Tag: planning

Architecture & Building

The different types of building foundations

1st March 20220

What is a building foundation? 

Building foundations are one of the most critical elements of any project. A foundation refers to the lowest load-bearing part of a building, typically below ground level. So, it is very important that you choose the right foundation for your construction.  

Here are the different types of foundations –  

Shallow –  

  • Firstly, individual footing or isolated footing 
  • Combined footing 
  • Strip foundation  
  • Raft or mat foundation  

Deep –  

  • Pile foundation  
  • Finally, drilled shafts or caissons  

Individual footing or isolated footing – 

Firstly, an isolated footing is one of the most used types of foundation. In order to carry and spread concentrated loads, for example, columns or pillars. Spread footings are unsuitable for the bearing of widespread loads.  

Combined footing – 

So, combined footings are constructed of two or more columns. They are close to each other and their foundations overlap. A combined footing used when it’s necessary, such as:  

When two columns are close together, causing overlap of adjacent isolated footings.  

Where soil bearing capacity is low, causing overlap of adjacent isolated footings.  

The proximity of building line or existing building or sewer, adjacent to a building column.  

updated construction news | civil engineering news

Strip foundation –  

Strip foundations consist of a continuous strip of concrete formed centrally under loadbearing walls. In addition, the wider the base of this foundation type spreads the weight over a wider area and provides better stability. They are also used to accommodate a row of closely-spaced columns. They are used for load-bearing walls. Including footings for extensions, conservatories, and house foundations.  

Does my house need foundations? - Mega Prefab

Raft or mat foundation –  

A raft or mat foundation is a large continuous rectangular or circular concrete slab. So, it carries the entire load of the superstructure and spreads it over the whole area beneath the building. A raft foundation is used when soil is weak. As it distributes the weight of the building over the entire area. In addition, they can be fast and inexpensive to construct.

Pile foundation –  

A pile foundation is a series of columns constructed or inserted into the ground. To transmit loads to a lower level of subsoil. In addition, it is needed in areas where the structures are large and heavy and the soil underlying is weak.

How to Construct a Bored Pile Foundation? - The Constructor

 

Drilled shafts or caissons –  

Finally, drilled shafts, also known as caissons, are deep foundation solutions used to support structures with large axial and lateral loads. By excavating cylindrical shafts into the ground and filling them with concrete.  

Drilled shafts | Keller North America

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Architecture & Building

How to add roof a overhang

28th February 20220

A roof overhang also known as eaves protects the building under it from rain and weather. The overhanging edge of the roof also gives extra shade to the windows, preventing glare and heat from entering the home. Adding an overhang isn’t a very difficult job. However, blending the new overhang into the existing roof requires some expertise.  

Accessing the roof –  

Firstly, start by taking off the existing fascia and any other trim that covers the rafter tails. Once the rafter tails and top of the wall plate are exposed, you should be able to see into the loft.  

Extending the rafters –  

Secondly, cut the rafter extensions three times the length of the overhang you want to add. Then, position the rafter extension against the existing rafter. Make sure that two-thirds of their length overlap’s the rafters, defining the overhang. You should nail an extension to each rafter spaced 6 to 8 inches apart. The overhang should be 2 feet or less to ensure it would be stable.  

Installing fascia’s and soffits –  

Once the new overhang is on you can then start the fascia and soffit installation. Attach a new two-by-four sub-fascia board along the ends of the new rafter tails. The fascia board is nailed it the rafter and usually has a lip for the soffit boards to slot into. To build a soffit, attach a two by four nailer board to the wall of the building, making it level with the bottom of the fascia.  

Adding the roof to the overhang –  

Once the overhangs are framed, you need to cover the rafter extensions with a fresh layer of plywood sheathing. The best way to integrate the new overhang into the roof is to remove the underlay and shingles from the entire roof and put new ones on. If you use new shingles, the new overhangs will disappear into the roof. If you don’t want to reroof, then you’ll have to settle for a less than perfect blend. Your biggest problem may be finding roof shingles to match the ones on your house.   

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Advice Center

All there is to know about listed building consent

25th February 20220

listed building consent definition  

Listed building consent is required for all works of demolition, alteration, or extension to a listed building. That affects its character as a building of special architectural or historic interest.  

What is a listed building?  

A listed building is a building or structure that has been judged to be of national importance in terms of architectural or historic interest.  

Historic buildings also add to the quality of our lives. Being an important aspect of the character and appearance of our towns, villages, and countryside.  

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. 

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.  

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 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. 

Advice Center

The Party Wall Agreement

25th February 20220

What is the party wall agreement? 

The party wall act was designed in England and Wales to legally settle construction disputes between neighbours. Sometimes, carrying out building work can be loud, messy and quite disruptive. This can cause a dispute between you and your neighbour when they start to complain.  Furthermore, this act prevents this from happening and is settled legally. If your neighbour complains to your local council with a valid reason of why your project would affect them, they can stop you from starting. 

Reasons why your neighbour might complain  

  • Firstly, noise  
  • Lack of light  
  • Lack of privacy  
  • Could affect their home. For example, change their foundation or look of their home. 
  • Finally, damage to their home  

Will this act stop my project? 

There is a chance your neighbour could stop you from carrying out building works if you live in a semi-detached, terrace, flat, or your detached home is close to your neighbours’ properties. Before starting building works you must serve your neighbour a notice so they know that building works are going to be carried out. After this, your neighbour has 14 days to say that don’t agree after the notice has been served. So, other things you need to think about that can stop your project is: 

  • Floors and ceilings  
  • Shared boundry walls 

Building works that come under the party wall act 

  • A loft conversion that means the boundry wall will need to be worked on  
  • Adding another storey which is on the boundry wall 
  • Changing your homes foundation  
  • Rebuilding a boundry wall 

What is a party wall? 

In addition, a party wall is a boundary wall that separates adjoining homes. So, technically speaking you only own one half of the wall meaning, if you’re wanting to carry out any works on that shared wall you will need to ask your neighbour for consent. 

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Design and Inspiration

What Type Of Window Is Best For You

24th February 20220

Are you thinking about updating your Window and want a change? Here is everything you should know before changing them. For example, there are many different types of windows you should know about. 

Different Types Of Windows 

The most common types of windows are:   

Casement  

Bay  

Single-hung 

Double-hung 

Awning  

Casement Window  

Casement windows open up horizontally this usually works by rotating the handle at the bottom.  

Pros 

  • These windows bring excellent ventilation into the home but, it can become cold  
  • Casement windows are known to be very secure 
  • These are known to be better than double-hung windows.  
  • Brings cool air inside 
  • Opens up wide 

Cons  

  • Subject to wear and tear 
  • When fully open bad weather can cause damage to the window. However, that may not happen straight away.

Double-Hung  

Double-hung windows are very similar to single-hung windows however, you can open two parts of the window other than one. For example, a double-hung window is just two single-hung windows put together.

Pros  

  • There is a variety of different types. For example, colours, sizes and materials. 
  • Easy to open and close  
  • Tracks in the windows don’t usually fill up with dirt as they are vertical 

Cons  

  • Windows require occasional maintenance  
  • Seal is not very tight which leads to air coming through 
  • Windows can break if window is fully extended in bad weather  

Single-Hung  

Single-hung windows are similar to double-hung windows in that they both have two separate, upper and lower sashes. The difference between the two is that the upper window of single-hung windows are fixed in place, allowing only the lower window to move 

Pros 

  • Variety of different types. For example, sizes, colours and materials. 
  • Easy to open and close  
  • Tracks in the windows don’t usually fill up with dirt due to the tracks being vertical 

Cons  

  • Windows require occasional maintenance  
  • Seal is not very tight which leads to air coming through  

Bay Window  

A bay window which can also be known as a bow window is a combination of windows that extend out. This works from several angled window panes. 

Pros  

  • Very popular windows
  • Perfect windows to look out from. 
  • Offer shelf space  

Cons  

  • These have been known to be quite costly  
  • Due to the large shelf area the seal isn’t great. So, this can cause air to come through. 
  • Not easy to install 

Awning Windows 

Awning windows are very similar to casement windows. However, they are made to swing open vertically. The top of the window is in a fixed place but you can open it from the bottom. 

Pros 

  • As long as it is not raining hard you can leave your windows open as the windows acts as an awning and prevents the water from coming in. 
  • Fairley secure 

Cons  

  • Doesn’t take in air effectively  
  • Subject to wear and tear 

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Advice Center, Extensions

Common mistakes made by people when extending their home

24th February 20220

Extending your home is a big project and can cost you a lot of money. So, here is a list of common mistakes that you may want to avoid.  

Having an unrealistic schedule  

It is common knowledge that building work can be unpredictable and can take longer than expected. There are some things you can’t just predict or plan. Having an understanding of this from the beginning of the project can help you prepare for delays. For instance, having a positive and chilled attitude will help form a better relationship with your contractor.  

Rushing the design  

If you’ve recently purchased a property or moved into a new home, you should live in the home for a while before extending or renovating. This is so you can get a real insight into what changes you want to make to the property. By waiting a year or so, you can see how the house stands and works throughout the seasons and different weather types.  

Upsetting the neighbours  

You must always inform your neighbours about any renovation that is going to take place on your property. Regardless of whether you get along with them or not. Often building works can be disruptive to your neighbours and their properties. So, to make sure no conflicts occur you should be aware of and get a party wall agreement. The agreement with your neighbours usually takes place in letter form and can be done by a third party such as a party wall surveyor.  

Going over your budget  

Running out of money when you are halfway through a project can be one of the worst things that can happen. This is why ensuring that you get fixed quotes and estimates from the beginning is vital. Before you start your project, it is important to have a contingency fund available just in case anything unexpected comes up.  

Not researching tradespeople properly  

It can often be tempting to choose a cheap builder so you can save a bit of extra money. However, employing a skilled professional is a good investment, so you can avoid unfinished or bad-quality work. You should choose a trade person based on their previous work and trusted recommendations.  

Image credit: Simon Burt

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House Renovation

The Best Renovations To Improve Your House Value

23rd February 20220

Are you wanting to increase your house value so you can sell? Then you are in the right place. Here are some of the best renovations you can do that will improve your houses value. 

Kitchen Renovations  

Kitchen renovations are one of the most popular projects to do. Every home buyer will always look out for how the kitchen looks. Nowadays, modern kitchens are most wanted. You can increase the value a little bit by working on cupboard doors making the kitchen look better. However, you can increase the value by a big some by working on the worktops and tiling, or even adding new kitchen appliances. A kitchen renovation can raise the value up to 12%. However, before you begin make sure you have planned this correctly as this can take time and be expensive. 

Bathroom Renovations 

Another popular choice is bathroom renovations. This can increase the value of your home to around 7-8% however, if this is done incorrectly it can decrease the value of your home by a lot. When renovating a bathroom, you should take into consideration the trends people want. For example, wet rooms, marbled surfaces or steam lined storage. Little things like that can raise the value. 

Decorating  

Decorating is one of the cheapest ways to raise your houses value. Depending on the materials you decide to use you can raise your houses value by 5%. However, you have to consider lots of different styles and what style would make the home perfect for you or homebuyers. Decorating can cover a variety of projects such as painting, wallpapering or flooring. However, since decorating raises the value so little sometimes it’s best to leave the home plain with no damage and let the homebuyers decorate themselves. 

Smart Home  

Nowadays having technology is your home is very desirable. For example, having smart lightbulbs or a security system. This is becoming increasingly common for homebuyers to want this for their homes. There are many more smart technologies you can add to your home. Adding technology can raise the value of your home by 7% however, it also has been known to raise the value by an amazing 35%. This depends on what kind of technology you add to your home. 

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Advice Center

A Guide To Houses In Ashford Kent

23rd February 20220

Are you wanting to move or buy a house in Ashford? If you are here are different types of houses explained so you know what’s most suitable for you.  

Semi-Detached Houses In Ashford 

A semi-detached house is a property that shares at least one wall with an existing property. The homes that are connected are usually mirror images of each other. Semi-detached homes save space and are cheaper than detached homes. These homes are very popular and provide an adequate level of privacy. However, the average cost of a 3-bedroom semi-detached house in Ashford is around £300,000. The only really downside to a semi-detached home is that it is a possibility that you could hear your neighbours if they are really loud. 

Detached Houses In Ashford 

Detached homes are structures built by themselves. No shared structural walls or hearing your neighbours what so ever. They have a great deal of space and privacy. And, most have front and back gardens for you to enjoy. The average value of a 3-bedroom detached homes in Ashford are around about £375,000. Detached houses are generally more. 

Terraced Houses  

Terraced homes are one of the most common and popular homes in the United Kingdom. They save a lot of space in the community. However, parking your car can be a nightmare at the front of your home. Terraced homes have a wall on each side connected to another home, essentially making a row of houses. The average value of a 3-bedroom terraced house in Ashford is £325,000. 

Flats  

Flats are one of the most known about homes in England. These homes are usually given to people that live alone or have a small family. Flats are often being offered as a series within a single building. But, flats are known for their space-saving qualities. The average value of flats in Ashford are around £200,000. There are many different types of flats as well such as, converted, split-level and studio flats.

Bungalows In Ashford  

Bungalows are single-storey detached homes. The difference between a bungalow and detached home is that a bungalow is a lot smaller with usually no stairs. These homes are usually very small having a small number of rooms However, you may have an attic. This home is quite popular to older people as it is small. however, it has no stairs to get up. The average value for a 3-bedroom bungalow in Ashford is around £300,000. 

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Advice Center

How to get planning permission on green belt land Kent?

22nd February 20220

Over the years there are a large number of misunderstandings about the purpose of green belt land, and whether you can get planning permission for it. While green belts are extremely important and should be preserved to protect the countryside and urban areas. There are circumstances, that extensions and alterations can be permitted.  

A strategic land availability assessment must consider the following factors:  

  • Firstly, flood risk  
  • National parks  
  • Heritage coast 
  • Heritage assessment  
  • Sites of special scientific interest 
  • Areas of outstanding natural beauty  
  • Finally, protected sites (birds and habitat directives) 

local planning authorities shouldn’t approve the construction of new buildings unless they propose the following exceptions: 

  • Firstly, Agricultural buildings 
  • Limited infilling in some villages 
  • Facilities for outdoor sport and recreation  
  • The replacement of an existing building by one that is not materially larger 
  • The extension or alteration of an existing building.
  • Facilities for cemetaries

Why would you want to develop on green belt land?  

The main reason people want to develop on this land is because it is cheap. For example:  

A 15-acre site in Epping has a guide price of £145,000. 

As green belt land that works out to be £0.22 per square foot. 

And if it got residential planning approval it could be worth £570 per square foot. 

How to get planning permission?  

The national planning policy framework states that “inappropriate development is, by definition, harmful to the green belt and should not be approved except in very special circumstances”.  

An experienced architect or architectural technologist can usually get you planning permission to make reasonably sized additions to your house or to replace it with something larger.  

In addition, securing new development on green belt land will depend on aspects of design quality. There is a presumption in favour of development for buildings or infrastructure that promote high levels of sustainability.  

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Loft Conversion

What is The Best Loft Conversion For You

18th February 20220

Here is a guide to loft conversions to help pick the best one for you and your home. When choosing a project you must take into account the styles, budget, your existing roof structure and any planning restrictions you may face.  

Types of Loft Conversions  

There are four main types of conversions which are: 

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

Dormer Conversion  

Dormer conversions are one of the best and more popular loft conversion, they provide lots of extra space. A Dormer is an extension that is built on the slop of your roof. There are different types of Domer conversions you should know about such as: 

  • Single dormer 
  • Double dormer 
  • Flat-roofed dormer 
  • Gabled dormer  

Pros and cons of getting a Dormer 

Pros  

  • Suitable for most homes  
  • Less expensive than other conversions  
  • Adds a good amount of extra space 
  • Planning permission isn’t needed in most cases 
  • An option for most that houses that have sloping roofs 

Cons  

  • Not a quick process  
  • More structural changes than most conversions  

Roof Light Loft Conversion 

A roof light conversion is simply your existing loft is retained but rooflights are added. However, after that all you need to do is lay down flooring and add some stairs. Don’t forget about plumbing along with insulation. This is perfect for smaller spaces. 

Pros and cons of a Roof light conversion 

Pros 

  • The cheapest loft conversion  
  • Suitable if you live in a conservation area 
  • Not a lot of structural changes  
  • Least disruptive to the home 

Cons  

  • Less space provided than other conversions 

Hip-To-Gable Loft Conversion 

Hip-to-gable conversions work by extending the sloping roof at the side or your house outwards to create a vertical wall, creating more space. 

Pros and cons of a Hip-to-gable conversion 

Pros 

  • Natural looking  
  • Less expensive than extending outwards 

Cons  

  • More expensive than a dormer  
  • Can only be done on semi-detached or detached houses 
  • Only suits house’s with a sloping side roof 

Mansard Loft Conversion 

A Mansard conversion involves replacing the sloping roof structure with a wall that is almost vertical. The final roof is flat. This project can add a whole additional storey for say. 

Pros and cons of a Mansard conversion 

Pros  

  • A large amount of additional space 
  • Suitable for different types of properties 

Cons  

  • Expensive  
  • Does not look natural  
  • Complex project meaning it could take longer  

Planning Permission & Permitted Development 

Usually when wanting to convert your loft you will not need to do a full planning application as this will come under permitted development rights. In some cases, you will need to apply for planning permission. If you: 

  • Live in a flat or maisonette 
  • Exceed permitted development  
  • Live in a conservation area  

You will need to apply for permission. For your project to be considered as permitted development it must follow these set rules. Here are a few: 

  • Not to build higher than the highest part of the roof. 
  • Not have any dormers or extensions on the roof plane of the principal elevation facing the road. 
  • Be constructed with materials similar in appearance to the existing house. 

There are more rules you will have to follow under permitted development. 

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