Floor Plans Express
(12)
(12)
Architectural plans, floor plans and building extension plans are considered the most critical stage of your entire building project. Established in 1985, Floor Plans Express is a leading architectural and building design organisation with a 98.
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12 customer reviews
KuldipK
We had an excellent service from Floor Plans Express from our initial discussion about the front extension to the final completion of the works on site. Mark Seagrove was extremely helpful and made the whole process very smooth for us. We found that everything was cost effective and completed in a timely and professional manner. Thank you. More...
Reviewed on Yell
JudithN-34
We have found Floor Plans Express as a personal, professional, very approachable firm to help develop and deliver our building plans. We had several consultations with Mark from Floor Plans Express before deciding on the lay out of our second floor extension. He clearly has many years of experience in this field, which helped us understand what we could expect to happen during the course of submitting the plans to the different approval bodies. This is important to us as we have little experience ourselves, and could only use websites and the occasional story from friends about what we might need to do. This is a reassuring aspect of their service. Their knowledge and quality of service is excellent. More...
Reviewed on Yell
SamH-475
Mark the owner came out very promptly to assess the job, he recognised the need for urgency in getting the plan made, as the project was for a disabled lady that needed to move in asap. He came and did the plan several days later, suggested very helpful points from his experience in the building industry and also similar projects he has worked on. Then sent over the finished Floor plans early the next week. Hard copies and PDFs, including everything we had asked for. He charged a very reasonable price and excelled in his work. I would not hesitate getting him in for the next project.Chris Buxton Estate Manager More...
Reviewed on Yell
SakibB
Mark was a pleasure deal with. His services are of the highest quality and I was kept informed regularly throughout the project. Mark assisted in getting the maximum out of the project. Most definately recommended. More...
Reviewed on Yell
MichaelH-2658
Excellent service with great communications, great drawings with planning permission and buildings control all sorted. Would recommend
Reviewed on Yell
JamesC-6098
Mark was fantastic from start to finish. Being a novice home renovator Mark made this whole process totally stress free. He took our vision into account and turned it into a fantastic 3D visual to submit for planning. Permission was approved first time and Building regulations followed with ease after. Thankyou Mark! and we will be sure to share the photos of the finished product. Highly recommend floorplans express and we will be coming using Mark again on our next home project. More...
Reviewed on Yell
JohnL-2300
I'm always happy with their prompt response and continued support even after the initial work was carried out. FPE provide a hassle free service that gives me confidence to return to them for further work and Mark always gives a personal commitment and good communications to provide a service to meet and exceed my expectations.
Reviewed on Yell
LoisH-29
I appointed Mark to organise planning permission and building regs for a small side extension. As part of this project he did all the drawings and communicated with the council and building regs. The process was stress free as Mark just got on with it and in time I received the approval from RBWM. Since this, I have had a few queries relating to various aspects for the build and Mark has always assisted as and where he can, he never fails to get back to me. I would have no hesitations in recommending Mark. More...
Reviewed on Yell
AllyM-85
We had a great experience with this company. Mark was brilliant. He really helped with our design and was always available at the end of the phone throughout the project to answer questions and sort out issues. The quote they gave us was also very good value. I highly recommend them. More...
Reviewed on Yell
ChrisJ-697
Mark got us through the planning process smoothly. He listened to our ideas and came up with what we wanted, the drawings were great he kept us informed all the way through.
Reviewed on Yell
PeterH-1360
Great service, Mark produced drawing for planning permission and sorted out building regulations quickly and extremely professionally. Much appreciated service provided
Reviewed on Yell
MichaelT-586
Mark produced the design for our extension, involved a structural engineer as needed and helped us overcome some issues with adjacent ground height and nearby trees. He then helped us find a really good builder. We have been very happy with the project and with Mark's support throughout. We have no hesitation in recommending Mark. More...
Reviewed on Yell
How can someone tell if their Garage is suitable for conversion?
In many houses, a well-planned garage conversion can create a new room or rooms that blend seamlessly with the existing house. Most commonly, the location of the attached garages makes them ideal locations for large family rooms or even expanded luxury kitchens. The process should begin with a careful assessment of the garage and the problems and promises it holds. Here are seven elements to evaluate as you consider the possibilities.
Run us through the different stages of the Garage conversion process - what's involved?
Garage Door
The biggest question facing most garage conversions is what to do about the garage door. Once the door is removed, the resulting space needs to be filled in so that it both blends in with the rest of the house and provides a useful service to the new living space. Possible options include installing a patio door or framing a new wall that includes a large picture window or bay window. Some homeowners have been known to create entire new entryways where the garage door was located.
Floor
A typical garage sits on an uninsulated concrete slab, which may be several inches below the floor level inside the house. The slab may well be sloped toward the garage door or a floor drain. With these circumstances, you will want to consider filling the bottom of the garage door opening with a curb that will keep water out of the converted space and protect wall framing from moisture. You will also need to decide if the floor should be levelled.
Heating and Cooling
If the garage is attached to the house, you may be able to extend the existing heating and cooling system into the new space. If that is not possible, look into an independent system (heat can be supplied by electric baseboards, gas space heaters or wood stoves, for example, while a room air conditioner can handle warm weather). Add insulation to walls, floor, and ceiling before deciding how to heat and cool the space. Another option is a radiant floor heating system—a relatively easy thing to install on an existing concrete slab.
Wiring
If you expect to substantially increase electrical usage in the converted space, consider adding at least one new 20-amp circuit. Most garages have a single lighting circuit, and most large rooms will require a bit more electrical service than that. It will likely take several additional circuits if your converted space will be used for a kitchen with all its appliances. If you are converting a detached garage to some form of living space, additional wiring can be run from the house through an underground conduit.
Plumbing
This can be the biggest headache of a garage conversion. Getting water supplied to the garage may be easy, but drainage can present major problems. Check with a plumber about your options. If you are lucky enough to have a laundry/utility room connecting the garage to the house, you might be able to turn it into a bathroom. Adding plumbing lines is often the single biggest expense in a garage conversion project.
How can someone tell if their loft is suitable for conversion?
https://www.which.co.uk/reviews/loft-conversions/article/loft-conversions/loft-conversions-step-by-step-guide-aXRe24q7i8Y5#:~:text=1%20Look%20for%20other%20conversions%20on%20your%20street.,or%20rafters.%20...%204%20Consider%20the%20floor%20below
Run us through the different stages in the loft conversion process - what’s involved?
Is my loft high enough to be converted?
Depending on the construction of your house, SkyLofts require a minimum distance from the top of your current ceiling joist to the underside of the highest point (ridge beam) of 2.2M or 7’2″ to be able to convert your loft. We have pulled together a quick video to help you understand if your loft is high enough to be converted.
I have water tanks in my loft, is this a problem?
Not a problem. You will, however, need to consider relocating these to be able to convert your loft. One of our specialist consultants can take you through your options when they visit you.
Do you require planning permission?
The majority of loft conversions are completed under permitted development rights (PD). There are certain criteria SkyLofts work within to allow this. As an example a volume allowance of 40 cubic meters for terraced houses and a volume allowance of 50 cubic meters for detached or semi-detached houses. If the proposed work is outside of your PD rights or the property does not have PD rights planning will be required. Sounds complicated right? Do not worry, SkyLofts manage this application on your behalf.
Do I need to contact a designer/architect beforehand?
Not at all, SkyLofts have our own in-house design team. They specialise in loft conversions, so we are able to offer our experience and knowledge to obtain the most from the space available. We are of course able to work with any existing plans you have and offer any advice if needed.
How long does the process take?
Depending on your current situation, the planning process from start to commencement of the build takes approximately 20 weeks.
How long does the build take?
SkyLofts average build time is just under 8 weeks, this does, of course, vary depending on the size of the project.
Does SkyLofts project manage the build?
Absolutely, from your first enquiry right through to your completed loft conversion, we manage the whole process. We deal with the design, the build, the trades and the building regulations.
I have a chimney, will you remove this?
This depends on whether it is a working chimney or if it’s no longer in use. Our consultant will discuss your options with you during their visit and if you are happy for the chimney to be removed we will be able to complete this as part of your contract.
How much will the loft conversion be?
This varies for every property as there are a number of factors we need to consider. Our loft consultant will be able to generate a fully itemised no obligation quotation following their visit.
What do you love most about your job?
At Floor Plans Express, we love to make peoples dreams come true for now and the future.
Why should our clients choose you?
A warm welcome to Floor Plans Express
Architectural plans, floor plans and building extension plans are considered the most critical stage of your entire building project. Established in 1985, Floor Plans Express is a leading architectural and building design organisation with a 98.5 success rate with all residential planning applications.
We specialise in the design and creation of bespoke home extensions & alterations and have excellent working relationship with local authority planning departments. If you need any help or just have questions about your project, call our team in Reading for an informal chat and free advice. We are here to help.
Our promise to you.
We have an excellent working relationship with the Local Authorities with a 98.5% success rate with new builds, home extensions, loft conversions and garage conversions.
We understand that your home is your most valuable asset and any extensions or alterations would need to be sympathetically designed to ensure a satisfactory outcome for many years to come. Visit our portfolio and take a look at some of the recent projects we've worked on for clients in the home counties, or speak to a member of our team today.
