Tag: planningpermission

Design and Inspiration, House Renovation

Renovations That Increase Your House Value: Part 1

29th November 20210

Renovations to consider when wanting to add more value to your home 

Loft and garage conversions  

These two conversions are the most popular way of extending and adding value to the property. However, converting these into living space will add value by 15%. In addition, a garage conversion will increase the value by 20%. People convert these to create more living space and storage. 

Energy efficiency improvements  

This can fall into two categories: 

  • Simple low-cost improvements 
  • High-cost improvement works 

From research, energy-saving improvements to your property can raise the value by 14%. Meanwhile, improving lost insulation, cavity wall installation, double glazing, and adding a high-performance boiler would decrease energy bills giving the home more value. 

Outdoor décor (garden landscaping and external works) 

Furthermore, maintaining the garden area can add value by 10% – 20%. The things people keep in mind about the garden is: 

  • Privacy and security  
  • Good lighting  
  • Well thought terraced area  
  • Flat lawn  

Other renovations that can increase your house value  

  • Firstly, garage conversion 20% increase 
  • Secondly, loft conversion 15% increase 
  • Energy saving 14% increase 
  • Balcony 12% increase 
  • Outdoor décor 10% – 20% increase 
  • Open living plan 6% increase 
  • Kitchen 6% increase 
  • Central heating 5.4% increase 
  • Bathroom 5% increase  
  • Paint and decorate 5% increase 
  • Fireplace 5% increase 
  • Conservatory 5% increase 
  • Flooring 3% increase 
  • Roof 3% increase 
  • Finally, decking 2% increase 

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Uncategorised

A Guide to Commercial Buildings

29th November 20210

What is a commercial building used for?

Commercial property is a space that allows you to use the space for commercial activities such as food service, retail, or any other business. Commercial buildings have been split into classifications designated into classes A, B, and C. 

Firstly, Class A buildings are usually newer construction properties with better amenities and infrastructure. However, this could be an older building that has been remodeled, they are usually located in a popular area. 

Secondly, Class B buildings are maintained and well managed. Not always a new build but can be easily transformed by some renovations. 

Thirdly, Class C buildings are often old properties, located in unbeneficial areas that are less maintained. Although, there are building that tends to need more work done. Landlords will charge less due to the work needing to be done. 

Classifications  

For example, classifications for each building:

Firstly, A1 – shops such as:  

  • Retail (not hot food) 
  • Post office 
  • Hairdressing 

Secondly, A2 – Professional services 

  • Banks 
  • Health and medical services 

A3 – Food and Drink  

  • Cafes  
  • Restaurants   
  • Anything that serves hot food 

A4 – Drinking establishments  

  • Bars 
  • Wine bars  

B1 – Business 

B8 – Storage and Distribution  

  • Wholesale warehouse 
  • Distribution centre  
  • Repositories 

C1 – Hotels  

  • Hotels  
  • Guest homes  

Finally, C2 – Residential institutions  

  • Boarding schools 
  • Training centre 
  • Hospitals  
  • Nursing homes  

Do I need planning permission?  

Furthermore, yes you would, it is essential that you have planning permission for commercial buildings.

When do you need commercial planning permission? 

You will definitely need to have planning permission if you intend to: 

  • Add an extension or large-scale renovation. 
  • Build a new property. 
  • Change the use of the building. For example, changing the use from commercial to residential or residential to commercial. 

Do I need Planning permission if I work from home? 

Using space in your home will not usually need planning permission. However, you should get planning permission if: 

  • Your business is unusual to be in a residential area. 
  • Your employees work from your home. (But are not occupants) 
  • The number of customers visiting your home increases. 
  • Your business could disturb your neighbours. 

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Design and Inspiration

Everything You Need to Know About Installing a Balcony

26th November 20210

How much does it cost to add a Balcony? 

Depending on the complexity of the job would depend on the price. The estimated price of installing a balcony would vary between £1,500 – £5,500. 

The estimated cost would cover: 

  • Size
  • Design  
  • Labourer costs 
  • Material costs 
  • How complex the job is. 

Types of balconies  

  • Stacked – The most popular and common. Easy to install. 
  • Juliet/Faux – This is a faux balcony that may contain a small standing area but usually does not. A Juliet balcony contains a balustrade connection to the building without flooring to walk on. 
  • Hung – This structure is made out of stainless-steel cables that are fixed on the sides of the structure. These balconies are less common but have great strength. 
  • Cantilevered – This structure can be made from concrete, steel or timber. This type of project needs to be planned accordingly as the job is quite complex. 
  • Mezzanine – They have a large decking area with railing. This structure gives you more space. 

Do I need planning permission to install a balcony? 

Furthermore, if your home is in a conservation area or your property is listed you must apply for planning permission. 

In other cases, if your balcony is smaller than 300mm you may not have to seek planning permission but it is always best to do so. When submitting your planning application form expect to pay a fee. 

Installing a Juliet/Faux balcony means you won’t have to apply for planning permission unless you decide to add flooring to walk on and then you must. 

Will it raise my house value? 

There are no guarantees that this will raise the price value, but they have been known the raise the value up to 12%. 

What are balconies used for? 

In addition, balconies are used for extra space, kind of like an outdoor room. Many people like to use their balconies as a garden. For example, adding a barbecue or flowers onto it. Whereas, others like to use their balcony to admire the views the structure allows them to see and relax on it. 

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Advice Center, Planning Permission

Learning About Change Of Use And What Their Class Mean

19th November 20210

What is a change of use?  

A change of use means when a building or occupancy is altered or replaced, for example from manufacturing to an office.  

If you wish to apply for a change of use of premises, you may need to get planning permission from the local authority. However, planning permission will not be needed if your existing and proposed fall within the same class.  

Current use classes –  

For any applications, the use classes in effect when the application was submitted will be to determine it.  

Class B – 

  • B2 General industrial – use for industrial process other than one falling within class E.  
  • B8 Storage or distribution – this class includes open air storage.  

Class C –  

  • Firstly, C1 Hotels – hotels, boarding and guest houses where no significant element of care is provided.  
  • C2 Residential institution – residential care homes, hospitals, nursing homes and boarding schools 
  • C2A Secure residential institution – Including prison, young offenders’ institution, detention centre, custody centre, secure hospital etc. 
  • C3 Dwellinghouses – this class is formed in 3 parts: C3A use by a single person or family.  
  •  C3B covers up to 6 people living together. E.g., supported housing for people with learning disabilities and mental health issues.  
  •  C3C allows for groups of people living together as a single household.  
  •  C4 houses in multiple occupation – small shared houses occupied by 3 – 6 unrelated people.  

Class E – Commercial, Business and Service – 

  • E(a) Retail sale of goods, other than hot food 
  • E(b) Sale of food and drink for consumption on the premises 
  • E(c) provision of: Financial services and professional services 
  • E(d) Indoor sport or fitness 
  • E(e) Medical or health services 
  • E(f) Day nursery or day centre 

Class F – Local Community and Learning – 

  • In addition, F1 Learning and non-residential institutions –   

             (a) Provision of education 

            (b)  Display works of art  

            (c)  Museums 

            (d) Public libraries 

            (e) Public halls 

            (f) Worship or religious instruction 

            (g) Law courts 

  • F2 Local community –  

              (a) Shops selling essential goods, including food.  

              (b) Halls or meeting places for the use of the local community.  

              (c) Places for outdoor sports.   

              (d) Indoor or outdoor swimming pools or skating rinks. 

 Sui generis

 Finally, the definition is buildings that don’t fall within any particular use class. Some examples include theatres, arcades, casinos, nightclubs, laundrette.  

Can I change the use of my business premises? - IWG Solicitors

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Architecture & Building

The Beginners Guide to Knowing About Staircase

17th November 20210

If you’ve decided to take the risk and move the staircase in your home, you might be feeling a little anxious about the project. Moving your stairs can be a big job and expensive job depending on if you want new stairs and where you want them. 

How Much Does Moving Your Staircase Cost? 

The average cost for moving stairs is around £3,000. Why? This cost will cover removing the old stairs, replacing the new stairs and the labourer costs. After all of this you will most likely need to replace your flooring materials around the area which could add to the costs.  

How Hard Is It to Move a Staircase? 

Moving a staircase is best to be left the professionals as it’s a complicated process. Not only would you have to seal the gaping hole left in the floor you would also have to cut one into the floor for a new space for the stairs. This also means adding new floor joists and flooring materials. 

Do You Need Planning Permission to Move Stairs? 

There isn’t one chance that you wouldn’t need a permit that involves changing the location of a staircase. Moving around stairs without doing your due diligence is highly dangerous. Why? When you move or remove the stairs there will be an open hole that will need to be framed in which requires adding structural members to the open space, such as sistering floor joists. Moving stairs usually involves replaces the flooring. 

How Long Does It Take to Move Stairs? 

It is difficult to estimate the exact time it would take to move stairs but will likely take 3-4 days. A complex design could take a while depending on the complexity of your design, you may need an architect to draw up the design which could make the process longer. The actual removal of your old stairs will most likely be the longest part, depending on where your stairs are located. 

Can You Move Basement Staircase? 

You need to remember that the framing in the basement holds up your entire home, so when you decide to remove a wall or cut into your main floor joists you need to make sure they have been supported correctly. If you do not support these properly this cause huge damage to your property. No, your house wont collapse but it could shift your main beam or crack the drywall in your home 

Types Of Staircases 

  • Straight – The most common type of stairs, straight stairs are very popular and affordable. 
  • Quarter turn – Quarter turn stairs are usually more visually appealing. 
  • Half turn – With a landing or resting space half way. 
  • Winding – Winding staircases take up less space and can be used throughout several floors 
  • Spiral – Usually constructed with metal, spiral stairs fit perfectly in complex designs. 

Different Materials Used for Staircases  

  • Softwood – Often used for straight staircases, softwood is cheaper and easier to work with. 
  • Hardwood – Pricier than softwood but a lot stronger. 
  • Metal – Strong and durable. It is mostly used for spiral staircases but are very noisy. 
  • Glass – quite expensive but gives off a really nice modern finish. 

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Advice Center

The Ultimate Guide To Knowing About A Drop Kerb

16th November 20210

What is a drop Kerb? 

A dropped kerb is the dip in the path and kerb that lets you drive up to your house. The kerb is dropped from the normal height and the path is straightened to take the weight of the vehicle.  

Do I need a dropped kerb?  

If you intend to drive your car over the path into your driveway off a road, then you will need a drop kerb. It is against the law to drive over the path. If you do so, you are breaking the law and enforcement action could be taken to prevent such practice. Furthermore:  

  • Fistly, You may become liable from a collision with a pedestrian  
  • You may become liable for damage to the path  
  • You may face considerable costs as a result of damage to any utility apparatus under the path.  

Can I drop a kerb myself?  

The majority of local authorities will assign a contractor to complete the job, once your permission has been granted. The local council will strongly advise against DIY dropped kerbs. However, the council will allow you to DIY it if you are qualified to do the jobs yourself.  

Do you need planning permission?  

If your road is owned by the council you will need to apply for planning permission. However, if your road is a private road, you will not need to get planning permission. If you don’t get planning permission and you decide to build a dropped kerb, you may be fined up to £1,000.  

The cost of a dropped kerb –  

The average dropped kerb cost is around £600. This price covers the costs of materials and the labour’s work although, it doesn’t cover the costs of the planning permission. The average drop kerb prices for 2 kerbs will typically start at £350 for labour and materials, while the price you can expect for 3 kerbs is £ 525 and £700 for 4. They can take up to 1 – 6 weeks depending on the size, complexity and whether any utility’s need moving.  

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Advice Center, Planning Permission

How To Get Planning Permission On A Grade 2 Listed Building

15th November 20210

Firstly, getting planning permission for a grade 2 listed building isn’t as straightforward as it is for a regular house. And this blog will help advise you on the best way to achieve planning permission.  

What makes a grade 2 listed building?  

A grade 2 listed building is defined as a building or structure that is of special interest. Warranting every effort to preserve it. In addition, grade 2 is a classification that can be applied to a wide variety of buildings and other structures. In a range of ages, styles, and locations.  

Will I need listed building consent?  

You will need listed building consent if your project requires all works of demolition, alteration, or extension. That affects its character as a building of special architectural or historic interest. Unlike other forms of planning permission, the listed building consent is free of charge.  

Here are a couple of tips to getting planning approved –  

  • Research the area. If you discover another developed listed building in your area there is a higher chance that your planning permission might get approved. If you find any, I would advise checking the council planning portal and see what architect worked on the project.  
  • Choose your architect wisely – architects play a major role when it comes designing your project and getting the planning permission.  and choosing an architect with a good knowledge and understanding of listed buildings is really important.  
  • In your plans, you should plan to use the same materials and design elements that were used originally to construct the existing building. This way the new design will not stand out. Then there’s a higher chance of getting planning approved.  

If you carry out work without listed building consent it is a criminal offense. So, it is important that you follow the rules and go through all of the correct applications.  

How long does it take to get planning permission on a grade 2 listed building?  

Local authorities say they aim to return a decision within 8 – 13 weeks. However, they may ask for an extension on the permission if they are busy. 

What are the Differences Between Grade I and II Listed Buildings? - Concrete Renovations

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Extensions, House Extension

The Ultimate Beginners Guide To Ground Floor Flat Extensions

12th November 20210

Improving your home is becoming very popular among homeowners who are looking for more space. This is because with property prices increasing, it is becoming more expensive to move houses. If you own a ground floor flat it can be greatly improved by a bit of construction work.  

Ownership of the flat –  

Firstly, if you are a leaseholder and want to commence works on the property, you must get freeholder consent before you can carry out any internal or proposed building extensions.  

The lease plans will tell you whether the demised premises space is occupied under a lease contract. This includes the garden that comes with the flat, or whether you simply have permission to use it. Some leases don’t allow any construction to take place in the garden, so make sure you check.  

Do you need planning permission?  

Before going into the planning process, it’s a good idea to know what you are trying to gain from the proposed space.   

When adding an extension onto a ground floor flat, planning permission is a must. However, with the right architects by your side, this doesn’t have to be stressful. 

To add an extension to your flat you must apply for planning permission. If your flat is a listed building it is likely that you will need listed building consent. You should contact your local planning authority for advice before you start work. 

Adding work to a listed building that affects the historical character without consent is a criminal offense. 

However, if you are using an architect, they will be the best people to guide and advise you through the planning process.  

Planning your design for the flat extension –  

Once your planning is approved it is a good idea to plan and understand exactly what you require to do with the new space. Do you want to extend the kitchen? Open up the living room? Or create another bedroom?  

It is also important to play around with the space and work out the best layout for the extension. A popular element many homeowners like to include is natural daylight. So, to increase the property value and aesthetic of the home you should think about including skylights and bi-folding doors.  

Lewisham basement flat extension - JNJ Building Solutions

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Advice Center

Everything you need to know about Brownfield land

11th November 20210

Firstly, have you ever heard the term brownfield and wondered what it meant? Carry on reading to find out everything you need to know.  

What is brownfield land?  

Brownfield land is previously developed land that is not currently in use that may be potentially contaminated. The term is also used to describe land previously used for industrial or commercial purposes with known or suspected pollution. This includes soil contamination due to hazardous waste. 

Why should you use brownfield land?  

Because brownfields are previously developed and have been used for industrial, commercial, the land is now vacant. By reusing this land, you are leaving the green open spaces alone, which is better for the environment.  

Redevelopment of brownfield sites at the top of the UK development strategy. It not only cleans up the environmental health hazards, it helps with the cleanliness of the city. in addition, it also encourages restoring damages in the community. With an estimated need to build 300,000 new homes per year, brownfield sites could be the answer to the UK’s housing shortage.  

Renovating brownfield land can breathe new life into areas most in need. It is the building’s equivalent of recycling. However, it is vital that we use the land wisely, prioritising brownfields and protecting Greenfields.   

What is a greenfield and why it’s important –  

Firstly, greenfield land is a land that has not yet been built on. They are usually open fields, kept off-limits by the general public by a private or government entity. The idea of the names was that the vibrant untouched land will be green, and the developed land will look brown.  

The Advantage and disadvantages of brownfield sites –  

 For example, advantages:

  • More likely to get planning permission  
  • Stop city expansion as its already in the city  
  • Building on brownfields are better for the environment 
  • Cheaper because you don’t have to put road access and drainage in  

For example disadvantages:

  • Have to clear or destroy what the land was originally used for 
  • Buying land is expensive  
  • Less space for gardens  
  • Don’t have much choice on what to build 
  • Decontamination costs can be expensive  

Planning permission –  

The new policy announced by the government will see automatic planning permission granted on brownfield sites in an attempt to raise the productivity of the economy.  

Finally, the annual state of brownfield report shows that there is enough suitable brownfield land available in England for more than 1 million homes across over 18,000 sites.  

Enough Brownfield land for one million homes – Friends of the Peak District

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Loft Conversion

Can You Have A Loft Conversion In A Terrace House?

8th November 20210

When it comes to extra space in your home, terrace houses often suffer from reduced space and the ability to extend. So, when terrace homeowners want to improve their homes, they should go for a loft conversion. This is because they want to create more room which provides comfortable and elegant accommodation. Although with every loft conversion you need to make sure that there is more than enough, headroom to make the most out of the space. 

What is a terrace house?  

A terrace house is also known as a townhouse, is a house in a row of houses that shares a wall with the houses next to it.  

DPS Ltd.

Yes, you can get a loft conversion in a terrace house, but you need to consider a few factors:

Budget –  

Loft conversions are not a cheap project; however, the value of the property will increase because you are adding an extra room. 

The cost of a simple Velux loft conversion will start at around £15,000, but this might not open up enough space in the roof void.  

Whereas, the more complex conversions will open up the space and have real potential for an extra room. These types of conversion will cost between £20,000 – £40,000 depending on the design you choose.  

Will you need Planning permission with a terrace house –  

Terrace house loft conversions don’t always require planning permission as long as they stay within permitted development.  

A loft conversion in a terrace house falls within permitted development so long as it:  

  • Has a head height of 2.2m  
  • Is not on protected land 
  • Is not higher than the existing roof 
  • Doesn’t disturb bats 
  • Does not extend the roof out at the front of the house 
  • Extends the roof space by a maximum 40m3  

If you are in a conservation area, you will need to apply for full planning permission  

Raising the roof on terrace houses –  

Designs that raise the roof will always require planning permission because the design will change the shape and height of the existing building. In addition, if your head height is not 2.2 m or above it may not be possible to raise the roof on terrace houses. This is because of the impact it would have on the neighbouring properties. And if you can’t raise the roof, you will be unable to get a loft conversion.  

Incorporate a Loft Conversion, Home Extension - e-architect

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