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the home extension toolkit
Everything you need to know, before, you get started on your home extension project
A home extension isn't a small project, even if your particular extension's fairly small in size.
There are a plethora of decisions to make and a whole raft of legislation that may or may not apply to your home extension project, depending on the exact nature of it. The question is, do you know all the 'ins and outs' and how they apply to you and your project?
If you're like most people, the answer's going to be an emphatic 'no', which is exactly why we decided to produce this highly informative toolkit. If you're planning a home extension, it's the best way to get up to speed with everything you need to know.
Here's what's Included in Your Home Extension Toolkit
Why Use an Architect?
What are Architects? Find out what distinguishes a professional architect from everyone else.
What are Architectural Designers? Many people think they're the same as an architect. They're not.
Professional Indemnity What is it and why do you need the benefit of it?
What difference does having an architect make? All-in-all, it's huge.
Why tomes architects? There are some really good reasons to consider tomes architects.
Six Misconceptions over Employing an Architect
They're too expensive: Are they really? Or are they excellent value?
They'll design something over your budget: Many people think that way. Are they correct?
They won't listen to you and will design what they think you should have: Why would they do that?
I have a friend/relative/builder who can do it all: Might that leave you vulnerable?
And so on: Don't make poor decisions based on misconceptions. Focus on the facts.
what permissions do I need?
What is Permitted Development? It's important to know.
What's available for my house? The rules affect different properties in different ways.
What restrictions are there? It's all to easy to get caught out by these.
Do I need Planning Permission? You do need to get this one right.
How do I know? That's a really good question and this will help.
The Difference Between Planning and Building Regulations
What is Planning Permission? It's distinctly different from Building Regulations.
What are Building Regulations? You may well need these, even if you don't need Planning Permission.
What drawings and plans do I need? If you don't have the right ones, you will have problems.
What is compliance? Building is dangerous if standards aren't adhered to.
the building regulations explained
The Guidance: Understanding what areas are covered.
Procedure: Following the required procedures will provide compliance.
Full Plans: What documents are required if you need to provide full plans?
Building Notice: An alternative method suitable for straightforward extensions, etc.
Understanding the complexities: Essential, if you want to avoid serious challenges.
Don't Ignore the Party Wall Act
What is The Party Wall Act? A straight forward explanation.
What is a Party Wall? You need to know because there's a lot more to it than you might think.
What's covered by The Act? The Party Wall Act can be very complex.
What's the initial procedure? Things need to be handled in the right way.
What if my neighbours dissent? It's important to understand your rights - and those of your neighbours.
How Much Do House Extensions Cost?
Is there a 'Rule of Thumb' guide to costs? A useful guide for estimating the cost of your project.
Does a second storey have lower costs? Let's examine this in detail.
What are the variables? What things can easily impact the cost?
Do I need a contingency? And if so, how much should I allow?
How can I keep costs under control? There are some really good strategies that can help.
Permitted Development for a Loft Conversion
Does my loft conversion qualify as Permitted Development? Is it that simple a question?
Can I do whatever I want? There are limits and conditions that need to be met.
Do all types of property qualify? There are a number of exclusions.
How do these affect my property? It depends on a number of factors.
Extending Your Home Under Permitted Development
Understanding Permitted Development: What is it and how does it affect your property.
What's available for your house? We break down the rules as they apply to different property types.
Are there restrictions for this type of development? There are - and it's important to understand them.
How do you know that what you've built is covered? This can cause problems when you come to sell.
Permitted Development criteria? We provide you with a comprehensive break down.
Extending Your Home Upwards
What are you allowed to do? Here's a full breakdown of what you can and can't do.
Can any type of property be extended upwards? We go over the entry criteria.
I you're thinking of extending upwards: Here are a few things to consider.
Are all properties treated the same? Different criteria apply to different property types.
How is the new legislation applied? Working with local authorities.
Next Steps
There's a lot of information to take in: We can help you find clarity through all that confusion.
Every answer brings a new question: That's understandable. Your property and your project are unique.
The thought of this is scary: We can guide you and 'hold your hand', calming any scary thoughts.
Not sure how things apply to your property and project? We can help you understand.
Not ready to commit? There's absolutely no obligation and general advice is always free.
Simply fill in the form to request your free copy of our Home Extension Toolkit.
You'll be glad you did.