Tag: Extension

Extensions

All there is to know about extensions in Sevenoaks Kent

16th February 20220

If you are looking to build an extension in the Sevenoaks, are you have come to the right place. Building an extension is a journey. Your build journey will be unique to you and your home, so it is important to plan and manage it well for it to be successful.  

What is an extension?  

An extension is a great way to add additional space to your home, without moving properties. On average the cost of a house extension in Sevenoaks is a lot less compared to if you were to move to another location that offers more space.  

Are extensions in Sevenoaks worth it?  

If an extension provides you with the space, you need and is going to improve the quality of the way you live then it is definitely worthwhile. In addition, extending your home can also be a cost-effective investment that will pay back on itself when you eventually sell.  

Sevenoaks house value increase 

Single-storey extensions are most commonly used to extend kitchens and/ or living rooms. With open plan living becoming hugely popular with homeowners in the UK. Single-storey extensions can often add 5-8% to the value of your home. Whereas, creating a double bedroom and an En-suite can add up to 23% to the value of the property.  

Planning rules have changed  

In recent years the government has relaxed planning rules in regards to extensions. The changes have given homeowners more flexibility to improve and increase the value of their homes. Previously, without planning permission, you could add a single-storey extension of up to 3 meters in depth for an attached property and 4m to a detached house, these distances have been doubled. 

How much does an extension cost in the Uk?  

  • Small rear extension (15m2) costs around £15,000 – £20,000 
  • Medium rear extension (25m2) costs around £30,000 – £40,000 
  • Large rear extension (50m2) costs around £50,000 – £60,000 

Get in contact with us –  

If you are looking for someone to provide excellent advice and support in and around the area of Sevenoaks. Here at Pro Arkitects we will provide you with the best possible services.

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Planning Permission

Planning Permission Your Questions Answered

16th February 20220

Here below are the most popular questions asked about planning permission answered for you. 

What is planning permission? 

Planning permission is the consent from your local authority for a proposed building, which is in place to stop constructions that could be unsafe. 

What can I build without planning? 

  • Firstly, standard Loft conversion 
  • Single-storey extension 
  • Install garden room  
  • Replace windows and doors  
  • Reconfigure internal floor  
  • Erect fences and walls on boundaries 
  • Evaluate space with two-storey rear extension  
  • Install solar panels 
  • Add a side extension  
  • Put up a porch 
  • Construct a conservatory 
  • Build a shed 
  • Install rooflight or skylight 
  • Finally, install raised deck 

Under certain circumstances, these may need planning permission. For example, if you decide to have a complex loft conversion you will most likely need permission. 

How long does planning permission last? 

Your planning grant will eventually expire, usually in 3 years from when the permission was granted. 

What can affect you getting permission granted?  

  • Firstly, loss of privacy  
  • Loss of light/overlooking  
  • Noise 
  • Impact of a listed building  
  • Impact on conservation area 
  • Disabled access 
  • Government policy  
  • Parking  
  • Traffic  
  • Design, appearance and materials  
  • Nature conservation  
  • Previous planning decisions  
  • Proposals in development plan  
  • Layout and density of building  
  • Finally, highway safety 

What size extension can you build without planning permission? 

In addition, you can add up a home extension or conservatory up to six meters if your home is detached, without needing to apply for planning permission. 

What is the 4-year rule? 

The 4-year rule allows you to make a formal application for a certificate to determine whether your unauthorised use or development can become lawful. 

How big can a building be without planning permission? 

Maximum height of 2.5 meters. No Varadas, balconies, or raised platforms. 

What is the 7-year rule? 

Your local authority can take action against you if they find unauthorised development. However, if the development has been there for 7 years or more, legally your local authority cannot take action. 

What happens if you decide to ignore planning? 

If you do require planning but you proceed without it, you would have committed a planning breach. In the event of a planning breach, you will need to submit a retrospective application to the local council. 

Is breach of planning a criminal offence? 

Generally, enforcement. However, failure to comply with a planning enforcement notice is a criminal offense. 

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Interior Design, Materials

Lights And Their Different Switches

15th February 20220

There are many different types of light switches. Here below are the most popular light switches in the UK. Changing your bulbs and switches can have a huge impact on a room turning it from dim and dark to a bright and a more open room. Updating these allows you to change the effect of the room in many different ways. 

Types of light switches  

  • Single pole switch  
  • Double pole switch 
  • Flip switch  
  • Rocher switch  
  • Three-way switch  
  • Dimmer switch 
  • Proximity switch 
  • Motion activated switch 

Single Pole Light Switches 

This light switch is the most commonly switch used across homes. The switch is mainly across the UK due to its low cost and easy installation. 

Double Pole Switch 

This switch is commonly used in homes as well. This switch would be used if there are two light bulbs in one room. This light switch is also easy to install. 

Flip Switch 

A flip switch is essentially the same as a single pole switch. These switches do exactly the same thing but you can flip/toggle the switch instead. 

Rocher Switch  

This is more of an appealing and decorative look. These switches are quite common in the UK. Its function is very similar to flip switches. 

Three-way Switch 

This switch helps control a light from two different places. For example, the light above the stairs, you can control it from the bottom and top of the stairs. This will prevent you from falling because of the dark. 

Dimmer Switch 

A dimmer switch is used to increase and decrease the brightness of the light. 

Motion Activated Light Switch  

This is an electronic switch that uses sensors to detect the presence of people in a room. When it detects someone the light switches on but when it can’t it will turn off. You’ll have come across these lights if you have installed security systems in your home. These lights work by detecting motion.

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Design and Inspiration, Interior Design

Interior Designs You Wont Want To Miss Out On.

15th February 20220

Here are interior design looks of 2022 you should see and won’t want to miss out on!

Interior Design Ideas

1. 3D Art

Are you wanting to add something intriguing and eye catching? Any art that pops off the wall can be viewed in a variety of different ways.

2. Multifunctional Rooms

Live with less! After Covid-19 people have had to be more imaginative and make use of the rooms they already have. Instead of building an extension why not have a multifunctional room? A multifunctional room is a room with two or more uses. For example, having an home office and a mini personal gym in the same room.

A multifunctional room is a room with two or more uses. For example, having an home office and a mini personal gym in the same room.

3. Statement Lighting

Many are on the hunt for decorative and statement lighting. everyone loves a bright bold room. There are many types of lighting ideas such as sculptural or decorative lighting, vintage lighting and colourful lighting. Take all of these into consideration.

4. Copper elements interior design

Copper elements are going to be a big thing! we’ll see copper start to take over from the very popular brushed brass bringing a fresh new finish and striking aesthetic.

Curved furniture is a big thing right now! Curves are both feminine and forgiving which makes someone instantly more comforting. This interior design is going to become really popular in 2022.

5. Curved furniture

Curved furniture is a big thing right now! Curves are both feminine and forgiving which makes someone instantly more comforting. This interior design is going to become really popular in 2022.

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Curved furniture is a big thing right now! Curves are both feminine and forgiving which makes someone instantly more comforting. This interior design is going to become really popular in 2022.

Extensions

Extension Rules You Should Know Of 2022

14th February 20220

Here are single-storey and two-storey extension rules explained with planning permission and permitted development rights explained. 

Single-Storey Extension Rules 

  • The extension cannot exceed more than 4 meters in height. 
  • You cannot go beyond the back wall of the original property by more than 4 meters. 
  • You can only cover half the area of land around the original house with an extension. 
  • The extension cannot go forward of the side elevation fronting a highway. So, this means that if you want to build your extension toward the main road you will need planning permission. 

Two-Storey Extension Rules  

  • The extension needs to be a minimum of 7 meters away from the rear boundaries. 
  • If your home is more than one-storey and you decide to extend, you cannot go past the back wall of the house by 3 meters. 
  • The exterior of the extension must be similar looking to the materials of the property. 
  • The ridge and eaves height cannot be taller than the existing house. 
  • The maximum height of the extensions eaves needs to be 3 meters if you are within two meters of the boundary. 

Permitted Development  

Permitted development rights is an automatic grant of planning permission which allow certain building works and changes of use to be carried out without having to make a planning application. This only applies to houses. Whereas, this does not apply to flats, maisonettes or any other type of building. So, always check with your local authority to see if the permitted development rights apply. Permitted development rights are restricted when you live in a  

  • Conservation area 
  • A national park 
  • An area or natural beauty 
  • A world heritage site  

Planning Permission  

Planning permission refers to the approval given by your local authority when you’re wanting to do building works. If you don’t know if what your wanting needs planning permission you should contact your local authority to see if you require permission. You will not need planning permission if you want to build a 

  • Standard loft conversion  
  • Single-storey extension  
  • Replace doors and windows  
  • Install solar panels  
  • Install garden room

However, under certain circumstances these will need planning permission.

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Building Control

Building Control: Things You Should Know

14th February 20220

Below is about building regulations and the things you should know. 

Why do we have Building control?  

The building control service is to ensure the health and safety in a built environment. They cover a lot such as stability of the building, insulation, ventilation, fire protection and fire escape. However, there are other precautions they take as well. Depending on the project you may be spared from some regulations however, you should always follow and comply with the building regulations. Building regulations will apply if you’re wanting to: 

  • Build a completely new property. 
  • Extend or change existing property. 
  • Provide services in a property.  

Building control regulations  

  • A: Structure  
  • B: Fire safety  
  • C: Site preparation and resistance to contaminants and moisture 
  • D: Toxic substances  
  • E: Resistance to the passage of sound 
  • F: Ventilation 
  • G: Sanitation, hot water safety and water efficiency  

Part A: Structure  

Firstly, this regulation requires that the building is structurally safe and stable. Part A stipulates design standards for use on all buildings and gives simple design rules. 

Part B: Fire safety  

This covers all fire measures to keep the people in the building safe. In addition, the requirements cover escape, fire detection and warning systems. There are other requirements that need to be followed under fire safety.  

Part C: Site preparations and resistance to contaminants and moisture. 

Includes weather and water tightness of buildings, subsoil drainage, site preparation and measures to deal with contaminated land and all other site related hazardous and dangerous substances. 

Part D: Toxic substances 

Finally, the control of hazards from toxic chemicals used in insulation.  

What happens if you fail to comply with building regulations? 

If you fail to follow the building control regulations your local authority has the duty to take action. For example, by taking you to magistrate’s court. Your local authority can also make you demolish your work. Usually but not always the builder, installer or main contractor would have action against them. You can be prosecuted for up to two years after the completion of the project. 

Difference between building control and planning  

Building regulations sets safety standards for the construction of buildings. These requirements cover fire safety, health, fuel and power. Whereas, planning is seeking permission to do building works. The planning requirements are to make sure your plans do not affect you, your neighbours or the environment. Both have more requirements that need to be followed. These are separate processes. 

Picture: Getty

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Extensions

The top Extension designers in canterbury

11th February 20220

Extending your house is a popular way to increase space and add more value to your property. Whether you’re thinking of a side extension, garage extension, double or single-storey extension, there is so much to consider especially which company you want to design your project.  

Things to consider before you start –  

Permitted development & planning permission  

Some extension projects do not need full planning permission and are referred to as permitted development.  

A detached home can be extended by 8m to the rear if it’s a single storey, and 3m if it’s a double storey. Although, this is reduced to 6m in a semi-detached or terraced house. A single-storey extension shouldn’t be higher than 4m in height, to the ridge and the eaves. In addition, a double-storey extension mustn’t be closer than 7m to the rear boundary. 

Will it add value? 

With any project that improves your home, it’s good to check if the plans would increase the value of your property. if you speak to a good architect or estate agent they may be able to give you an indication of how much your house would increase in value.  

Building regulations  

You will need to comply with building regulations regardless on if you have planning permission. Building regulations have set out minimum requirements for: 

Fire safety  

Energy efficiency  

Damp proofing  

Ventilation  

Structural integrity  

And other aspects that ensure a safe building  

Who is the right designer for your project? 

When it comes to your project it is important that you chose the right person to do your service. There is a number of options you can choose from, such as:  

Architects  

Architectural technicians  

Specialist designers  

Package build companies’ in-house design teams   

You can look online and see what will work best for you and the highest rated in your area. 

Extension designers in Canterbury –  

We are providing all kinds of architectural services in Canterbury. Our team of professionals is highly experienced in handling such projects. Furthermore, we are a Design & Build company, which means you do not need to go elsewhere as you are going to get all the services from planning, drawing to construction under one roof.  

Image: https://www.ultraframe-conservatories.co.uk/news/why-single-storey-extensions-are-best

Advice Center

The top types of concrete cement you should know about

8th February 20220

Concrete is the most popular building material around the world. Concrete is made of cement, water, and coarse aggregates. When mixed together, they create a construction material that hardens over time.

How much water and cement you use determines the properties of concrete, such as:  

  • Strength 
  • Durability 
  • Workability  
  • Resistance to heat or radiation. 

There are several different types of concrete, even though they look very similar. Here are the most common types: 

  • Reinforced concrete –  

This is concrete in which metal bars or wire is embedded to increase its tensile strength.

In addition, it’s used for construction on a large scale. Such as bridges, dams, tall buildings, and stadiums. This concrete has the following properties:

High relative strength

Good bond to the concrete

High toleration of tensile strain

Thermal compatibility

Durable

  • Lightweight concrete  

Lightweight concrete is a mixture made with lightweight coarse aggregates. Such as shale, clay, or slate, which gives it its characteristic low density. This concrete has an in-place density of 90 to 115 lb/ft3. This makes it ideal for building modern structures that require minimal cross-sections in the foundation.   

  • High-strength concrete  

In addition, HSC is a strong, hard-wearing blend of cement and 10mm coarse aggregate. High-strength concrete can resist loads that normal-strength concrete cannot.  

  • Hight-performance concrete  

A concrete mixture that has high workability, high strength, and high density. This has a lot of benefits such as,

Firstly, ease of placement

Long term mechanical properties

Early age strenght

Toughness

Finally, life in severe environments

  • Precast concrete (PC)  

In addition, precast concrete is prepared, cast, and cured off-site. Usually in a controlled factory environment, using reusable moulds.

Concrete - The Mick George Group - Next Day Delivery

Advice Center

How close can you build to your boundary line?

27th January 20220

When planning a home extension or garden, it’s important to consider if planning permission is required. And then how close to the boundary line the build will be.  

What is a boundary line?  

A boundary is a line that divides one area from another. It may be called a border and defines the extent of one or more areas that are adjacent or in close proximity. Boundaries can be defined physically by coastlines, rivers, roads, walls, fences, and lines painted on the ground.  

How close to your boundary can you build? 

If you’re planning on building an extension of more than one storey, you cannot go beyond the boundary at the rear by more than 3 meters. However, this only applies when there is no other property on the land to the rear of your home.   

A general guideline shows that a build that reaches 2.1 meters is considered acceptable and anything over that  

How close can you build to the neighbour’s boundary?  

The party wall act allows an absolute right to build-up to the boundary between you and your neighbour. It also allows you to build astride the boundary line, but only with your neighbour’s consent. 

A householder planning application may be required, which takes into account the opinions of neighbours and any other parties that may be affected by the new build. You should talk with your neighbours throughout the process to reduce the risk of them rejecting any proposal.  

What is the process for building on the boundary (party wall)? 

If you want to build a wall or garden wall astride the boundary wall, you must tell your neighbour. You can do this by serving a notice, called a party wall notice. You must also inform the adjoining owner if you plan to build a wall only on your land but up against the boundary line. However, if you have a party wall agreement, your neighbour can’t prevent you from building such a wall.  

Permitted development boundary lines –  

If the proposed build falls within permitted development rights, then the council must approve it. As long as it meets the required regulations. For example, a detached new build must have a maximum eaves height of 3m and a total maximum height of 4m.  

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Extensions

Everything there is to know about wraparound extensions

27th January 20220

A wraparound extension is a great way to add space to the rear of the house for an open-plan design. Here’s what you need to know.  

What is a wraparound extension?  

Wraparound extensions are essentially a hybrid of side and rear extensions which form an L-shape at the back of the property. By maximising the space to the side and extending to the rear, the wraparound extension gives you an impressive extension that will transform how you live.  

Why choose a wraparound extension?  

With this type of extension, you can extend into the side alley of your house, if you have one. Meaning you won’t have to extend that far into your garden, which is ideal for people who have a small outside area.  

Here are some other advantages of an L-shape extension: 

  • Opens up your kitchen area 
  • Brings more light into your home 
  • Plenty of design options 
  • Allows better connection to the garden 
  • Allows space for new rooms.  

Would you need planning permission?  

It is likely that you would need planning permission for a wraparound extension. While a small side return extension and a rear extension may be possible under permitted development, there might be restrictions for joining them together.  

Permitted development rules that would apply to both the side and rear elements of wraparound extensions include: 

  • You can extend a detached property by 8m to the rear if it’s a single-storey extension. (6m for a semi or terraced house) 
  • An extension must not result in more than half the garden being covered 
  • Side extensions can only be single storey with a maximum height of 4m and a width no more than half of the original building.  

How much do they cost?  

There is no set price for a wraparound extension because every project is different and the costs vary. Averagely in London, you are looking at paying around £75,000 to £145,000, and outside of London, you can expect to pay £60,000 to £120,000.  

A few factors which will vary the prices are:  

  • Materials used. Some materials are more expensive to build with, due to their quality and accessibility.  
  • Structural work. The more structural work you have for your project will increase the construction budget.  
  • Contractors. Individual contractors are cheaper. However, they can be slower without the access to additional resources and relationships that you would like larger companies.  
How much does a wrap around extension cost? // Wrap around single storey extension

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