PERMITTED DEVELOPMENT
Permitted development allows people to undertake aspects of minor development on their properties without the need of having to submit a planning application to the local council. This right can be removed by the local council if the property is in a conservation area.
For you to be able to convert your loft under permitted development your limit in size would be less than 40m3 for a terrace house or 50m3 elsewhere. An extension has its own set of limitations which is easier to access in person
If the house is new it is understood this can also affect the chances of working under permitted development. Upon visit if the surveyor sees anything that could affect your chances of having your work carried out under permitted development you will be informed.
LAWFUL APPLICATION
A Lawful Development Certificate is a legally binding document that confirms the development that you carry out such as a loft conversion can be carried out lawfully and immune from enforcement action. You receive a certificate once the work has been signed off by building control
Basically you are given permission to carry out work on your home without planning permission (permitted development), this is important because when it comes to selling your home and moving the purchasers solicitor will want to see this to make sure that you have carried out your work with consent from the local council. If you don't have this then this can seriously affect the chances in selling your home.
PARTY WALL AGREEMENT
If your home shares a wall for example then when converting your loft your home needs to conform to regulations under "The Party etc Act 1996". This requires the homeowner of the works to inform the neighbour of the work being carried out to the wall.
Normally shared walls (i.e. gable walls, party walls) will need to have small pockets cut out of them to take the weight of any steels that may need to be installed. This pocket that is cut out is on your side of the wall, however in the process you come close to their side of the wall.
The neighbour cannot stop you from carrying out the work but they can object and change the way you go about having this work carried out.
Most of the time there are no issues providing they are approached promptly and informed of the works. This is one of the reasons to make sure that the company carrying out the work has insurance; this can be presented to the neighbour to help them understand they are professional and that they are prepared for the worst.
RENEWING YOUR ROOF TILES
If we are forming a new dormer on your loft conversion then we will use new or reclaimed tiles, these tiles will be the closest match available to what you currently have on your roof.
Some customers prefer to reuse existing tiles to cut the costs, if you would like to reuse your existing tiles then please let us know before work starts so we can alter your quote.
Some customers prefer to have all of their roof tiles changed to new tiles, this can also be carried out upon request. There are so many different tiles on the market so please let us know when we come to visit so we can add this to your quotation.
YOUR STAIRCASE
Your new staircase will consist of MDF treads and a softwood string, with square newel posts. This is recommended if you are having carpet, if you wish to have softwood treads or a hardwood staircase this can be arranged, however this would alter the price.
We will do our best to match your original spindles, handrails and post caps.
You may even want to renew your existing balustrade at the same time to all match, this can be arranged.
FASCIA, SOFFIT & GUTTERING
Your new fascia and soffit will be white uPVC with black guttering as standard; this is because it does not need painting, it stays in good condition and will last longer than timber fascia and soffits will. This can be altered upon request.
If you would like to change all of your existing fascia and soffit to uPVC while the scaffold is up then this can be arranged. Just simply let a member of our team know and they would be happy to arrange you a discounted price while the scaffolding is still in place.
Guttering like everything else is brought to match your existing guttering, if your current guttering is already damaged or in need of change prior to work starting then we can also arrange for a quotation.
DRAWINGS AND STRUCTURAL CALCULATIONS
Before you can start your building work you need to have permission from the council, depending on the size and what changes you are making to your house depends on what you need to tell the council.
For example most loft conversions with just a dormer to the rear of the house does not often need planning permission. You would just need to submit plans and structural calculations under permitted development.
If you are altering the front of the house, i.e. a front dormer or a hip to gable conversion then you will need planning permission, this is because the council does not allow you to change the front appearance of a house without permission. This would require you to submit full detailed drawings and structural calculations to the council. This generally takes around a weeks for an answer once submitted.
At Dream House Conversions we have our own architect and structural engineer that can arrange the planning application, drawings, calculations and building control. We can take care of anything that needs to be submitted to the council.
The better the drawings, the better the chance they have of being approved. If they aren't approved the first time then they can often push back the date of starting the work, and could cost you more in council and architect fees. So having the right person do the drawings and structural calculations is important.
LOFT CONVERSION SPECIALISTS
Starting a loft conversion project on your home is a big decision. To help you make the right decisions we always offer our clients a free no obligation consultation that allows you to get all the information you need to start your project smoothly.
Why Choose Us
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Free advice & support
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Trusted family run business
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25 years experience
Our Expertise
During the loft conversion it is important to have the right help, advice & support which we are delighted to provide. We can also provide written references and put you in contact with previous customers if you need any reassurances regarding the quality of our workmanship.
TYPES OF LOFT CONVERSION
Below shows some truss types you may currently have in your loft, some may just have a cut and pitched roof. All of which can be converted into a beautiful loft space.
4 main types of Loft Conversion
TYPES OF EXTENSION
Starting an Extension project on your home is a big decision. To help you make the right decisions we always offer our clients a free no obligation consultation that allows you to get all the information you need to start your project smoothly.
There are almost too many variations of extension to list. Some Extensions will fall under the permitted development bracket. In many cases a site visit will be required to see what is required and what would be possible on your property.
Why Choose Us
Free advice & support
Trusted family run business
25 years experience
Our Expertise
During the Extension works it is important to have the right help, advice & support which we are delighted to provide. We can also provide written references and put you in contact with previous customers if you need any reassurances regarding the quality of our workmanship.
BUILDING CONTROL
Many jobs in and around you home require building control from structural alterations through to extensions and loft conversions
Building control need to be informed prior to work commencing. They need to take a look at the job from the get go, then they come back for visits until completion. They need to see anything structural in person and make sure they meet the structural calculations, they check all fire regulations are being met, they check that insulation is being used correctly and that there is a sufficient amount being used and so on.
They are a body that makes sure the work is being carried out correctly and to safe guard the home owner.
Once complete and the building inspector is happy you will be sent your completion certificate