Do I Need An Architect For An Extension
What does an architect do on an extension?
If you are having a house extension, then it is very likely that your house will need to be adapted. Architects specialise in designing extensions for houses as well as other building types such as office buildings or museums. We are one of the best construction companies in Derby and will be pleased to guide you through your house extension project. When should you not extend your house? There are several reasons why it might be better to not build an extension at all, or under certain circumstances; these include the following situations: If there is no space for a house extension - in other words, if there is barely any room left on either side of the property's footprint and/or from its rear boundary line due to neighbouring buildings being too close by, then building one would have very minimal benefit. In addition to this issue, only do so if zoning laws allow homeowners that kind of flexibility with their house plans (i.e., planning permission may be required). Also bear in mind that while some countries' jurisdictions require developers/builders/owners to house homeless persons in any vacant spaces created after home renovations/additions, other jurisdictions do not allow that. How do I find out if my house can be extended? You should check with local authorities to see if planning permission will be required prior to building an extension. It may also help you get a better understanding of how much it will cost. You might want to hire an architect too who can give advice on design possibilities suitable for your property location. If you're considering loft conversions, check that they'll have enough head height space first! When should you get a structural engineer? A house extension is not just about building an extra room or fitting another bathroom - in fact there's more to think about than that! You need to have your house inspected by a Structural Engineer before any work begins and at various times throughout its construction. This ensures everything is up-to-date and compliant with current Building Regulations (a legal requirement) as well as making sure existing features such as doors windows and stairs aren't affected by the changes made during expansion. Do you need a structural engineer for a loft conversion? It depends on what type of loft conversion project you want to do but typically no, unless the house was built before 1901 - so would require underpinning- then yes definitely! Loft conversions can present some unforeseen challenges in terms of works needing doing underneath (foundations), depending where exactly in relation to door arches etc. In cases where loft conversions are being done in older houses which were built without adequate reinforcement, an engineer's input will be required to ensure that the house's framework is not compromised. If you're intending on doing a loft conversion in order to add additional bedrooms, it may well be necessary for you to speak with an engineer beforehand because this will give them enough time to conduct their checks and inspections before scaffolding arrives at your house. How do I know if my house has structural problems? If you notice cracks appearing in walls or ceilings then chances are something isn't structurally sound. A house is also at risk if it has been subject to a lot of movement or shaking in the past, such as during an earthquake. What Will A Structural Engineer Look For? This can be anything from cracks or holes on walls, floors or ceilings through to the house being out of level - so if your house is sloping at all it's likely that you'll need some kind of remedial work done. Other issues include doors and windows not fitting properly into their frames, loose floorboards and dampness which could indicate roof leaks that are causing internal damage. As long as these things are dealt with before moving day then they shouldn't cause too many complications for you although bear in mind that sometimes unexpected problems crop up even after any necessary building work has been completed successfully. An extension will usually be the next step if the house you are in now is too small to accommodate your growing family. This can involve building an extension onto either side, along the back or at the top of the house and will require planning permission as well as consideration for what kind of materials should be used. Extensions can cause problems with neighbours who might not like having a new wall built so close to their house but it's important that they're respected because there could potentially be major disputes which nobody wants especially if both sides feel strongly about something. Lofts conversions are becoming more popular by the day with people seeing them as an investment opportunity, rather than simply extra space without needing any further work done on their homes although this does mean getting expert advice before moving ahead with anything. |
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Interested in a quotation for any type of House extension, major building works or renovation project?
Then call our team at Derby House Extensions
01332-215103
Then call our team at Derby House Extensions
01332-215103