Chichester, West Sussex
Your Home Plans is a Chartered Architectural Practice founded in 2007, we specialises in Architectural Services for the Home Owners and Small Developers. We pride ourselves of listening to our clients and understanding your needs, offering Free, No Obligation consultations so you can make informed decisions before any commitment.
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2 customer reviews
Jane Ralph
This company provided a 1st class service I would not hesitate to use them again. June was really helpful, nothing was too much trouble - thank you for all your help and guidance with our plans.
Reviewed on Facebook
CSN HOMES LTD
We have worked with Your Home Plans on a large number of development projects over many years. These include major building conversions, new builds, individual home extensions and refurbishments.
We have always found them to be extremely professional, offering a first class service. The communication throughout the projects was excellent and their fees are competitively priced. They are very approachable, experienced, friendly, trustworthy and reliable. We have no hesitation in recommending their service.
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janey614
Prompt service. Very helpful and practical. Came up with sensible ideas that helped bring our ideas alive. Offered good value for money.
Reviewed on Houzz
How can someone tell if their Garage is suitable for conversion?
The 2 main considerations for a suitable garage conversion is the finished usable space inside and construction of the existing walls. The walls should ideally be block or brick work, not prefabricated. The inside surface of each external wall will likely reduce the inner space by upto 150mm. Therefore, you need to consider if your furniture will work in the space, ie you can fit in a bed and walk around it.
Other issues such as roof and floor insulation can usual be overcome by excavating the floor to gain more head height if necessary.
Run us through the different stages of the Garage conversion process - what's involved?
Once you have had a consultation with us to confirm if a conversion is possible or the best choice for you, we would then need to get permissions in place such as Planning, if required, and Building Control approval. You are in a position to engage builders to quote for the works. Generally, the construction works process would be to excavate the existing floor, lay new underground drainage if required, and build up with the required insulation, membranes and finish surface. The external wall will be infill or new openings created with door and window installation. Finally, the power and lighting supplies and fit out the new inner skin of the walls and new insulated ceiling is completed.
How can someone tell if their loft is suitable for conversion?
It is possible to convert a most lofts, if there is enough height between the top of the existing loft floor joist and underneath of the ridge board, ideally this would be 2.2-2.23m at a minimum. You also need to consider if you would need a dormer extension to make the most of the floor space and if this would be allowed using Permitted Development Rights or if you would require planning approval. If a dormer extension is not possible, then this can reduce the possibility of a loft conversion is some cases, as the top of the new loft stairs will need to finish under the highest point of the loft. There are a lot of restrictions around staircases space on the first floor could be an issue that has to be overcome.
Run us through the different stages in the loft conversion process - what’s involved?
Once you have had a consultation with us to confirm if a conversion is possible or the best choice for you, we would then need to get permissions in place such as Planning, if required, and Building Control approval. The existing loft will not have been designed to support the loads imposed on it, therefore a lot of structural changes will be made, then insulation and membranes are added before the plaster finish. Means of escape, in the event of a fire, will need to be considered via the existing staircase and certain upgrades to this area may also need to be undertaken.
What do you love most about your job?
Creating clients own 'Grand Design' with them and seeing it come to fruition. It doesn't matter how small, its a change to your own home and has a big impact on your daily life, its very personal and brings people a lot of pleasure, which is great to be a part ot.
What inspired you to start your own business?
Watching Grand Designs and reading all of the Building Magazines inspired me on my career, this is why I prefer residential development with existing home owners and self builders. I chose to work for myself and start my own company so that I could work in the area I enjoy the most.
Why should our clients choose you?
We work hard to provide our clients with as much information as possible and to ensure we listen to all their requirements so that they can make informed decisions at each step of the way. The plans are for our clients home, and as such they should be involved as much as possible.