NS Architectural Services
North Shields, Borough of North Tyneside, North Tyneside
(1)
North Shields, Borough of North Tyneside, North Tyneside
(1)
We provide architectural design for all phases of building projects. From initial concept design and feasibility through to developed design once your vision for the design is fully realised construction documents and specifications are prepared.
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1 customer review
Whalen
Architectural Services
Found Bryan to be very professional, knowledgeable with ideas and direction. Sound information on the detail required at competitive costs. Would recommend Bryan, especially for extensions and building work. Tony W, More...
How can someone tell if their Garage is suitable for conversion?
this can be dependent on numerous factors as listed below:
1. You need to check your property deeds for any restrictive covenants
2. Typically, a garage conversion will cost more if the original structure is unsound
3. You live in a listed building or neighbourhood - It is very likely in this case that the external appearance of the house must be maintained as it is.
4. Your garage conversion would affect drainage - If you plan on concreting over your garden or anything similar, thus putting extra pressure on the existing drainage in place, you may need to invest in a solution to allay the potential for flooding or blocked drains.
5. Additional insulation is needed - Some councils will allow you to simply add the extra fill to the existing construction, others demand that you dig up the floor and insulate it as if building from scratch. This will affect your budget, so always check first.
6. Parking restrictions - In some cities where there is a particular shortage of parking spaces , councils can refuse permission to convert your garage from a place where a car is kept.
Run us through the different stages of the Garage conversion process - what's involved?
First of all i would arrange a free of charge initial meeting to offer advice and a firm up the fee.
Once agreed I would come a survay the building and produce the initial draft of drawings for approval.
When this is agreed I will contact the relevant Local Authority to review if any of the following approvals are required - Planning, Listed Building & Conservation area.
In the majority of cases, the work involved in converting a garage will be classed as permitted development. However, if you live in a Conservation Area, a location where development can be restricted to protect the appearance of the surroundings, or on a new estate with strict guidelines, it’s worth checking what’s allowed.
if in doubt, apply for a certificate of lawful development from your local authority at a cost of £86. Do remember, the removal of permitted development does not rule out the potential of a garage conversion, but you’ll need to ensure the design is sensitive to the setting and apply for full planning permission, which costs £172 in England. Listed properties will need listed building consent, too.
So when you will need planning permission?:
1. If you live in a listed building
2. If the garage conversion increases your home beyond permitted development rights
3. You are converting the space for business
4. Your council has restrictions on reducing parking
Even if these restrictions apply, you should be able to convert the garage interior as long as the exterior is untouched.
Once we are through this process we will need to apply for Building Regulations, this will be managed by myself producing the working drawings that builders can price from and can be approved by the local Building Control authority.
Building Regulations apply, when you plan to convert any part of your house into a room to be used as habitable space, you will need to comply with government building regulations. A building control officer will probably need to check your conversion a number of times during construction. More information can be found on the relevant section of the government's website. Again, rules differ so you need to check with your local council.
Then the conversion can begin! This is generally smooth a process that I can guide and manage on your behalf.
by hiring a good builder with sound construction knowledge will allow me to take a step back and let them crack on get it converted for you. I will of course come and visit the site to see how its all going.
Then is all yours!
What do you love most about your job?
I love design a detailing for domestic projects, I have been very fortunate to work for large clients and detailed some cutting edge projects such as a bespoke glass sports floor for Oxford University.
But really I get more joy out of helping people visualise and understand the potential for their house. It is the largest and most significant investment for most people. I offer good honest advice and if the project can not be done then I will advise on that - Free of charge!
seeing projects at the end are of huge satisfaction for the work and effort by all that go in to it. I treat each project as if it is my own house, as I care that much being a home owner myself and I also expect that when I hire people to work on my home.
Loft Conversion
providing all forms of design work for loft conversions from planning through to building regulations
