Colour
Although white will always be a classic colour for kitchen design, homeowners are shying away from bland hues and injecting rich colours, such as warm wood tones and neutrals (eg, greys and blues), into the space to give it a warm, fresh and unique feel. Warm greys paired with camel, rust, tobacco and brown-blacks as well as earthy reds and yellows, are becoming quite popular with people who dare to dream. These rich colours are not like the avocado green and mustard colours from the 1970s. They are rich, moody and work well in home environments where you want a soothing and diverse mix of colours and textures.”
Materials
The materials clients are choosing has changed in recent times. more concrete, stone, copper and granite composite sinks in darker hues of grey, bronze or black. As people set out to personalise their spaces, they seem bored with seeing a white sink all of the time. The rustic home decor trend is waking people up to trying something new and different and that feeling of simplicity can be very calming in a home environment.
Fixtures and Fittings
Vintage light fixtures, including lanterns, pendants and chandeliers, are making a comeback and clients are now looking at retro fixtures with new technology. The internet has helped many people search far and wide for interesting concepts and designs. and that feeling of simplicity can be very calming in a home environment”. Homeowners are running with the ‘less is more’ notion in the master bedroom and opting for more modern and minimalist furnishings. Instead of bold and busy colours, soothing, neutral colour palettes are being widely used now, along with soft fabrics and simple furniture pieces.
Getting the builders in?
Some homeowners are choosing to extend their existing property in order to gain extra space without having to move home, which is an excellent way to add value to your property and avoid the stress of moving.
Other clients choose to embark on a project to build a new home from scratch, in order to take advantage of the 20% VAT exemption scheme.
Building projects are exciting yet complex, with many factors to take into consideration, including planning applications, sourcing of materials, management of suppliers and tradesmen and the all-important management of milestones and deadlines.
Design and planning
It is important to consider the ‘look and feel’ of your existing property when designing an extension. Consider matching the most prominent features, such as the roof, with those of the existing building, using similar materials where possible to ensure creative consistency.
Think about the neighbours
During the planning application process, neighbours will have the opportunity to comment on a proposed extension, so it is a good idea to ensure that the extension will complement neighbouring properties. It’s advisable to involve your neighbours during the early stages of planning to deal with any concerns that may arise.
Hiring an architect
Qualified architects will be able to provide general advice and guidance on extensions, issues concerning planning permission and any local factors that may influence the modifications that can be made to a property, as well as drawing up detailed specifications. Here at Project Squared we will be happy to provide you with the service of one of our highly experienced architects.
Planning permission
For most property extensions, planning permission is required from the local Council before any work can be undertaken. Planning departments seek to control the way that neighbourhoods, towns and cities are developed, focusing on the way that land is used, the appearance of buildings, landscaping considerations, road access and the impact that a development will have on the environment. You will definitely need planning permission if:
- The proposed extension is higher than the highest part of your original roof
- Any part of the proposed extension is over four metres high and within two metres of your property boundaries
- The ground area covered by the proposed extension covers more than half of the total property area (excluding ground covered by the original building)
- The total volume of original property is increased by more than 115 cubic metres (volume is calculated using the external dimensions of the structure: length x breadth x height)
- The total volume of the original property is increased by more than 10% (or 50 cubic metres, whichever is greatest) for terraced houses, or any property in a conservation area.
The planning process
Once the council has received plans, it will place them on the Planning Register for public viewing and notify neighbours. A committee appointed by the local council will then make a decision or appoint a senior planning officer to make one for them. The process can take up to eight weeks, and if permission is granted, planned works must be completed within five years.
If permission is denied, plans can be amended to take account of any problems raised by the council, then re-submitted within 12 months without any further charge. Appeals can be lodged within three months of the council’s decision. Those who fail to apply for planning permission before building an extension may face heavy fines and be required by law to demolish any new building work.
Building Regulations
In most cases, it will be necessary when extending a building to ensure that everything done complies with the Government’s Building Regulations. Unless the planned extension is a porch, conservatory or detached garage built at ground level, taking up less than 30m2 of floor space, it’s likely that Building Regulations will be relevant.
These apply to any building work in England and Wales, setting minimum standards for the design and construction of buildings to ensure that they comply with health and safety rules. They also include certain requirements involving fuel and power conservation, ensuring that access and facilities are provided for people with disabilities in public buildings.
We will be able to help you in ensuring that your extension meets all the Building Regulations that may apply to the project, and in making sure that any inspections required are completed and that all work meets the construction and performance standards set by the regulations.
How to comply
Building Regulations approval is a separate process from obtaining planning permission for your extension, and is extremely important to ensure that your extension is approved. To achieve compliance with Building Regulations, you or your architect must submit full and detailed plans of the proposed extension, together with the appropriate application form and fee, to your local Planning Authority
Building control surveyors will examine the plans to guarantee that they comply with Building Regulations and will then approve the project. Builders are required to notify the council when building work commences and at various stages throughout the project and inspections can be made to ensure that work, such as laying foundations, damp proofing and installing drains is carried out to the required standard. A final inspection will be made upon completion of the extension, and a certificate of completion will be issued when the project is approved.
Dispensations and Appeals
In some cases, you will be able to apply to the local authority for a relaxation to, or dispensation from a certain regulation if you believe that it is inapplicable to your extension. Your application must be made within 28 days of notification of failure to comply with Building Regulations and, if they refuse your applications, you have the right to appeal to the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (in England) or the Welsh Assembly Government (in Wales).
Finding the right builder
Here at Project Squared we understand that clients will want to consult with various building contracts before making a final decision on who to work with. To ensure your project runs as smoothly as possible we recommend having a ‘Schedule of Works’ which an architect can draw up as part of the tender process. This will ensure that the building quotes you receive will be priced comparably. Some clients may want to source their own specialised materials or work with 3rd party contractors during their building project, but we recommend that you discuss this with us in advance as we may be able to secure discounted prices or make alternative recommendations. At Project Squared we are always happy for you to see some of our previous work and talk to former clients for whom we have managed projects in the past.
Remember: Communication is key!
Throughout your project, we will discuss any changes/issues and concerns that you have along the way and will ensure that we work as efficiently and swiftly as possible to complete your project on time and on budget. Your project manager will answer any questions you have, and regular meetings will be held to review the project plan together with site visits to talk through the progress of your building work.
Budgeting for an extension
It’s very common to underestimate the amount of time and budget required to complete an extension. Adequate and realistic budgeting for an extension is one of the most important things to consider. Here are a few tips:
- Be realistic in what you are trying to achieve.
- Don’t over-stretch yourself financially.
- Try to leave some money aside for emergency funds in case any changes need to be made.
- Make provisions in your budget for planning permission and building regulations application fees.
- Set some money aside for the costs of decorating and any new furniture that you may need.
- Don’t forget to allow additional budget for the purchase of bathroom and kitchen appliances and fittings
Enjoy it!
Buildng projects can be stressful but are also a lot of fun! Having the ability to transform your home and make all your property dreams come true is an exciting project to embark on. At Project Squared we will work closely with you to minimise stress and concern, and maximise the excitement of your home improvements.
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