Tag: design

Advice Center, Planning Permission

How to apply for a dropped kerb

16th December 20210

A dropped kerb is where there is a dip in the path and kerb that lets you park your car on a driveway outside your house. The kerb is dropped from the normal height and the path is strengthened to take the weight of the vehicle.  

Before you apply –  

To have a dropped kerb it must: 

  • Leave enough room for you to park your vehicle completely on the property. 
  • Be a minimum width of 2.4m  
  • Be more than 10m away from a road junction.  
  • Meets visibility guidelines 
  • Have suitable drainage near your house.  
  • Be at least 1.5m from streetlights. 
  • Avoid removing tree roots 
  • Have permission from the property owner. 

Planning permission –  

You must contact your council to find out if you require planning permission for a dropped kerb. Then, if the council confirms that you need to require permission, you will then have to apply for an application. However, if the council tells you planning permission isn’t necessary, they would require confirmation. 

Existing dropped kerbs –  

If you would like to extend an existing dropped kerb, you must create a new application.  

Application cost –  

Householder application  

  • The cost to apply for permission is £320 
  • £150 will be returned if the permission is declined or not approved.  
  • Applications are usually handled by the housing or environmental health department at your local council. 

Developer application 

Administration and inspection fees are based on the following rules:  

  • 2 to 5 properties – £215 per property 
  • 6 to 25 properties – £106 per property 
  • More than 25 properties – £2,650 

Building cost –  

Once you have got the planning permission, you can then hire a contractor to start the work.  

The average cost of building a drop kerb, and depending on the complexity will cost around £1000. And a contractor will usually charge an additional £180 – £220.  

There can also be additional costs that you should be aware of. Here is a list of extra things you may want to consider when dropping a kerb:  

  • New driveway 
  • Wall demolition 
  • New driveway gate 
  • New fence 
  • Skip hire 
  • CCTV system  
  • Outdoor lighting 
  • Removing trees 
  • Moving a street light 

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Advice Center

Everything to know about building control and building regs.

16th December 20210

What is building control? 

Firstly, local authority building control teams help people comply with the building regulations. They do this by giving feedback on plans and providing site inspections.  

What are building regulations? 

Building regulations are the legally enforceable rules describing the minimum standards to which buildings must be designed and built, with the objective of keeping people healthy and safe.  

The difference between building regs and building control –  

Many homeowners commonly don’t understand the difference between building regulations and building control. However, it is important to know the difference. So, that you are informed and are able to understand more technical conversations when it comes to your project.  

The difference between the two is that building regulations are the building standards, and building control is the function of enforcing those standards. It’s the job of a building control inspector to assess whether or not a project complies with building regulations.  

Why is building control important?  

Building regs are there to protect people’s safety, health, and welfare in and around buildings. The regulations are also designed to improve the protection of fuel and power. And also protect and enhance the environment and promote sustainable development.  

What happens if you do work without approval?  

The local authority has to see that building work complies with the regulations. If you don’t get approval, you may be asked to alter or remove it. So, if you fail to do this, the local authority may serve a notice requiring you to do so within 28 days, and you will be liable for the costs.  

If you are convicted, you may need to pay a penalty of £5,000 plus £50 for each day. In addition, if you do not fix the work the authority has the power to get the cost from you.   

How long does building control last?  

The approval of building plans lasts for three years. So, if you don’t start work in that time the local authority may serve you with a notice declaring your plans of no effect. This means you will have to submit a fresh application.  

Architecture & Building

Understanding All Of The Details Of A Roof

15th December 20210

When it comes to the roof of your home, there are quite a few components. Here you can gain an understanding of all of the details that make up a roof.  

What is a ridge?  

Firstly, the ridge is defined as the highest point on a roof, often referred to as the peak. It is a horizontal line running the length of the roof where the two planes meet. 

A ridge beam is a necessary structural member that carries half of the roof load and must be used when building roofs with slopes less than 3/12.  

 If you are thinking of installing a loft conversion, you must measure from the floor to the ridge height to see if you have a minimum head height of 2.2 m.  

What is a hip?  

A hip roof has no vertical ends. It is sloped on all sides, with the slopes meeting in a peak. The hip is the external angle at which adjacent sloping sides of a roof meets.  

The hip provides the ideal protection from the weather, like heavy rain, snow, and high winds. This is because the sides are sloped towards the ground so the weather can slide off and makes the building more stable.  

Rafters –  

A rafter is a structural component that is used as a part of the construction. Typically, it runs from the ridge or hip of the roof to the wall plate of the external wall. Rafters contain two main outer beams which support the structure. In addition, they are usually laid side-by-side, providing a base to support roof decks and coverings. 

Valley –  

A valley is a gutter-like valley that runs between two sloped sections. They are used so that the rainwater has somewhere to escape.  

Although just like gutters, valleys undergo a fair amount of wear over time. They can leak, rust, and get blocked up; however, the repairs are a common situation and easy to fix.  

They are typically made of lead, concrete, or fiberglass. Although, aluminum is now growing in popularity, as a lightweight and rust-resistant alternative to older iron/ steel valleys.  

Rakes –  

The rake refers to the slanting edge of a gable roof at the end wall of the house. This f is most common in colder climates and consists of two sections sloping in opposite directions from the peak to allow for the best flow of water off the roof.  

They are important because they help keep your roof dry and they serve the important function of preventing water from getting into the fascia.  

Shingles –  

Finally, shingles are coverings consisting of individual overlapping elements. These elements are typically flat, rectangular shapes laid in courses from the bottom edge of the roof up. With each course overlapping the joints below.  

Roofing Terms | Brothers Roofing NJ

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Advice Center, Loft Conversion

Everything To Know About Fire Safety For A Loft Conversion

15th December 20210

When converting existing roof space into a room the provision for escape needs to be considered throughout the full extent of the escape route. The protection of life in the event of a fire is extremely important and shouldn’t be taken lightly.  

Fire detection and alarm systems –  

Where new rooms are provided above the ground floor level, fire alarm systems should be installed as they can significantly increase the level of safety, by giving an early warning of fire. 

It is essential that the fire alarms are properly designed, installed, and maintained.  

Important notes –  

  • Smoke alarms should be positioned in the circulation spaces within 7.5 m of every room.  
  • No bedroom door should be further than 3 m from the nearest smoke alarm.  
  • There should be at least one smoke alarm on every storey of the property. 
  • Smoke alarms should not be fixed next to or directly above heaters or air conditioners.  
  • They should also not be placed over stairs or any opening between floors. 

Ways to escape if there was a fire –  

The main escape route from your loft conversion would normally be the hallway and staircase of your home. Therefore. This route needs to be protected as much as possible and offer at least 30 minutes of fire resistance. 

How this can be achieved –  

  • All the doors that lead off from the staircase will need to be upgraded to give fire resistance or be placed with fire doors.  
  • If your stairs lead to an open plan area, they will either need to be enclosed with partition walls, to keep the escape route protected. Or, you will need to install a sprinkler system in the open plan area. 
  • You may need to upgrade the fireproofing on your ceiling below the new loft conversion. 

The main fire-resistant materials that are used are timber stud partitions and metal frame partitions. With these materials, the potential fire will be delayed for around 30 minutes.  

You will also need an escape window; this window would need to be no higher than 1.1 m above the floor and 459 x 450 mm in size. This is because you need a large enough space to escape out of in case of an emergency.  

Alternative escape routes –  

Often people who want to take extra safety measures feel more comfortable if there is an alternative exit. The best way to include this is by adding an external staircase leading to the loft conversion. Although, you would need to make sure that the external door is also fire resistant and the outside stairs should be protected from weather conditions.  

Do I Need Fire Doors If I Have A Loft Conversion - OakwoodLoft

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Design and Inspiration

Showers: Which One Works Best For You

14th December 20210

Different types of showers 

  • Electric  
  • Mixer  
  • Power
  • Digital  

Electric shower 

One of the main advantages of an electric shower is that a hot water supply is not needed from your boiler. These showers have been proven energy efficient as you do not need to heat your boiler tank for an electric shower. Also, electric showers are simple to install. However, this shower needs a good water pressure either from your main supply or water pump. An electric shower can instantly heat up water instead of taking the hot water supply from your boiler tank. No more waiting for your boiler to heat up! One downside to an electric shower is that your existing water pressure isn’t good, your shower may not be very powerful. 

Mixer shower 

A mixer shower is different to an electric shower as it needs an existing source of hot water. The shower does exactly what the names says it does. This shower mixes your hot and cold water together before the water comes out the shower head. An advantage to a mixer shower is that it is more powerful than an electric shower. The water comes out a lot stronger.  

Power shower 

These showers a perfect with homes that have low water pressure. A power shower uses a pump to improve the flow rate of the water it using. One of the  benefits to a power shower is that flow rate is instantly increased for a powerful shower. Also, the installation is quick and simple and many power showers come with eco-friendly options.  

Digital shower  

Digital showers are at the top of bathroom technology. This shower stands out due to the control panel that can change the temperature and the flow rate. This means you can adjust the temperature by the degree. Key features to this shower are that some are even compatible to smart devices and there are many options of different digital showers available. There are different types of digital showers to suit almost any water system, this is why they are the perfect showers. 

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Advice Center, Conversions

All that you should know about becoming an HMO landlord.

14th December 20210

Some landlords choose to convert their properties into HMOs (house in multiple occupation). This is because landlords find this an efficient way to run a rental home. An HMO is a term that refers to residential properties that are rented out by at least 3 people who are not from the same household. However, they share facilities like the bathroom, kitchen, and living rooms.  

HMO licence –  

Becoming an HMO landlord might require you to apply for a house with multiple occupation licences. You must have a licence if you’re renting out a large HMO. Your property is defined as a large HMO if the following apply:  

  • It is rented to 5 or more people who form more than 1 household.  
  • Some or all tenants share toilet, bathroom, or kitchen facilities. 
  • At least 1 tenant pays rent.  

The licence is valid for a maximum of 5 years. However, you would also need a separate licence for every HMO property that you own. 

Conditions a landlord must follow – 

  • The house is suitable for the number of occupants. – It is often advised to have 5 tenants or more in each house. This is so the tenants can successfully spread the costs of electricity, gas, water, and council tax sufficiently to create a healthy profit. Although the number of tenants you have depends on the size and number of bedrooms of the property.  
  • The landlord or manager of the house must be considered fit and proper. For example, having a criminal record or breach of landlord laws.  

Landlord responsibility- 

The council has to carry out a housing health and safety rating system risk assessment within 5 years for getting a licence.  

You need to:  

  • Send the council an updated gas safety certificate every year. 
  • Install and maintain smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms 
  • Provide safety certificates for all electrical appliances.  

If the inspector finds any unacceptable risks during the assessment, you must carry out work to eliminate them.  

You will have to pay income tax on your rental income, minus your day-to-day running expenses. And also, class 2 national insurance if the work you do renting out a property counts as running a business.  

Reporting changes –  

It is important to let the council know if there are any changes. These changes might include:  

  • Your tenants make changes 
  • You make any changes to the HMO 
  • Your tenants’ circumstances change. For example, if they have a child.  

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Architecture & Building

Architecture: Around the World Part 1

14th December 20210

Firstly, architecture, the art, and technique of designing and building. Architects design structures such as office buildings, businesses, stadiums, schools, malls, and homes. They also design outdoor spaces. 

Is architecture a good career? 

In addition, architects are highly respected in society making this a good career. 

Different types of architecture  

  • Firstly, Landscape architect – A person that designs outdoor environments. 
  • Architectural technologist – An architectural technologist provides technical building design services and is trained in architectural technology. 
  • Architectural designer – So, they create digital plans based on architectural sketches, visiting construction sites, oversee contractors and facilitate communications with consultants. 
  • Preservation architect – They prepare plans for appropriate work on historic buildings and direct the work to preserve important features and avoid damage. 
  • Green building and retrofit architect – This person’s job is to safeguard water, air and the earth by choosing eco-friendly materials and protecting the biodiversity of the area during construction. 
  • Commerical architect – Somone that specialises in designing commercial buildings such as shops, restaurants and public buildings. 
  • Finally, Industrial architect – An architect that designs buildings for industry. 

Best places to study   

  • Firstly, England 
  • China 
  • Italy 
  • Japan 
  • France 
  • Spain 
  • Australia 
  • United Arab Emirates 
  • Finally, The Netherlands 

Examples of famous architecture  

  • Firstly, Eiffel tower – France, Paris. In fact, it was constructed 31st of March 1889 

  • Secondly, The Burj Al Arab – Dubai. Constructed in 1994, Finished 1999 

  • Parthenon – Greece, Athens. Constructed in 447BC 

  • Angkor Wat – Cambodia. Constructed in the 12th century  

  • Saint Peters Basilica – Italy, Rome, Vatican. So, this started to be constructed in 1506 and was finished in 1415. 

  • Sydney Opera House – Australia, Sydney. Constructed in 1973 

Panoramic scenery of Sydney harbor and Sydney opera house, Australia
  • Colosseum – Italy, Rome. Constructed in 70AD 

  • Tower bridge London. – Constructed in 1886  

  • Hagia Sophia Istanbul – Turkey. Constructed in 537AD 
  • Kremlin – Moscow. In addition, its constructed in the 13th century  

  • Empire State Building – New York. Constructed in the 1930s 

  • Petronas Towers Kuala – Malaysia, Lumpur.  Constructed in 1993 

  • Leaning tower Pisa – Italy, Pisa. Furthermore, its constructed in 1173  

  • Taj Mahal – India, Agra. So, it was constructed in 1631 

  • Guggenheim museum Bilbao– Spain, Bilbao. Constructed in 1997 

  • Beijing national stadium – China, Beijing. Constructed in 2008 

  • Flatiron Building – New York. Furthermore, its constructed in 1902  

  • Villa Savoye – France, Poissy. In fact, it was constructed 1931 

  • Finally, Kauffman residence or falling water – Pennsylvania. Constructed in 1936. 

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Uncategorised

Listed Buildings: An Easy Guide

13th December 20210

Categories of listed buildings 

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. 

Things you should know before buying a listed property. 

  • You’ll need to be granted permission to make any changes to the building. This is including all renovations or any changes to the internal layout.  
  • All listed buildings are on a national register which is searchable on the Historic England Website. 
  • Repairs will cost more. You will have to hire specialist labourers that have the correct skills and tools to carry out the repairs, which can be more costly than a standard labourer.  
  • You’ll need specialist home insurance to cover your home which will cost more. This will cost more due to the materials needed for your home. 

Do’s and don’ts for listed buildings  

Do’s 

  • Remove or alter original architectural features such as doors, decorative stonework, fireplaces or windows. 
  • Don’t assume your garden is yours to play with.

Don’ts 

  • Before buying a listed building, you need to make sure that all renovations done by the previous owners were done correctly. It doesn’t matter if the renovations were done before you owned the building you are still liable. 
  • Make sure you have specialist home insurance. 
  • Keep in regular touch with your conservation officer as they have all the information you may need.  

How do 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. 

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Advice Center

Roofing Materials: Simple And Easy

10th December 20210

What are the main roofing materials in the UK? 

  • Slate roof 
  • Concrete roof 
  • Clay roof  

Slate tiles 

Slate roofing materials lasts more than 100 + years. It won’t burn, its waterproof and resists Mold and fungus. Slate is effective in wet climates but is expensive, heavy and may be easily broken when stepped on. 

Clay tiles  

Roof tiles made from clay can withstand damage from winds up to 130 miles per hour, earthquakes, hurricanes and tornadoes. Clay tiles are also known as Spanish tile roofs. These tiles are a good choice for your roof as they are durable and long-lasting tiles but they are extremely heavy meaning your roof may need to be reinforced to support the additional weight. 

Concrete tiles  

Concrete tiles last the life of the structure, fire resistant and weather resistant. These tiles are a good choice for roofing materials as they are very durable. 

Frequently asked questions about these roofing materials 

Are slate roofs expensive? 

Yes, slate roofs are one of the most durable and longest-lasting roofing materials on the market. 

Are clay tiles eco-friendly? 

Clay tile roofs are eco-friendly because they are made from natural earth minerals that can be recycled. 

Are concrete tiles cheaper than slate? 

Concrete tiles tend to be cheaper than slate. 

Are slate roofs expensive?  

Yes, slate is one of the most expensive roofing materials. 

How do I maintain a slate roof? 

Cleaning the gutters around 3-4 times a year. You should get professionals to inspect the roof for any damage around once every 10 years. 

How long does clay roofs last? 

80-100 years old  

What is the life of concrete tiled roof? 

Normally, a concrete tiled roof can last as long as 50 years. 

Is a clay tiled roof waterproof? 

Clay tiles are waterproof, fire resistant and wind resistant. 

Can you walk on slate roof? 

Slate is hard-wearing and durable but it can easily crack if under too much pressure. Professionals use hook ladders, jacks and planks on slate roofing, which allows them to walk across the roof without putting weight on the slate and damaging it. 

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House Renovation

Bathtubs: Everything You Want To Know

9th December 20210

There are many different bathtubs such as: 

  • Firstly,Freestanding tub  
  • Secondly, Drop in tub 
  • Three-wall alcove tub 
  • Corner tub 
  • Undermount tub 
  • Claw foot tub 
  • Hot tub 
  • Finally, Japanese tub  

Three-wall alcove tub 

Pros for example:

  • Firstly, Easy to clean and maintain 
  • Practical and functional  
  • Can be decorated  
  • Finally, Affordable  

Cons 

  • Generic in feel  
  • Must be placed between two walls  

Freestanding tub 

Pros for instance

  • Adds to house value  
  • Visual impact 
  • Can be situated anywhere in the room 
  • Versatile look 

Cons such as:

  • No storage areas  
  • Expensive  
  • Extremely heavyweight  

Drop in tub 

Pros 

  • Firstly, high end, luxurious feel 
  • No slip, grip handles  

Cons  

  • Difficult to install and remove. 

Corner tubs 

Pros such as:

  • Maximum versatility  
  • Makes use of corner space 
  • Can be glasses enclosed or open style  

Cons 

  • Tub accessibility is limited  
  • Can only be in the corner of the room 

Clawfoot tub 

Pros for example:

  • Adds immediate vintage charm and period detail to a bathroom 
  • Easy to install 
  • Space beneath 

Cons  

  • Lack of storage 

Undermount tub  

Pros in particular

  • Easy to clean 
  • Durable and sturdy 
  • High end, luxurious feel  

Cons 

  • So, tub cannot simply be removed without destroying the surrounding decking. 

Hot tubs 

Pros such as:

  • Deep soaking relaxation 
  • Hydrotherapy for those with achy joints and arthritis 

Cons 

  • Expensive  

Japanese tub  

Pros for instance,

  • Amazing design  
  • Adds house value  
  • Artistic presentation  
  • Offers deep soaking  

Cons for example:

  • No storage  
  • Expensive  

Questions that are frequently asked about bathtubs 

What materials are bathtubs made from? 

Often bathtubs are made out of porcelain which is usually steel-based. But bathtubs can be made from marble, acrylic, and fiberglass. However, historically bathtubs have been made from wood, copper, and iron. 

Can bathtubs be repaired? 

In addition, it is possible to make repairs on a variety of tubs. For example, these include porcelain tubs and those made from marble, acrylic, and fiberglass. Small chips and scratches can often be repaired making this more of an economical option than replacing the entire tub. 

How long do bathtubs last? 

Although it depends on the tub material and how well it has been made. In addition, you can find original bathtubs in old houses that are in fantastic condition at 100 years old. 

Furthermore, what are the most popular bathtubs? 

  • Freestanding tub 
  • Drop in tub 
  • Three-wall alcove tubs 

Can bathtubs be recycled? 

So, a bathtub is not easily recycled. Although, cast iron tubs may be of interest to some metal scrap yards or foundries. Nevertheless, steel is one of the most recycled materials. However, it takes some work to remove the enamel finish which may not be worth the effort for some recyclers. It may be better to repurpose your bathtub instead of recycling, for example: 

  • Feeding and drinking troughs for animal farms 
  • Container for garden 
  • Backyard pool for pets  
  • Finally, Party bucket for beverages and ice. 

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