4. Install a space saving staircase - the ideal position for the staircase in a two storey house is directly about the staircase below, running in the same direction. Where there is insufficient headroom - minimum 1.9m at the centre and 1.8m at the string - a carefully positioned dormer window or rooflight can make all the difference. However, where this is not possible or practical, the most space-efficient staircase configuration should be found.
The maximum pitch under Building Regulations is 42 and although there is no minimum width for a staircase, less than 600mm is unlikely to prove practical. Landings to change direction take up space, but these can be avoided by using winders and kites (triangular treads) so that stairs can turn up at the same time as rising; a spiral staircase is made up entirely of winders. For a single-room loft conversion the Building Regulations will accept a space-saver staircase, which has alternating treads.
Friday, 13 July 2012
Friday, 6 July 2012
Windsor Castle Triathlon
Friday, 29 June 2012
Loft Conversions 20 Great Ideas
Follow our great ideas for converting loft spaces over the coming weeks.
3. Go hip to gable
Where the roof of a property is hipped, e.g sloping on all four sides (three on a semi detached house), there may not be sufficient roof volume with full headroom to make a conversion viable. However, the roof can be altered from a hip to gable on one or both sides, forming a gable pitched roof with headroom along the full length of the roof.
A hip to gable conversion may not require planning permission providing the design complies with the criteria for Permitted Development (PD). This allows an increase of 50m to the house (40m on a terraced house), providing no part of the roof is higher than the original.
It is always worth checking with the local authority as to whether or not planning permission is required. It may be possible to undertake work using PD rights that would not comply with local planning policy were permission required.
3. Go hip to gable
Where the roof of a property is hipped, e.g sloping on all four sides (three on a semi detached house), there may not be sufficient roof volume with full headroom to make a conversion viable. However, the roof can be altered from a hip to gable on one or both sides, forming a gable pitched roof with headroom along the full length of the roof.
A hip to gable conversion may not require planning permission providing the design complies with the criteria for Permitted Development (PD). This allows an increase of 50m to the house (40m on a terraced house), providing no part of the roof is higher than the original.
It is always worth checking with the local authority as to whether or not planning permission is required. It may be possible to undertake work using PD rights that would not comply with local planning policy were permission required.
Friday, 22 June 2012
Loft Conversions 20 great ideas
2. Add Glazing to Gable Walls - the opportunity to introduce windows in gable walls is often overlooked when designing a loft conversion, yet it is a great way to introduce light. As with any window the cill must be 800mm above floor level.
A Gable window can be expanded so that the whole triangular gable wall is glazed, with a structural frame of timber and steel reinforcement where necessary. This can really add the wow factor to a loft room.
Glazing a gable wall is unlikely to be an issue oin forward or rear facing gable and may be classed as Permitted Developement.
New windows in a side elevation will always need planning permission unless they are obscure glazed with any opening part at least 1.7m above floor level.
A Gable window can be expanded so that the whole triangular gable wall is glazed, with a structural frame of timber and steel reinforcement where necessary. This can really add the wow factor to a loft room.
Glazing a gable wall is unlikely to be an issue oin forward or rear facing gable and may be classed as Permitted Developement.
New windows in a side elevation will always need planning permission unless they are obscure glazed with any opening part at least 1.7m above floor level.
Friday, 15 June 2012
Loft Conversions 20 great ideas
Follow our great ideas for converting loft spaces over the coming weeks.
1. Think ahead
Designing a roof with future conversion in mind will allow for the expansion of living space should demand arise. Specifying either a cut roof or attic trusses will add £1,500 - £2,000 to the average build cost but hugely simplify the conversion process. In addition, including a plumbing and heating manifold in the roof space, siting soil vent (SVP) pipes where they might be needed, and allowing space on the consumer unit for power, lighting and other circuits, will bring down the cost of a conversion. Finally, opt for a 'warm roof' design and consider the addition of a full staircase.
1. Think ahead
Designing a roof with future conversion in mind will allow for the expansion of living space should demand arise. Specifying either a cut roof or attic trusses will add £1,500 - £2,000 to the average build cost but hugely simplify the conversion process. In addition, including a plumbing and heating manifold in the roof space, siting soil vent (SVP) pipes where they might be needed, and allowing space on the consumer unit for power, lighting and other circuits, will bring down the cost of a conversion. Finally, opt for a 'warm roof' design and consider the addition of a full staircase.
Friday, 8 June 2012
Look at our previous work
Take a look around our web site for all your building and renovation needs.
Our web site has lots of fantastic pictures of previous works undertaken and will give you a comprehensive idea of the care and attention we pay to the work we undertake.
Our web site has lots of fantastic pictures of previous works undertaken and will give you a comprehensive idea of the care and attention we pay to the work we undertake.
Friday, 1 June 2012
One of our Current Porjects
One of our current projects is a listed farmhouse in St Albans.
This picture is before the works have been started for our clients.
Extensive works incorporating new roofs, insulations, windows, floors, rewire and the latest technology in heating etc to bring this building back to it's original period features.
This picture is before the works have been started for our clients.
Extensive works incorporating new roofs, insulations, windows, floors, rewire and the latest technology in heating etc to bring this building back to it's original period features.
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