Renovations to consider when wanting to add more value to your home
Loft and garage conversions
These two conversions are the most popular way of extending and adding value to the property. However, converting these into living space will add value by 15%. In addition, a garage conversion will increase the value by 20%. People convert these to create more living space and storage.
Energy efficiency improvements
This can fall into two categories:
Simple low-cost improvements
High-cost improvement works
From research, energy-saving improvements to your property can raise the value by 14%. Meanwhile, improving lost insulation, cavity wall installation, double glazing, and adding a high-performance boiler would decrease energy bills giving the home more value.
Outdoor décor (garden landscaping and external works)
Furthermore, maintaining the garden area can add value by 10% – 20%. The things people keep in mind about the garden is:
Privacy and security
Good lighting
Well thought terraced area
Flat lawn
Other renovations that can increase your house value
Commercial property is a space that allows you to use the space for commercial activities such as food service, retail, or any other business. Commercial buildings have been split into classifications designated into classes A, B, and C.
Firstly, Class A buildings are usually newer construction properties with better amenities and infrastructure. However, this could be an older building that has been remodeled, they are usually located in a popular area.
Secondly, Class B buildings are maintained and well managed. Not always a new build but can be easily transformed by some renovations.
Thirdly, Class C buildings are often old properties, located in unbeneficial areas that are less maintained. Although, there are building that tends to need more work done. Landlords will charge less due to the work needing to be done.
Classifications
For example, classifications for each building:
Firstly, A1 – shops such as:
Retail (not hot food)
Post office
Hairdressing
Secondly, A2 – Professional services
Banks
Health and medical services
A3 – Food and Drink
Cafes
Restaurants
Anything that serves hot food
A4 – Drinking establishments
Bars
Wine bars
B1 – Business
B8 – Storage and Distribution
Wholesale warehouse
Distribution centre
Repositories
C1 – Hotels
Hotels
Guest homes
Finally, C2 – Residential institutions
Boarding schools
Training centre
Hospitals
Nursing homes
Do I need planning permission?
Furthermore, yes you would, it is essential that you have planning permission for commercial buildings.
When do you need commercial planning permission?
You will definitely need to have planning permission if you intend to:
Add an extension or large-scale renovation.
Build a new property.
Change the use of the building. For example, changing the use from commercial to residential or residential to commercial.
Do I need Planning permission if I work from home?
Using space in your home will not usually need planning permission. However, you should get planning permission if:
Your business is unusual to be in a residential area.
Your employees work from your home. (But are not occupants)
The number of customers visiting your home increases.
Depending on the complexity of the job would depend on the price. The estimated price of installing a balcony would vary between £1,500 – £5,500.
The estimated cost would cover:
Size
Design
Labourer costs
Material costs
How complex the job is.
Types of balconies
Stacked – The most popular and common. Easy to install.
Juliet/Faux – This is a faux balcony that may contain a small standing area but usually does not. A Juliet balcony contains a balustrade connection to the building without flooring to walk on.
Hung – This structure is made out of stainless-steel cables that are fixed on the sides of the structure. These balconies are less common but have great strength.
Cantilevered – This structure can be made from concrete, steel or timber. This type of project needs to be planned accordingly as the job is quite complex.
Mezzanine – They have a large decking area with railing. This structure gives you more space.
Do I need planning permission to install a balcony?
Furthermore, if your home is in a conservation area or your property is listed you must apply for planning permission.
In other cases, if your balcony is smaller than 300mm you may not have to seek planning permission but it is always best to do so. When submitting your planning application form expect to pay a fee.
Installing a Juliet/Faux balcony means you won’t have to apply for planning permission unless you decide to add flooring to walk on and then you must.
Will it raise my house value?
There are no guarantees that this will raise the price value, but they have been known the raise the value up to 12%.
What are balconies used for?
In addition, balconies are used for extra space, kind of like an outdoor room. Many people like to use their balconies as a garden. For example, adding a barbecue or flowers onto it. Whereas, others like to use their balcony to admire the views the structure allows them to see and relax on it.
A structural insulated panel (SIP) is a sandwich structured composite. Consisting of an insulating layer of rigid core sandwiched between two layers of structural board, used as a building material.
The board can be sheet metal, plywood, cement, magnesium oxide board, or oriented strand board. In addition, the core can either be polystyrene foam, extruded polystyrene foam, polyurethane foam or be composite honeycomb.
How sustainable are SIPs?
Structural insulated panels are one of the most environmentally responsible building systems available. They are constructed offsite and the elements are fully manufactured in a controlled environment. This minimises the loose materials sent to the site you are balancing the risk of waste. Also, all of the materials used in the manufacture and construction are recyclable.
Installing and longevity of SIP panels –
When using SIP panels, the build speeds are a lot quicker than the normal construction methods. This is due to the number of elements you need for a build. The panels just need slotting together, once they have need delivered.
The life span of structural insulated panels usually lasts around 60+ years. This is because they are a high-performing system that is extremely strong.
Are SIPs cost-effective?
SIP panels are usually the same or sometimes less expensive than using other building systems. They are known to be 90% more energy-efficient than a traditional home. This is because of all of the insulation and airtightness they provide. The panels are also a cheaper option because there will not be many construction and labour costs.
Advantages and disadvantages –
SIP panels have many pros and cons, and they are the type of product you should investigate before committing to them on your project.
Advantages –
They are considered to be up to 6 times stronger than a timber frame.
Can me manufactured off site – this means the build will be less costly and will take less time to construct.
Fire resistant – they have tested to offer 73 minutes of resistance, which exceeds British fire safety regulation.
Highly thermal – they have also tested to outperform fibre insulation.
Disadvantages –
Require additional ventilation – this is because of the heat trapped inside. To avoid built up condensation you need to use the vents.
It is harder for changes to be made once you have decided on the design of you SIP home.
Need additional airflow sources – because of the tight seal you need more airflow. If not, the walls can become damp, and even mouldy.
Relatively new to the UK – therefore, finding professional builders with experience can be hard.
A dropped kerb is the dip in the path and kerb that lets you drive up to your house. The kerb is dropped from the normal height and the path is straightened to take the weight of the vehicle.
Do I need a dropped kerb?
If you intend to drive your car over the path into your driveway off a road, then you will need a drop kerb. It is against the law to drive over the path. If you do so, you are breaking the law and enforcement action could be taken to prevent such practice. Furthermore:
Fistly, You may become liable from a collision with a pedestrian
You may become liable for damage to the path
You may face considerable costs as a result of damage to any utility apparatus under the path.
Can I drop a kerb myself?
The majority of local authorities will assign a contractor to complete the job, once your permission has been granted. The local council will strongly advise against DIY dropped kerbs. However, the council will allow you to DIY it if you are qualified to do the jobs yourself.
Do you need planning permission?
If your road is owned by the council you will need to apply for planning permission. However, if your road is a private road, you will not need to get planning permission. If you don’t get planning permission and you decide to build a dropped kerb, you may be fined up to £1,000.
The cost of a dropped kerb –
The average dropped kerb cost is around £600. This price covers the costs of materials and the labour’s work although, it doesn’t cover the costs of the planning permission. The average drop kerb prices for 2 kerbs will typically start at £350 for labour and materials, while the price you can expect for 3 kerbs is £ 525 and £700 for 4. They can take up to 1 – 6 weeks depending on the size, complexity and whether any utility’s need moving.
Improving your home is becoming very popular among homeowners who are looking for more space. This is because with property prices increasing, it is becoming more expensive to move houses. If you own a ground floor flat it can be greatly improved by a bit of construction work.
Ownership of the flat –
Firstly, if you are a leaseholder and want to commence works on the property, you must get freeholder consent before you can carry out any internal or proposed building extensions.
The lease plans will tell you whether the demised premises space is occupied under a lease contract. This includes the garden that comes with the flat, or whether you simply have permission to use it. Some leases don’t allow any construction to take place in the garden, so make sure you check.
Do you need planning permission?
Before going into the planning process, it’s a good idea to know what you are trying to gain from the proposed space.
When adding an extension onto a ground floor flat, planning permission is a must. However, with the right architects by your side, this doesn’t have to be stressful.
To add an extension to your flat you must apply for planning permission. If your flat is a listed building it is likely that you will need listed building consent. You should contact your local planning authority for advice before you start work.
Adding work to a listed building that affects the historical character without consent is a criminal offense.
However, if you are using an architect, they will be the best people to guide and advise you through the planning process.
Planning your design for the flat extension –
Once your planning is approved it is a good idea to plan and understand exactly what you require to do with the new space. Do you want to extend the kitchen? Open up the living room? Or create another bedroom?
It is also important to play around with the space and work out the best layout for the extension. A popular element many homeowners like to include is natural daylight. So, to increase the property value and aesthetic of the home you should think about including skylights and bi-folding doors.
Normally, planning permission is valid for 3 years from the time the local authority grants it. This means you have 3 years to start construction work on the site.
History –
Before 1968, there was no limit on the duration of permissions. Between 1968 and 2009, the duration of the permission was set out in the conditions. It was often limited to 5 years within which the construction had to begin. Although it was sometimes possible to extend this.
How can you stop it expiring?
In order to stop planning expiring on-site, you can submit a planning renewal application. You can re-submit the original planning application, at one-quarter of the original fee price. Just like the original planning application, the renewal will last 3 years.
Types of planning permission –
There are two types of planning permission: outline planning and full planning permission. It is advisable to check with your local authority to determine what type of permission is required for your development.
Outline planning permission –
Outline permission is used for bigger projects. You’re basically asking the local authority to agree to the overall idea of the scheme. And then you put in a separate application covering the details:
Outline application with all matters reserved
Outline application with some matters reserved
Full planning permission –
Full permission is normally required for change of use developments in conservation areas. And for developments that affect listed buildings. It also applies to industrial and commercial developments.
What if the building takes longer than you planned?
You only need to start building within the 3-year limit, you don’t need to finish the project within that timeframe. You must have made some kind of visible first step, to count as started.
However, there is a criterion you must follow to show the first steps of the project. You must start your build in the right place and you must show you have completed more than the bare minimum.
Looking to build a new home but don’t know where to start? this step by step guide is a perfect way to understand the process of the construction
1. Prepare the construction site
Firstly, before any construction can happen, the local government must approve the design and provide permits. You will need these permits for everything from home construction, electrical work, plumbing, and planning. Once the permits are required, construction can begin.
Often site preparation and foundation are performed by the same people. The crew clears the site of rocks, debris, and trees. They then level the site, put up wooden forms to serve as a template for the foundation, and dig holes and trenched. The footings are then formed and poured, as well as the foundation walls. The areas between them are levelled and fitted with plumbing drains and electrical chases; then the slab is poured. Once all of the concrete is set an inspector will visit the site to make sure the foundations are up to code and installed properly.
2. Complete rough framing
The floor, walls, and roof systems will all be completed. Usually, plywood sheathing is applied to the exterior walls, roof, and windows and the exterior doors are installed. It is then covered with a protective barrier known as a house wrap. This prevents liquid water from infiltrating the structure. This also reduces the likelihood of d rot.
3. complete rough plumbing and electrical
Once the shell is finished the roof can be installed and the following are installed:
Pipes and wires
Water supply lines
Sewer lines and vents
Bathtubs, shower units
Ductwork for HVAC system
HVAC vent pipes
Once all of the things are installed you will need to have a few more inspections.
4. install the insulation
Insulation plays a key role in creating a more comfortable, consistent indoor climate and improving the home’s energy efficiency. The most common types of insulation used in new homes are fiberglass, cellulose, and foam. Most homes are insulated in all exterior walls, as well as the loft and floors.
5. Complete drywall and the interior fixtures, start the exterior fixtures
The next step is to hang the drywall and make sure it is taped so the seams are not visible. After the taping is complete the primer coat of paint is applied. Then the contractors will begin installing the external finishes such as brick and stone.
6. finish interior trim, install driveway and walkways
All of the interiors get completed and this includes doors, baseboards, window sills, cabinets, vanities, fireplaces, and much more. The walls get the last coats of paint and the wallpaper is applied.
Generally, the driveway, walkways, and patios are formed at this stage.
7. install hard surface flooring and countertops
Ceramic tile, vinyl, and wood flooring are installed as well as the countertops.
8. finish mechanical trims
Light fixtures, outlets, and switches are installed and the electrical panel is complete. All of the bathroom fixtures are also installed such as sinks, toilets, baths, and showers.
9. install finishing touches
Mirrors, shower doors, and carpet are installed and a big final clean-up takes place. They also complete the landscaping by adding trees, grass, and shrubs
10. The final walkthrough
The final step is a walkthrough, your builders will show you and acquaint you with your new home, the features, and the operation of some things. This is also an opportunity to spot items that need to be corrected or adjusted. And also, to check there are no possible damages to the countertops or walls.
Before the digital age, geometry generally dictated what architectural designers could achieve. Some extraordinarily talented individuals were ahead of their time when it came to creating building designs with unusual patterns.
This changed with the arrival of CAD (Computer-Aided Design) and BIM (Building Information Modelling). In recent times, technological tools like these have provided designers with more powerful means to render complex designs.
Below, Pro Arkitects – Design & Build Experts take a look at some of these new technological gizmos. Plus, we explore the constructions that continue to push the envelope of what is possible in building design.
Geometry Projects Defined by Computer Algorithms
New programs, such as Autodesk’s Project Abaka, make it possible for designers to go beyond the rules of geometry. Now, an architectural designer can tell a computer the requirements of a design they want to produce.
After entering the client’s desired criteria, the computer will provide a vast quantity of project design solutions and geometric configurations. This will only take the computer a few seconds to complete, whereas, for a person, it will take much longer.
Computer Printout Buildings
In a spectacular feat of architectural science, the Landesgartenschau Exhibition Hall in Germany was constructed. Although, a combination of bio-mimicry elements, Robotically prefabricated beech plywood plates, and digital architecture software were used to accomplish this. However, the exterior design itself is based on sea urchin skeletons.
Not only did it draft the plans for each panel – but it also controlled the CNC (Computer Numerical Control Milling) machinery. This cut each piece and directed the robotic arm which joined them together.
The revolutionary building designs state that the Hall is the only commercial building to have been made from prefabricated plywood beech plates by a robot.
Expanding Possibilities
Gramazio & Kohler Architects are at the forefront of digital fabrication. They use a combination of CNC milling, 3D-modelling software, and hand-drawn conceptual mock-ups to finalise projects. Examples of this are the ceilings of the Federal Court Building in Bellinzona, Switzerland.
As described in a recent publication of Architectural Record, “The ceiling panels, which include perforations and a swirling pattern, perform both aesthetic and acoustical functions.” The report elaborated; “They reflect light from a central skylight above the rooms and help ensure that the court proceedings are audible.”
In addition, only a generation or two ago, these fabrication techniques and building designs would have solely taken place in fiction. But now, courtesy of the continued innovation in the field of digital architecture software, they are gradually becoming a reality.
Building a home allows you to enjoy a new property that’s been designed specifically for you and your family. On the other hand, it is a daunting prospect that requires careful management at every stage.
Are you thinking of designing and building a new house, but don’t know where to start? No worries. Pro Arkitects – Design & Build Experts are always on hand to help. With these 7 simple steps, we will help you understand the process of successfully building a new home.
Step 1: Build Choices
When it comes to building a new home, there are several options at your disposal. These vary from; house and land packages, project homes, custom-built properties, or DIY kit dwellings. Each one has its own pros, cons, and costs, so it’s important to figure out where you want to build. Furthermore, it is crucial to establish early on how much you can spend and which options best suit your requirements.
Step 2: Do Your Research!
Unless you’re building on your existing property, you must make sure that your designs work with the land you wish to buy. This significantly affects building costs, so gaining expert advice before committing to land purchases or designs is highly recommended.
Step 3: Choosing a Builder
It is pivotal that you spend time researching builders who are right for your project. There are a vast amount of ways you can go about doing this. Friend recommendations are a popular choice, or you can contact the Master Builders and Housing Industry Associations. Alternatively, you can even invite qualified builders to quote your new home.
Make sure that the contract your desired builder provides covers all areas of your project. In addition to this, it is incredibly important that they agree to a timeline for the completion of the build.
You should get the plans agreement preparation, home indemnity insurance, the building contract, and contract variations agreement verified by a solicitor. This should be done before you sign any form of documentation.
Step 4: Financing Your build
Keeping on top of finances is essential to the successful construction of your home. Ensure that you know how much the total work will cost. Also, if applicable, make sure you have your home loan in place. These requirements must be finalized before the build commences.
Additionally, you must determine how much deposit you will need to pay. Get your solicitor to examine your contract and see how progress payments will be implemented.
Please note that the following section is only relevant to those who require a home loan.
Before you apply for your home loan, you should consider additional costs. These usually include; stamp duty, legal fees, and costs associated with your loan. You may also like to consider applying for a construction loan. This will give you access to money progressively as you complete different stages of construction.
Step 5: Signing the Contract
Once you’ve agreed to the costs, you must review the contract carefully with your solicitor. Many common building errors come as a result of inaccuracies in the contract. Make sure you feel confident in signing the documents to prevent costly changes down the line.
You should check the laws and council requirements in your area to see if your contract is compliant. Moreover, make sure your builder is responsible for securing licences and permits from the relevant authorities.
You may also like to get insurance before construction begins. This will protect your land, the new property, and the people visiting the site.
Step 6: Monitoring the Build
It’s important to stay involved at every stage of construction. You can choose the design elements and make sure it stays on time and within budget.
You may like to keep a diary to record important details of the project in writing. These may include; discussions with the builder, updates on progress, weather, copies of letters, and notices. You may also wish to take photos of the site throughout the project.
If you don’t feel confident managing the contractor or tradespeople building your home, you can assign an independent building consultant. They will then monitor the construction on your behalf.
Step 7: Completing the Handover
Around a week after practical completion of the house, you should be ready to move in. You should receive a copy of all relevant warranties and certificates as per your contract. Make sure you have the builder’s written authority that the building is completed and safe to move into.
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