Tag: construction

Architecture & Building

What are MEP plans? And why you might need them  

13th July 20220

What is am MEP in construction?  

MEP stands for mechanical, electrical and plumbing. MEP engineering is the science and are of planning, designing and managing the MEP systems of a building.  

  • M – the mechanical design elements of a property, such as the heating and cooling system are important because they make the inside comfortable. This makes it so you can live in buildings in all weather conditions, hot and cold.  
  • E – the electrical system keeps all the lights and power going, it also powers the other systems. Architectural lighting plans are key component of the electrical engineering process.  
  • P – finally, the plumbing system provides fresh water for cleaning, drinking etc. They also take storm and wastewater safely away.  

What’s in MEP drawings?  

These types of drawings are created by combining architectural, structural, and civil shop drawing for a project. These types of drawings smooth out the manufacturing, installation, assembly and maintenance of the MEP in a building. Contractors use these drawings to get precise specifications and identify faults before construction starts.  

The drawings provide construction cost saving approximately 30%, along with the improvement in the building delivery schedules to over 40%.  

Benefits of using a MEP engineering company –  

Working with an experienced MEP engineering company has several benefits:  

  • It can optimize material needs to lower installation costs while maintaining excellent performance and code compliance.  
  • Because of the high level of interaction between MEP systems, they are usually built jointly. This unified approach eliminates equipment collisions, prevalent during the separate building of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems separately. 
  • Joint designs enable the effective utilization of space. 

What is the importance of the drawings?  

Furthermore, they provide important systems of checks and balances during the construction phase of a project. The purpose is to ensure the end result keeps to the design shown in the construction documents, and meets the expectations of the owner.  

Extensions

All there is to know about Glass box extensions  

12th July 20220

Glass box extensions have become very popular and they make a beautiful addition to a home. They come in many shapes and sizes but overall they add a ton of natural light and add a modern spark to an older home.  

What is a glass box extension?  

Glass box extensions, also known as frameless extensions are made from structural glass units and supported with glass beams and fins.  

Can you enjoy the extension all year round?  

Adding an extension to your property can be a big commitment and many people want to know the room will be used throughout all of the seasons. You cannot design this type of extension using cheap glass. So, modern glass box extensions use strong structural glass with built in temperature control. With this feature you can comfortably enjoy the natural light in the summer months and also keep it warm and welcoming in the winter months.  

Will a glass box extension add value to the property?  

Aa lot of clients like the idea of a glass extension because they know that it will add value to their property. As Schlüsseldienst Berlin Lichtenberg states from his own experience if the project is done right it can add up to 7% to the value of your home.  

How much will it cost?  

A standard glass extension can cost between £1,350 – £1,950 per square metre. Whereas a standard glass extension in London and the south east can cost between £1,800 – £2,300 per square metre. A full glass extension can cost up to £3,000 per square metre. Although this is the average price of per square metre, there are also other things that can affect the price such as:  

  • Size 
  • Choice of doors  
  • Glazing  
  • Choice of roof  
  • Location  
  • Ease of access 
  • Architect/ structural engineering fees  
  • Planning permission and building regulations approval  
Image: https://glasspace.com

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Conversions

A list of Design ideas for a bungalow conversion

7th July 20220

The bungalows are no longer reserve for the homeowners. There is a huge potential to transform them into something exciting. There is not just the potential for renovation but also great design opportunities. 

 Here is a list of design ideas to modernise your bungalow –  

Renovate the exterior of the bungalow 

When it comes to any property first impressions mean a lot, so don’t forget about the exterior. You can achieve a more modern look by simply adding a fresh coat of paint to the bungalow. Another way of making the exterior of your property stand out is by having a nice garden. Landscaping and adding garden furniture can make the home feel welcoming and create a good environment to be around.  

Adding a loft conversion  

You can also consider the loft conversion for your bungalow. However, you need to make sure that the head height is at least 2.3m. Furthermore, you may not need planning permission application as it comes under permitted development rights. A loft conversion is a great way to create some useable space. One of our favourite types is a dormer which is the cheapest and easy option. 

Adding an extension  

You can also consider adding a bungalow extension. However, the process is trickier to achieve from design and structure point of view. Although, bi-fold doors are the perfect way to create that indoor/ outdoor living and bring extra light in to your home. Also, if you like the modern style they add an amazing aesthetic to the house.

Focus on the social areas of the house  

As Schlüsseldienst Bremen states from its own experience the kitchen is worth investing in because it is one of the most important rooms in a home. You should keep it open and bright making sure all the natural light comes floods in. It is also important to pick a style of kitchen and work with that so everything matches.  

Image: https://www.houzz.co.uk/photos/bungalow-remodel-and-extension-wilmslow-contemporary-entrance-cheshire-phvw-vp~129151669
House Extension

Why an orangery is the perfect addition to your home

29th June 20220

Firstly, what is an orangery?  

An orangery is a home extension with a glass roof typically covering less than 75% of the overall roof area. As well as, glass walls covering less than 50% of the total wall area.  

Will you need planning permission?  

For planning permission purposes, an orangery is considered as a singles storey extension and are subject to the same regulations. You won’t need planning permission for an orangery if you build within permitted development rights.  

  • It must be under 4m in height and the eaves should be less than 3m high if they are within 2m of a structure boundary 
  • It should not include any balconies, decks or verandas 

How much does it to build an orangery? 

Building an orangery is usually a lot cheaper than building a single storey extension. They are a popular option for people who prefer modern open plan living. They are one of the most affordable ways to create a multi-functional space. The average cost of an orangery costs upwards of £18,000. However, they can be cheaper depending on the size, style, and features you want.  

Are they cold in the winter?  

As Schlüsseldienst Berlin Friedrichshain states from his own experience as the structure is mainly made up of glass, they tend to be cooler in the winter and warmer in the summer. If you are debating between a conservatory or an orangery it is good to know, orangeries have more solid wall and roofing compared to a conservatory. They do retain more heat than a conservatory.  

Why they are a great addition –  

Orangeries add amazing depth to your living space, and they can be extremely versatile. They fill the space with light and have great views of the outside. The open space makes it a perfect area for a dining room or living room to entertain friends and family.  

(Image credit: Westbury Garden Rooms/Darren Chung)
Loft Conversion

What beginners need to know about Velux loft conversions

28th June 20220

Velux Loft Conversion 

The name Velux is after a famous brand of loft windows. It also implies that this loft conversion done by installing Velux windows. 

For converting a loft, the head height of the loft must be sufficient enough. So, a person can stand under the roof without banging its head. Furthermore, if your loft has a hipped roof, then a hip-to-gable loft conversion is the best choice. The reason is that this conversion helps in increasing the space in the loft. 

If Velux loft conversion is what you are looking for, then you should call our team of structural engineers to arrange a site visit. Our qualified engineers will assess the space in the lift and other things to provide you with an accurate quote for the work required. 

Planning Permission 

In most of the cases, you do not need to apply for planning permission. Other loft conversions required significant changes to the roof but, Velux loft conversion does not need these alterations. You can do the construction under permitted development unless your house is in a heritage or conservation site. 

Cost of a Velux loft conversion –   

The average cost for a Velux loft conversion is around £27,500. However, there are various things that will affect the cost such as: 

  • Size of windows  
  • Number of windows required  
  • Type of windows  
  • Head height and space of your loft  
  • Where you live  
  • Style and quality of finishings   

When we compare this conversion with other loft conversions such as mansard loft conversion; It is the most cost-effective. You also need to keep in mind that you are not wasting your money. Instead, it is an investment in the property. Just like any other extension or conversion, it adds value to your property. If you have plans to sell the property in the future, you will get higher offers thanks to the extra space you have in the house. 

How much value does a Velux loft conversion add? 

As a guide a well built and perfectly appointed loft conversion can add between 10–20% to the value of your home, according to Ideal Home. But where do you start? As Schlüsseldienst Berlin states from its own experience it can be an overwhelming process, especially for those of us who’ve not been through major building works previously.  

Photo: VELUX
Conversions

All there is to know about class Q barn conversions

15th June 20220

What is a barn conversion?  

A barn conversion is the adaptation of a farm barn into serving a different use, such as a house or commercial premises.  

What is a class Q conversion?  

Class Q allows the conversion of agricultural buildings to houses subject to certain conditions and limitations. It was first introduced in 2014, as a form of permitted development designed to ease the pressure on housing in rural areas.  

What you’re allowed to do with class Q permitted development rights –  

Class q regulations can be applied to buildings which have been used for agriculture. It doesn’t apply to buildings in AONB, conservation areas or listed buildings.  

The regulations show:  

  • You cannot extend the building beyond its existing dimensions.  
  • The garden area cannot be bigger than the footprint of the building.  
  •   You can create up to three dwellings when converting existing buildings.  
  • As long as it is necessary you can undertake partial demolition.  
  • You can install or replace almost everything if it is necessary for the building to become a home. For example: windows, doors, roof, exterior walls, gas, electric, drainage etc.  

Development is not permitted by class Q if – 

  • The floor space of the building changing use within an agricultural unit exceeds 450 square metres.  
  •  The site is occupied under an agricultural tenancy, unless the consent of both landlords and the tenant has been obtained.  
  • The number of separate dwellings exceeds 3.  
  • If the site is, or part of a safety hazard area, a site of special scientific interest, or a military explosives storage area.  

The new dwellings can be created from one or more agricultural buildings on the plot, so long as the total footprint isn’t exceeded. The new houses can be divided as follows: 

  • Smaller dwelling houses – 5 units; no more than 100m2 each. 
  • Larger dwelling houses – 3 units; no more than 465m2 each. 
  • Up to 5 homes comprising of a mix of larger and smaller homes, with neither exceeding the maximum floorspace for each type. 

How long does class Q planning last?  

Planning permission for development under class Q must be completed within a 3-year period starting with the approval date.  

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Extensions

Learn All About House extension costs in London

14th June 20220

When it comes to building a house extension it is often much cheaper than completely moving house. However, London extensions have a premium cost compared to the rest of the UK. One of the main questions asked when planning to do an extension is “how much will it cost?”. So, in this blog, we will help you gain an understanding of the average cost of an extension in London.  

Every extension is different –  

When it comes to extensions many people think that you just build onto the back of your property. But in reality, there are many different types and sizes of extensions and each of them have a different cost. There are many different types of extensions for example:  

  • Front  
  • Rear  
  • Side 
  • Wrap around  
  • Double storey   
  • Or a combination of all of them  

How much does an extension cost in London?   

For a single storey extension in London, you will averagely be looking to pay between £2000 – £3000 per square meter. Whereas, in other places of the UK averagely pay £1300 – £1600 per square meter. So, a 20 sqm single storey extension can start anywhere from £40,000.  If you decide to go for a double storey extension you are looking at paying 50 – 60% more than a single storey extension. Although, it is harder to get planning permission on a double storey compared to a single storey extension.  

You may also need to take into consideration for extra fees such as an architect, planning permission and finishes on the project. All of these factors can increase the price.  

What are extensions in London commonly used for?  

Typically, the houses in London are quite narrow so one of the more common extensions people go for is a rear extension. Depending on the layout of the house this can extend either the kitchen or the living room to create a more open space.  

Why is it so expensive to build in London?  

  • London has more tunnels, including sewers, the tube and, mail rail compared to other cities.  
  • The narrow streets make it difficult to access building sites.  
  • To preserve London’s historical character there are many different levels of the planning rules.  
  • There is a worryingly large amount of unexploded World War 2 bombs scattered all over London.  
  • London also has a higher labour and material costs.  
  • The archaeology of roman ruins in the city also makes it hard for construction to take place.   
House Extensions London | SDA Build London

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Architecture & Building, Interior Design

Learn all about Architectural rendering and what it’s used for

27th April 20220

What is architectural rendering? 

Architectural rendering is the process of creating images that illustrate the planned design of a building or space. The goal is to make a highly detailed, lifelike experience of how the project will look before it is built.  

Pros of architectural rendering –  

There are many benefits to hiring someone to render your project, and some of them are:  

  • It can develop design ideas more accurately  
  • Keeps the client excited about the project 
  • It can identify problems in the early stages, to reduce costs 
  • It’s easier for clients to understand and communicate design ideas  

Realistic quality –  

When it comes to Rendering images, you can make it so it looks like a photo, with realistic quality. In interior renders the precision for details is vital. For example, furniture, lights, shadows, reflections, views, and also where you locate an object.  

What you can achieve with computer renderings –  

  • Still renderings 
  • 3D Walkthrough and flythrough animations  
  • Virtual tours 
  • Floor plans  
  • Photo-realistic 3D rendering  
  • Realtime 3D render 
  • Panoramic rendering  
  • Light and shadow study  
  • Renovation rendering  

The four main types of architectural rendering –  

  • External 3D visualisation  

 This type of render is one of the most widely used ones in the industry. There is no better way to show the outside of the building to a potential buyer than with realistic images.  

  • Interior rendering  

Interior design plays a crucial role in selling and promoting any interior space. Realistic pictures allow designers to present the ability, unity, and spaciousness of the interior space to the clients.  

  • Panoramas 

 There is no better way to show off a building or place to the viewer, than by a real-life 360-degree experience. this is currently one of the biggest trends in the architectural industry. Although, this may take longer to create, many have said it is worthwhile.  

  • 3D animation  

 In addition, this type of 3D rendering has been compared to be like watching a short movie. The render would be able to smoothly go through different rooms of the project. While being able to see every tiny detail. A lot of clients prefer this type of render because it’s more expressive and real. It also helps save time, effort, and cost.  

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Advice Center

Rendering: Your Questions Answered

13th April 20220

Here is some information about rendering you may need or want to know.

What is a rendered wall?  

Rendering is applying cement on an external wall of a building to make it look smooth or textured.  

Does rendering add value to your home? 

Rendering your home is a good choice to increase value to your home. It has been known to have a positive impact on the energy efficiency of the home. 

Is rendering waterproof? 

In addition, rendering is very waterproof. Water is beat back from the surface as it forms droplets and rolls off. Water will not be absorbed. 

Do you need planning permission? 

As long as the materials used have a similar look to the existing materials on the property you will not need to apply for planning permission. It would fall under permitted development. The only time you do apply for planning permission rendering is when you decide to change materials or you’re working on a listed building. 

What is planning permission? 

Planning permission is official permission from your local council. The permission granted is so you can carry out certain types of construction work on a new or existing building. However, sometimes you won’t always need planning permission as it may fall under permitted development. 

What is permitted development? 

Furthermore, permitted development rights are an automatic grant of planning permission. This allows certain building works and changes of use to be carried out without having to make a planning application. But, you must follow permitted development guidelines. 

Why would someone render a wall? 

Finally, this can hide poor-quality brickwork, which is usually found in older properties. However, it can create a smooth and modern finish. Rendering your wall can create a waterproof finish making the home more durable and less prone to damp. 

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Extensions

How much will a kitchen extension cost in 2022

12th April 20220

A kitchen extension is usually at the top of any homeowner’s wish list. Gaining more social space, while also having more room to be able to prepare meals for the family, is some people’s dream. However, one thing that puts some homeowners off the idea is the thought of the cost. So, the numbers that we are going to discuss for a kitchen extension can vary depending on the project.  

What you need to budget for when extending your kitchen –  

Your budget will need to vary depending on the extension you plan to achieve and the finishes you want to use. Furthermore, you need to think about the professional fees such as architects, contractors, etc, and build costs that you will need to budget for. In some cases, you also need to get planning permission and building regulations approval so keep these things in mind too.  

The build costs for the kitchen extension –  

For a small basic extension, the average cost in the UK is around £30,000. However, per square meter, you should be expecting to pay anything from £1500 to £3000. In some cases, you may need to make changes to the foundation of the house. A structural engineer can help you with estimating the foundation costs. 

How much will the professional fees cost –  

The designer will charge a 3 – 7% fee of the overall build cost. You will also need planning drawings for the planning permission which can cost around £2,400 to £3,600. You also need to pay for the survey of your house which will cost you between £500 to £1,500. 

Construction drawings are also required for the construction and building regulations approval. The cost of these drawings is the same as planning drawings. The fees of a structural engineer range from £500 to £1,000. You need one to design the roof, foundations, and any large span openings. 

Will the extension add value to your property –  

Maximum value will be added by improving the main living spaces such as the kitchen, dining, and living area. It has been found that a single-storey extension can add up to 11 – 23%.  

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