COLE & COMPANY
N1, London
(6)
N1, London
(6)
Fast, affordable, planning and residential architect design specialists. We are RIBA Chartered with 14 years architecture and planning experience across London Boroughs. We are London based house extension and loft extension design specialists.
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6 customer reviews
Swee
Architectural Services
Very rapid and professional service. Fantastic advice - Tom came down for an initial assessment almost immediately after inviting him down by phone. We didn't go through with the job due to personal financial considerations but I would highly recommend working with Tom. More...
Clara
Architectural Services
Tom was really great to work with. Flexible, open minded, responsive and helpful, he gave us good ideas that fit our needs and budget, and was happy to work on a small scale project and offer original ideas. We recommend him!
Clara
Architectural Services
Really great to work with, independent professional who had good ideas for our space, we recommend!
G Tomkins
Architectural Services
Very pleased with Tom Cole’s work. He was easy to deal with and his service excellent. A job well (and quickly) done.
Em Webb
Great practice. Chris was friendly & professional & listened carefully to our ideas before coming up with a beautiful design for our home. We were worried about the planning application as we live in a conservation area but thanks to Chris’s gentle yet determined interaction with the planning office it went through without a hitch! Would definitely recommend More...
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Chris Coward
Cole +Company Architecture provided a thoroughly professional service. They were receptive to our suggestions and we found their approach innovative, sympathetic and overall highly professional.
They responded quickly to our requests, providing solutions rather than issues. A real 'can do' and pragmatic approach.
We would highly recommend Cole + Company to anybody that wants there project completed to a high standard, on time and in budget.
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How can someone tell if their Garage is suitable for conversion?
Most garages are suitable for conversion, it depends on what you want to do with it and its relationship to the rest of the house [and your budget!]. Suitability is determined by planning [are you allowed] and construction/ building control [is it feasible]. Most garages are.
In terms of planning:
- Are you in a conservation area?
- Is your home a listed building?
- Is your home in an area subject to an article 4 direction?
Planning:
If you can answer no to all these questions, in planning terms it is suitable. Even if you answered no, it may require a planning application. This though is nothing fear, planning encourages sustainable development and in the context of a housing crisis, enlarging homes by converting the garage is a highly sustainable thing to do.
Building Control:
In building control terms, it shouldn't be problematic. The conversion will likely require lining the inside of the garage with insulation [walls, floor, ceiling] - but you don't want to be cold and you won't pass building regulations otherwise. The previous opening from the garage to the driveway will likely require strip foundations or similar to support the infilled opening.
Run us through the different stages of the Garage conversion process - what's involved?
Step 01 - Background check to identify whether conversion qualifies as permitted development or requires planning permission.
Step 02 - Measured survey of the garage and connection to main house to identify potential build issues and create sketch proposals.
Step 03 - Appointment of other consultants if required [E.G Party Wall Surveyor, Structural Engineer].
Step 04 - Client sign off of drawings, application for planning or Lawful Development Certificate. Development of detailed tender and building regulation stage drawings.
Step 05- Tender to 3 builders.
Step 06 - Selection of builder and construction.
How can someone tell if their loft is suitable for conversion?
Most lofts are suitable for conversion. The two most significant questions to ask are:
01 - Do permitted development rights apply to the house?
02 - Is there enough head height to the underside of the existing roof ridge line to allow the conversion? If not, the roof ridge will require to be raised and the conversion will require planning permission. This is not somethin g to fear, most local authorities allow for loft conversions, but it may impact on what you can achieve within the conversion .
03 - To what extent can the existing roof structure accommodate the conversion? Post war properties from the 1950s onwards can often have very economical use of rafters and joists, requiring greater structural work to accommodate a conversion. This doesn't prohibit conversion but it does have to accounted for in the budget.
Run us through the different stages in the loft conversion process - what’s involved?
01 - We establish your ambitions and the brief for the loft conversion. Are you looking for a complete transformation bedroom suite with lux bathroom or something more simple? We establish the budget.
02 - We review the loft space and planning context to establish the feasibility of conversion inline with your budget.
03 - We survey the loft and put together sketch proposals that are developed into the ideal design.
04 - The proposals are submitted to planning or for a lawful development certificate if required and drawn up to tender and building control stage drawings.
Step 05- We tender to 3 builders.
Step 06 - Selection of builder and construction begins.
What do you love most about your job?
We really love the feel good factor of the finished project and the transformation of client's homes. A close second is overcoming and problem solving along the way.
What inspired you to start your own business?
Someone told me, if you don’t have your dream job – create it! I wanted freedom and flexibility, to work with the people to create great homes.
Why should our clients choose you?
I provide great design, attentive service in helping clients through all stages of their projects.
