Author: wahid

Advice Center, Architecture & Building, Extensions, House Extension

Enhancing Your Home: Is a House Extension Worth It?

13th February 20240

Are you considering expanding your living space? Wondering if a house extension is a wise investment? Let’s delve into the question and explore the benefits of extending your home.

  1. Increased Space, Enhanced Comfort: A house extension offers invaluable extra space tailored to your needs, whether it’s a larger kitchen, an additional bedroom, or a spacious living area.
  2. Boost Property Value: Extending your home can significantly increase its market value, providing a solid return on investment when it comes time to sell.
  3. Avoiding the Hassle of Moving: Why go through the stress and expense of moving when you can simply expand your current home to meet your changing needs?
  4. Tailored to Your Preferences: With a house extension, you have complete control over the design, ensuring that it perfectly complements your lifestyle and aesthetic preferences.
  5. Creating a Multi-functional Space: Transform your home into a versatile haven by adding an extension that can serve multiple purposes, from a home office to a gym or entertainment area.
  6. Enhanced Livability: A well-designed extension can improve the flow and functionality of your home, making day-to-day living more enjoyable for you and your family.
  7. Future-Proofing Your Property: Investing in a house extension allows you to future-proof your home, accommodating your evolving needs without the hassle of relocating.
  8. Cost-Effective Alternative: In many cases, extending your home can be more cost-effective than buying a new property, especially when factoring in moving expenses and associated fees.
  9. Quick Turnaround: With the right team of professionals, a house extension can be completed efficiently, minimizing disruption to your daily life.
  10. Personalized Space: Tailor your extension to reflect your unique personality and lifestyle, creating a space that feels truly yours.

In conclusion, a house extension is undoubtedly worth it, offering a plethora of benefits ranging from increased space and property value to enhanced comfort and versatility. So why wait? Take the leap and transform your home into the haven you’ve always dreamed of.

Contact Pro Arkitects today to discuss your house extension project and bring your vision to life!

Advice Center

Rendering: Your Questions Answered

13th April 20220

Here is some information about rendering you may need or want to know.

What is a rendered wall?  

Rendering is applying cement on an external wall of a building to make it look smooth or textured.  

Does rendering add value to your home? 

Rendering your home is a good choice to increase value to your home. It has been known to have a positive impact on the energy efficiency of the home. 

Is rendering waterproof? 

In addition, rendering is very waterproof. Water is beat back from the surface as it forms droplets and rolls off. Water will not be absorbed. 

Do you need planning permission? 

As long as the materials used have a similar look to the existing materials on the property you will not need to apply for planning permission. It would fall under permitted development. The only time you do apply for planning permission rendering is when you decide to change materials or you’re working on a listed building. 

What is planning permission? 

Planning permission is official permission from your local council. The permission granted is so you can carry out certain types of construction work on a new or existing building. However, sometimes you won’t always need planning permission as it may fall under permitted development. 

What is permitted development? 

Furthermore, permitted development rights are an automatic grant of planning permission. This allows certain building works and changes of use to be carried out without having to make a planning application. But, you must follow permitted development guidelines. 

Why would someone render a wall? 

Finally, this can hide poor-quality brickwork, which is usually found in older properties. However, it can create a smooth and modern finish. Rendering your wall can create a waterproof finish making the home more durable and less prone to damp. 

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Advice Center

Corner Beads: What Are They And Why Do We Have Them?

11th April 20220

Here is some information you may want to know about corner beads. 

What are corner beads? 

A corner bead is a metal material that is used on the corner where the two ends of a drywall meet. This creates a sharp and polished finish. Corner beading makes the edges strong to prevent any type of damage.  

Do you have to use corner beads?  

Yes. You should always use a corner bead for internal corners. However, external corners only need to be beaded if they have been rendered.  

What is a rendered wall? 

Rendering is applying cement on the external walls of a building to create a smooth or textured look. 

What is the difference between rendering and plastering? 

Plastering is for internal walls whereas rendering involves around external walls.  

How do you get a corner bead to stay in place? 

This needs to be firmly in place and affix with drywall screws.  

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Design and Inspiration

Interior Design: Things To Keep In Mind

29th March 20220

Here are some tips to take in when deciding on the interior design of your home. 

Seek inspiration  

There are endless places you can seek interior design inspiration from, online blogs to social media platforms. Many social media platforms can help such as Pinterest, Instagram or even Facebook. When inspired you can create your own mood board with all your different ideas and start from there. 

Consider different colours and materials 

There are many different colours and materials you can choose from for your home. For example, you can have a leather sofa or polyester sofa. Don’t forget about the walls and floors! Wooden floors or laminate? You also need to consider the colour you want to make the walls in each room. Here are some of the most popular materials and colours used in homes.  

Materials 

  • Wallpaper 
  • Leather 
  • Velvet  
  • Wood 
  • Laminate 
  • Carpet 

Colours 

  • Grey tones  
  • Green tones 
  • Blue tones 
  • Nude tones  
  • Red tones  

Always remember to measure correctly 

 One of the most frustrating things that can happen is when you buy something for your home and then it doesn’t fit. Like when you buy new curtains for your home and they end up being too small. Or like when you bought that new sofa, but it doesn’t fit through your door way. You should always dedicate time to measure everything correctly to avoid any problems. Here are some things you should remember that you will need to measure at some point. 

  • Window width 
  • Doorway width 
  • Hallway width 
  • Stair width  
  • Bed and sofa width  

Add signature furnishings  

Signature furnishings such as pillows or ornaments, there are many different things you can add to your home to make it more homely and fill in those missing gaps in the home. There are many different furnishings you can add to your home to make it feel more yours. For example,  

  • Pillows  
  • Centrepieces  
  • Ornaments  
  • Photo frames 
  • Mirrors 
  • Art work  
  • Vases 
  • Plants  
  • Candles 

 The Spruce / Michelle Becker 

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Permitted Development, Planning Permission

Planning Permission And Permitted Development

8th March 20220

Here is everything you can build under planning permission and permitted development. 

What do I need planning permission for? 

Planning permission is a form of consent from your local council, for a proposed building project. This is not always required, but usually needed when a completely new building Is proposed or a large change to the existing property. 

Do I need full planning permission? 

Building without planning permission is called permitted development. Permitted development rights allows homeowners to do certain building works that come under there rules and regulations. For example, the projects you can do under permitted development are: 

  • A standard loft conversion: As long as the loft conversion is no higher than the highest part of the roof and the materials used have to be the same or similar to the existing materials.  
  • Add a single-storey extension: The building materials must be the same or similar materials. Also, the extension cannot extend past the rear wall by 3 meters if a semi-detached home or 4 meters for a detached home. Must be built on the side or rear of your home. 
  • Change internal floor plan: you can change your internal walls as long as it is not a structural wall. You also need to make sure you’re not extending your overall footprint of the property. 
  • Replacing windows and doors: you do not usually need planning permission unless you live in a listed home or conservation area. 
  • Add a side extension: must be a single-storey and less than 4 meters in height. And, it can be no more than half the width of the original house. 
  • Add a porch: you will not need to apply for planning as long as the floor doesn’t exceed 3 square meters and no more than 3 meters above the ground. 

When is planning permission needed? 

  • Large building operations such as structural alterations, extensive construction, rebuilding and demolition. 
  • Engineering operations  
  • Subdivision of a building  
  • Material changes  

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Garage Conversion

Questions Regularly Asked About Garage Conversions

1st March 20220

Does converting your garage add value? 

Yes. Converting your garage will add value to your home. Especially, when there’s on road parking. Having your car in a garage decreases the chance of your car being stolen or damaged. Converting a garage can add value to your home by 15-20%. 

Do I need to follow building regulations converting a garage? 

When wanting to turn somewhere into a habitable space then yes, you will need to follow building regulations. This will include fire safety, drainage, ventilation, electrics, insulation, and the overall structure. If building regulations are not followed you can be fined or made to re-do the work. 

What is building control? 

Building control is a service provided by building inspectors. The building inspectors’ job is to make sure that all conversions, alterations, or constructions have been done under building regulations. For example, Building regulations such as fire safety, ventilation, structure, drainage, and others must be followed. 

Do I need planning permission to convert a garage? 

You don’t usually need planning permission when converting a garage as long as the work is internal and does not make the garages larger. But before anything always check your permitted development rights. 

Do I need planning permission to extend my garage? 

As long you won’t require planning permission as long as the garages will not be more than 4 metres high, and doesn’t cover more than half of the land covered by the main dwelling. 

What is planning permission? 

Planning permission is permission from your local council to carry out building works of your choice. Your local authority will decide based on area, neighbours and if it will affect anyone. 

Different types of garages you can have 

There are three types of garages you can have which is attached, integrated and detached. 

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Advice Center

The Party Wall Agreement

25th February 20220

What is the party wall agreement? 

The party wall act was designed in England and Wales to legally settle construction disputes between neighbours. Sometimes, carrying out building work can be loud, messy and quite disruptive. This can cause a dispute between you and your neighbour when they start to complain.  Furthermore, this act prevents this from happening and is settled legally. If your neighbour complains to your local council with a valid reason of why your project would affect them, they can stop you from starting. 

Reasons why your neighbour might complain  

  • Firstly, noise  
  • Lack of light  
  • Lack of privacy  
  • Could affect their home. For example, change their foundation or look of their home. 
  • Finally, damage to their home  

Will this act stop my project? 

There is a chance your neighbour could stop you from carrying out building works if you live in a semi-detached, terrace, flat, or your detached home is close to your neighbours’ properties. Before starting building works you must serve your neighbour a notice so they know that building works are going to be carried out. After this, your neighbour has 14 days to say that don’t agree after the notice has been served. So, other things you need to think about that can stop your project is: 

  • Floors and ceilings  
  • Shared boundry walls 

Building works that come under the party wall act 

  • A loft conversion that means the boundry wall will need to be worked on  
  • Adding another storey which is on the boundry wall 
  • Changing your homes foundation  
  • Rebuilding a boundry wall 

What is a party wall? 

In addition, a party wall is a boundary wall that separates adjoining homes. So, technically speaking you only own one half of the wall meaning, if you’re wanting to carry out any works on that shared wall you will need to ask your neighbour for consent. 

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Design and Inspiration

What Type Of Window Is Best For You

24th February 20220

Are you thinking about updating your Window and want a change? Here is everything you should know before changing them. For example, there are many different types of windows you should know about. 

Different Types Of Windows 

The most common types of windows are:   

Casement  

Bay  

Single-hung 

Double-hung 

Awning  

Casement Window  

Casement windows open up horizontally this usually works by rotating the handle at the bottom.  

Pros 

  • These windows bring excellent ventilation into the home but, it can become cold  
  • Casement windows are known to be very secure 
  • These are known to be better than double-hung windows.  
  • Brings cool air inside 
  • Opens up wide 

Cons  

  • Subject to wear and tear 
  • When fully open bad weather can cause damage to the window. However, that may not happen straight away.

Double-Hung  

Double-hung windows are very similar to single-hung windows however, you can open two parts of the window other than one. For example, a double-hung window is just two single-hung windows put together.

Pros  

  • There is a variety of different types. For example, colours, sizes and materials. 
  • Easy to open and close  
  • Tracks in the windows don’t usually fill up with dirt as they are vertical 

Cons  

  • Windows require occasional maintenance  
  • Seal is not very tight which leads to air coming through 
  • Windows can break if window is fully extended in bad weather  

Single-Hung  

Single-hung windows are similar to double-hung windows in that they both have two separate, upper and lower sashes. The difference between the two is that the upper window of single-hung windows are fixed in place, allowing only the lower window to move 

Pros 

  • Variety of different types. For example, sizes, colours and materials. 
  • Easy to open and close  
  • Tracks in the windows don’t usually fill up with dirt due to the tracks being vertical 

Cons  

  • Windows require occasional maintenance  
  • Seal is not very tight which leads to air coming through  

Bay Window  

A bay window which can also be known as a bow window is a combination of windows that extend out. This works from several angled window panes. 

Pros  

  • Very popular windows
  • Perfect windows to look out from. 
  • Offer shelf space  

Cons  

  • These have been known to be quite costly  
  • Due to the large shelf area the seal isn’t great. So, this can cause air to come through. 
  • Not easy to install 

Awning Windows 

Awning windows are very similar to casement windows. However, they are made to swing open vertically. The top of the window is in a fixed place but you can open it from the bottom. 

Pros 

  • As long as it is not raining hard you can leave your windows open as the windows acts as an awning and prevents the water from coming in. 
  • Fairley secure 

Cons  

  • Doesn’t take in air effectively  
  • Subject to wear and tear 

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House Renovation

The Best Renovations To Improve Your House Value

23rd February 20220

Are you wanting to increase your house value so you can sell? Then you are in the right place. Here are some of the best renovations you can do that will improve your houses value. 

Kitchen Renovations  

Kitchen renovations are one of the most popular projects to do. Every home buyer will always look out for how the kitchen looks. Nowadays, modern kitchens are most wanted. You can increase the value a little bit by working on cupboard doors making the kitchen look better. However, you can increase the value by a big some by working on the worktops and tiling, or even adding new kitchen appliances. A kitchen renovation can raise the value up to 12%. However, before you begin make sure you have planned this correctly as this can take time and be expensive. 

Bathroom Renovations 

Another popular choice is bathroom renovations. This can increase the value of your home to around 7-8% however, if this is done incorrectly it can decrease the value of your home by a lot. When renovating a bathroom, you should take into consideration the trends people want. For example, wet rooms, marbled surfaces or steam lined storage. Little things like that can raise the value. 

Decorating  

Decorating is one of the cheapest ways to raise your houses value. Depending on the materials you decide to use you can raise your houses value by 5%. However, you have to consider lots of different styles and what style would make the home perfect for you or homebuyers. Decorating can cover a variety of projects such as painting, wallpapering or flooring. However, since decorating raises the value so little sometimes it’s best to leave the home plain with no damage and let the homebuyers decorate themselves. 

Smart Home  

Nowadays having technology is your home is very desirable. For example, having smart lightbulbs or a security system. This is becoming increasingly common for homebuyers to want this for their homes. There are many more smart technologies you can add to your home. Adding technology can raise the value of your home by 7% however, it also has been known to raise the value by an amazing 35%. This depends on what kind of technology you add to your home. 

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Advice Center

A Guide To Houses In Ashford Kent

23rd February 20220

Are you wanting to move or buy a house in Ashford? If you are here are different types of houses explained so you know what’s most suitable for you.  

Semi-Detached Houses In Ashford 

A semi-detached house is a property that shares at least one wall with an existing property. The homes that are connected are usually mirror images of each other. Semi-detached homes save space and are cheaper than detached homes. These homes are very popular and provide an adequate level of privacy. However, the average cost of a 3-bedroom semi-detached house in Ashford is around £300,000. The only really downside to a semi-detached home is that it is a possibility that you could hear your neighbours if they are really loud. 

Detached Houses In Ashford 

Detached homes are structures built by themselves. No shared structural walls or hearing your neighbours what so ever. They have a great deal of space and privacy. And, most have front and back gardens for you to enjoy. The average value of a 3-bedroom detached homes in Ashford are around about £375,000. Detached houses are generally more. 

Terraced Houses  

Terraced homes are one of the most common and popular homes in the United Kingdom. They save a lot of space in the community. However, parking your car can be a nightmare at the front of your home. Terraced homes have a wall on each side connected to another home, essentially making a row of houses. The average value of a 3-bedroom terraced house in Ashford is £325,000. 

Flats  

Flats are one of the most known about homes in England. These homes are usually given to people that live alone or have a small family. Flats are often being offered as a series within a single building. But, flats are known for their space-saving qualities. The average value of flats in Ashford are around £200,000. There are many different types of flats as well such as, converted, split-level and studio flats.

Bungalows In Ashford  

Bungalows are single-storey detached homes. The difference between a bungalow and detached home is that a bungalow is a lot smaller with usually no stairs. These homes are usually very small having a small number of rooms However, you may have an attic. This home is quite popular to older people as it is small. however, it has no stairs to get up. The average value for a 3-bedroom bungalow in Ashford is around £300,000. 

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