OUR SERVICES:

A single storey extension is a popular home improvement that can create valuable extra space and drastically improve the layout of your home. It’s a simple way to add valuable extra space, but careful planning, designing, and budgeting are essential. Building an extension is also a cost-effective alternative to moving house. The cost of a single storey extension will vary depending on where you are in the UK, the complexity of the build, and the standard of build quality you are aiming for.

Most commonly, single storey extensions are used to enlarge key living spaces in your home, such as the living room or kitchen. They can make a huge difference to the look and feel of a space.

There are various types of single storey extensions like rear, side, and wraparound, allowing you to extend your home to create extra rooms. The design of a single storey extension can vary significantly, depending on your needs, the available space, and the architectural style of the existing property.

In many cases, single storey extensions can be undertaken within the parameters of Permitted Development Rights. However, you’ll need to be aware of the rules and regulations, and in certain areas, you may need to obtain planning permission.

In some cases, two-storey extensions can be undertaken within the parameters of Permitted Development, meaning you may not need to apply for planning permission, provided certain limits and conditions are met. However, in many cases, you will need to obtain planning permission.

While two-storey extensions can provide significant benefits, they also represent a major investment. Therefore, it’s important to carefully consider your needs and budget before embarking on such a project.

There are plenty of types of loft conversions, most common ones being Dormer Loft conversions, Hip to Gable conversions, L-Shaped loft conversions, Mansard loft conversions, and Velux loft conversions.

Loft conversions are most commonly used to dispose of an extra Bedroom in the house, but they can also provide a study, playroom, an extra bathroom, or simply serve for storage purposes. In order to decide which type of loft conversion is more convenient for your project, we need to consider the intended outcome, budget, the shape and type of construction of your roof, and the current layout and position of the stairs in your home.

-Velux Loft Conversions: These is the most simple and quick to complete type of loft conversion, as you don't alter or expand the current space under your roof. Reinforcing the floor, as well as properly insulating the space and adding a suitable stairs is required. Light is provided via the installation of Velux-type windows. 

As this type of loft conversion doesn't alter the shape or height of your house, it is normally the most likely type of loft conversion for conservation areas, or when the budget is tight.

-Dormer Loft Conversions: Probably the most popular type of loft conversions in the United Kingdom, dormer loft conversions are simple to build and incorporate dormer windows in order to gain additional space and headroom where neccesary.

These type of loft conversions are mostly indicated where the existing pitch of the room is not enough to provide enough space, or where the position of the stairs and current layout makes it difficult to add an additional run without compromosing the existing layout.

-Hip to Gable Conversion: A Hip to Gable extension is a popular method used to create more space within a property by converting the existing hip roof into a gable roof.This type of extension is commonly employed in homes with a hipped roof design, where the sides of the roof slope down to the eaves. 

With this type of conversion, you add not only extra floor space within the room, but also create more room within the staircase area. This is a great solution for anyone looking at creating more head height in their loft. It’s also common to include a rear dormer if getting the maximum amount of space is your main goal.

-L-Shaped Conversion: An L-shaped loft conversion involves constructing two dormers that connect into a corner, forming an "L" shape. One end of the dormer, usually the larger end, is built into the main roof. This type of conversion is ideal for period properties with a back addition, as you can extend up the top of the back addition to get more space.

The primary advantage of an L-shaped conversion is the extra space it creates. It can provide enough room for a separate double bedroom, bathroom, and landing, often with plenty of storage. This type of conversion can increase your existing home by 20-50sqm. Some L-shaped loft conversions generally fall under permitted development rights, meaning you can extend your house without the need for planning permission, as long as strict guidelines are followed. However, some L-shaped loft conversions may require a full planning application.

-Mansard Conversions:  A Mansard loft conversion is a type of loft conversion that provides a smart solution for adding living space to your home. Named after the 17th-century French architect Francois Mansard, it involves modifying the roof plane to create a near-vertical wall (usually set at 72 degrees) at the back of the property, while adding a flat roof atop. This opens up the loft space considerably, making it habitable and functional.

Generally found in dense urban areas, Mansard loft conversions are often found at the rear of properties, but in some circumstances, they could be located at the front as well. This will depend on the type of house and if other properties nearby have already had this design completed and permission granted by your local council.

These extensions can be single or multi-storey and can be located at the front, side, or rear of the property. Multiple extensions can significantly increase the living space in your home and add value to your property. However, they require careful planning and design, as they do normally do not fall under permitted development rights.

The types of multiple extensions can vary widely, depending on the needs of the homeowner and the layout of the property. They can include anything from a simple single-storey rear extension to a complex multi-storey side extension.

These are standalone structures located within the property but separate from the main house. They can include sheds, playhouses, greenhouses, and other type of structures as swimming pools, ponds, sauna cabinas etc. Outbuildings can serve a huge varierty of purposes, from storage and hobby spaces to fully functional living areas or even workout space at home.

HMOs, or Houses of Multiple Occupation, are a unique form of residential property that are occupied by three or more tenants who are not part of the same household, but share facilities like the bathroom and kitchen. They are particularly common in areas with high student populations, but they’re also found in other contexts, such as shared housing for young professionals.

If you are looking for an Architect to transform your existing property in a HMO in Essex or Hertfordshire, we can help.

Transforming an existing property into a suitable office space, whether for your small business, or for renting, comes with plenty of challenges.

At our architectural practice, we understand the unique challenges and opportunities that come with office design and changes of use. We work closely with our clients to create spaces that not only meet their current needs but are also adaptable for the future. 

From single dwellings to small and medium sized developments, our practice has plenty of experience in new builds and handles all aspects of the planning application process. We design to meet client needs and local regulations, prepare and submit necessary documents, and liaise with planning authorities. Our aim is to secure planning permission efficiently, enabling clients to proceed with their projects.

Our firm excels in creating detailed working drawings for new builds, ensuring every aspect of the design is clearly communicated. We also handle building control, ensuring compliance with current building regulations and any other specific standards required for the project.

Our goal is to facilitate a smooth construction process, from the drawing board to the finished building. 

We can take your ideas from early stages to being built liaising with every consultant required during the entire process.