Tag: design

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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Advice Center

Corner Beads: What Are They And Why Do We Have Them?

11th April 20220

Here is some information you may want to know about corner beads. 

What are corner beads? 

A corner bead is a metal material that is used on the corner where the two ends of a drywall meet. This creates a sharp and polished finish. Corner beading makes the edges strong to prevent any type of damage.  

Do you have to use corner beads?  

Yes. You should always use a corner bead for internal corners. However, external corners only need to be beaded if they have been rendered.  

What is a rendered wall? 

Rendering is applying cement on the external walls of a building to create a smooth or textured look. 

What is the difference between rendering and plastering? 

Plastering is for internal walls whereas rendering involves around external walls.  

How do you get a corner bead to stay in place? 

This needs to be firmly in place and affix with drywall screws.  

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Architecture & Building

The advantages and disadvantages of buying a maisonette

8th April 20220

When it comes to searching for the perfect property, many people are unsure about what a maisonette is. This results in property buyers being hesitant and skeptical about purchasing a maisonette. If this is how you feel, read on to find out the advantages and disadvantages of these buildings.  

What is a maisonette?  

A maisonette is a self-contained living area/ flat, with its own private entrance. Maisonettes are commonly located above shops, offices, garages, or on top of ground floor maisonettes. 

Now you have an understanding of what a maisonette is, let’s get into some of the advantages and disadvantages of the buildings.  

The advantages of a maisonette –  

  • Nice amount of living space  

If you are living by yourself or have a small family maisonette can provide the perfect space. They are usually a bit bigger than a flat but smaller than a house.   

  • They are a more affordable option  

Purchasing a maisonette is usually a more affordable option than buying a house. Similarly, maisonettes share some qualities with flats. If you were to carve out the space of a maisonette in a block of flats, a maisonette would be about 20-25% cheaper than the equivalent space in that block.  

  • Able to have more privacy  

As we mentioned in the definition, maisonettes have their own private entrance, rather than a shared one. Many owners like this because it gives them privacy and personal space. 

Furthermore, the disadvantages are –  

  • Shared facilities  

There are some disadvantages to take into account when purchasing any property. One of the main ones for a maisonette is shared driveways and gardens, with the neighbours. This can cause issues for some people especially when it comes to parking.  

  • Difficult to get a mortgage  

Although it’s not impossible to get a mortgage on a maisonette, it is often not an easy process. The criteria are generally stricter than those of a typical house mortgage. However, if you’re planning to buy with cash, it shouldn’t be an issue.  

  • Noisy neighbours  

If you live in the ground floor maisonette, then there is always a chance of having noisy upstairs neighbours walking above you.   

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Extensions

Can I add a Front extension to my home?

6th April 20220

What is a front extension? 

A front extension is commonly seen as a porch. They allow you to add depth and dimension to the front of your home. Whilst shielding it from the elements and adding it for aesthetic purposes.  

Front House Extension Rules to Follow –  

Some of the rules are as follows: 

  • The size of the 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 is situated near the public highway; you cannot build an extension under permitted development rights. 

Reasons to extend the front of your home –  

  • Adding a front extension will increase the value of your home. In the UK single-storey extensions are a popular choice and can add up to 5 – 8% value to the property.  
  • If you are looking for more space, it is cheaper to extend your house rather than buy a new one.  
  • Extending the front of your house is often the easiest type of extension. It doesn’t require you to move out of your home. As well as, it may not affect major rooms in the house.  

Will you need planning permission –  

Whenever you plan to add an 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. 

Permitted development rules for a front extension –  

  • Does not front onto the road 
  • A single storey 
  • Is at most three meters out from the original house 
  • Is not more than half the width of the original house 

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 an extension. You can add a room to the front of your house without any worry. 

The rules with this type of extension 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. 

Image: Houzz
Advice Center

Here’s all to know about getting a Location plan

5th April 20220

What is a location plan?  

A location plan is a document that may be required by a planning authority, as a part of a planning application. A location plan provides an illustration of the proposed development in its surrounding area.  

It must be based on a up to date map and at an identified standard metric scale.  

A site location plan should include: 

  • A 1:250 or 1:2500 scale 
  • A red line marked up to show where planning is sought, or with a blued line to show any other property owned on the plan.  
  • A larger area of land than a ‘block plan’. (Often called a ‘site plan’) 
  • The general locality of a site requiring planning consent  
  • Mapping features like property outlines, roads, and other geographical boundaries  
  • A north point and copyright information.  

Will you need a location plan?  

Most planning applications need a location plan which shows the proposal in its surrounding context.  

How much does a location plan cost?  

In addition, locations plans can vary on costs depending on the scale chosen, the mapping chosen, and the company. A plan at 1:1250 scale typically costs between £8 and £20. Whereas, a 1:2500 scale plan costs between £55 and £75.   

The difference between a location plan and a site plan –  

A location plan is different from a site plan, which is specifically focused on providing more detail of the development within the site boundaries. However, a block plan may give a slightly wider illustration of the immediate area surrounding the site.  

How to get a plan –  

If you are unsure about what you need or how to apply for a locations plan, you can get in contact with Pro Arkitects and we will be able to help. Furthermore, use the contact us button down below and a member of our staff will be able to advise and assist you.  

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