations are in place, the prefab can take about 6-8 days. The quick construction time means that there is less disruption to your daily life.  

Cleaner –  

Because they are fabricated off-site, you won’t have to worry about the mess of a typical build. Not only this but you won’t need as many people on site to put it together.  

The foundations will not have to be dug to such a dramatic degree. And a durabase system will be installed. What is a durabase system? It’s an advanced steel base modular wall system. Durabase offers a time-saving and cost-effective solution for constructing conservatories of every shape and size.  

Cheaper –  

This type of extension is great because it dramatically reduces the price compared to a traditional extension. You won’t have to pay out for all the materials and builders like you would have to with a normal extension. An extension that is prefabricated off-site will be between 10 and 25 percent cheaper than on-site construction.  

The prices can vary depending on the size, the features, the location, and how you decide to use it. Based on estimates you could be paying anywhere between £20,000 – £33,500. 

How long do modular extensions cost?  

Most of the time a modular building will last just as long as a regular building. It all comes down to the way you maintain your home. With the right amount of cleaning and maintenance, a modular building can last for many decades, maybe even longer.  

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Materials

The two types of green roofs: extensive vs intensive

19th January 20220

If you’re interested in installing green roofs but are unsure of the different types, this blog is perfect for you. Carry on reading to understand the difference between extensive and intensive.  

Extensive green roof –

What are extensive green roofs?  

They are designed to be low-maintenance, lightweight systems with no general access. Typically, they have thin layers of the substrate to keep depth and weight to a minimum.  

The substrate depth of extensive green roofs is smaller than that found in intensive roofs, usually around 100-150mm. Because of their shallowness, extensive green roofs usually provide aesthetic ad environmental purposes. Rather than functioning as accessible roof space.  

Usually, extensive roofs use sedum vegetation due to its ability to flourish in harsh environments. They are able to withstand weather, especially wind, droughts, flooding, and extremely high or low temperatures.  

How to get the vegetation on the roof –  

Extensive green roof installations often come ready-made. They are rolled up in mats containing 10-22mm of growing medium and vegetation, meaning that it’s easily transportable to the installation site. These mats are usually laid upon another shallow layer of growing medium, which is then placed on the filter sheet and protection mat.  

The cost of extensive green roofs –  

This type of green roof tends to be a lot cheaper to buy and install compared to the intensive green roof. It is also often one of the most popular choices for residential properties because they are much lighter. They cost around £50 – £100 per square meter, however, they cost £75 on average.  

Green roofs - advantages a handful of the most important information

Intensive green roofs –  

What is an intensive green roof?  

They consist of much deeper substrates which give far greater scope to design and grow more complicated and elaborate gardens onto concrete structures. Intensive green roofs involve intense landscaping. They are suited to roofs with a highly visible presence or public access. 

The substrate depth of intensive green roofs is at the very least 120mm, and usually over 200mm, making it a lot deeper than the extensive. Because the substrate depth is deeper, they are able to support more vegetation. Such as: 

  • Flower beds 
  • Trees 
  • Shrubs 
  • Lawns 
  • Water features  
  • Benches  
  • Gravel paths  

Intensive green roofs are intended to replicate what can typically be found at ground level in the natural landscape, and in places such as parks and gardens. In fact, they are often referred to as roof gardens or parks.  

The cost of intensive – 

They are the more expensive type of roof; this is because they resemble conventional gardens. The maintenance and the running costs will be higher than extensive. They can also be highly expensive to install because they require elaborate drainage systems.  

Intensive green roofs can cost between £60 – £200, however, they average around £130.  

Conversions

Barn conversion ideas to inspire your project

18th January 20220

A barn conversion is one of the best ways to enjoy all the delights of country living, in a rustic building that can meet all your needs. These ideas will help your barn conversion highlight all its charms and become a beautiful open-plan space.  

Firstly, here are a couple of common questions –  

what is a barn conversion?  

A barn conversion is a process of turning an agricultural building into a habitable home or building for commercial use. Barn conversion became more common in the 1980s when their use as farm buildings declined. Landowners looked to capitalise on their popularity as converted homes.  

Are barn conversions desirable? 

The barn makes great living spaces as they are able to combine traditional and modern design. Because of this, they are hugely desirable with people wanting to live in them or to sell them on.  

Can you get a mortgage on a barn conversion?  

Because a barn that hasn’t been converted is still a non-habitable building, lenders won’t offer traditional mortgages to buy or renovate them. So, in order to finance your barn, you may need to consider development finance through either a bridging loan or a self-build mortgage.  

Now let’s get into the ideas.  

Make the most of the barn’s layout –  

The layout of a barn conversion can be quite hard to get right because the space is so large. Deciding where to put each room can be a bit tricky. However, once you have figured out what works best for the space, you will have an amazing open plan, vaulted ceiling room which is breathtaking.  

10 barn conversion ideas to inspire you | Whitegates

Add extra glazing –  

Bards often have limited windows and doors, so a way to improve your conversion would be adding large windows and doors. This would allow plenty of natural light to enter your home and also gives the place a modern look. You could also bring the outside in by adding bi-fold doors or even a veranda. By installing either of these it would maximise the countryside views and add a bigger link to the outside.  

Real home: an eco-friendly barn conversion | Real Homes

Incorporate the original features – 

Even if a super modern home is your style, the inside of your barn conversion should pay tribute to the buildings previously life in agriculture. A good way to incorporate that is by maintaining the original features like beams, brickwork, or stone. 

14 Steps to a Successful Barn Conversion - Build It

Make your stairs a main feature –  

By embracing your barns height, you have a great opportunity to turn your stairs into the main attraction in your home. You have the chance to design the staircase of your dreams. A popular choice of stairs is actually a spiral staircase, if placed in the correct spot they can be a striking feature. 

A Somerset Barn Conversion With Breathtaking Views - Dear Designer

Create an upstairs –  

Barns usually have a lot of height, so it is very possible to create a mezzanine floor, that looks over the ground floor. These can create a unique and modern feel and it’s also a great use of space.  

Barn Conversion with Modern Interiors | House & Garden
Design and insperation

How to modernise your kitchen on a budget

18th January 20220

The kitchen is one of the most popular rooms in the house, so if you’re looking to renovate your home it would be the perfect place to start. Here are some tips on how to modernise your home on a budget.  

Change the colour scheme –  

One of the quickest, cheapest, and easiest ways to upgrade your kitchen. Some of the most popular paint colours to fit the modern vibe are usually cool and inviting. Shades such as whites, creams, and cool colours usually make the space feel bigger and cleaner. If you are going for the modern look, try to avoid bright colours because it will make the room look too busy.   

Best Modern White Kitchen Design Ideas,modern white kitchens,best backsplash for white ki… | Small white kitchens, Modern white kitchen design, White kitchen design

Get some new kitchen cabinets –  

To make a modern kitchen space, cabinets are usually one of the first things to be replaced. This is because the majority of the time they are outdated, and are quick to sustain wear-and-tear or stains because they are used every day. For a modern home, you should think about getting cupboards that are sleek, glossy, and handleless. Although this might not be the cheapest option, it would definitely transform your kitchen.  

Solid Wood & Solid Oak Kitchen Cabinets from Solid Oak Kitchen Cabinets

Install under-cabinet lighting –  

Once you have chosen the perfect cabinets for your kitchen, you may want to consider installing them under cabinet lighting. These lights are perfect for illuminating the space under the cabinets which is very practical when it comes to preparing food. While also being stylish and adding a modern touch to the room.  

Sensio launches Quadra Pro cabinet light - Professional Electrician

Adding new flooring –  

The right kitchen flooring can change the aesthetic of the whole room. You would want to go for a floor that is easily cleaned, is slip-resistant, and is comfortable to walk around on, but also has that high-end look. Depending on the style you might want to go for tiles, stone, or wood flooring. These materials will last longer as well as boost the value of your home. 

8 Flooring ideas | flooring, floor tile design, house flooring

Add decorative elements –  

Your kitchen is a great place to add decorations that bring elements of homeliness and a sense of your lifestyle into the room. For many homeowners’ installing shelves and putting plants and kitchenware on them are their go too decorations. Plants brighten up the room and add some freshness to the space.  

A Guide to Modern Kitchen Storage: Kitchen Cabinets and Shelving

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