Extending and Improving continued...

We can;
• give advice on properties with potential for expansion or improvement - if you are moving house or relocating a commercial organisation.
• deal with planning authorities - We can act as your agent; as we understand planning law and compliance with Building Regulations and have experience of historic and listed buildings.
• appoint reliable building contractors - We can help and also act as project manager, managing the contract and monitoring the work on your behalf.
• draw up plans and designs for you - We can also provide a cost consultancy service - managing your budget throughout the project to ensure you do not overspend.

If your project runs into problems, we can offer advice on the best method of settling any dispute.
There are many aspects of these sorts of works that require good advice such as those described below.

Planning Permission
We can advise on the need for Planning Permission and whether there may be additional restrictions on ‘permitted development rights’ – what you can do without permission - especially in conservation areas.
The permitted development rules are complicated and we can advise you on your options.

Building Regulations
Building Regulations approval is designed to ensure, amongst other things, that your property remains structurally safe, protected from fire risks, is energy efficient and has adequate ventilation. Most of these works almost certainly require Building Regulation Approval.
We can draw up and submit the plans, obtain approvals and oversee the project on your behalf.

Loft Conversion
• Not every loft can be turned into living space.
• You may need planning permission, particularly if you live in a conservation area, and you must comply with the Building Regulations
• You may need to notify your neighbours before work goes ahead. Party wall legislation may apply.
• Choose your builder carefully and consider appointing a professional project manager to oversee the works. There is no law preventing you from doing this yourself, but without previous knowledge or understanding of the construction process it can be fraught with difficulty.

Basement Formation
Basement extensions are becoming increasingly popular and can be more economical in high value areas than moving.
Such projects can be complex, disruptive to neighbours and costly. They need expert advice including that of specialists such as surveyors and engineers. You should be wary of basement companies. They tend to adopt generic designs and methods that do not necessarily apply to your property and there are risks of long term problems if the structural design does not take account of the specific conditions affecting your property. You will almost certainly need to notify your neighbours.
There are circumstances when planning permission is likely to be required.
We can advise on all these issues and ensure that any consultants are coordinated.

Party Wall Legislation

There is frequently a need to comply with the party wall legislation for projects of these kinds. We will advise whether it is necessary. (See the separate section on this legislation)