What are the benefits of employing an architect for home extension and renovation projects?
The many years of formal training and working experience we undertake to become registered architects have gained us the skillset to produce detailed designs for your home that are uniquely based upon your particular needs and aspirations. We can help you to develop and refine your vision, designing projects that are sensitive to the architecture of your existing home, enhance features you would like to maintain, and to create beautiful and practical spaces. We can also help you in the facilitation of your project, such as appointing a contractor, and managing the project on site.
As architects our profession is regulated by the Architects Registration Board (ARB). The ARB outlines a set of strict standards our practice must abide by for the benefit of the clients we serve. You can read more about these standards here
We are also a RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects) Chartered Practice. This means that we commit to uphold ourselves to a further code of professional conduct which includes our honesty and integrity as professionals, our competency and our role as an employer. You can read more about this code here
What kind of packages of work do you offer?
We can take your project to any work stage you require, invoicing per stage. Below can give you an idea of what is included in each work stage:
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Stage 1: Briefing, Survey and Concept Design
- Briefing discussion (initial consultation)
- Measured survey of your property so we can create accurate 2D drawings as well as a 3D CAD model. We find this useful for clients to better visualise their project.
- Creation of initial sketch feasibility options to meet the brief, and considering the budget
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Stage 2: Design Development
- Meeting to discuss sketch options and how these can be developed Development of preferred design
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Stage 3: Planning Application (if required)
- Preparation of existing and proposed planning drawings
- Preparation of Planning Statement, if required
- Completion of planning forms and submission to Local Authority
- Negotiations with planning officers, as required
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Stage 4: Pricing Package
- Preparation of a detailed set of drawings for builders to prepare a quote from.
- The benefits of this include a more accurate quote and larger control over finishes, construction types and detailing. These drawings include:
- Annotated/dimensioned plans, elevations and sections
- Construction Types (showing construction build-ups)
- Working with a structural engineer and co-ordinating the designs (we can source quotes based on those we work with regularly)
- Other packages if required, such as Scope of Works, Finishes/Door/Window Schedules, Lighting/Electrical layouts, junction details etc.
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Stage 5: Building Control Submission
- Either Full Plans (to Local Authority or Approved Inspector) or Notice application
- We can complete the forms and send in the necessary material
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Stage 6 onwards: Construction
- We can be involved as much as is needed in:
- Inviting/comparing builders’ quotes
- Contract preparation/administration (although a signed contract is less common in domestic projects)
- Site meetings/visits
- Further detailed drawings as required.
- We can be involved as much as is needed in:
What happens at an initial consultation?
At an initial consultation, we are seeking to get to know you and understand your aspirations for your project. We also want to let you know more about how we work and what you can expect from us. We offer these consultations in person at your property, or if preferred over video call. After this meeting we can then provide a fee proposal for our full range of services.
Do I require planning permission for a loft conversion?
Often, loft conversions do not require planning permission as they can be considered as permitted development. However, this is subject to a number of limits and conditions. In this blog post, we distil what these conditions are, and demonstrate some of the most common ways to convert your loft space.
Is it possible to extend my home within permitted development?
Yes, it is also possible to add rear and side extensions within permitted development. As with loft conversions, this is subject to a number of limits and conditions explained here. On visiting your home for a survey we will also be able to further advise you on the development possibilities for your project.
What are building regulations? And do I need to adhere to them?
Most extensions of properties require approval under the Building Regulations, although some classes of new buildings and extensions of existing buildings are exempt. You can read more about building regulations here
What type of loft conversions are there?
When we talk about loft conversions we often refer to a number of different ways we can create a usable space in your loft that best satisfies your brief. For example, it might be important to you to maximise a certain view or to include a bathroom, dressing room or even study space. These aspirations, as well as your property type, might influence what type of loft conversion is best suited to your project. Below we have illustrated and explained the uses for the most common loft conversion types.
Dormer
The most common loft conversion type is the dormer. The dormer is a structural extension that projects from the slope of the existing roof, increasing head height in your loft space. Dormers are suitable for most property types and can often be built under permitted development conditions if added to the rear of your property.
Hip to Gable Extension
Hip-to-Gable extensions are ideal for semi-detached and detached homes. They change the sloped end of the roof (the hip) to a vertical wall, creating a gable.
Combination of Both
When used in conjunction with a rear dormer, a hip-to-gable extension can greatly increase headroom within permitted development conditions.
Permitted development or planning application for a loft conversion?
Many loft conversions come under permitted development and will not require planning permission. The following considerations can help you to assess whether this will be the case for your home:
- Your home is not situated in a National Park, the Broads, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, conservation areas or World Heritage Sites.
- A volume allowance of 40 cubic metres additional roof space for terraced houses. (It is worth noting that any previous roof extension must be included into this volume allowance even if it was carried out by previous owners).
- A volume allowance of 50 cubic metres additional roof space for detached and semi-detached houses. (It is worth noting that any previous roof extension must be included into this volume allowance even if it was carried out by previous owners).
- Hip-to -gable extensions are mostly accepted by permitted development. However, some councils may place additional conditions on roof form over an existing side extension. When we come to survey your property we can help you assess whether this would apply to your home.
- Rear dormers are acceptable under permitted development, however, front dormers will require planning permission. Despite this, rooflights to the front of your property can still come under permitted development.
- Mansard roof extensions will nearly always require planning permission.
- Material choice will need to be similar in appearance to the existing house.
- Roof extensions cannot project higher than the existing roof or overhang the outer face of the wall of the original house.
- Side facing windows will be required to be obscure-glazed.
- Balconies will require planning permission.
We hope this is a useful tool to understand the possibilities of converting your loft space within permitted development or otherwise. If you would like to discuss your project further, we would love to hear from you to arrange an initial consultation.
We trust that these FAQs have been helpful. If you are still needing advice, please contact us today!
