My Local Architect Blog

Contents.

What are the benefits of a garage extension?

Will a garage extension add value to my property?

Do I need planning permission to build a garage extension?

What type of garage extension should I build?

What else should I consider for a garage extension?

Do I need an architect for my garage extension?

Original article can be found at - Garage Extensions Guide. A Complete Guide To Garage Extensions. (evarchitects.com)

A garage extension can be a fantastic way to add space and value to your home.

With house prices soaring, more and more people are seeking ways to maximize their current living space and find new storage. Garages are of course great for housing cars and bikes (a major plus in areas with limited parking!), but they’re also highly versatile spaces – with potential for home offices, playrooms or guest accommodation.

Whether you’re just thinking about a garage extension or already set-on a specific project, here’s a complete guide to garage extensions that includes everything you need to know to transform your garage.

1. What are the benefits of a garage extension?

There are so many good reasons for extending your garage. It’s a project that can have a massive impact on the way you use your home and outdoor space.

Here’s just a few benefits:

Space: It’s an obvious benefit but a big one. You’re creating extra space for your home. How you use it is up to you!

Value: Garage extensions often add significant value to your property, great news when you come to sell.

Parking: If you’re turning a one-car garage into two (or even three), this is a particular bonus in areas where parking is at a premium.

Cost: In terms of home-design projects, garage extensions tend to be cost-efficient. Whether luxury and bespoke, or simple and functional – you decide on your budget and goals.

2. Will a garage extension add value to my property?

Garage extensions increase the square footage of your home… and this often adds value.

As a rule of thumb.

Virgin Money estimates a 10-20% return on “well considered” garage extension projects that enhance the functionality and aesthetics of your home.

Nonetheless.

there are plenty of factors to consider. Not least how much you’re spending on the project. For instance, if you’re opting for beautiful, high-end exterior finishes and interior fittings, you run the risk of going over the “ceiling price” for your property.

Other factors impacting the value a garage extension brings include your location (i.e. city or rural), the complexity of your site, the quality of the build and materials used. In general, garage extensions with conversions (for instance, creating an office, bedroom or playroom) typically add the most value.

None of this is set in stone though. So if potential profit is important to you, chat to your architectural team about maximizing value. They’ll be able to advise on the best designs for your needs.

3. Do I need planning permission to build a garage extension?

The short answer is, sometimes.

You’ll probably need planning permission to build your garage extension, but there are certain projects allowed under permitted development rights. Depending on the location of the project and proximity to neighbours, you might also need a party wall agreement.

The most common route for a garage extension is a full planning application. Alternatively, you can apply for a “lawful development certificate” if you’re using permitted development rights. This mainly covers rear or side garage extensions. If you’re adding a second storey or live in a listed building or a conservation area however – you’ll need prior permission.

If you’re in doubt at any point, contact your local council’s planning department. It pays to get the legal documents right from the start, to avoid any stressful situations further down the line.

4. What type of garage extension should I build?

There are so many options when building a garage extension – and costs can range anywhere from £5,000 to £25,000 and up.

For instance.

Do you want to go single or double storey? Brick, concrete blocks or wood? Where do you want to place the extension and how will this impact your existing home and garden? Each choice has cost implications too, so it pays to do your research at an early stage.

To help your decision, here’s a few considerations:

Single vs Double Storey

Single storey garage extensions are often more straightforward and more likely to fall within permitted development rights. They do eat-up more garden space however (which can sometimes have a negative impact on your property’s value), so think carefully about what you want for your home.

Double storey extensions are often better if you’re hoping to combine a conversion (and extra living space) with a “standard” garage extension project. As well as single or double storey, expect to pay more for a double-width garage than a single-car garage. As a rule of thumb, the greater the square footage, the greater the price.

Flat vs Pitched Roof

The two common types of roof are pitched roofs (matching the angle of your home) and a flat roof. Flat roofs tend to be much simpler and cheaper, making it an ideal choice if you’re thinking about a second storey in the future. Nonetheless, pitched roofs are often better for adding value to your property, and have less issues with leaks and weak points.

Detached vs Attached

A detached garage is classed as an outbuilding, and if you’re planning to use it for extra bedroom space (or adding a bathroom), planning permission will be required. This will also come with extra costs for getting wiring and electricity across (as opposed to a structure attached to your home).

If you’re opting for an attached structure, consider how it will impact the look and flow of your current home. Whilst this may come with costs in terms of higher-quality finishes, windows and doors, you might save money when connecting utilities due to the reduced distance.

Building Materials

A single-storey, prefabricated concrete garage is one of the most cost-effective options available. Prefab garages are quickest and cheapest to build, but offer less security, longevity and flexibility in design.

Prices increase if you opt for metal or wood constructions. If you own a period home, wood-framed designs can be great for creating an in-keeping structure. They are more prone to mould and deformation though, requiring ongoing maintenance and care.

A traditional brick garage is one of the most expensive options, but also the most common and versatile construction method that’s most likely to add value to your home. You could also opt for a garage made from concrete blocks (as opposed to bricks) which are cheaper, but offer less design choice.

Checkatrade has a rough guide to costs for garage extensions, great for initial ideas before chatting with your architectural team about plans and budget.

5. What else should I consider for a garage extension?

First and foremost, think about how you plan to use the space. For instance, do you want to add external access to your home? Will you need electrical installation and plumbing for water and drainage? These considerations will significantly impact the cost and complexity of the project.

If you’re planning a change of use alongside the extension, will you need to find alternative spots to store white goods, bikes or all those pots of paint and varnish?

Whilst garage extensions can be relatively straightforward, don’t forget early steps like surveyors visits to create drawings of your current space. These will form the foundation of your garage extension project – used by architects, builders and planners alike.

6. Do I need an architect for my garage extension?

If you’re undertaking a very simple prefab project, you could work with a company specialising in design-build garage extensions. If you’re planning anything more complex however, the services of a professional architect are advisable.

They’ll identify creative ways of maximizing the potential of your garage space, and help you create a usable room that flows naturally and beautifully into your existing home. Aside from the design itself, an architect’s hands-on experience can help your project run smoothly, assisting with planning, budgeting and building regs approval, as well as working with contractors.

original article found here - Can I Alter Or Renovate My Listed Building? All Your Questions Answered. (evarchitects.com)

If you’ve just purchased or are considering moving into a listed building – questions about what you can and can’t change are likely to be a top priority.

Introduction.

Listed buildings make up some of the UK’s most beautiful, significant and oldest homes. They are wonderful spaces to live in, full of unique character and history from all architectural periods.

Because of their significant interest, the process of obtaining consent for any changes (as well as understanding what you can renovate) can be tricky. You might be confused about issues like whether it’s just the façade that’s listed, whether you can re-paint or what permissions you need. What about changing internal fixtures and fittings – or windows, doors and external buildings?

To help you better understand making changes to a listed building, here are some of the most common questions – and our expert insights into navigating this occasionally complex but always rewarding process…

Why are buildings listed?

Listings are given to buildings in order to mark historical and architectural interest, and to protect buildings from any inappropriate alterations.

Generally speaking, the older a building is – the more likely it is to be listed. All buildings constructed before 1700 (surviving near to their original condition) are listed, as well as most buildings constructed before 1840.

For modern buildings, listings are only given for particularly remarkable architectural or cultural significance.

What is a listed building?

If a building has listed status, it receives additional legal protection within the planning system. 

There are at least 500,000 listed buildings in England. Sometimes a single listing may cover an entire row of houses however, so it is difficult to state the exact number with precision.

Listed buildings come in all manner of sizes and shapes. They range from simple terraced houses to idyllic country cottages, the grandest of stately homes or even London underground stations!

There are three main categories:

Grade I – the most stringent rating for buildings of exceptional interest. Only 2.5% of listed buildings are Grade I.

Grade II* – buildings of more than special interest. 5.5% of listed buildings are Grade II.

Grade II – buildings of special interest, making up the majority (92%) of all listed homes in England.

How can I find out if my home is listed?

When purchasing a property, your solicitors should advise on whether your home is listed or not. If there’s any confusion or queries on the listing, you should consult your local authority planning department.

You can also search the National Heritage List for England for a complete list of all protected buildings in England (and the reasons for the listing). As well as homes, this also includes monuments, wrecks, parks, gardens and historic battlefields.

What renovation work can I do on a listed building?

Every listed property is unique and needs to be assessed on a case-by-case basis. Whilst renovation work is possible for listed buildings, seek planning advice at the earliest stages.

Contrary to popular preconceptions, extensions are viable on listed buildings. Sometimes, planning officers might request a “visual contrast” with the existing building to accurately reflect old and new elements. In other cases, you might have to precisely match finishes and materials.

Collaborating with specialist construction professionals (including architects accredited in conservation) is essential for listed buildings. Even seemingly small details such as the type of cement pointing can significantly impact the structural integrity and breathability of older buildings.

Whilst interior decorative finishes are generally fine to replace if they’re new – you’ll need consent for removing older fitted furniture, paint or light fittings. Don’t forget your listing can also extend to outbuildings, attached structures and boundary walls.

For more information, Historic England has a guide for owners of listed buildings, including what changes you can and can’t make to kitchens, bathrooms, windows, extensions, dealing with damp, saving energy and more.

Do I need authorisation for changes?

Most buildings fall into a Grade II listing. As a rule, you can maintain your listed property utilising like-for-like materials and traditional methods (for instance repairing a sash window) without prior consent.

Despite this, tread carefully. Whilst refreshing the paintwork might be fine, you can’t remove historic layers underneath. Even that wonky ivy-clad garden wall may require special building consent to repair, alter or remove.

You should generally apply for prior listed building consent for any work that involves altering, extending or demolishing your home where it could impact the building’s special architectural or historic interest.

Establishing what work requires consent can be complex, so it’s vital to consult expert advice from local authorities, heritage bodies or statutory consultees such as the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (SPAB).

Of course, any authorisation would be granted alongside the usual planning permissions and building regulations that apply to all homes in the UK.

Is it an offence to complete work without authorisation?

In short, yes.

Unauthorised alterations to listed buildings can be subject to enforcement action or criminal prosecution. Your local council conservation officer acts as the guardian of the nation’s built heritage and carries significant responsibility.

With an enforcement notice, planning authorities can request all work (undertaken without consent) is reversed. If this isn’t possible, criminal prosecutions are possible.

You may also struggle selling a property without listed building consent for any changes – as the lack of permission will arise during legal searches.

Further considerations for renovating listed buildings.

If you’re considering making changes to your listed building, consult local authority experts and specialist architectural teams from the very first stages of the project.

Once you’ve submitted your planning application, you’ll usually receive a decision within two months from your local planning authority.

To help with the process, Historic England offers services such as the Listing Enhancement Service which clearly explains what’s protected as part of your listing. They also offer other enhanced advisory services such as fast track listing, extended pre-application advice and screening for potential listings.

Of course, as with any older building, it’s wise to be realistic about costs (as the use of cheap modern materials often isn’t possible) and prepare a contingency fund for any surprises along the way.

For anyone building their own property, or even purchasing a new build home from a developer – you’ve got your pick of architectural styles.

What styles do you like?

Do you love Victorian decorative detailing, the bold geometry of Art Deco, smooth contemporary lines or the refined elegance of the Georgian period? Finding it hard to decide?

Well you’re not alone!

Just about everything, from the scope and shapes of windows and doors, to slope of the roof, construction materials and decorative detailing impacts how a house looks and feels. With so many options, there are lots of decisions to be made.

Look.

Today, we explore some of the most popular house styles in the UK – to provide an overview of the best-loved architectural designs. Learn what defines an architectural style, some interesting history and details you can emulate from looks you love.

Whether you’re building, renovating or buying, we’ve got all the inspiration you need…

Tudor and Mock-Tudor Styles.

Many UK developers and architects continue to borrow detailing from the Tudor period – and for good reason! Originating in the 1500s, this style is instantly recognizable for its black and white façades with exposed beams and overhanging second stories.

Original Tudor buildings were usually half-timbered, constructed using a wooden frame packed with wattle and daub. The “daub” filling would be whitewashed, giving the houses their unique monochrome appearance.

Whilst building methods have changed, the look has remained popular ever since, with mock-Tudor becoming a style in its own right.

Key elements incorporate:

Exposed beams and decorative timbers

Steeply pitched gabled roofs

Tall, narrow windows with small leaded panes

Arched doorways (often using stone)

Red brick walls and chimneys

Georgian Architectural Styles.

Georgian homes (a style which began in the 1700s) are classically elegant. They were inspired by the graceful designs of the Italian architect, Andrea Palladio, as well as the classical work of Inigo Jones.

This stylistic revolution saw grand homes built largely out of stone, with symmetrical façades and ornate decorative flourishes. Greek motifs (such as pillars and porticos) became a popular part of later homes built in this style.

Georgian architecture remains one of the most popular and sought-after architectural styles to this day.

Characteristics include:

Tall sash windows with lots of smaller panes

Smaller windows on third storey and above

Symmetrical exteriors with the front door in the centre

Classical elements such as columns, porticoes and pediments

Often featuring steps to the main entrance

Victorian Architectural Styles.

Who doesn’t love a Victorian gem? Even if you’re building from scratch, there’s lots of detail you can borrow from the Victorians. Roughly defined as 1830-1900, houses built during this period (a time of rapid population growth) mix a whole range of styling to great effect.

Influences of Regency buildings can be seen, combined with elaborate Italianate and gothic detailing inspired by Augustus Pugin and John Ruskin.

These ornate designs allowed the newly affluent middle and upper classes to show off their prosperity. So look out for stone detailing (especially pineapples – a sign of welcome and wealth) topping gateposts in particular!

Popular features include:

High-pitched roofs with ornate detailing

Patterned brickwork

Front doors to one side of the front façade

Porches with decorative detailing over front doors

Sash and bay, or arched windows

Arts and Crafts Styles.

The Arts and Crafts Movement (best exemplified by the author, artist and political theorist William Morris) had a profound impact on architectural styles in the UK.

Expressive, functional and free of unnecessary decoration – Arts and Crafts principles were adopted in the Edwardian era. These homes were much less showy than their Victorian counterparts, with lighter, brighter interiors. This resulted in architecture with a simpler, more pared-back appearance.

The Edwardian Arts and Craft styling also inspired the design of Addison Homes and later 1940s semis after the destruction of the First and Second World Wars.

Defining characteristics include:

Wider and lower than Victorian buildings

Frequent use of red brickwork or pebbledash

Painted porches and verandas with wooden supports

Curved, bay windows with small panes

Use of mock-Tudor elements such as cladding and tapestries

Art Deco Styles.

Art Deco burst onto the artistic and architectural stage with the International Exhibition of Modern Decorative and Industrial Arts, which took place in Paris in 1925. In this period of social and political upheaval, young designers wanted to create a brand new style – and they succeeded.

The style is sometimes confused with modernism (popular in the US and expanding through Europe at this time), but it actually contrasts with the strongly functional designs of architects such as Frank Lloyd Wright and Le Corbusier.

Characterised by strong geometric shapes and bold colours (and adored by modern builders), Art Deco architecture celebrates sunlight and open interiors.

Common features comprise:

Flat roofs and stepped outlines

Windows wrapping around the edges of buildings

Plain white walls, mixing curved and straight forms

Egyptian-style motifs and sunburst detailing

Sleek linear and geometric elements

Contemporary Home Styles.

Whereas many architectural styles directly go against what’s come before (i.e. Edwardian simplicity after Victorian opulence) – contemporary homes build on twentieth century modernism.

Combining the best of modern and contemporary, this style emphasizes individuality.

Despite this, certain trends are apparent. Sustainability is a large concern, with solar panels, natural materials, neutral colour palettes and a focus on energy efficiency common.

Simple, smooth and understated façades define the aesthetic, often mixing old and new. You’ll find juxtapositions of materials, for instance sleek glass or concrete contrasted with traditional stone or brick buildings.

Popular features encompass:

Asymmetrical façades with unconventional roof shapes

Contrasting materials (for instance, stone and wood with steel and glass)

Open spaces and large windows

Environmentally-friendly design and construction

Pared-back decorative detailing

Final thoughts.

Whether you are building a completely new home or purchasing a property from a developer, there are so many styles to choose from. With such a rich architectural history, homebuilders continue to take inspiration from our past – to create the future of housing.

The best way to decide what’s right for you is to get out there and look at different styles. What details do you like and dislike, and do you notice any patterns emerging? With a little bit of research, you’ll soon find an architectural style that matches your tastes perfectly. Good luck, and happy exploring!

In the advent of Covid-19, many of us have had to completely change the way we work. For those without a pre-existing home office, setting up in cramped spare bedrooms, around the kitchen or dining room table, often in rooms shared with partners or children home-schooling has been far from ideal!

A permanent home working space.

To preserve everyone’s peace of mind, there is a growing need to create more permanent home-working spaces, and lofts are ideal candidates. Loft conversions are often the simplest, most cost-effective and least disruptive home extension projects, with myriad options for creating elegant and functional working environments.

So…

If you’re thinking about converting your loft into a home office, we’ve put together some of the key considerations to bear in mind. From the suitability of your space, to storage, lighting, colours, connectivity and furniture finishes – make sure that your project gets off to the best start.

Practical considerations.

Firstly, make sure you’ve assessed whether your roof space is suitable for conversion. Three of the main things to consider are internal height (allowing for 2.5m of vertical space), roof pitch and floor space.

Once stairs, storage and furniture have been added, will your home office be a workable space? The stairs will rise from an existing staircase or hallway – so do consider the space you’ll lose in the rooms below. In addition, if your attic space is used at the moment, will any plumbing, heating or water tanks need to be accommodated elsewhere?

Also.

For any loft conversion, you will need approval under Building Regulations. This includes issues such as checking the structural strength of the floor, fire regulations, exits, safety of stairs and the stability of the existing structure. Having a fully approved Building Regulations plan will also allow builders to provide fixed quotations rather than estimates. This is separate from planning permission, which isn’t usually required unless you are extending or altering the roof itself. It is always advisable to check with your planning department before getting started however.

What types of loft conversion are available?

There are several ways to turn your loft into a workable home office. Factors will include your roof type, how much space you require and your budget.

The three main types of conversion include internal renovations (the simplest option, involving the installation of sky or rooflights), dormer loft conversions (which can range from a small additional box windows to full-height balconies) and full structural conversions that require removal and reconstruction of the roof. This latter option could create a stunning space, but will also be the most expensive and time-consuming project, so do consider your budget, time-scale and amount of energy you can invest.

Lighting.

Having tackled the practical considerations and decided what kind of loft conversion is right for you – the next step is ensuring that your home office is a pleasant, relaxing space to work in. One of the first considerations should be lighting. Maximising the amount of natural light is key to any project, and this will also impact your structural plans. Check what’s allowed under building regulations and ensure that windows are positioned to provide light throughout the whole area.

In addition to windows.

Offices require a combination of artificial lighting types – both general ambient lighting that can be used during the day (for instance from spotlights or downlights on sloping ceilings), as well as more specific task-based lights for reading and working on the computer. If you are installing bookshelves or paintings, are there any accent lighting touches that will create a warm, bright atmosphere? This will impact electrical considerations and placements of sockets, so creating a thorough interior lighting plan from the outset will save costly alterations further down the line.

Storage and shelving.

Loft spaces are often used for storage, so make sure you have considered not only the storage space that your home office will require – but also the existing space you might be losing. Due to the unique shape of many loft conversions, built-in furniture and bookcases are particularly good choices.

To keep a minimal, uncluttered look.

Bespoke shelving built into eaves and nooks, as well as wrap-around desks with in-built drawers can provide a sense of order and harmony. Building furniture up to the roofline will reduce dramatic shapes and angles, as well as maximising available space. When planning your storage, start by listing exactly what you need from your home office. By focusing on what you need rather than what you have, clutter and hoarding will be minimised.

Colour and design.

Choosing an appropriate colour scheme is key to the success or failure of any interior, and your loft office is no exception. This will largely fall to personal taste, but it is an area where the advice of professional interior designers can be invaluable. Loft conversions often create interesting spaces, so especially if you are considering contrasting colours for ceilings, skirtings and architraves – professional knowledge and flair could help avoid any costly and time-consuming errors.

Look.

Darker colours can create a luxurious, intimate feel to a study, enhanced by materials such as dark-woods, industrial lighting and sturdy leather furniture. If your preference is for light, bright spaces, whitewashing beams and flooring can provide a perfect blank canvas for a minimalist work environment.

In addition.

If your beams, bricks or structural supports are exposed, don’t be scared to accentuate the interplay between old and new, rough and smooth. This is your own space, not a staged show room – so go with what you love! If employing a designer is out of your budget, create a mood board by searching Pinterest or interior design magazines and use this to inspire your decoration.

Multitasking.

If you have enough space, your loft office doesn’t have to be a single-purpose room. It could double-up as a guest bedroom by incorporating furniture such as sofa beds, even with a small additional bathroom. Of course, partitioning the space will require more planning and higher costs – but could significantly add to the long-term value of your home.

Do remember however.

If the room will serve a dual purpose, keep the colour scheme and furniture neutral and calming. This will ensure that it is not only a focused space for working, but also a relaxing room for your guests. Closed closets and shelves will keep mess to a minimum.

As a final consideration.

Not every loft extension will have the space to create an entire new room. There may nonetheless be the opportunity to create a beautiful mezzanine. This form of “broken-plan” living successfully differentiates working and living zones, with a small-raised office separated from the existing space.

Connectivity.

Last but not least, make sure you have considered the connectivity and technology required for your home office. Remote working requires a strong internet connection, so ensure that your Wi-Fi reaches the loft space (purchasing a booster or researching suppliers if necessary), as well as if a telephone line is required. Remember to also factor in the number of devices you charge on a regular basis, as this should also be worked into your electrical plans.

Final thoughts.

With these considerations in mind, your home office loft conversion will be off to a great start. Creating a calming, productive and beautiful working space may seem a complex task, but with careful planning and design choices, it can significantly improve your professional and personal life, as well as the overall property value. Good luck and happy converting!

Introduction. 

Every street that I walk down at the moment has numerous sale or sold signs on display, skips on the drive, or scaffolding across the front of the property. It feels as though half the population has decided to move because of the reduction in stamp duty, or they’ve decided to spend money on their existing property while they can, and I don’t blame them!

Every decent architect and builder that I speak to is run off their feet at the moment. I spoke to a reputable builder to get a quote for some new front steps and he doesn’t have time to do it for at least 4 months!  I told him I’m happy to wait 😊

With so many people investing in their existing properties, many of us are tasked with finding a decent architect to help deliver our vision. If you’ve never worked with an architect before, then you may find the following list of questions to ask very helpful before handing them the keys to your project…

A list of questions to ask your architect.

1.      Is this a project you are interested in taking on? – Do you specialise in larger or smaller projects than the one I am proposing?

2.       How busy are you? – Do you have time to complete the work within my schedule?

3.      Can you provide references? – Ideally, Id like reference from customers that have undertaken similar projects to my project.

4.       Is my budget realistic for this project? – Can I afford this project, or should I consider different options?

5.       How much do you charge? – Do you provide a set cost for your services and what is the fee structure for payments? Do you foresee any further additional fees that I may have to pay?

6.       How long will the project take? – How long have similar projects taken? Do you foresee any potential stumbling blocks that may slow the project down?

7.       Are you accredited? – This question is very important. By law, someone that calls themselves an architect must be professionals trained and a member of the ARB (architects registration board). Ideally, they should also be an RIBA chartered practice.

8.       Have you worked with our local planning officials? – It will be helpful if they are familiar with your local authorities’ requirements.

9.       Have you completed similar projects? – it’s good to know that your architects have completed similar projects to the one you’re proposing, and they are also happy to provide references

10.   What are your working methods? – How will each stage of the project be presented and explained to me?

11.   Will you make an initial site visit before committing to our project? – And will I be charge for this?

12.   Will I have a project manager? – trying to deal with numerous points of contact during a construction project can be very stressful. Ideally, you’ll have one person that deals with your entire project from concept to completion.  

13.   Do you offer a fully managed service? – Can you recommend local trusted tradespeople, and will you manage the contractors completing our project?

14.   Are you responsible for planning permission? – if required, will you submit the planning or building control application to the local authority on our behalf?

15.    Why should I choose you? – A simple but highly effective question. Let them present a case for using their services!  

Final thoughts.

I hope that you find this list of questions helpful. No doubt there will be further questions to ask and discussions to have with regards to your own specific project. Don’t be afraid to ask anything and don’t be rushed into making any decisions either!

Good luck!

Useful resources: 

EV Architects - https://evarchitects.com/questions-to-ask-an-architect/   

House Logic - https://www.houselogic.com/remodel/budgeting-contracting/what-to-ask-an-architect/ 

Original article found at EV Architects. 

Introduction.

An increasing number of homeowners across London are choosing to extend their exiting. Property. One of the main reasons is cost. Remember that the cost of moving home includes Estate Agent fees, Stamp Duty, legal fees and the cost of buying the house itself. When you consider these costs, it is far more cost-effective to extend your existing property then to make the huge financial commitment of moving to a new home.

Moving home can also be very stressful. In most cases, if you are having your loft converted, or a house extension, then you will not be required to move out during the construction stage.

Looking for inspiration for your loft conversion?

One of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to increase the amount of space in your home is to have a loft conversion. Check out our beginner’s guide to loft conversions that contains a list of considerations and other helpful information.

Converting a loft is one thing but deciding how you wish to use this newly found space is another. To help you get started, we’ve created a list of helpful online resources that include many different design ideas that will inspire you.

1. Pinterest – Loft conversion ideas.

PInterest is the go-to website for all types of property images and its selection of loft conversion images is no exception.  The above page contains thousands of images for you to take inspiration from. Once you’ve shortlisted your ideas and colour schemes, you can use the search bar to refine your list of pins.

2. Google image search – Loft conversion ideas.

Many people overlook Google image search, but it’s probably the best tool that you can use to find hundreds of loft conversion ideas on a single page. After all, all these images are being taken from the websites that you find in Googles search results pages, so why not go straight to the images themselves?

3 House and Garden – Loft conversion ideas.

This article from house and garden contains numerous loft conversion ideas that have been taken from some of the worlds most stylish homes. There are some truly stunning examples in this article that you will be able to take inspiration from.

4. Livingetc – Loft conversion ideas.

Livingetc is a great online resource for interior design ideas and inspiration. The above article presents 24 stylish loft conversion ideas that will get your bran cells working!  

5 Grand designs – Loft conversion design ideas to maximise space and light.

As you’d expect from Grand Designs, this article contains some fantastic loft conversion ideas, in addition to some helpful hints and tips for increasing light and space in your loft.

6. Ideal home -  How to create extra rooms in your attic space.

This article contains some very helpful information to consider before committing to having your loft converted, in addition to some stunning images and design ideas, including different types of rooms that you can convert your loft into.

7. Which – Loft conversion ideas.

This article on Which Online contains a gallery of inspirational loft conversion ideas, in addition to some helpful design tips and tricks to get the most form your loft space.

8. Homify - Clever and stylish ideas for loft conversions.

This article on Homify.co.uk includes some helpful advice and considerations about loft conversions and different types of loft conversions, in addition to providing some helpful styling tips.  

9. Homebuilding & Renovating – Loft conversion ideas: clever solutions for your home.

This insightful article by Natasha Brinsmead contains lots of inspirational ideas about how to get the best use from your loft space. The images and suggestions in this article will get your creative juices flowing. I particularly like the idea of installing a bar in your loft!  

10. Bidvine – Top Loft conversion ideas that will transform your attic.

This article on Bidvine contains a list of loft conversion and storage ideas they have collected from across the web. There are some excellent images on this article that inspire ideas for making the most of small loft space and how to make the most of your storage space.

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Hello again!

If you’ve been looking for a local architects online, or you’ve recently spoken to an Architects about the services they provide, then you may have come across the term “3D Architectural Visualisation”. More to the point, you may be wondering what it actually means, which is how you’ve ended up here.

So what is 3D Architectural Visualisation?

In short, it’s a term that is used to describe a process of presenting the interior design of a building in 3D, either as a film, an animation, or as a Virtual Reality experience (our flavour of choice).  An accomplished 3D Visualisation Specialist will be able to bring your design to life in glorious 3D, allowing you to see your dream property in the third dimension before the foundations have been laid.

DON’T mistake Virtual Reality as a marketing gimmick.

Immersing yourself in your property through a Virtual Reality headset is incredibly good fun, but there’s a serious reason for interacting with your design during the concept stage.  

By viewing your bespoke design in Virtual Reality, you’ll be able to tour the building and experience how your concept will look in first person. By doing this, you’ll be able to identify and change any elements of the design that you dislike before the building work commences – avoiding any additional costs that will be incurred if you decide to make changes during and after the planning stage.  

Some nice examples of 3D Visualisation.

There’s lot of amazing portfolios online that incorporate some stunning Architectural Visualisation demos. Here’s a few of my favourites:  

Roca Investments ( by Emperor Vision ) – An aerial view of a new development in Central London. Some of their building designs look stunning and they’ve done a lovely job of combining the fly-over shots with still 3D images.

Elgar Place ( by Virtual Resolution ) - a marketing film for a potential new retirement property. The interior shots in this video are fantastic and demonstrate just how realistic 3D visualisation is. Some of the kitchen and bedroom shots look real.

Texas Central ( by Bogza ) – The still images on this project are a terrific example of how realistic 3D visualisations can look.  I particularly like the first aerial shot and the third and fourth images down the page that showcase the complex architecture of these buildings.

Historically, Virtual Reality Visualisation experiences were typically a commercial service used by Architects and property developers. But this is no longer the case. Many Architects have started to provide VR services in-house to private residential customers. So if you’re thinking of extending your house, or building a new property, then don’t be shy and ask your architect if they can provide a Virtual Reality experience.

Hello!

If you’re looking to extend your existing property, or you’ve taken the decision to build your dream home from scratch, then the relationship with your architect is essential to achieving a successful project outcome.  

Look. 

If you’ve never undertaken a property renovation, extension or build project before, then you may not fully understand the essential role that an architect plays in turning your vision into reality.  

Architects wear many hats. You can expect a well-established architectural practice to provide a fully comprehensive service that includes measured site surveys, initial concept designs, final plans, planning application submission, building control approval, Invitation to Tender management for suppliers and project management during the construction stage.    

In effect, you should expect your architect to fully manage your project, from concept to completion.

Five things to consider when choosing an Architect.

The following list is intended to give you some helpful pointers when choosing an Architect to complete your next project.  

1. Do they provide a Virtual Reality experience?

Translated to English, does your architect provide a Virtual Reality experience, where you can interact with your bespoke design through a Virtual Reality headset? Historically, this service has been reserved for property developers, but now, we’re starting to see an increasing number of residential architects (like this architect for example) that offer a Virtual Reality experience to their customers.

What are the advantages?

Experiencing your design in the first person allows you to quickly identify any potential design issues before your sign off your concept drawings. You will incur additional costs if you decide to make changes to your design at the planning stage.  Plus, you’ll LOVE checking out your design through a Virtual Reality headset!  

2. Do they provide a Fully Managed Service?  

If you’re looking for an Architect that will take full ownership of your project from start to finish, then make sure that they have the in-house skillset and resources to provide a fully managed service.    

For example, your architect will provide a measured site survey, initial concept designs (make sure they don’t change for revisions) and detailed plans for your planning application. If you want a fully managed service, then check to make sure they employ a project manager or consultant that will submit the planning application on your behalf, in addition to arranging for Building control approval (if required).  

As part of a fully managed service, you should also expect your Architect to recruit the tradespeople and professionals required to complete your build. A project Manager will create an Invitation to Tender (ITT) on your behalf that can be sent to a selection of builders, contracts and tradespeople for application. Typically, a well-established Architectural Practice will have ongoing working relationships with a number of local trusted and reputable Companies and tradespeople – who will be their go-to suppliers when undertaking a project.

3. Are they local?

You may not think this is important, but locality should be taken into consideration when choosing an Architect to complete your project.  Why? Its highly likely that your Architect will need to attend site on more than one occasion during the initial design and planning stages. If they are not local to you, then you’re likely to be charged for any additional travel costs incurred by the Architect.  In addition, local Architects will have a much better understanding and knowledge of local planning application requirements - greatly increasing your chances of your application becoming successful at the first time of asking.

Houzz is a great place to find local architects - https://www.houzz.co.uk/ 

4. How much experience do they have?

An established Architect, or Architectural Practice will have a strong portfolio of previously completed projects for you to look through online. If they don’t then proceed with caution!

Also, its important to see examples of previous work that relate to your project. For example, if you’re looking for an Architect to build a single-story house extension, then you need to find an Architect that has completed many similar projects, al of which can be found in their portfolio.

Check out these 10 Architecture portfolios for inspiration - https://www.format.com/magazine/galleries/design/best-architecture-portfolio-examples

5. Can they provide up-to-date references?

When conducting due diligence, ask your prospective Architect to provide customer references from recently completed projects. You may think this is overkill, but by doing this, you’ll ensure that you’re choosing an architect that is currently providing a great service to its clients, not just historically.

If you’re using a local Architects (which you should), then why not jump in the car and go and check out some of your Architects recently completed work? (just don’t trespass on anyone’s property!

Good luck with your upcoming project!