Tag: property

Extensions

Are conservatories a good investment?

16th November 20220

Do you want a conservatory extension in your home? If yes! Then you are on the right spot as in this article we are going to take a look at conservatory extensions, and if they are worth it. Information that we are going to share will help you make the right buying decision.  

Are conservatories still in high demand?  

Back in the day conservatories were an extremely popular option for those looking to extend their homes. However, the spaces were too hot in the summer and too cold in the winter. They also were known to have leaks and condensation.  

Although, The new generation of conservatory ideas are anything but downmarket, with refreshed designs in both modern and traditional styles boosting your home’s kerb appeal, while advances in glass, better ventilation and smarter home heating all help to keep the internal temperature in check.    

Things to consider before installing a conservatory –  

  • Size 
  • Cost  
  • Heating 
  • Material 
  • Orientation 
  • Construction  
  • Exterior style 
  • Interior design  

Would you need planning permission?  

Planning permission is not usually needed, you can do it under permitted development. Although, it is likely you will need approval from your local building control department if you want to replace a glazed roof with a solid roof.   

you may need Planning permission if:   

  • It is taller than 4 meters.  
  • The conservatory width is bigger than half of the house.   
  • The extension can’t be higher than the eaves of your existing home.    

How much do they cost? 

There are a number of different types of conservatories. The style, size and materials will affect the cost. A conservatory can cost anywhere between £9,000 – £18,000. On average a lean-to uPVC conservatory will cost you £10,250.  

Do they increase the value? 

Many people have different opinions on conservatories and if they add value to a property. Also, some potential buyers appreciate the extra space where they can relax and take in the garden at the same time. Conservatories are known to add up to 15% more to your property value.  

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House Renovation

Renovations that will decrease the value of your home  

15th November 20220

Your home is a place you take pride in and where you go to relax after a long day. So, it’s only natural you would want to make improvements and increase the value of your house. Many people spend 1000s of pounds on remodelling their homes but there not always adding value to the property in the process. 

 Here is a list of home improvements that can decrease the property value:  

Too much wallpaper –  

Wallpaper can be an overwhelming design choice for your home, especially if it has bold patterns, colours and, textures. Wallpaper can also be quite difficult to remove, so potential buyers might see it as a headache to deal with. Fresh paint and natural colours are always a good choice if you are thinking of selling the property.  

Texture on the walls and ceilings –  

Just like wallpaper texture on a wall can often be hard to remove. It also gives an outdated vibe to the house, and removing it can create a more modern look.  

Having/ lowering the ceilings – 

Buyers love high ceilings; they can open up the space and make the rooms seem bigger than they actually are. Although, low ceilings can save on energy bills, they can also lower the value of your home. 

Combining small bedrooms to create a larger room –  

While combining smaller rooms to create one big room may sound like a great idea for a young couple with no children. However, if they then decide to sell the property, it may be difficult. Even small bedrooms add value to a home, because most families want their children to have their own rooms. Each bedroom can add about 15% to the value of a home. 

Adding a conservatory –  

You should think carefully about how many times that you would use a conservatory. Conservatories are often seen as one of the worst home additions, and many people get them removed. They are regularly replaced by extensions which regulate the temperature, add more space, and increase the value of your home.  

Too much carpet –  

A home remodelling expert has said that new hardwood floors can increase the sale price of a home by up to 2.5%. Compared to hardwood and laminate floors, carpet can quickly show signs of damage. Plus, colours and textures are highly based on personal preference, and any overly personal touches can decrease a home’s value. 

Image: Abode Stock

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Advice Center

How close can you build to your boundary line?

27th January 20220

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

What is a boundary line?  

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

How close to your boundary can you build? 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Permitted development boundary lines –  

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

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Architecture & Building

All there is to know before moving into a bungalow

14th January 20220

What is a bungalow?  

A bungalow is a one-storey house, cottage, or cabin. Bungalows are usually small in terms of square footage, but it’s not uncommon to see large bungalows. They were originally designed to provide affordable, modern housing. 

Characteristics of a bungalow –  

Bungalows are great homes for people with disabilities and the elderly because they are small and easy to maintain. Because there is only one storey, they tend to be more cost-effective compared to a typical home. The gas and the electric costs would end up being lower because it is a smaller property.  

Because bungalows are single storey homes and it is known that either elderly or the disabled usually live in them, the property can fall victim to break-ins. Therefore, it is a good idea to invest in some security cameras for your home.  

Advantages and disadvantages –  

Advantages – 

There are many benefits to living in a bungalow and they include:  

  • The potential for garden access from bedrooms  
  • Bright, airy, open plan layout 
  • A good connection with the outdoors  
  • No stairs to factor in the layout 
  • Can have vaulted ceilings and skylights in the main living areas.  
  • Can offer more privacy 

Disadvantages –  

  • Not enough room separation. Since all of the rooms are located on the same floor, creating separation between living spaces and bedrooms can be difficult.  
  • Lack of security  
  • Size can be an issue.  

How much do bungalows cost in the Uk?  

The cost of building a bungalow in the UK depends on the size and complexity of the structure. In total, the average cost of building a bungalow can range anywhere between £181,000 and £552,000. This is because the cost of a bungalow is influenced by land costs and the size of the plot.  

How long does it to build a bungalow?  

The time it takes to build all depends on the size of the house and the specifications of the design. But on average it should take between 4 and 5 ½ months to build a bungalow. However, this time could extend it any complications occur.  

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Advice Center, Planning Permission

How to apply for a dropped kerb

16th December 20210

A dropped kerb is where there is a dip in the path and kerb that lets you park your car on a driveway outside your house. The kerb is dropped from the normal height and the path is strengthened to take the weight of the vehicle.  

Before you apply –  

To have a dropped kerb it must: 

  • Leave enough room for you to park your vehicle completely on the property. 
  • Be a minimum width of 2.4m  
  • Be more than 10m away from a road junction.  
  • Meets visibility guidelines 
  • Have suitable drainage near your house.  
  • Be at least 1.5m from streetlights. 
  • Avoid removing tree roots 
  • Have permission from the property owner. 

Planning permission –  

You must contact your council to find out if you require planning permission for a dropped kerb. Then, if the council confirms that you need to require permission, you will then have to apply for an application. However, if the council tells you planning permission isn’t necessary, they would require confirmation. 

Existing dropped kerbs –  

If you would like to extend an existing dropped kerb, you must create a new application.  

Application cost –  

Householder application  

  • The cost to apply for permission is £320 
  • £150 will be returned if the permission is declined or not approved.  
  • Applications are usually handled by the housing or environmental health department at your local council. 

Developer application 

Administration and inspection fees are based on the following rules:  

  • 2 to 5 properties – £215 per property 
  • 6 to 25 properties – £106 per property 
  • More than 25 properties – £2,650 

Building cost –  

Once you have got the planning permission, you can then hire a contractor to start the work.  

The average cost of building a drop kerb, and depending on the complexity will cost around £1000. And a contractor will usually charge an additional £180 – £220.  

There can also be additional costs that you should be aware of. Here is a list of extra things you may want to consider when dropping a kerb:  

  • New driveway 
  • Wall demolition 
  • New driveway gate 
  • New fence 
  • Skip hire 
  • CCTV system  
  • Outdoor lighting 
  • Removing trees 
  • Moving a street light 

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