Bungalows offer great loft conversion potential. They maximise the roof space and create plenty of possibilities. There are four main types of loft conversion that can be appropriate for bungalows. For example: a dormer, hip to gable, Velux, and mansard conversion. Here is a guide to figure out which one if best for your home.
Types of loft conversions –
Hip to gable –
Firstly, a hip to gable loft conversion is where the sloping side of the roof is converted to a vertical gable wall to create more headspace. Bungalows which are semi-detached will often have a hipped roof that slopes at the side. This can be turned into a gable and you are left with a spacious loft and a great amount of head height.
Benefits of a hip to gable conversion –
The biggest benefit is the space that you will gain. All this additional room should increase the value of your home, especially if you are adding a bedroom or a bathroom. Also, the staircase from the lower level should be a continuation into the loft. So, this makes the entrance easier to access and uses less living space from the floor below.
Price –
Furthermore, the average cost of a hip to gable loft conversion is £40,000 – £50,000.
Dormer –
Secondly, dormers create a box shaped structure which is added onto a pitched roof, creating walls that sit at a 90-degree angle to the floor. Also, you can have a dormer in various positions on your roof and you can add more if you want a bigger room inside.
Price –
So, the average cost of a dormer loft conversion is around – £35,000 – £55,000.
Velux –
Velux loft conversions are where the existing roof space is converted into living space without extending the roof structure. There are best for bungalows that already have enough head height. In addition, a roof light or Velux window would be added into the roof to make the new room bright.
Price –
Velux is usually the cheapest option because, it requires the least amount of work. Prices can start from £24,000.
Mansard –
Finally, a mansard can add a huge amount of space to your loft. A Mansard conversion has a flat roof with a slight fall to allow water to run into the gutter and the face of the Mansard slopes back 72 degrees to create the distinctive design.
Many houses have a limited outdoor area. If you have extra land at the side of your property, and you are looking to add more space to your home, it’s worth considering a side extension. This is a great way to extend your kitchen or living area, without eating into your garden.
Do you need planning permission for a side extension?
Most side extensions are built without planning permission and under permitted development. There are rules you must follow to for your project to be under permitted development. For example:
Must be single storey
Cannot exceed 4m
The width cannot exceed more than half of the original house.
The materials used must match the exterior of the existing house.
If the extension is within two metres of a boundary (which a side return extension usually is) maximum eaves height cannot exceed 3m.
How much would it cost?
An average side extension design can cost anywhere between £20,000 – £50,000. However, this depends on the size, finish and where you live. Also, internal work such as adding a kitchen or glazed doors will affect the final price.
The benefits of a side extension –
Adds value if done correctly. If you are just looking to do a single storey, the value can increase by 10%.
Helps you maximise space at the side of your house.
You won’t be losing any land at the rear of your property.
Adds additional space to your home
Building regulations –
Finally, your project will need to comply with building regulations which cover everything from structural stability of the walls to fire safety, electrics, and drainage. These rules and regulations ensure that your extension meets national minimum standards of safety and workmanship. The approval of your local authority building control department is always required whether you require planning permission or not.
In England and Wales, there are 3 categories of listed buildings
Grade 1 (2.5% of buildings)- Buildings of exceptional interest. For example, the Liverpool Anglican cathedral.
Grade 2*(5.5% of buildings)- Buildings with particular importance. For example, Buckingham Palace.
Grade 2 (92% of buildings)- Buildings of special architectural or historic interest. A grade 2 listed building is a UK building or structure that is of special interest, warranting every effort to preserve it.
How does a buildings become listed?
The older the building is the more likely the building is listed. All buildings that were built before the 1700s which is still in its original condition will be listed.
The newer the property the more remarkable it needs to be to become listed, for example a building with outstanding architecture. Buildings are not usually eligible for listing until it’s at least 30 years old.
How to check if your building is listed?
You are able to check if the property is listed by viewing the national heritage list for England.
If you are planning to buy a listed building, a full building survey (RICS level 3) is recommended. And these surveys are tailored to each individual property and cover everything that is possible to access and assess.
When building on a listed property you will firstly need to get both planning permission and consent. So, you will then need patience, stamina, and a good architect. This is because there’s a lot that goes into building on a listed property.
You always need listed building consent
You still need listed building consent to do urgent works to a listed building. Even if the works are needed because a dangerous structure or other legal notice has been served. Even if it’s not practical to get consent in advance, you must give written notice to the council as soon as possible.
Listed building offenses –
Offenses given by the planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990.
It is a criminal offense to carry out work without having listed building consent. Not all projects require consent, only the works that affect the character of the building.
Carrying out building works to a listed building or changing it in any way without consent can result in court action and legal penalties. And it is also illegal to fail to comply with an enforcement notice.
According to the planning act 1990 under section 9. Doing work without consent to the building can result in a person being charged. As well as, being fined up to £20,000 and/or up to 6 months imprisonment.
In addition, the maximum penalty is two years’ imprisonment or an unlimited fine. In determining the fine a judge must have regard to any financial benefit which has accrued or appears likely to accrue to the wrongdoer so as to deny them any benefits.
It is also an offense for anyone who would do damage to a listed building. Or to do anything which causes or is likely to result in damage to the building with the intention of causing damage. Damage to the building by an unauthorised person other than the owner or occupier would be criminal damage under the Criminal Damage Act 1971.
A stadium often very important to the countries and teams they represent. The structure can symbolise the identity and strengths of the region hosting the event. They are able to unite and attract people from all over the globe that have a common interest of sport. It is known that the design of the arena is able to boost the moods of the football players. So, here are some of the most beautiful and innovative stadium designs.
First National Bank Stadium, South Africa –
Firstly, popularly known as Soccer City, this innovative football stadium was built in 1989 and is one of the most popular in the world. The arena has a capacity of 100,000 making it the largest in Africa. The outside of the stadium is designed to have the appearance of an African pot. The cladding on the outside is a mosaic of fire and earthen colours with a ring of lights running around the bottom of the structure, simulating fire underneath the pot.
Allianz Arena, Germany –
Secondly, opened in 2005, this is the home of Munich’s two main local football teams. This stadium is well known for its exterior of ETFE plastic panels. This is the first stadium in the world with a full colour changing exterior. The primary designers are architects Herzog & De Meuron. Furthermore, the arena can host 75,000 spectators.
AAMI Park, Australia –
When completed in 2010, it was Melbourne’s first large purpose-built rectangular stadium. The COX Architecture designed a “Bioframe” design, with a geodesic dome roof covering much of the seating area, while still allowing light through to the pitch. It is also fitted with LED lights that display a variety of patterns and colours that suit the event.
Wembley Stadium, United Kingdom –
Opened in 1923, Wembley Stadium underwent a significant refurbishment in 2007. So, with a capacity of 90,000 seats, it is the most beautifully designed football stadium in the United Kingdom. Wembley was designed by architects Foster + Partners and Populous. The stadiums signature feature is a 134m lattice arch stretching over the building. In addition, the arch is the world’s longest unsupported roof structure.
Sapporo Dome, Japan –
Finally, designed by Japanese architect Hiroshi Hara. The Sapporo Dome was completed in 2001 with remarkable futuristic features that make it one of the most state-of-the-art football stadiums that are praised to this day. The most unique aspect of this multi-purpose arena is the retractable grass football pitch that can slide in and out of the stadium by a pneumatic mechanism in only a matter of a few hours.
Qatar 2022 will be the first middle eastern country to host the world cup. The world cup in Qatar will take place in 8 stadiums during November and December. 7 of the 8 stadiums are brand new and underwent a huge redevelopment.
Since Qatar was awarded the event in 2010, the country has been developing infrastructure which is able to accommodate all of the visitors.
Which cities are the stadiums in?
The Qatari cities that are hosting the tournaments and build new stadiums are:
Firstly, Al Wakrah
Al Khor
Al Rayyan
Doha
Finally, Lusail
How much did the construction of each stadium cost?
Lusail Iconic Stadium –
Firstly, Lusail iconic stadium is the biggest that was built, with a capacity of 80,000 and it’s based in Lusail, Qatar. The stadium was designed by British firm Foster + partners, and populous. Its exterior design replicates bowls, vessels, and other art pieces of the Arab and Islamic world. Its construction began in 2017 and opened in November 2021 with a reported cost of £680 million.
Secondly, the Al Bayt is a multi-purpose stadium in the coastal town of Al Khor, Qatar. It has a capacity of 60,000 making it one of the larger arenas. The construction began in November 2021 and it was completed by the end of 2021. The main inspiration for the design of the exterior was a large Arabic tent. In addition, the construction reportedly cost £718 million.
(David Ramos/Getty Images)
Al Janoub Stadium –
This is a retractable roof stadium in Al Wakrah, Qatar. The stadium was designed by Iraqi-British architect Zaha Hadid, built 2014-2019. So, the stadium features a curvilinear Postmodernist and neo-futurist design. The appearance of the roof was inspired by the sails of traditional Dhow boats. The capacity of the stadium is 40,000, and it is reported to cost £555 million to build.
The Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar. The former stadium, built in 2003, had a seating capacity of 21,282 and was demolished in 2015.The new Al Rayyan Stadium has a seating capacity of 44,740. Also, it was opened in December 2020 and its reported cost was about £305 million.
Khalifa International Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium in Doha, Qatar. An ancient flavour with a futuristic aroma, this venue was the only one that was not fully built because of Qatar 2022. It opened in 1976 and has been the house of Qatari football since then. It went through a renovation from 2014 to 2017, when it was reopened. Furthermore, the refurbishment cost was reported at £317 million.
Image: FIFA
Education City Stadium –
This stadium is located in Al Rayyan, Qatar, and was built for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Its works started in 2015 and the venue was opened in 2020. Like most of the Qatar 2022 stadiums, it offers advanced cooling techniques. In addition, it was one of the most expensive projects with a cost of £594 million.
This is a stadium in Doha, Qatar. Opened 30 November 2021, it is a temporary venue made from 974 recycled shipping containers that will host matches during the 2022 FIFA World Cup, after which it will be dismantled. The construction cost of this venue remains uncertain.
Image: [dezeen/Qatar’s Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy]
Al Thumama Stadium –
Finally, Al Thumama Stadium is a football venue in Al Thumama, Qatar. The construction first started in 2017 and was completed in October 2021. The capacity of the venue is 40,000. In fact, this venue’s exterior is inspired by the Gahfiya, the traditional cap used by Arabic men. It is estimated the construction of this building was £288 million.
Are you looking to extend your home but are dreading the thought of applying and waiting for planning permission? Then you’re in the right place! Here we divulge in the renovation projects you can achieve under permitted development.
Transforming a loft into a liveable space can be a cost-effective way to add more space. In the UK, you won’t need planning permission as long as the conversion is no higher than the highest part of the roof. Also, if you use similar materials to the existing house.
To be permitted development any additional roof space created must not exceed these volume allowances:
40 cubic metres for terraced houses.
50 cubic metres for detached and semi-detached houses.
However, the roof enlargement can’t hang over the outer wall of the house.
A single storey extension –
You can build a single storey rear and side under permitted development rights. Although, there a lot of conditions you must follow, for example:
The extension is built on the side or rear of the home
Cannot extend past the rear wall by 3 metres for an attached property or 4 metres for a detached home
Building materials must be similar to the existing property
It takes up less than 50% of the land surrounding the property
Must be less than 4 metres in height or 3 metres if it is within 2 metres of a boundary
Any eaves or ridges must be no taller than the original property
Replace the windows and doors –
If you are simply replacing the windows with a similar size and style then you won’t need to apply for planning permission. However, if you want to add new windows then you will need planning permission. Also, if your house is a listed building you will need to get permission.
You don’t usually need to apply for planning permission for:
repairs, maintenance, and minor improvements, such as repainting window and door frames
insertion of new windows and doors that are of a similar appearance to those used in the construction of the house (note – a new bay window will be treated as an extension and may require permission). If new windows are in an upper-floor side elevation they must be obscure-glazed and either non opening or more than 1.7 metres above the floor level
installation of internal secondary glazing.
Installing roof Lanterns and skylights –
Installing rooflights can be a great way to increase the natural light in a home. They are usually under permitted development. But mustn’t stick out by more than 150mm from the plane of the roof.
An area of outstanding natural beauty is (ANOB) is an area of land which is protected by law to preserve and enhance its natural beauty.
How are AONBs made?
Natural England can make orders to designate areas of outstanding natural beauty or vary the boundaries of existing ones. Before natural England proposes an area to become an AONB, it must meet the natural beauty criterion. This could be multiple different factors, such as:
Landscape quality.
Scenic quality.
Relative wildness, such as distance from housing or having few roads.
Natural heritage features, such as distinct species and habitat.
Relative tranquillity, where all you can hear is natural sounds.
Cultural heritage.
How many areas of outstanding natural beauty are there?
There are 46 AONB in the throughout England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Areas of natural beauty cover about 18% of the UK countryside. The types of natural beauty can range from woodlands, villages, moorlands, and meadows.
No other country in the world has Areas of outstanding natural beauty.
Can you get permission to build on an AONB?
Overall, getting planning permission for a major development is very rare. If the development has a significant impact on the local environment, you should consult natural England about the planning proposal. If the developer can prove that there is a need and actual benefit of the proposed work, there are times where the permissions has been granted.
Before developing your property, it is important for you to know what rights you have as a property owner in an AONB. Because of the area, your permitted development rights may be reduced, and planning permission grants may become more uncommon.
Permitted development is a development that you can carry out without needing to apply for full planning permission. You may still need approval under other legislations.
You might be able to extend a house in an AONB under permitted development if you follow the rules, are some examples:
It must not go more than 4m beyond the rear wall of the property if it’s a detached house or 3m for any other dwelling.
Do you want a conservatory extension in your home? If yes! Then you are on the right spot as in this article we are going to take a look at conservatory extensions, and if they are worth it. Information that we are going to share will help you make the right buying decision.
Are conservatories still in high demand?
Back in the day conservatories were an extremely popular option for those looking to extend their homes. However, the spaces were too hot in the summer and too cold in the winter. They also were known to have leaks and condensation.
Although, The new generation of conservatory ideas are anything but downmarket, with refreshed designs in both modern and traditional styles boosting your home’s kerb appeal, while advances in glass, better ventilation and smarter home heating all help to keep the internal temperature in check.
Things to consider before installing a conservatory –
Size
Cost
Heating
Material
Orientation
Construction
Exterior style
Interior design
Would you need planning permission?
Planning permission is not usually needed, you can do it under permitted development. 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.
How much do they cost?
There are a number of different types of conservatories. The style, size and materials will affect the cost. A conservatory can cost anywhere between £9,000 – £18,000. On average a lean-to uPVC conservatory will cost you £10,250.
Do they increase the value?
Many people have different opinions on conservatories and if they add value to a property. Also, some potential buyers appreciate the extra space where they can relax and take in the garden at the same time. Conservatories are known to add up to 15% more to your property value.
Designing a building is a challenging, time consuming and expensive process which requires an extreme amount of preparation. Buildings often live long lives and are restored when they start to get damaged.
However, throughout history some buildings fall victim to events which leave them abandoned. Places which once had a purpose are now forgotten.
Below are 5 abandoned buildings frozen in time.
City hall subway station –
The city hall station, was a terminal station on the IRT Lexington Avenue. Line of the New York City subway. The station opened on October 27th 1904, as one of the original 28 stations of the New York subway. As the underground became more popular, it was impossible to lengthen the original platform, to accommodate ten car trains. This caused the station to close on December 31st 1945, because the number of passengers using the station declined and it was close to the Brooklyn bridge station.
In 2004 the station was listed on the national register of historic places. In the mid 2000s Staff of the transit museum were conducting tours of the station. Unlike any of the other New York stations, there is little graffiti and dust in the station. The station remained in good condition in 2019, though only one of the original skylights remained.
(image courtesy of John-Paul Palescandolo).
Beelitz-Heilstatten Hospital –
The Heilstatten is a large hospital complex of about 60 buildings. Originally designed as a sanatorium. The complex from the beginning of World War 1 was a military hospital for the German army. During October and November 1916, Hitler recovered at the hospital after being wounded in the leg during the battle of Somme. It was used once again as a field hospital to treat wounded Nazis during World War II. In 1945, Red Army forces occupied Beelitz-Heilstätten, and the complex remained a Soviet military hospital until 1994, several years after the fall of the Berlin Wall.
In December 1990, Erich Honecker was admitted to Beelitz-Heilstätten after being forced to resign as the head of the east german government. After having liver cancer, he died in Chile in 1994. Beelitz lost its purpose with the departure of the Russians that same year and was abandoned in 1994. As of 2007, none of the abandoned hospital buildings or the surrounding area were secured, giving the area the feel of a ghost town.
Buzludzha Monument Bulgaria –
Construction of the monument began on 23 January 1974 under architect Georgi Stoilov. In power during the height of Soviet influence, the Bulgarian Communist Party decided to erect the monument to commemorate socialist communism. However, the site was abandoned after the government’s fall from power in 1989. Inside the building, mosaics commemorating the history of the Bulgarian Communist Party cover approximately 937 square meters. Although, one-fifth of the mosaics have already been destroyed due to age, weather-related deterioration and vandalism.
The Ryugyong Hotel North Korea –
The Ryugyong hotel, more commonly known as the hotel of doom, is an unfinished 105 storey, 330m tall pyramid shaped skyscraper. The construction of the building began in 1987 but was stopped in 1992 because North Korea entered a period of economic crisis. This was due to the dissolution of the Soviet Union.
After 1992, the building stood topped out, but without any windows or interior fittings. In 2008, construction resumed, and the exterior was completed in 2011. The hotel was planned to open in 2012, the centenary of founding leader Kim Il-sung‘s birth, but that was cancelled.
In late 2016, there were indications of renewed activity, and a report that a construction company had visited North Korea. In June 2019, there was new signage bearing the hotel’s name and its logo over the main entrance.
Credit: Getty Images
Buffalo Central Terminal –
This is a historic former railroad station in Buffalo, New York. It was an active station from 1929 to 1979. The main hall is expansive, with vaulted ceilings, decorative railings, and patterned floors. Even decades of neglect have not dulled the terminal. In addition to several ticket counters, the main hall also contained a post office, a restaurant and coffee shop, a barber shop, a Western Union telegraph office, and a soda fountain.
After the war, the station entered into what would be a permanent decline, amid the larger decline in train travel across the country. In 1956, the terminal was put up for sale for $1 million, but no one was interested. In 1968, New York Central Railroad and Pennsylvania Railroad merged forming the Penn Central System and two years later the new company declared bankruptcy. With the creation of Amtrak in 1971, service was restored to Niagara Falls and Toronto via the Maple Leaf, but the Buffalo Central Terminal was simply too big and expensive to maintain. The station closed in 1979.
Your home is a place you take pride in and where you go to relax after a long day. So, it’s only natural you would want to make improvements and increase the value of your house. Many people spend 1000s of pounds on remodelling their homes but there not always adding value to the property in the process.
Here is a list of home improvements that can decrease the property value:
Too much wallpaper –
Wallpaper can be an overwhelming design choice for your home, especially if it has bold patterns, colours and, textures. Wallpaper can also be quite difficult to remove, so potential buyers might see it as a headache to deal with. Fresh paint and natural colours are always a good choice if you are thinking of selling the property.
Texture on the walls and ceilings –
Just like wallpaper texture on a wall can often be hard to remove. It also gives an outdated vibe to the house, and removing it can create a more modern look.
Having/ lowering the ceilings –
Buyers love high ceilings; they can open up the space and make the rooms seem bigger than they actually are. Although, low ceilings can save on energy bills, they can also lower the value of your home.
Combining small bedrooms to create a larger room –
While combining smaller rooms to create one big room may sound like a great idea for a young couple with no children. However, if they then decide to sell the property, it may be difficult. Even small bedrooms add value to a home, because most families want their children to have their own rooms. Each bedroom can add about 15% to the value of a home.
Adding a conservatory –
You should think carefully about how many times that you would use a conservatory. Conservatories are often seen as one of the worst home additions, and many people get them removed. They are regularly replaced by extensions which regulate the temperature, add more space, and increase the value of your home.
Too much carpet –
A home remodelling expert has said that new hardwood floors can increase the sale price of a home by up to 2.5%. Compared to hardwood and laminate floors, carpet can quickly show signs of damage. Plus, colours and textures are highly based on personal preference, and any overly personal touches can decrease a home’s value.
