10 Things To Consider For Your Project
Your first meeting with us is an exciting opportunity to kick-off your project. To make the most of it, it’s worth thinking about the points below.
Before starting your project, it’s worth thinking about the points below.
1. Tell us about you
We’ll be making decisions on your behalf so we want to get to know you. We’ll benefit from understanding who you are, who is in your family (now and in the future), how you spend your time and what you enjoy doing together.
2. What is the main reason for your project?
Is your family growing? Does your current layout not work? If not why? Do you have a vision for how you’d like to use your home? What kind of lifestyle will the project enable you to have?
3. Current problems
Think about what is and what isn’t currently working in your home.
4. Design priorities
What are the ‘must-haves’ and what are the ‘nice-to haves’ in your project?
5. Your tastes and preferences
Reference images from websites such as Pinterest, Dezeen, Instagram and home websites magazines will help convey your tastes.
6. Property information
Before the consultation, provide as much property information as possible. This could include foor plans, title plans, any surveys and interior and external photographs.
7. What services do you require?
Architects can provide a range of services, from help with planning permission only, to producing detailed construction information, help finding a builder and managing the entire project through to completion.
8. Budget
Have an idea of the budget, as it will shape the entire project. You may be unsure what to spend, if so us for guidance.
9. Timescale
Do you need the project completed by a certain date?
10. Questions
Prepare a list of questions to ensure all your queries are answered. If the answers given don’t make sense, ask for clarification until you’re satisfied.
Call us to get started:
0121 633 5538
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A Guide to Permitted Development
A comprehensive guide to permitted development rules for householders.
Permitted development rights make it easier to extend and create new homes without the time and expense involved in applying for planning permission.
Permitted Development Rights for House Extensions
So long as certain conditions are met, many home extensions will fall under permitted development. These conditions are outlined below:
Single-Storey Extensions
The following criteria must be met for single-storey extension to fall under permitted development:
Extensions can’t cover more than half the area of land around the original house*
No extension forward of the principal elevation or side-elevation fronting a highway
Materials to be similar in appearance to original house
Side extensions must be single storey
Width of side extension must not be greater than half that of the original house
Maximum eaves and ridge height no higher than existing house
If within 2m of a boundary, maximum eves height of 3m
Maximum height of 4m
For a single storey rear extension, it must not extend beyond rear wall of original house by more than 4m if a detached house; or more than 3m for any other house
Two-Storey Extensions
The following criteria must be met for two-storey extension to fall under permitted development:
Extensions can’t cover more than half the area of land around the original house*
Maximum eaves and ridge height no higher than existing house
If within 2m of a boundary, maximum eaves height of 3m
Extensions or more than one storey must not extend beyond the rear of the original house by more than 3m, or be within 7m of any boundary opposite the rear wall of the house
Roof pitch to match that of existing house as far as possible
Materials to be similar in appearance to original house
Upper floor windows in a side elevation must be obscured glazing and non-opening unless the openable part is more than 1.7m above floor level
Balconies and verandas are not permitted development
*Original house - the house as it was first built or as it stood on 1 July 1948
Visit the Planning Portal for more information
House Extension Tips: 14 Ideas for a successful project
Building work of any kind is complex and fraught with risk. Below is a list of house extension tips and ideas to assist with your project.
Building work of any kind is complex and fraught with risk. Below is a list of house extension tips and ideas to assist with your project.
1. Spend time writing a good brief
When extending your home, a brief is the road map for the project. It explains your requirements and will constantly evolve and be referred to. The brief should include the budget and timescale. When writing it, some questions to consider are: Why do you want to extend or remodel? What doesn’t work at the moment? What problems are you having? An architect can help develop the brief but its a good idea to think things through in advance.
2. Be clear on the budget
Deciding on the budget for the project is important to avoid misunderstandings and problems later on. Aside from the building work itself, remember to allow for the interiors, furniture, landscaping, professional fees, planning fees, building control fees and finance costs.
3. Have a contingency
After determining how much money you want to spend on the project, take off 10 - 20% for a contingency.
4. Do you need to extend?
Sometimes less costly improvements, such as dividing or combining rooms, can be just as effective. Moving house might be a better option for some. A feasibility study which considers numerous options and gives a basic indication of cost could be a good place to start. More time spent thinking things through at this early stage can save time and unnecessary expense.
5. Be open minded
Opportunities and ideas always arise during the design process. To take advantage of these, it’s a good idea not to fixate on any particular outcome or requirement.
6. Include the neighbors
Keep the neighbors informed of your plans to avoid unnecessary conflicts. Talking them through the drawings will help them understand the work fully.
7. The Party Wall Act
Most extension projects require a party wall notice to be served to the neighbors. Not doing so could be against the law and turn out to be very costly. You can serve this yourself by downloading the appropriate form or you could use a party wall surveyor. Check out this guide for help
8. Use a QS
For more complex projects, predicting costs accurately is almost impossible at the earlier stages of a project. For reassurance, getting help from a quantity surveyor is a good idea. They can be employed at an hourly rate to look over the figures at key stages of the project.
9. Fix existing defects
Also known as remedial work, any existing problems with your house should be identified before starting new work.
10. Finding a reputable builder
A good builder is essential for a successful house extension project. Personal recommendations from friends, neighbors or your architect should enable you to draw up a shortlist. Membership of a professional organisation is a good sign but by no means guarantees quality work. When checking references try to visit previous projects and speak to previous customers directly.
11. Avoid changes on site
However tempting it may be, making last minute changes to the design is never a good idea. Most builders will price late additions at a premium as, having already been appointed, they no longer need to be competitive. For bespoke projects, having a detailed specification for the construction work and sticking to it ensures prices have been agreed there are no late surprises to either party.
12. Use an industry standard construction contract
For complex projects, having a contract with the builder is essential. It will hold the builder (and homeowner) to account on the quality, cost and timescale of your project. RIBA or JCT building contracts are widely used and fair to all sides. They can be administered by an architect or homeowners.
13. Make sure insurance is in place
If your house is damaged during the build, you need to know your home insurance policy will cover the cost. Contact your insurer to check.
14. Think about the landscaping
The garden is often an afterthought in renovation projects. Integrating its design early in the design process and allocating a portion of the budget ensures opportunities are not missed.
