ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN
When it comes turning the house you own into a home you love, we understand it means putting your faith into a design team that is competent, experienced and knowledgeable. Creating and remodelling space that meets the unique needs of the client and property requires a high level of expertise and experience in both design, construction and build costs. We can help you to define what you want to build whilst focusing on value for money and designing out as many issues as possible long before a spade hits the ground.
What we do: Provide architectural drawings for planning permission and building regulations approval.
Who do we work with: Homeowners looking to make better use of their space or create more of it. Individuals and companies that have the opportunity to develop land and property.
REGULATED BY RICS
We are regulated by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors which is of the highest industry standards in terms of ethics and practice values.
ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN SERVICES
- EXTENSIONS
- INTERNAL ALTERATIONS
- LOFT CONVERSIONS
- STRUCTURAL CALCULATIONS
- NEW BUILDS
- BARN CONVERSIONS
- COMMERCIAL UNITS
- GARAGE CONVERSIONS
EXTENSIONS
Need an extra bedroom or more living space but don’t want to move? Home extensions are probably our most popular service. There are a variety of ways which you can incorporate an extension onto your property and depending on size and style, you may not need planning permission. Most properties have an allotted allowance of which they can extend their property without needing to go through the HouseHolder planning process, known as Permitted Development.
Project Types:
- Single storey rear extension
- Single storey side extension
- Single storey wrap-around extension (side & rear)
- Two storey rear extension
- Two storey side extension
- Two storey wrap-around extension (side & rear)
- Garage extension
Not on the list? We can provide a personal service tailored to your specific needs.
INTERNAL ALTERATIONS
Remodelling the internal layout of homes is often a more cost-effective alternative to adding an extension. Very often when extensions are added, internal alterations are part of the associated works. Generally, this doesn’t require planning permission but it will usually always require building regulations approval.
Project Types:
- Open-plan ground floor living
- Creation of office spaces
- Altering bedroom layouts to include en suite facilities or dressing rooms
Not on the list? We can provide a personal service tailored to your specific needs.
LOFT CONVERSIONS
Maybe you don’t have the space to extend or need an extra bedroom in which case, a loft conversion may be the most economical solution. You could convert the existing loft space, add a dormer or raise the ridge height. As with extensions, some loft conversions can be carried out under Permitted Development but there are some projects which require HouseHolder planning permission. There are building regulations to adhere to internally in terms of ceiling heights and fire safety. Making use of this existing space, particularly in terraced houses, will increase the value of the property.
Project Types:
- Loft conversion
- Dormer extension to the rear
- Dormer extension to the front
- Raised ridge height to create additional storey
Not on the list? We can provide a personal service tailored to your specific needs.
STRUCTURAL CALCUALTIONS
This service often goes hand in hand with the majority of other design services we provide. When you carry out any works to load-bearing elements e.g., creating new openings (walls / doors), you will likely need a form of structural support. Structural calculations are a set of mathematics which provide information as to what supports (usually, steelwork) are needed. This information is necessary not only for your contractors but also to satisfy the building regulations.
We can provide structural design and calculations for small, residential projects. Where larger, more complex design is required, we have established working relationships with local Chartered Structural Engineers.
Project Types:
- Removal of walls to provide open-plan living space.
- Creating an opening to install bi-fold doors or extensive glazing.
- Changing a flat ceiling to a pitched ceiling and/or installing rooflights.
NEW BUILDS
Whether you are a developer looking to create a small housing site or an individual realising a life-long dream to build your own house, we know what it takes to turn a new build vision into reality. We can hold your hand through what is often a complex, time-consuming process and connect you with other trusted professionals (such as planning consultants, structural engineers, SAP assessors, interior designers, etc.) from acquiring the site and obtaining all statutory approvals to construction drawings and appointing reputable contractors.
Project Types:
- Self-builds
- Small, residential developments
Not on the list? We can provide a personal service tailored to your specific needs.
BARN CONVERSIONS
Turning an agricultural building into a unique home packed with character is a fantastic use of old, redundant spaces. Existing structures like barns and farm buildings offer design opportunities to marry old with modern or keep to an authentic country feel whether that’s through choice of contrasting materials, feature glazing or bespoke open-plan design. Like traditional new build developments, barn conversions require the engagement and coordination of relevant professionals, obtaining statutory consents and appointing a construction team.
COMMERCIAL UNITS
Non-domestic premises can be a little more complex in terms of fire safety and licensing. We can assist in Change of Use for both planning and building regulations purposes. As every commercial project will have a unique set of circumstances, it’s always best to pick up the phone and discuss with us.
Project Types:
- Shop / Office / Bar fitouts (including Fire Strategy under ADB or BS9999)
- New build small scale commercial units
- Extension to small scale commercial units
Not on the list? We can provide a personal service tailored to your specific needs.
GARAGE CONVERSIONS
Converting your garage may be the best way of creating the extra space you need and utilising your existing footprint. Older properties tend have small attached and detached garages that would struggle to fit modern cars and so using the space as an additional room will not only add value but also be more practical. Whilst converting existing garages rarely needs planning approval, it will need building regulations approval to ensure elements such as damp-proofing, drainage and thermal efficiency are in place.
Project Types:
- Garage to office space
- Garage to additional bedroom or playroom
Creation of a linkway between main property and detached garage
In need of a set of house plans?
Call us today on 01257 433893 for a free consultation
FAQ’s
WHAT ARE THE BUILDING REGULATIONS AND WHY DO I NEED THEM?
Standards set by Government to make buildings safe, stable, energy efficient and accessible for all.
- Structurally stable
- Water-proof
- Fire-protected
- Energy efficient
- Accessible for people’s health and safety needs
You don’t always need planning permission when making changes to a property but you usually always need building regulations approval.
Do I need Planning Permission?
Property / home owners have a legal duty to apply for building regulations approval before carrying out any works at their property.
Planning permission is a formal, legal process to obtaining agreement from your local council that you can make the changes you request to your property.
There are different types of planning permission – this depends on the size, location and style of the proposed project.
This can only be granted by your Local Authority.
Do I really need a plan?
Think of these as visual representations of what you want to create. They contain instructions and materials of what needs to be used for construction. They are a guide for cost and offer you protection that what is to be built meets the standards.
Architectural plans / drawings are the best way of putting forward your intended project when trying to obtain planning approval and in order to obtain building regulations approval.
DO I NEED PLANNING PERMISSION AND/OR BUILDING REGULATIONS BEFORE I CAN COMMENCE WORK?
Yes.
If your project requires planning permission, you need to obtain this first and foremost. There is no point in considering submitting building regulations drawings until what you want to build has been approved to be built by the council.
Once you have planning permission or, if you don’t require planning permission, you need to submit your application for building regulations approval at least one week before work commences on site.
We always recommend 2-3 weeks before works start just so you understand the process and have the paperwork you need and contractors are informed.
DO I NEED TO MAKE A BUILDING REGUALTIONS APPLICATION TO REPLACE MY WINDOWS?
You have two options for this:
Either make an application to a building control body for replacement window installations.
Or, use a FENSA registered window installer to carry out the works.
You will need to pass on the certification you receive as part of this upgrade if ever you sell your property.
I WANT TO REMOVE A WALL IN MY HOUSE, DOES THIS NEED BUILDING REGULATIONS APPROVAL?
If you remove or alter a load-bearing wall or element; affect the means of escape in the event of a fire and / or create new habitable space, then it’s more than likely you need to make a building regulations alteration.
Each project is unique and that’s why it’s always best to give us a call to discuss your needs so we can best advise you in relation to planning, building regulations, affordability and practicality.
ENQUIRE TODAY
Every project and every client’s circumstances are unique. We find the best way to get to know you and what you need is through a chat over the phone. Please take a few moments to complete the enquiry form and we will get in touch to see how we can help.