Plans and Designs – Extend or remodel your Home!

Having worked in the House Building industry for over 30 years, I have seen the whole circle of house designs and layouts change from terrace ‘starter’ homes through to semi-detached, budget priced link detached, large detached, to luxury houses  - then recently reverting back to ‘town houses’ and apartments.

These developments have met both the changing needs of the housing market and the individual requirements of the family unit.

As time moves on the needs of the home turn to - where can we get more space.

We see that some home owners may consider not moving at all - to achieve this aim, and instead are looking around their home and see if more usable space can be created by either extending or remodelling the existing rooms by making alterations to the house layout.

By looking at the existing space in and around the house there may be development opportunities – i.e. in the garden for a possible extension, in and above the garage, in the roof space, or consider remodelling and alterations to existing rooms.

I am able to offer a service to assist the home owner – initially by a visit to discuss the ideas the family may have for creating more space – then survey the house and produce preliminary designs plans which can show whether the ideas are practical and possible. These proposals can then be discussed with the Local Authority planners, before any formal Planning Application is submitted.

As some people may be aware – new rules have been introduced recently whereby some small extensions may not require Planning Permission – although Building Regulations may still apply.

Obviously the Local Authority Planning and Building Departments can offer guidance initially – the benefits of having plans to show them - albeit maybe sketch proposals - will be an advantage in the discussions.

Calvert Stonehouse