Tag: house

Architecture & Building

Find out all there is to know about organic architecture 

8th December 20220

Firstly, what is organic architecture?  

Organic architecture is a philosophy of architecture which promotes harmony between human habitation and the natural world. This is achieved through design approaches that aim to be sympathetic and well-integrated with a site, so buildings, furnishings, and surroundings become part of a unified, interrelated composition. 

Essentially organic architecture is also the literal design of every element of a building: From the windows to the floors, to the individual chairs intended to fill the space. Everything relates to one another, reflecting the symbiotic ordering systems of nature 

Who created organic architecture?  

The term was invented by Frank Lloyd Wright. The first example of this design style was Wrights Fallingwater, built in the late 1930s. The house was designed to be a holiday home for the famous Kaufmann family. 

 However, when the Kaufmann’s first looked at Wright’s plans for their new summerhouse, they were actually disappointed. The family had expected the house to have views of the beautiful waterfall in its grounds; instead, Wright had designed a house that would sit on top of the waterfall.  

Although, the Kaufmann’s soon came round to the idea, and they grew to love their house, which, as it has aged, has come to seem even more at one with its natural surroundings 

Image: https://franklloydwright.org/site/fallingwater/

Characteristics of organic architecture –  

 Frank Lloyd Wright’s book “In the cause of architecture, published 1908, Wright highlighted important elements of organicity:  

  • Doors, windows, and furniture should blend with the ornamentation of the structure.  
  • The colour of fields and woods should inspire the main colouring of the building to manifest natural aesthetics.  
  • A building should appear to grow primitive from its site and the structure should appear as if created by nature itself.  
  • Simplicity and repose are important qualities to assess the value of architecture. So, there is a need to simplify the design of structure, limiting the number of distinct rooms by instead rethinking them as open spaces.  

What is the aim of this architecture?  

The purpose of organic architecture is to create a sustainable ecosystem. Where the materials and components of construction support one another. And as a result, produce a modern building that looks like a part of natural habitat.  

Advice Center, Extensions

Plan, budget, and design for brand new kitchen extensions

8th December 20220

Do you want a large, open-plan kitchen, but do not want to move into a new house? Well, getting a kitchen extension is an excellent idea to solve your problem. Kitchen extensions can help you get the extra space you require and can also add value to your property. Any kind of house extension is a daunting job, but with proper planning, you can do this.

In this article, we will guide you on what steps you need to take for a kitchen extension.

Initial Plans

A kitchen has several things like plumbing and electricity plugs to power your fridge, toaster, and oven, etc. So, you need to start planning early on to decide the position for the electrical and plumbing services. Other important things to consider are the space and what type of extension
you need. Having natural light in the kitchen is crucial, so make sure you have an adequate supply. It is not possible to allow natural light through windows to a side extension. Thus, the good option is glass roofing. There is no point in adding dark and uninviting space to your home.

Kitchen Extensions Cost

In the initial planning process, it is vital to consider your budget. If you are looking for a single-storey extension, then it can cost you around £1200 per square meter. Keep in mind that this budget includes only the budget specification and fittings. If the structure is more complex, then
double the amount per square meter.

Selecting an Architectural Service Provider

After deciding which type of kitchen extensions, you require, it is time to find someone who can provide you with architectural design services. Because these are the professional people who are able to advise you on what’s possible in your case, furthermore, they can guide you on the planning process and budget.

You need to choose someone who has the experience and is able to show you their previous work. They will take a survey of your house and will provide you with plans for approval.

Planning Permission and Building Regulations

After the approval of the plan from you, here comes the crucial step to get them approved from the local council. The architectural services provider will ensure that the drawings fall under permitted development and will apply for permission. You can do it yourself, but we will advise you to let the professionals help you with the planning permission process. If you want to know more about planning permission, you can visit GOV.UK.

You need to obtain building regulations approval from BCO, known as a building inspector. These government officials will make sure that your designs are following the building regulations to ensure energy efficiency and safety. If your house is subject to restrictions, then the architectural service providers can submit plans for you. You need to wait for at least eight to ten weeks for the application process. It is easy to get an approval for a single-storey rear extension. We will recommend you not to use much space of your garden area as it can reduce the value of your property.

Builder

After getting approval, you need a builder to make the drawings a reality. You can ask for recommendations from your friends and family. Furthermore, architectural services provider can also help you in this regard. They have contacts of all kind of contractors. Hence they can
suggest a good builder.

Another thing to make sure is that the builder’s provided quotes are TrustMark approved. It is necessary as it indicates that their previous work was checked and it fulfils Government- approved standards. The cost of an extension can varies depending on the job. So, we will recommend you to get several quotes. Give some time to the contractors to prepare their quotes.

Kitchen Designer

You can look for a kitchen designer along with a builder. The architectural designs explain everything about the layout of your kitchen, but you need to take them to a kitchen company. They will study the drawings and will show you kitchen designs for your approval.

Get Started

After getting planning permission and party wall agreement, you can start the work. Furthermore, you need to set the positions for floors, ceilings, water and electric pipes at this stage. Allow enough time for the flooring to be ordered. You also need a contract that best suits your needs. If you do not know about it, then you can get help from your designers. In this way,
he or she will inspect the work and will tell you how much work is completed so that you can pay against completed work. After the completion of the building work, it is time to deal with any structural or finishing issues. Before making the last payment to the builder, make sure that you get a final certificate from the architectural service provider.

Advice Center

How Much Does It Cost to Build A House in the UK?

7th December 20220

As an architectural services provider, our clients often ask this question, “How much does it cost to build a house in the UK?”. After delivering more than 500 projects includes, including renovations, extension, conversions, and designing new houses and flats in the UK, we have concluded that the cost of a project depends on the drawings and quality of the materials. It is the only best way to estimate the cost of building a new house. There are various factors involved while calculating the cost.

Various industry standards can help in calculating the cost of building a house at the development stage. You can get a reasonable estimate, even if you do not have building regulations, drawings, and planning permission for your project.

The Cost of Building A House in London is the Second Highest
in the World

One of the factors that affect the cost is the location. The cost of building a house in one part may be highest to another. For example, the value of a property is the second-highest in central London.

However, there are various other factors too that influence the cost of building a house. The first factor is the location, and the others are competition for tenders, designs, and specifications. Another significant factor is the cost of labour which account for 40-45% of the total cost.

In this article, we are going to provide you with cost advice, which can help you determine the cost of your project. We are going to use industry standards in the UK. Furthermore, we will discuss three main factors that affect the cost and how you can prevent unforeseen expenses.

Design

Whenever someone decides to build a house, they have a budget. There is nothing more exciting than owning a new house. But you start building the home without proper planning, and then you realize that the cost of building increased. So, how you can cope with such unforeseen
consequences?

We know that it is a frustrating situation for anyone. It is also true that after such an incident, a person will want to band its head against a wall. Do not worry! We will give some advises that will help you prevent these mistakes from happening. The design of a house has a significant effect on the building cost. Hence, it is essential to work with some having a pleasant experience with designing projects similar to yours. The architectural services provider will help make your dream home a reality according to your requirements and taste.

Another important thing is to hire an experienced builder who understands the cost of a project. We have seen that many contractors under-quote a project, especially the design and build contracts. To avoid this, we will recommend you to hire an independent designer and make sure
that they are designing the project from the beginning. The architectural service providers must provide contractors with building regulations, tender drawings, and planning permission at the tender stage. This should be done before work starts to make sure that the builders can understand the design and estimate the cost. You should follow this process to make sure that the builder does not change the price during the construction.

Specifications

Whenever we start building our new home, there are lots of options in terms of specifications and designs. These choices have a significant effect on the overall building cost of a house. High-quality means, you are going to spend more money on the project. These choices are about finishes, specifications, and fixtures of your project. Keep in mind that these choices also affect the speed of construction.


It is the responsibility of the architectural service providers to make decisions about the materials of the project. They should understand the cost of specific materials and how they can put more financial burden on the project. You must be asking why the details of specifications are so
important. Well, they are essential to complete the job. Hence, you need to know about them and the materials for determining the actual cost of the project.


The tender documentation must be accurate because it is the only way to build a house within an acceptable range. If you are planning to make changes in the drawings, then it can increase the cost by a significant sum.

Project Manager

The method of managing the project can also affect the cost of building a house in the UK. If you think that you can handle this on your own then you can save some money. If you do not know about the building process, then we will recommend you to hire a project manager.

Conversions

Steps for Successful Barn Conversion

5th December 20220

The barn conversion is a unique way to carve out your country’s life. But you need to keep in mind that the structures are not meant to deliver comfort. Furthermore, it requires a significant amount of work for barn conversion from scratch.

You need an excellent architectural services provider that can provide you with designs that brings the original character out once the work is finished. So, how you can convert a ban in your property? In this article, we are going to share steps for a barn conversion.

Finding a Property for Barn Conversion

You can contact estate agents for finding a property where you want to live in. But bear in mind that they will more likely advertise finished houses than wrecks. Another way to look for barn conversion is on the local paper. They may have an advertisement for a place which is suitable for you. You can also search online, there are sites like Renovate Alerts and Barns etc. to find appropriate opportunities.

Finances for Barn Conversion

If you are looking for a loan, then there is bad news for you. Conventional mortgages are not meant for conversion projects. That is why; you need to look for a self-build mortgage.

Do You Need Planning Permission?

Well, you can change agricultural buildings to residential ones in England. However, you need to notify the local council about it. It is better to check with the local council about approval of noise impact, contamination, vehicular access, and flood risk. Furthermore, the council will check if there is the harm in changing from agricultural to residential use. The process is not simple but more straightforward than making a full planning application.

Survey

Usually, the barns are used for storage and other agricultural needs and not meant for living. So, it is essential to hire a surveyor to checks its stability. Things that you need to look are the foundations, roof structure, and load-bearing walls. If you need to add the second storey, then the barn will need underpinning.

Using this information, you can decide whether the property is suitable for you or not.

Barn Conversion Designer

Some of the people think that they do not need the help of architectural services providers as they already have a building in place. Well, they are not right as a barn conversion have more design stages than a new home.

Hence, you need the help of experienced professionals that can use the existing structure. A lot of effort is required to make use of the current structure of a barn and convert it into a living space with most of the features.

Want to Retain Barn Structure

What will the design of your new home have? Of course, the original character of a barn. That is the main attraction of a barn conversion. A barn features include timber cladding, old beams and beautiful stonework, which can bring a unique character to your new home after the work is finished.

If you can do it in the right way, then you will have a unique and beautiful property to sell in the future. You may need to introduce new materials but do it carefully.

Insulating Barn Conversion

A barn is meant to store agricultural things and not intended for living. Hence, they have not insulated property. One of the first things that you need is to insulate the barn according to the modern standards. Some people want to preserve the cladding, so they need to insulate the walls internally. There are various ways to do this, such as fitting breathable insulation such as sheep wool.

Furthermore, if you want to keep the vaulted ceilings too, then you need to fit the insulation between rafters. You also need to dig the floor to install insulation boards.

Utilities and Services

It is usual for the barns not to have water, gas, drainage, and electricity. Hence, you will need these connections for the conversion, just like other house extensions. Get quotes from the utility suppliers to get an estimate of the cost. A rough estimate is that it can add up £1000 to your budget.

Barn Conversion Heating

Most of the experts recommend underfloor heating for barns. Because it is a great way to keep the living space warm, it also means that you do not need to attach radiators to the walls. It can get cold in the UK, so it is better to have an efficient heating system for the conversion.

Natural Light

Most of the barns in the country have large openings enough to satisfy demands of brightness. It also means that you do not need to puncture the structure for windows—however, some of the people like modern roof lights in the property. Well, you have the opportunity to convert the barn in the way you like. As far as natural light concerns, there is enough room for that.

Extensions

Double Storey Extension: A Beginner’s Guide

2nd December 20220

Double storey extension is a perfect alternative to moving house. The reason is obviously the cost which involves moving a house. Furthermore, sometimes we are emotionally attached to a house because we have spent so many years. So, why should we consider such option when we can increase living space and add value to our existing property. If you are a kind of person who spends most of the times at home, then adding another storey can provide space for your home office. Furthermore, you can consider a kitchen, bathroom, and more bedrooms. You can also create a space with a perfect view of the garden. In short, you can use this extra storey as the way you want it to be.One of the things to make a successful two-storey extension is to integrate rooms upstairs and down into your house. Adding an extra storey to your house provides you with more space for your buck compared to a single-storey extension. It is the best alternative for growing families and small homes.

Does Double Storey Extension Add Value to Your Property?

First of all, a person who wants another storey is to have some extra space. But it is also important to make sure that money you are investing in adding value to your home. Keep in mind that an extension may cost more than it is adding to the property. But in the long run, it is less expensive than moving to another property. After knowing about the legal fees, agent fees, and stamp duty involved in the process.In the UK, the value of a property determined by the price per square meter. If you want an idea about the worth of your house, you can check with local property agents. Sometimes, the asking price is more than the selling price of a property.

How Tall It Can Be?

How tall your double storey extension is? an important question related to planning. Planning policies say that your extension cannot be larger than the existing house. If a building has low ceilings, then it will be difficult to build an extension tall enough. There are some solutions such as lower ceiling heights or integrating upstairs rooms into the roof space.

Cost of Double-Storey Extension

The cost of an extension can varies from one place to another in the UK. The cost of labour is different from one city to another. Furthermore, the material you choose has a significant effect on the overall cost of the project. If you go with standard quality material then a double-storey will around £1,500 per square meter. While a good quality design will cost you around £1,700 per square meter.Keeping these numbers in mind, an extension of 40m square will cost you £53,000. We have not included professional fees and VAT. In areas such as London, you should expect to pay more than that. So, if you are going to estimate the cost of your project, you should at least consider around £75,000 for a two-storey extension with a footprint of 4m x 5m and standard finish.

Architecture & Building

Looking To Build A Carport? Find Out If They Are Valuable

30th November 20220

What is a carport? 

A carport is a covered structure used to offer protection to cars. Because they don’t have walls, the open and accessible space makes it easy to park your vehicles underneath. Commonly carports are attached to your house or they can be a separate free-standing structure, depending on what you like.  

Carports are a great alternative if you don’t have a garage or if you can’t afford to build one. They give your cars shelter from the weather and will save you time when it comes to de-icing during the winter months. And in the summer months, a carport keeps your vehicle’s cool and in the shade. 

Also, if you live in an area with a lot of trees and wildlife carports are handy. This is because they can prevent branches from falling on your car or any animal mess. Which ends up keeping the cars clean and shiny.  

Does a carport add value to your home? 

Typically, carports will increase the value of your home, but maybe not in the way you were expecting. They don’t automatically raise the value of your home. In fact, if it’s done right, they are the ideal home improvements, that can make your home desirable.  

Carports are relatively cheap and easy to build. And is an easy way to add extra benefits and value to your home without having to do lengthy and expensive construction.  

Planning permission – 

Planning permission isn’t required for a carport. Provided that: the carport is used for domestic purposes only and the height can’t exceed 4 meters.  

How much is a carport?  

A single carport should cost between £2,000-£4000 to build, with an average carport costing £3,000. Double carports are more expensive and will cost around £5,000 to install. Although, these prices do not include the cost to lay a concrete floor or to hook up to the main services such as electricity, gas, or water.  

Carports are also very versatile, if you have a garage to park your car or if you don’t have a car, they are still very useful. You could use it as cover and shade from the sun, or you could place garden furniture underneath and protect it from the rain. 

Generally, carports are permanent secure structures that can’t be moved. However, some people like to have carports that can be moved so if they decide to move houses, they can take it with them.   

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Loft Conversion

Different types of bungalow loft conversions 

29th November 20220

Bungalows offer great loft conversion potential. They maximise the roof space and create plenty of possibilities. There are four main types of loft conversion that can be appropriate for bungalows. For example: a dormer, hip to gable, Velux, and mansard conversion. Here is a guide to figure out which one if best for your home.  

Types of loft conversions –  

Hip to gable –  

Firstly, a hip to gable loft conversion is where the sloping side of the roof is converted to a vertical gable wall to create more headspace. Bungalows which are semi-detached will often have a hipped roof that slopes at the side. This can be turned into a gable and you are left with a spacious loft and a great amount of head height.  

Benefits of a hip to gable conversion –  

The biggest benefit is the space that you will gain. All this additional room should increase the value of your home, especially if you are adding a bedroom or a bathroom. Also, the staircase from the lower level should be a continuation into the loft. So, this makes the entrance easier to access and uses less living space from the floor below.  

Price – 

Furthermore, the average cost of a hip to gable loft conversion is £40,000 – £50,000.  

Dormer –  

Secondly, dormers create a box shaped structure which is added onto a pitched roof, creating walls that sit at a 90-degree angle to the floor. Also, you can have a dormer in various positions on your roof and you can add more if you want a bigger room inside.  

Price –

So, the average cost of a dormer loft conversion is around – £35,000 – £55,000.  

Velux –  

Velux loft conversions are where the existing roof space is converted into living space without extending the roof structure. There are best for bungalows that already have enough head height. In addition, a roof light or Velux window would be added into the roof to make the new room bright.  

Price –  

Velux is usually the cheapest option because, it requires the least amount of work. Prices can start from £24,000.  

Mansard –  

Finally, a mansard can add a huge amount of space to your loft. A Mansard conversion has a flat roof with a slight fall to allow water to run into the gutter and the face of the Mansard slopes back 72 degrees to create the distinctive design. 

Image credit: Jeremy Phillips

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Advice Center

Learn about listed buildings and the consent needed.  

23rd November 20220

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. 

How does a buildings become listed?  

The older the building is the more likely the building is listed. All buildings that were built before the 1700s which is still in its original condition will be listed.  

The newer the property the more remarkable it needs to be to become listed, for example a building with outstanding architecture. Buildings are not usually eligible for listing until it’s at least 30 years old. 

How to check if your building is listed?   

You are able to check if the property is listed by viewing the national heritage list for England.   

If you are planning to buy a listed building, a full building survey (RICS level 3) is recommended. And these surveys are tailored to each individual property and cover everything that is possible to access and assess.   

When building on a listed property you will firstly need to get both planning permission and consent. So, you will then need patience, stamina, and a good architect. This is because there’s a lot that goes into building on a listed property. 

You always need listed building consent   

You still need listed building consent to do urgent works to a listed building. Even if the works are needed because a dangerous structure or other legal notice has been served. Even if it’s not practical to get consent in advance, you must give written notice to the council as soon as possible.   

Listed building offenses –   

Offenses given by the planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990.   

It is a criminal offense to carry out work without having listed building consent. Not all projects require consent, only the works that affect the character of the building.   

Carrying out building works to a listed building or changing it in any way without consent can result in court action and legal penalties. And it is also illegal to fail to comply with an enforcement notice.    

According to the planning act 1990 under section 9. Doing work without consent to the building can result in a person being charged. As well as, being fined up to £20,000 and/or up to 6 months imprisonment.   

In addition, the maximum penalty is two years’ imprisonment or an unlimited fine. In determining the fine a judge must have regard to any financial benefit which has accrued or appears likely to accrue to the wrongdoer so as to deny them any benefits.   

It is also an offense for anyone who would do damage to a listed building. Or to do anything which causes or is likely to result in damage to the building with the intention of causing damage. Damage to the building by an unauthorised person other than the owner or occupier would be criminal damage under the Criminal Damage Act 1971. 

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Permitted Development

Home additions you can build without planning permission 

18th November 20220

Are you looking to extend your home but are dreading the thought of applying and waiting for planning permission? Then you’re in the right place! Here we divulge in the renovation projects you can achieve under permitted development.  

What you can build without full planning permission –  

A standard loft conversion –  

Transforming a loft into a liveable space can be a cost-effective way to add more space. In the UK, you won’t need planning permission as long as the conversion is no higher than the highest part of the roof. Also, if you use similar materials to the existing house.  

To be permitted development any additional roof space created must not exceed these volume allowances:  

  • 40 cubic metres for terraced houses.  
  • 50 cubic metres for detached and semi-detached houses. 

However, the roof enlargement can’t hang over the outer wall of the house.  

A single storey extension –  

You can build a single storey rear and side under permitted development rights. Although, there a lot of conditions you must follow, for example: 

  • The extension is built on the side or rear of the home 
  • Cannot extend past the rear wall by 3 metres for an attached property or 4 metres for a detached home 
  • Building materials must be similar to the existing property 
  • It takes up less than 50% of the land surrounding the property 
  • Must be less than 4 metres in height or 3 metres if it is within 2 metres of a boundary 
  • Any eaves or ridges must be no taller than the original property 

Replace the windows and doors –  

If you are simply replacing the windows with a similar size and style then you won’t need to apply for planning permission. However, if you want to add new windows then you will need planning permission. Also, if your house is a listed building you will need to get permission.  

You don’t usually need to apply for planning permission for:  

  • repairs, maintenance, and minor improvements, such as repainting window and door frames 
  • insertion of new windows and doors that are of a similar appearance to those used in the construction of the house (note – a new bay window will be treated as an extension and may require permission). If new windows are in an upper-floor side elevation they must be obscure-glazed and either non opening or more than 1.7 metres above the floor level 
  • installation of internal secondary glazing. 

Installing roof Lanterns and skylights –  

Installing rooflights can be a great way to increase the natural light in a home. They are usually under permitted development. But mustn’t stick out by more than 150mm from the plane of the roof.  

Image credit: Billy Bolton

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Advice Center

Can you build in an area of outstanding natural beauty? 

17th November 20220

What is an area of outstanding natural beauty? 

An area of outstanding natural beauty is (ANOB) is an area of land which is protected by law to preserve and enhance its natural beauty.  

How are AONBs made? 

Natural England can make orders to designate areas of outstanding natural beauty or vary the boundaries of existing ones. Before natural England proposes an area to become an AONB, it must meet the natural beauty criterion. This could be multiple different factors, such as: 

  • Landscape quality. 
  • Scenic quality. 
  • Relative wildness, such as distance from housing or having few roads. 
  • Natural heritage features, such as distinct species and habitat. 
  • Relative tranquillity, where all you can hear is natural sounds. 
  • Cultural heritage. 

How many areas of outstanding natural beauty are there?  

There are 46 AONB in the throughout England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Areas of natural beauty cover about 18% of the UK countryside. The types of natural beauty can range from woodlands, villages, moorlands, and meadows.  

No other country in the world has Areas of outstanding natural beauty.   

Can you get permission to build on an AONB? 

Overall, getting planning permission for a major development is very rare. If the development has a significant impact on the local environment, you should consult natural England about the planning proposal. If the developer can prove that there is a need and actual benefit of the proposed work, there are times where the permissions has been granted.  

Before developing your property, it is important for you to know what rights you have as a property owner in an AONB. Because of the area, your permitted development rights may be reduced, and planning permission grants may become more uncommon. 

Permitted development is a development that you can carry out without needing to apply for full planning permission. You may still need approval under other legislations. 

You might be able to extend a house in an AONB under permitted development if you follow the rules, are some examples: 

It must not go more than 4m beyond the rear wall of the property if it’s a detached house or 3m for any other dwelling. 

Must not be more than 4m high.