Planning Permision Tips Uk - 6 Common Design Mistakes When Extending A Residential Property
|
Don't you just love the design of some of these alpine chalets??!!**??
One year we were given a loft bedroom that you couldn't stand up in with no wardrobe space and another chalet only had 2 bathrooms for 18 occupants. Still, skiers are the kind of people that can ruff it for most times so its no major hassle. But what if these kind of deficiencies were commonly found in ordinary homes in the UK? Surely no one would make such glaring mistakes on comfort and amenities when extending or developing their own homes would they?
OK, setting that little seed of doubt lets explore 6 of the most common design mistakes people can make when extending their homes. Most professional developers understand their market and fail to make these errors but most ordinary homeowners on the other hand have a totally different set of criteria and motivations when developing their own homes which can lead to some costly mistakes.
1. Small kitchens mean small appeal. - Failure to improve the size and usability of a kitchen to include for an eating area as well is possibly the most common error. Like all changing lifestyle issues, you have to differentiate between what are passing fads and long term preferences. Unless you live in a studio or one bedroom property, having a larger kitchen with a dedicated eating area for those all important dinner parties, household hubs and 'show' appeal is one of the most important alterations or extension you can do to a property. Many people embark on ground floor extensions aiming for larger living rooms, studies or a dedicated dining room when the existing kitchen is no more than a 3M x 2M corridor with cut across access.
2. Ground floor bedrooms to two storey dwellings - Sometimes people are so desperate for additional bedroom space they take the cheap option and decide on a ground floor extension. This invariably leads to poor access to the new room (say from the living room or kitchen for example) rather than off the main circulation areas such as the hall. Most people still like to see all bedroom space on the first floor. Unless the new bedroom is for an elderly or disabled person unable to navigate the stairs, or your property is a chalet bungalow, it is often best to avoid ground floor bed space unless the room is flexible for a re-allocated use later on.
3. Loft conversions with inadequate ridge height - Not all lofts are ideal for conversion. There is a fine line between a great loft conversion and a poor one. Most loft conversions involve a delicate balancing act between the new access, usable new space and compromised existing space. Get one criteria wrong and the whole thing often becomes a clumsy compromise of no real value. The biggest area of failure often arises when the ridge height is already quite low. Generally speaking in my opinion a 3M minimum joist to ridge height needs to be in place for the finished room(s) to be of a useful height for a functional bedroom for example. Anything less than 3M ridge height will simply end up as triangular tube with only being able to stand up in the middle - great for a childs play room but not for an adult bedroom.
4. The creation of extra space at any cost - Many homeowners just want the added space and fail to consider some of the detailed design elements that will make their extended home look good. The most common error is the simple 'block on the side' two storey side extension that runs level with the existing front and rear elevation walls. Yes this maximises the usable inside space but the external effect is to create bland long wall and roof lines with little interest or relief. It really doesn't take much effort or sacrifice of space to create a well designed and interesting extension simply by incorporating some simple design principals such as the 'jut it in and jut it out' approach for the new work were is adjoins the existing structure.
5. Mis-match of roof pitches - Sometimes the size of the extension forces a roof design that at first look is unable to match in with the pitch of the existing roof slopes which is invariable lower than the original. On most modern housing this can result in an awful jarring to the eye creating an unbalanced dysfunctional looking property. Installing matching roof pitches is a major design 'must do' for all extension developments. A more complicated roof line may have to be provided but in the end is well worth the effort and cost.
6. The piecemeal extension without upgrading the existing property - Spending money on an extension when the existing property is in a spoor state of repair or of limited facilities and failing to allow money for the upgraded of the existing property to match the new works is a false economy. Many homeowners who I see live in a property that could already absorb £30k for repairs, upgrades and alterations in itself without any extension works but have no intention of allocating resources for these works while the extension is being built. This simply devalues the result of the new works and can lead to future problems when eventually the existing services for example fail and are then difficult to integrate with the newer built works. Always thinking of the 'whole' dwelling and how it functions as one unit rather than having a selected piecemeal focus is the way to go for most development.
Some of these design issues are often now incorporated within most councils design guides and are prevented from being granted Planning Permission if prior consent is required.
Our 'Maximum Build Planning Guide' explains further the issues involved when extending or developing a property in the UK for planning permission.
http://www.planning-approval.co.uk
|
|
|
Bathroom Designs Idea - Can I Design My Own Bathroom?
A bathroom designs idea -- can I really design my own bathroom? Why not! Today, the bathroom is much more than just a room for grooming and a place to read. Bathrooms can be a good place for home exercise equipment and a good music system or TV, for example. What better way to unwind from the day than a soothing shower or warm soak in the tub with candles and relaxing music. So start a notebook. When you get a bathroom designs idea, wr...(related: Home Improvement)
Designing Your Log Home: Tips To Keep You Out Of Trouble
Nearly every log home is a custom design, whether you are altering a stock plan or starting from scratch. By their very nature, custom floor plans open up a large number of untested challenges - especially if you are trying to design the house yourself. With almost all log home manufacturers, an in-house architect will take your design and turn it into a set of drawings that conform to their building system. Your home will be structurally sound. However, don't necessary expect them to point out every inconvenience or snafu in your design. This is a hands-on business, and in the end, your house design is on you... and you'll have to live with it. Here are a few pointers I can suggest to make your desi...(related: Home Improvement)
Cordless Impact Wrench - Not The Same Tool As Your Cordless Drill
The cordless impact wrench is quickly gaining in popularity among professional mechanics and the hobby mechanic as well. You may be thinking "I already have a cordless drill that I use for impact applications, why do I need a cordless impact wrench as well?". I thought the same thing. The first difference is on the inside. A cordless drill creates continuous in-line torque. A cordless impact wrench employs an internal spring-loaded pulsating cam to create rotational torque. This creates the "impact" force that loosens a nut. It is the equivalent to banging a wrench with a hammer to loosen a rusty nut only ...(related: Home Improvement)
Interior Design Simply Means Personalizing Your Interior Environment
Interior Design today is all about customizing your built environment with conceptual planning, aesthetic sense and technical solutions applied to achieve the desired result. It goes beyond just the visual or ambient enhancement of an interior space, it seeks to optimize and harmonize the uses to which the built environment will be put. Between you and me, this jargon simply means dressing up your closed spaces to make them look their best. And just as you would dress for the occasion, your interiors need to be "dressed up" for a specific intended purpose or use. And that is where technical expertise really ...(related: Home Improvement)
Selecting Color Schemes
Choosing a color scheme for a room can be a daunting task at times, especially if nothing about the room initially jumps out at you. If you find yourself without a particular color preference for a room, you might begin by picking color combinations that are inspired by a favorite fabric pattern. Patterns usually have a group of complimentary colors, and using variations within the same group of colors throughout the house will lend your entire home a sense of harmony.Another method for selecting a color scheme when you have no real preference is to start with the colors you already have in the flooring and on other surfaces that aren't going to be replaced. Ignore any color that you really dislike; in this case, everything doesn't have to match.Go to your local paint store and find paint chip cards...(related: Home Improvement)
Persian Carpets - Popular Styles
There are numerous styles of Persian carpets. In fact there are over 300 different variations. The following is a summary of some of the most popular ones:1. Tabriz - these rugs are known worldwide for their exceptional quality. They have many un...(related: Home Improvement)
Hammocks Create A Stress Free Zone
Stress is all around us, from the office to the front yard and everywhere in between. Homeowners are buying hammocks and porch swings to create that stress free zone they need to unwind after a busy day. All hammocks and porch swings are not created equal. A hammock can come with a stand for easy set up anywhere such as at poolside or by a lake; or others are hung between trees or from a ceiling. You will have to decide what type and style you want as there are so many sizes and types available. You might also want a chair style that can be hung from the ceiling. ...(related: Home Improvement)
Remodeling Online
Remodeling PlansMaking remodeling plans for a house helps you to ensure that your home meets all your needs. It also adds value to your home in the long term. After all, you will spend at least half your working life paying off the first mortgage on your house-by making remodeling plans, you ensure that your home evolves with the changes in your lifestyle and add value to the property.When you want to improve or remodel your home, you cannot afford to proceed in a haphazard manner-you need to make a plan and adhere to it. For instance, you might find it troublesome to get your house painted every few years. Maybe you should get information on and try out Total Remodeling's System 2000 and Elite siding systems, which include energy-saving options. You can consult with our design...(related: Home Improvement)
How To Clean Your Air Conditioner Like A Pro
Jack Frost is nipping at our nose and Santa Clause has just left. The eastern seaboard has just received their third blizzard for a total of over 125 cm (56 inches) of snow in one week. So, who in their right mind would be thinking about window air conditioners at this time of year?Call me crazy, but I am.It is a good time of year to start this project. Firstly, it keeps ones mind sharp for the coming spring. Plus, it allows you to try out those new tools you got for Christmas. Mainly though, it is a good winter project because by the time spring arrives you will be too busy to think about this job.Very little is required to clean a wind...(related: Home Improvement)
The Versatile Reciprocating Saw: The Power Tool Of Your Dreams
A reciprocating saw is simply one of the handiest tools you can own. These tools are great for applications in the home or the jobsite. Milwaukee actually invented the first reciprocating saw and is still considered one of the best saws on the market. The Milwaukee Sawzall is the "Zerox" of reciprocating saws. Just go to your local hardware store and ask for a Sawzall, the salesman will know exactly what you need. These versatile tools are fabulous for cutting holes in drywall, plaster, metal pipes and through nails.However, they are no...(related: Home Improvement)
site-map - Copyright © 2006 | Contact Webmaster | All Rights Reserved. | Home Improvement