Whenever you plan to add a front house extension, there are some rules that you need to follow. Like any other house extension, there are some limits on how high, wide and far you can go. If the design does not comply with these rules then you have to apply for planning permission.
It does not mean that this process is negative. It is just difficult and can make your project stressful. Furthermore, it can take many weeks to complete and will cost you extra money. Anyhow, if you are following the rules then you can skip this process and build a front house extension. You can add a room to the front of your house without any worry.
The rules with this type of extensions are very strict. The reason is that you are extending towards the front of the house. It means towards a public highway and hence there are stringent rules.
On the other hand, this type of extension provides you with options to have extra space for living and make some changes to the exterior. You can use this space to build a lounge, kitchen, or a bedroom.
The rules for a front extension are very much similar to the side and rear extension. There are lots of things to consider before you start work. If you want to extend the front, you first need to check whether there is already an extension, because the rules can be different if you already had an extension.
To avoid the daunting process of planning permission, you need to build the extension within “Permitted Development”.
It is better to contact previous owners before starting the work.
Front House Extension Rules to Follow
Some of the rules are as follows:
The size of the front house extension should not be greater than the land around the house.
You can make an extension higher than the existing roof.
You need to make sure that the materials you are using are the same.
If your house situated near the public highway; you cannot build an extension under permitted development rights.
Firstly, an igloo is a house built out of snow. It is a sheltered construction, made from snow blocks and it generally look like a dome. They are perfect for extreme cold weather conditions. These unique buildings are mostly associated with the Inuit and Eskimo people from Alaska, Siberia, Canada, and Greenland.
How does insulation in an igloos work?
Igloos are built from compressed snow. Snow if a great insulator because snow if filled with miniature air pockets. While it looks solid, as much as 95% of snow is actually air trapped inside tiny crystals. Because the air can’t circulate very well inside the ice crystals, the heat gets trapped in there. The temperature outside could be as low as –45 degrees Celsius, and the temperate inside could rise to anything between –7 and 16 degrees Celsius when warmed by body heat alone.
The types of igloos –
There are 3 types of traditional igloos, of all different sizes and purposes. For example:
The smallest of the three are usually constructed as temporary shelters. There are only used for one- or two-nights during hunting trips.
The medium sized igloos were for semi-permanent, family houses. This was usually a single room dwelling that housed 1 or 2 families.
The largest igloos were normally built-in groups of two. One of the buildings was a temporary structure built for special occasions, the other built nearby for living. These might have had up to five rooms and housed up to 20 people. A large igloo might have been constructed from several smaller igloos attached by their tunnels, giving common access to the outside. These were used to hold community feasts and traditional dances.
Igloos are often built with multi levels inside. The lower level, ideally near the door collects all of the cold air on the floor. While the middle level is for the fire and the upper level is for sleeping.
The building method –
The snow used to build an igloo must have enough structural strength to be cut and stacked appropriately. The best snow to use for this purpose is snow which has been blown by wind, which can serve to compact and interlock the ice crystals; snow that has settled gently to the ground in still weather is not useful.
Architecturally, the igloo is unique in that it is a dome that can be raised out of independent blocks leaning on each other and polished to fit without an additional supporting structure during construction. An igloo that is built correctly will support the weight of a person standing on the roof.
How are fires able to burn inside igloos?
while a central fire will always deliver some heat to the ice of the igloo, the ice of the igloo will also tend to lose heat to colder air outside. As long as the ice loses heat at least as fast as the fire delivers heat to it, the ice won’t become any warmer and it won’t melt.
There are several great benefits of a timber frame extension other than the added value and extra space for your home. It is possible to achieve a weathertight stage in days with this extension. It also means that you need to spend less time on-site and it does not depend on the weather conditions.
Once you have built a timber frame extension, it can sustain for longer. Furthermore, it provides good airtightness and thermal performance. So, if you are planning this extension, then it is essential to consider a proper frame manufacturer and best exterior finish. However, it all depends on your budget and whether the projects need planning permission.
Is A Timber Frame Extension Cheaper Than Other Extensions?
If we talk about the cost of timber frame extension then yes, it is an affordable choice compared to other traditionally-built extensions. One of the reasons is that it requires few labour hours to complete the work.
Furthermore, it is easy to estimate the time required to complete the project because it does not depend on the weather conditions. You can even carry out the work in winter months. If you are planning to apply for a mortgage, then you should keep in mind that your external finish is of primary importance. Many lenders are limited to external finish they accept, which can limit your choice of lenders.
Another important thing that you should keep in mind is that your project should add value to your house.
Do You Need Planning Permission?
Well, you do not need planning permission if you meet specific criteria, then you can build a timber frame extension under permitted development rights. But if your criteria are outside the scope, then you need planning permission from the local council.
We always recommend our readers to double-check the authorities before they start working. But if your property is located in a conservation area, then it is necessary to apply for planning permission.
Does it Can Be Built on Site
Most of this extension built using timber frame and all of the panels for the structure are made up on site. They do not get manufactured in a factory. You will need the help of a structural engineer to design it and prepare the specifications such as grade and size of timbers. After that, a joiner will make up the frame panels on site.
You will also find out that the manufacturers do not provide any quote for the extension projects. The reason is that they need lots of technical input for a new build.
Exterior Finishes for the Timber Frame Extension
You can use a variety of materials for the exterior finish, including:
Rendered brickwork
Facing Brick
Reconstituted Stone
Brick Slips
Natural Stone
Fibre Cement Cladding
Render board system
Timber
Metal Cladding
Tips for Building Timber Frame Extension
First of all, you need an architectural services provider with years of experience with timber frame extensions
We will recommend you to take quotes from at least three architectural services providers to make sure you are getting the best rates
We always advise our clients to have a 10% buffer budget for any unforeseen expense.
Types of Timber Frame Construction
Open-Panel Systems
In this construction as sheet material is fixed to the softwood frame. However, the inner face is left open for the plumbing, insulation and electrics. Once every work is done, the structure is closed up.
Closed-Panel Systems
It is same as the open-panel systems, but the main difference is that the insulation is already fitted and ducts are in place for the services.
Keep in mind that the panels are provided without windows and doors. However, some manufacturers give the panels fully glazed external joinery.
Cost of Timber Frame Extension
As we mentioned earlier that this extension costs less than other traditional extensions. The main reason is that you need fewer labour hours. A person should expect to pay £1,800 per square meter.
There are some expensive materials such as oak, which will you around £2,400 per square meter. In short, it is the most cost-effective extension in Scotland but can cost more in Wales, Northern Ireland, and England. You should keep in mind that the original cost of any extension depends on what you want. For example, if you need an additional storey roof, then the price will be higher. However, it is still cost-effective if the structure is made of timber.
Factors that can affect the cost include:
Frame type
Amount of Insulation and its type
The thickness of the frame
Prefabrication
Specifications of glazing
Location and choice of external cladding.
Benefits of Timber Frame Extension
One of the best benefits is that timber is lightweight compare to other choices. Due to the lightweight, it is easy to deliver the large modules made off-site.
If your house is small and has limited space, then you can manufacture the modules off-site.
Furthermore, it allows you to create large rooms, galleried ceilings with character, and you can use different finishes outside the house.
Organic architecture is a philosophy of architecture which promotes harmony between human habitation and the natural world. This is achieved through design approaches that aim to be sympathetic and well-integrated with a site, so buildings, furnishings, and surroundings become part of a unified, interrelated composition.
Essentially organic architecture is also the literal design of every element of a building: From the windows to the floors, to the individual chairs intended to fill the space. Everything relates to one another, reflecting the symbiotic ordering systems of nature
Who created organic architecture?
The term was invented by Frank Lloyd Wright. The first example of this design style was Wrights Fallingwater, built in the late 1930s. The house was designed to be a holiday home for the famous Kaufmann family.
However, when the Kaufmann’s first looked at Wright’s plans for their new summerhouse, they were actually disappointed. The family had expected the house to have views of the beautiful waterfall in its grounds; instead, Wright had designed a house that would sit on top of the waterfall.
Although, the Kaufmann’s soon came round to the idea, and they grew to love their house, which, as it has aged, has come to seem even more at one with its natural surroundings
Frank Lloyd Wright’s book “In the cause of architecture, published 1908, Wright highlighted important elements of organicity:
Doors, windows, and furniture should blend with the ornamentation of the structure.
The colour of fields and woods should inspire the main colouring of the building to manifest natural aesthetics.
A building should appear to grow primitive from its site and the structure should appear as if created by nature itself.
Simplicity and repose are important qualities to assess the value of architecture. So, there is a need to simplify the design of structure, limiting the number of distinct rooms by instead rethinking them as open spaces.
What is the aim of this architecture?
The purpose of organic architecture is to create a sustainable ecosystem. Where the materials and components of construction support one another. And as a result, produce a modern building that looks like a part of natural habitat.
Do you want a large, open-plan kitchen, but do not want to move into a new house? Well, getting a kitchen extension is an excellent idea to solve your problem. Kitchen extensions can help you get the extra space you require and can also add value to your property. Any kind of house extension is a daunting job, but with proper planning, you can do this.
In this article, we will guide you on what steps you need to take for a kitchen extension.
Initial Plans
A kitchen has several things like plumbing and electricity plugs to power your fridge, toaster, and oven, etc. So, you need to start planning early on to decide the position for the electrical and plumbing services. Other important things to consider are the space and what type of extension you need. Having natural light in the kitchen is crucial, so make sure you have an adequate supply. It is not possible to allow natural light through windows to a side extension. Thus, the good option is glass roofing. There is no point in adding dark and uninviting space to your home.
Kitchen Extensions Cost
In the initial planning process, it is vital to consider your budget. If you are looking for a single-storey extension, then it can cost you around £1200 per square meter. Keep in mind that this budget includes only the budget specification and fittings. If the structure is more complex, then double the amount per square meter.
Selecting an Architectural Service Provider
After deciding which type of kitchen extensions, you require, it is time to find someone who can provide you with architectural design services. Because these are the professional people who are able to advise you on what’s possible in your case, furthermore, they can guide you on the planning process and budget.
You need to choose someone who has the experience and is able to show you their previous work. They will take a survey of your house and will provide you with plans for approval.
Planning Permission and Building Regulations
After the approval of the plan from you, here comes the crucial step to get them approved from the local council. The architectural services provider will ensure that the drawings fall under permitted development and will apply for permission. You can do it yourself, but we will advise you to let the professionals help you with the planning permission process. If you want to know more about planning permission, you can visit GOV.UK.
You need to obtain building regulations approval from BCO, known as a building inspector. These government officials will make sure that your designs are following the building regulations to ensure energy efficiency and safety. If your house is subject to restrictions, then the architectural service providers can submit plans for you. You need to wait for at least eight to ten weeks for the application process. It is easy to get an approval for a single-storey rear extension. We will recommend you not to use much space of your garden area as it can reduce the value of your property.
Builder
After getting approval, you need a builder to make the drawings a reality. You can ask for recommendations from your friends and family. Furthermore, architectural services provider can also help you in this regard. They have contacts of all kind of contractors. Hence they can suggest a good builder.
Another thing to make sure is that the builder’s provided quotes are TrustMark approved. It is necessary as it indicates that their previous work was checked and it fulfils Government- approved standards. The cost of an extension can varies depending on the job. So, we will recommend you to get several quotes. Give some time to the contractors to prepare their quotes.
Kitchen Designer
You can look for a kitchen designer along with a builder. The architectural designs explain everything about the layout of your kitchen, but you need to take them to a kitchen company. They will study the drawings and will show you kitchen designs for your approval.
Get Started
After getting planning permission and party wall agreement, you can start the work. Furthermore, you need to set the positions for floors, ceilings, water and electric pipes at this stage. Allow enough time for the flooring to be ordered. You also need a contract that best suits your needs. If you do not know about it, then you can get help from your designers. In this way, he or she will inspect the work and will tell you how much work is completed so that you can pay against completed work. After the completion of the building work, it is time to deal with any structural or finishing issues. Before making the last payment to the builder, make sure that you get a final certificate from the architectural service provider.
As an architectural services provider, our clients often ask this question, “How much does it cost to build a house in the UK?”. After delivering more than 500 projects includes, including renovations, extension, conversions, and designing new houses and flats in the UK, we have concluded that the cost of a project depends on the drawings and quality of the materials. It is the only best way to estimate the cost of building a new house. There are various factors involved while calculating the cost.
Various industry standards can help in calculating the cost of building a house at the development stage. You can get a reasonable estimate, even if you do not have building regulations, drawings, and planning permission for your project.
The Cost of Building A House in London is the Second Highest in the World
One of the factors that affect the cost is the location. The cost of building a house in one part may be highest to another. For example, the value of a property is the second-highest in central London.
However, there are various other factors too that influence the cost of building a house. The first factor is the location, and the others are competition for tenders, designs, and specifications. Another significant factor is the cost of labour which account for 40-45% of the total cost.
In this article, we are going to provide you with cost advice, which can help you determine the cost of your project. We are going to use industry standards in the UK. Furthermore, we will discuss three main factors that affect the cost and how you can prevent unforeseen expenses.
Design
Whenever someone decides to build a house, they have a budget. There is nothing more exciting than owning a new house. But you start building the home without proper planning, and then you realize that the cost of building increased. So, how you can cope with such unforeseen consequences?
We know that it is a frustrating situation for anyone. It is also true that after such an incident, a person will want to band its head against a wall. Do not worry! We will give some advises that will help you prevent these mistakes from happening. The design of a house has a significant effect on the building cost. Hence, it is essential to work with some having a pleasant experience with designing projects similar to yours. The architectural services provider will help make your dream home a reality according to your requirements and taste.
Another important thing is to hire an experienced builder who understands the cost of a project. We have seen that many contractors under-quote a project, especially the design and build contracts. To avoid this, we will recommend you to hire an independent designer and make sure that they are designing the project from the beginning. The architectural service providers must provide contractors with building regulations, tender drawings, and planning permission at the tender stage. This should be done before work starts to make sure that the builders can understand the design and estimate the cost. You should follow this process to make sure that the builder does not change the price during the construction.
Specifications
Whenever we start building our new home, there are lots of options in terms of specifications and designs. These choices have a significant effect on the overall building cost of a house. High-quality means, you are going to spend more money on the project. These choices are about finishes, specifications, and fixtures of your project. Keep in mind that these choices also affect the speed of construction.
It is the responsibility of the architectural service providers to make decisions about the materials of the project. They should understand the cost of specific materials and how they can put more financial burden on the project. You must be asking why the details of specifications are so important. Well, they are essential to complete the job. Hence, you need to know about them and the materials for determining the actual cost of the project.
The tender documentation must be accurate because it is the only way to build a house within an acceptable range. If you are planning to make changes in the drawings, then it can increase the cost by a significant sum.
Project Manager
The method of managing the project can also affect the cost of building a house in the UK. If you think that you can handle this on your own then you can save some money. If you do not know about the building process, then we will recommend you to hire a project manager.
Basement conversion in London can help provide valuable extra living space, and it does not require any change to the exterior of your home. Everybody wants more space in the home, and one of the ways is by house extension or converting the basement.
Loft Conversion provides additional living space on the top of the house. You can use it to create additional bedrooms. On the other hand, a basement is close to the main living space and access.
Options for Basement Conversion in London
If you want to create living space underneath the home, then there are the following routes:
You can create a basement
Or you can renovate an existing cellar or basement
If your house does not have a basement, then you can build a new one underneath the home or can extend out into the garden.
In this article, we are going to discuss 2nd and 3rd routes.
How Can You Use Basement For?
There is no doubt that the basement is a great space for your family; you can convert it into a home entertainment room or playroom. You can also use it as a utility room, storage and boiler furthermore, as the basement has its external entrance which makes it a self-contained unit, which makes it an ideal space for annexes or home office. If you want to make It an independent separate dwelling, then you need to express consent.
Does Basement Conversion London Worth It?
Whether a basement or cellar conversion worth your money depends on the cost and value of the property, additional living space under the house does make financial sense in high-value areas. If you are living outside London, then you need to take this decision after careful analysis. If you want to get an idea about the worth of space per square meter, then you can ask them from a local estate agent.
However, you should keep in mind that a basement with direct access worth more than any other dark cellar space. You also need to keep in mind that an area has a maximum value which you cannot exceed no matter what improvements you make. It also means that converting your basement is not going to increase the value of the property.
Sometimes, it is challenging to decide whether to convert a loft or a cellar. Because both of them costs about the same, but building a basement from scratch is a daunting and expensive task. However, creating a cellar will provide you with useable floor space compared to loft conversion.
Planning Permission for Basement Conversion in London
If you already have a cellar beneath your home, then you do not require planning permission for conversion. Because it comes under permitted development unless you are in a conservation area, if you are going to reduce the floor level of a basement to improve the ceiling height, then it will be treated as an extension which needs planning permission. However, some of the alterations and extensions also do not require a planning application; for more information, you can visit the planning portal, or you can visit the office of the local council.
The planning policy for the basement varies from one location to another. However, getting approval from the local council is not that difficult. If the work is not going to alter the appearance of the house, then the council does not have reasonable grounds for refusal. We have seen many people made iceberg basements which indicates that the policy for basements is still under review.
Basements and Building Regulations
If you are going to create a new basement, then you need building regulations approval. It does not depend on whether you are going to use existing cellar or creating a new one. These regulations are to make sure that the buildings are safe, energy-efficient, and hygienic. Renovating or repairing a current basement does not require building regulations approval.
You can download the documents from the government website. That is why; we recommend our clients to apply for planning permission rather than waiting for notice.
Party Wall Act
If the work is going to affect any party wall, for example, if the excavation is to be carried out near a party wall, or you are going to extend the wall. In such a case, it is essential to inform all the owners of adjoining properties.
How Long Do Basement Conversions in London Take?
A basement conversion usually takes a few weeks to complete. If you are going to convert a simple bedroom, then it will take just two or three weeks. But if you are going to convert the basement of the entire house, then it can take several months. Furthermore, if you can access directly, then you can live in your home during the work. But if the contractor has to remove the ground floor and rebuilt it, then you have to move out.
Glass extensions give you the same living space, but with any style of glass construction. The extension looks different to a conservatory, though, as it’s square, and has more of a premium finish. On one side, there are typically a set of sliding or bi-folding doors providing easy access to a patio or garden. This gives a seem less view of your garden and brings the outside in.
The base required for a glass extension is fairly flexible. You do not require foundations as you would for a conservatory or a brick extension.
Prices Of The Extensions
A glass extension is actually a lot cheaper than it might sound. The real cost of a glass box extension is in the design you choose. On average a glass extension costs around £3,000 per meter squared, just for glazing. A small glass box extension price starts from £14,000 and can go up and over £80,000 for a large project.
A glass extension is a good investment for your property, it can add up to 7% to your home’s value. A survey by the national association of estate agents, regarding the top home improvements that could add the best value to your property. It revealed that glass room extensions featured highly at the top of the list.
How To Avoid Heat Loss
Unfortunately, all of the glass means that the extension could have poor insulation, making a consistent temperature difficult to achieve. One possible solution is to increase the insulation by having a solid ceiling with roof lights and keeping glass walls. This ensures the space maintains a more comfortable temperature in both summer and winter
Predominantly glass extensions can be noisy, with high levels of reverberation. Soft furnishings such as rugs, curtains, and cushions are vital to dampen the noise. When it comes to the flooring, timber can also help to absorb echoes and make the space feel cosy, but it’s not so helpful with temperature control.
Are Glass Extensions Secure?
Most people assume that glazed extensions prove to be attractive targets to potential burglars. On the contrary, if constructed well, then their toughened glazing and strong joinery can make them exceptionally safe and secure.
The barn conversion is a unique way to carve out your country’s life. But you need to keep in mind that the structures are not meant to deliver comfort. Furthermore, it requires a significant amount of work for barn conversion from scratch.
You need an excellent architectural services providerthat can provide you with designs that brings the original character out once the work is finished. So, how you can convert a ban in your property? In this article, we are going to share steps for a barn conversion.
Finding a Property for Barn Conversion
You can contact estate agents for finding a property where you want to live in. But bear in mind that they will more likely advertise finished houses than wrecks. Another way to look for barn conversion is on the local paper. They may have an advertisement for a place which is suitable for you. You can also search online, there are sites like Renovate Alerts and Barns etc. to find appropriate opportunities.
Finances for Barn Conversion
If you are looking for a loan, then there is bad news for you. Conventional mortgages are not meant for conversion projects. That is why; you need to look for a self-build mortgage.
Do You Need Planning Permission?
Well, you can change agricultural buildings to residential ones in England. However, you need to notify the local council about it. It is better to check with the local council about approval of noise impact, contamination, vehicular access, and flood risk. Furthermore, the council will check if there is the harm in changing from agricultural to residential use. The process is not simple but more straightforward than making a full planning application.
Survey
Usually, the barns are used for storage and other agricultural needs and not meant for living. So, it is essential to hire a surveyor to checks its stability. Things that you need to look are the foundations, roof structure, and load-bearing walls. If you need to add the second storey, then the barn will need underpinning.
Using this information, you can decide whether the property is suitable for you or not.
Barn Conversion Designer
Some of the people think that they do not need the help of architectural services providers as they already have a building in place. Well, they are not right as a barn conversion have more design stages than a new home.
Hence, you need the help of experienced professionals that can use the existing structure. A lot of effort is required to make use of the current structure of a barn and convert it into a living space with most of the features.
Want to Retain Barn Structure
What will the design of your new home have? Of course, the original character of a barn. That is the main attraction of a barn conversion. A barn features include timber cladding, old beams and beautiful stonework, which can bring a unique character to your new home after the work is finished.
If you can do it in the right way, then you will have a unique and beautiful property to sell in the future. You may need to introduce new materials but do it carefully.
Insulating Barn Conversion
A barn is meant to store agricultural things and not intended for living. Hence, they have not insulated property. One of the first things that you need is to insulate the barn according to the modern standards. Some people want to preserve the cladding, so they need to insulate the walls internally. There are various ways to do this, such as fitting breathable insulation such as sheep wool.
Furthermore, if you want to keep the vaulted ceilings too, then you need to fit the insulation between rafters. You also need to dig the floor to install insulation boards.
Utilities and Services
It is usual for the barns not to have water, gas, drainage, and electricity. Hence, you will need these connections for the conversion, just like other house extensions. Get quotes from the utility suppliers to get an estimate of the cost. A rough estimate is that it can add up £1000 to your budget.
Barn Conversion Heating
Most of the experts recommend underfloor heating for barns. Because it is a great way to keep the living space warm, it also means that you do not need to attach radiators to the walls. It can get cold in the UK, so it is better to have an efficient heating system for the conversion.
Natural Light
Most of the barns in the country have large openings enough to satisfy demands of brightness. It also means that you do not need to puncture the structure for windows—however, some of the people like modern roof lights in the property. Well, you have the opportunity to convert the barn in the way you like. As far as natural light concerns, there is enough room for that.
Double storey extension is a perfect alternative to moving house. The reason is obviously the cost which involves moving a house. Furthermore, sometimes we are emotionally attached to a house because we have spent so many years. So, why should we consider such option when we can increase living space and add value to our existing property. If you are a kind of person who spends most of the times at home, then adding another storey can provide space for your home office. Furthermore, you can consider a kitchen, bathroom, and more bedrooms. You can also create a space with a perfect view of the garden. In short, you can use this extra storey as the way you want it to be.One of the things to make a successful two-storey extension is to integrate rooms upstairs and down into your house. Adding an extra storey to your house provides you with more space for your buck compared to a single-storey extension. It is the best alternative for growing families and small homes.
Does Double Storey Extension Add Value to Your Property?
First of all, a person who wants another storey is to have some extra space. But it is also important to make sure that money you are investing in adding value to your home. Keep in mind that an extension may cost more than it is adding to the property. But in the long run, it is less expensive than moving to another property. After knowing about the legal fees, agent fees, and stamp duty involved in the process.In the UK, the value of a property determined by the price per square meter. If you want an idea about the worth of your house, you can check with local property agents. Sometimes, the asking price is more than the selling price of a property.
How Tall It Can Be?
How tall your double storey extension is? an important question related to planning. Planning policies say that your extension cannot be larger than the existing house. If a building has low ceilings, then it will be difficult to build an extension tall enough. There are some solutions such as lower ceiling heights or integrating upstairs rooms into the roof space.
Cost of Double-Storey Extension
The cost of an extension can varies from one place to another in the UK. The cost of labour is different from one city to another. Furthermore, the material you choose has a significant effect on the overall cost of the project. If you go with standard quality material then a double-storey will around £1,500 per square meter. While a good quality design will cost you around £1,700 per square meter.Keeping these numbers in mind, an extension of 40m square will cost you £53,000. We have not included professional fees and VAT. In areas such as London, you should expect to pay more than that. So, if you are going to estimate the cost of your project, you should at least consider around £75,000 for a two-storey extension with a footprint of 4m x 5m and standard finish.
