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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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Architecture & Building, Interior Design

The basic need to knows of removing a load-bearing wall

9th February 20220

Open plan designs are becoming very popular for homes and homeowners. Although, knocking down a wall can be more complicated than you think. Carry on reading to find out what you need to know about removing a load-bearing wall.  

What is a load-bearing wall?  

A load-bearing wall is a wall that is an active structural element of a building, which holds the weight of the elements above it, by conducting its weight to a foundation structure below it. Whereas, Non-load bearing walls, also called partition walls, don’t support loads from above and are simply there to divide spaces.  

How to check if a wall is a load-bearing?  

The easiest way to check if a wall is load-bearing is by knocking on walls. If the walls have a hollow sound that means it’s not a load-bearing wall. Whereas, if there is a hard thud it could be load-bearing. Although, the best way to check is to have a consultant visit your home and do a thorough check.  

You remove them yourself?  

While the majority of homeowners choose to hire a contractor because this project can be quite difficult, however, permitting authorities will allow you to do the work yourself. DIY homeowners must follow the local building requirements and pass inspections just like a builder would.  

However, it is recommended to hire a structural engineer. This is because they will inspect the house, calculate the size of the beams and posts you will need, and determine whether you’ll need to add supports.  

Do you need planning permission and building regulations?  

Unless your property is a listed building, you won’t need planning permission to remove any interior walls. However, if you’re removing a load-bearing wall, you will need building regulation approval from a qualified inspector.  

Usually, the removal of a load-bearing can be completed with a building notice. Although, the inspector may tell you to hire a structural engineer who can specify an appropriate beam or lintel before they grant approval.  

How much does it cost to remove?  

The most commonly removed walls are those between the kitchen, dining room, and living room. On average, the prices range from £1,250 to £1,750 to remove the wall and £800 – £950 to install structural supports. 

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House Renovation, Interior Design

6 great ideas on how to renovate your bedroom

7th February 20220

From a full renovation to a small redecoration, there are plenty of ways to remodel a bedroom. Bedrooms can be such easy rooms to update. Renovating your bedroom, can change your mood and give the space a whole new vibe. Here are some ideas on how to renovate your bedroom on a budget.  

Paint your bedroom walls –  

Painting is one of the most immediately noticeable bedrooms remodel ideas. You can paint a room in a couple of days and the results last for years. Choosing the right paint colour can be really important in the bedroom because it can affect your mood. Usually, cool light colours make you calm and warm colours energise you.  

paint color for bedroom ideas - Vrogue.co

Updating the floor –  

Many people like to install carpets in the bedrooms because they are great insulation. However, wood floors and a soft rug create the idea of luxury. You can get the look of wood floors without spending a huge amount of money by installing vinyl or laminate.  

Flooring Store- Carpet, Hardwood, Luxury Vinyl, Tile, Laminate | Tacoma, WA

A DIY headboard –  

A DIY headboard might sound complex, however, there are ways in which it could become a simple task. It can be as simple as getting a large piece of wood and painting it or hanging a section of wallpaper or a rug above your bed. You can make your bed the statement of the room, without spending a huge amount on a headboard.  

23 DIY Headboard Ideas for More Attractive Bedroom

Adding some shelfs –  

You can easily find wall shelves for under £10. Not only do they provide storage, but they are also perfect to hold décor. Adding a shelf above your bed can be a great focal point in the room.  

Open Shelving 101: a guide to DIY shelving - Calling All Creators

Statement bedroom light fixture –  

Most bedrooms come with a simple light or light shade that doesn’t add much to the room. So, replacing it with a statement piece is a quick and easy bedroom renovation idea.  

Adding a seating area –  

One major piece of advice for better sleep is designating the bed as a sleep-only space. So, if you have the room adding a seating area such as a window seat or small armchairs will be beneficial.  

Bedroom Window Seat Ideas | Houzz UK

Architecture & Building

How much does it cost to build a new house in 2022?

26th January 20220

Buying your first home is exciting, so just imagine the excitement of building your first home. Self-builds are becoming a popular trend in the UK, with more homeowners opting to build rather than buy. However, you should know how much your dream house is going to cost.  

Build cost factors –  

Here are several key factors which can affect the cost of building a house:  

  • Size 
  • Location 
  • Build quality 
  • Complications  
  • Design complexity  
  • How many storeys  
  • Professional services required 

Size of the house –  

The price of your project can vary majorly depending on the size and design of your proposed house. A great way to get a general estimate is to think about the cost to build a house per square metre. Averagely in the UK, you can expect to pay anything from £1,500 – £3,000 per m2.  

Location of where you want to build –  

The prices of building a house differ widely depending on the location. However, the closer to London you decide to build the more expensive the project will be. Central London is the most expensive area to build in, in the UK and the second-highest priced in the world. If you are looking for the cheapest areas in the UK to build a home, you should look in the North West and Scotland. Prices average between £99,000 – £160,000 for a new build.  

Build quality –  

The materials you choose to use and the finish you want will have a big impact on the price of your project. However, the prices of materials have been increasing rapidly over the last year and in 2022. This is because of a supply and demand issue caused by lockdowns and Brexit. This means you may have to pay a little extra for certain materials. 

Complications –  

When it comes to a new project it is always good to have a plan and a budget just in case anything goes wrong. There are many potential complications that can arise during a build. This can happen during the planning stage, or when the building work is underway, which is why it is important to have a contingency plan.  

Design complexity –  

It is common knowledge that the more complex your design is, the more the price will increase. More complex designs take longer to build meaning you will need to pay more for contractors. Also, your architect’s fees will be higher because they have to spend more time on your drawings.  

The number of storeys –  

The more storeys you design your property to have, the more the price will increase. A single-storey property will be cheaper to build than a two or three-storey house. However, the size, shape, and location of the plot will decide how many storeys you can build. 

Professional services –  

You will also need to budget for an architect, project manager, and contractors. The industry’s standard fees for professional services range from 1% to 15% of the total cost, depending on the scale of the job.  

Image: https://www.redrow.co.uk/houses/cobden-gardens-hauxton-meadow-222361/cambridge-dcc4
House Renovation

Bathroom Renovations: Things to Consider

24th January 20220

Bathroom renovations gives you the chance to refresh your bathroom and make sure it’s perfect for you. A more efficient bathroom will save you money in the long run and reduce strain on the environment. 

Bathroom renovation cons 

The effect on your home.  

When renovating your bathroom, it will have a huge effect on your household. The process of remodelling can become a nightmare for you and anyone else in the household, especially if it goes wrong.  

Its costly  

Bathroom renovations are never cheap, especially bathrooms. If you’re wanting to completely remodel, you’ll need to know the costs if toilets, bathtubs, showers, sink and any other maintenance that will be needed. Other factors you will need to consider is tiling, mirrors, plumbing and painting expenses. Also, you will need to be aware of any outdated or broken pipes as you will need to replace them. Before you start renovating you should create a budget, and make sure it’s realistic.  

Time  

It doesn’t matter what you plan, the timeline to this project is out of your control. Sometimes small or large problems will appear that needs to be dealt with, the labourers may not be as punctual as you thought. Therefore, don’t expect your planned 2-week renovation to take the correct time as it will most likely take longer. 

Bathroom renovation Pros 

Increase hoe value  

Renovating your homes bathroom can add value by 5% of your homes buying price. Visitors that are looking to buy will appreciate a modern and contemporary appearance compared to an outdated design. Remember, newer features, pluming and design will attract more buyers if your wating to see your home. 

Your dream designs 

When remodelling you get to decide exactly what it will look like and everything that will go with it. For example, you get to have any style you like and add as many touches as you like, such as  

  • Storage space 
  • Energy saving features 
  • Heated towel rack  
  • Mirrors  

Many different styles  

  • Contemporary style 
  • Eclectic style 
  • Modern style  
  • Traditional style 
  • Asian style 
  • Beach style 
  • Craftsman style 
  • Farmhouse style  
Visualizer: Nataliya Yahela

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Conversions

Loft Conversions: All Your Questions Answered

24th January 20220

Are you thinking about getting a loft conversion? Then you have come to the right place! Here are all the common questions asked about loft conversions. 

Things you need to know before starting a loft conversion. 

  • Structural integrity 
  • Head height 
  • Building regulations 
  • Windows and natural light  
  • Fire safety  
  • Insulation 
  • Stairs 
  • Storage space  

Do I need an architect? 

It is not a requirement to have architectural drawings for a conversion but sometimes essential. 

Does my loft have enough head height? 

For a loft conversion roof height needs to be at least 2.2 metres.  

What things can you do when your roof height is under 2.2 metres? 

  • Roof lift – This is a quick way to give headroom. Your existing room will be lifted and replaced with a higher roof. 
  • Dormer – Aswell as bringing in light, a dormer conversion is good it will add head height using a boxed projection from the slope of your roof. 
  • Hip-to-gable – This conversion adds both headroom as well as floor space. This is due to the fact that the slope of the roof is replaced by a straight wall. 

Can you convert a loft without planning permission? 

The majority of loft conversions fall under permitted development. Which means you won’t need to get planning permission as long as the building work fits certain criteria. 

Can my neighbour stop my loft conversion? 

You do not usually need permission from your neighbours nor your local council as it falls under permitted development. However, under certain circumstances you may need to have a Party wall agreement if the project is taking place in a terraced or semi-detached property.  

If you need to raise your roof, do you need planning permission? 

Yes, you will need planning permission. 

How much value can a loft conversion add to your home? 

This project can raise the value of your home up to 10-20%. 

Considerations you should remember: 

  • Ceiling height 
  • Access 
  • Services 
  • Lighting 
  • Planning permission 
  • Building regulations (related to floor strength and fire escapes) 

What are the main types of loft conversions? 

  • Roof light 
  • Dormer 
  • Hip-to-gable 
  • Mansard  
  • Modular  

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Advice Center

Building a bungalow: the pros and cons

21st January 20220

In the UK bungalows are one of the most sought-after types of home, but they seem to be the most unavailable. Many homeowners have said that this type of property is the ideal place to live. This is why many home buyers are thinking of building a bungalow themselves.  

Designing a bungalow – 

When building any home making sure that it gets a load of daylight is a major priority to many people. Bungalows are usually wide, so you need to make sure that sunlight reaches nearly everywhere on the property. 

 A way to make sure that you can get a lot of light and to make your space more modern is by making an open plan bungalow. An open-plan area is great for bungalows because it can make the space feel bigger and airier.  

A great feature to add to the design of your project is a lot of glazing. You could have tall vaulted ceilings and add a number of skylights to make the place look more luxurious. Installing bi-fold doors is also a great thing to think about when designing a home. They provide the sense of bringing the outside in and are a great choice if you like to entertain because they open up the area.  

Pros and cons of building a bungalow –  

Pros –  

  • Space and privacy  

Bungalows generally come with more space because they are wider than a traditional house. This means that their plot is bigger and there is more space between neighbours, so you end up getting more privacy. Having other bungalows next door to you often means that there will also be fewer people overlooking your property.  

  • Great for all types of people  

One of the biggest pros of a bungalow is that they are suitable for everyone. Because there are no stairs this property is great for the disabled, the elderly, and children. Without a second floor, it is easier for people to get around their homes and do things independently.  

  • Less maintenance  

A reason why older people go for bungalows is that they are a lot less maintenance than owning a larger home. It is smaller property meaning it would be easier to clean.   

Cons –  

  • High demand, low supply  

Bungalows are hugely popular but there are fewer and fewer being built.   

  • Lack of sleeping separation  

A thing that some buyers dislike is that there is a lack of separation between the living areas and the bedrooms. This can be an issue for those who are sleeping and those who are awake making noise.  

  • Security worries  

Most people sleep with their windows open, but this can cause security worries for those living in a bungalow. It may be best to install a security system if you’re thinking of building a bungalow.   

How much do bungalows cost to build?  

Bungalows then be more expensive to build and they cost more per square foot than two-storey dwellings with the same number of bedrooms. The total average cost of building a bungalow can range anywhere between £181,000 and £552,000. The cost of a bungalow is heavily influenced by land costs and the size of the plot.  

Extensions

Modular home extensions: is this the best choice for you?

19th January 20220

What is a modular extension?  

A modular extension is an extension such as a conservatory or orangery that has been pre-fabricated. When it leaves the factory, it’s then transported directly to the house for the final fitting.  

Benefits of modular house extensions –  

Faster –  

While there is no such thing as an instant home extension, modulars are great if you want an extension quickly. Prefabricated extensions greatly speed up the manufacturing and build time massively. This is because they’re constructed off-site and put together on site. Typically, once the foundations are in place, the prefab can take about 6-8 days. The quick construction time means that there is less disruption to your daily life.  

Cleaner –  

Because they are fabricated off-site, you won’t have to worry about the mess of a typical build. Not only this but you won’t need as many people on site to put it together.  

The foundations will not have to be dug to such a dramatic degree. And a durabase system will be installed. What is a durabase system? It’s an advanced steel base modular wall system. Durabase offers a time-saving and cost-effective solution for constructing conservatories of every shape and size.  

Cheaper –  

This type of extension is great because it dramatically reduces the price compared to a traditional extension. You won’t have to pay out for all the materials and builders like you would have to with a normal extension. An extension that is prefabricated off-site will be between 10 and 25 percent cheaper than on-site construction.  

The prices can vary depending on the size, the features, the location, and how you decide to use it. Based on estimates you could be paying anywhere between £20,000 – £33,500. 

How long do modular extensions cost?  

Most of the time a modular building will last just as long as a regular building. It all comes down to the way you maintain your home. With the right amount of cleaning and maintenance, a modular building can last for many decades, maybe even longer.  

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Extensions

Side Extension: Your Questions Answered

6th January 20220

What is a side extension?  

A side extension is often built in the kitchen area or at the back of the home. Its also known as a side return extension is the pathway that runs alongside the ground floor of your home. Constructing can bring many benefits to your homes such as creating additional space, light, and comfort. Extensions can create new rooms for other activities and your needs. 

Does this extension increase property value? 

In the majority of cases, this will increase you’re the value of your property. This could increase your property value to up to 23%. 

Is Planning Permission needed when adding a this type ofextension? 

No, planning permission is not needed. In addition, a side return extension is considered to be permitted development. However, if the development does not satisfy certain criteria, you will need planning permission. To keep your construction under permitted development you cannot go any further than six meters out or eight if you live in a detached home.  

Questions Frequently Asked

Can you add a side extension to a semi-detached house?  

Yes, however, your local council would want to make sure this does not affect your neighbours in any way. For example, to make sure it doesn’t overshadow your neighbour’s home. 

Can you add a side extension to a terraced house? 

Yes. However, it is not common. 

Can you add a side extension to a detached house? 

Constructing on a detached home is a good option as you have a lot more open space than most homes. This will minimise the chances of impacting your neighbours.

Do you need an architect?

For all large home improvements, an architect is recommended.

How much does an extension cost?

Starting prices for a single-storey side extension are around 30,000 – 50,000 depending on the chosen dimensions of the build.

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