It is difficult to find impartial advice at the start of a project and Design Your House gives homeowners a framework of advice whether they go on to employ professionals or are taking a more DIY approach to their build. We designed our workshops to fill the gap!

DESIGN YOUR HOUSE WORKSHOPS

The Workshops give bite size lectures on the project stages from feasibility, through relevant legislation to budget costs and project management.  There are also hands on sessions to lead you through the design process looking at preparing accurate drawings both in computer aided packages and hand drawing. The sessions are both creative and empowering allowing the homeowners to examine typical solutions and tailor them to meet their particular family requirements.

Project Planning Workshop

An introduction to anyone wanting an overview of the process of building a new house or extending an existing one.  We guide you through the project stages, help to clarify your aims and approach, giving hard facts in mini lectures and looking at design concepts to inspire you.

This full day workshop runs from 10.30 to 3.30 and includes lunch.

• Developing A Brief
• Relevant Legislation
• Your Budget
• The Design Process

An information pack is given full of detailed information covered in the sessions.

For further details of upcoming dates and venues email us at info@designyourhouse.co.uk or phone on 020 8149 5125

 

Q. I have read in the newspaper that changes to the Planning Regulations mean that I could build a loft and rear house extension together without the need for planning permission. Is this true and where can I find out more about this?

A. Yes, there have been major changes to the planning rules which control the sizes & positions of extensions to residential properties, the sizes & locations of detached buildings within gardens and the construction of hard surfaces such as driveways which took effect on 1st October 2008. In general the new rules provide more scope for building extensions without the need to obtain planning permission but the separate requirements to comply with the Building Regulations continue to apply as before.
This means that many developments that previously required planning permission have moved into the category of permitted development, but it is advisable to obtain a Certificate of Lawfulness from you local authority to cover the work you want to carry out.
To check if your development requires planning permission advice is available from the Planning Portal on www.planningportal.gov.uk

For full, detailed information the Statutory Instrument published by the Government can be seen on: www.planningportal.gov.uk



Q. We approached our local builder who has carried out work for us before for a price on our house extension but it is way over our budget. How do we know this is the correct amount for the work?

A. Always aim to get a least three prices for your project. The quotations should be itemized and detailed, describing all stages of the project. Check out the other builders you put on the list by asking for details of previous work and visit these projects. If you can speak to their previous client find out if they were satisfied with the standard of the building work. Prices given for your work could vary considerably depending on the size of the company and their existing workload, so it is important to get several quotations and to make sure that they are pricing for exactly the same items. This is why it is best to have plans and specification drawn up by a professional before you obtain builders prices.
After you have chosen a builder draw up a written contract, detailing all the aspects of the project as well as an agreed timetable. Any changes to this timetable or contract details should be discussed and agreed in writing before any work on the changes commence to avoid disputes.
Several organizations provide standard contracts for domestic projects, such as the Royal Institute of Architects at www.architecture.com and the Federation of Master Builders at www.fmb.org.uk



Q. I have a Victorian house and want to replace my sash windows. The main frame and sills seem fine but the actual sashes are rotten, can I just replace these?

A. The design of sash windows means that they can be easily dismantled for repair or for replacing broken sash cords. Many people do not realise this and when one part of the window is damaged think that the only option is full replacement, sometimes substituting ugly plastic windows which actually can have a shorter life and cannot be dismantled and repaired so easily. Timber windows have lasted for centuries because they have been properly maintained and painted regularly.
There are many specialist joinery firms who will remove the sashes and carry out repairs. They will also have to check and possibly replace weights and sash cords. Also improvements can be made by draught-proofing the new sashes with long-lasting bushes or other seals around the edges which will ensure a tight fit and stop the windows rattling and letting in air.



Q. Our Planning Application for a two storey house extension was turned down by the council, much to our surprise. Our near neighbours had no objections and the initial contact with the council raised no concerns. What can we do next?

A. Don’t despair, you have the right to appeal the local authority’s decision with the government and it’s easier than you might think. It seems you feel the rejection was unjust so it is worth following up. Go to www.planning-inspectorate.gov.uk (for applications in England and Wales) or www.scotland.gov.uk (for applications in Scotland) for more information.
Currently about 30% of appeals are successful as the inspectors review the basis of the local authority’s decisions and often disagree with their conclusions. The Planning Inspectorates decision is final, it cannot then be overturned by the local authority, so it is well worth the times and effort. Appeals are free and you can expect a decision with 20 to 25 weeks. You must appeal within six months of the date of the councils decision.