Your home extension project: Choosing the right windows

Lots of our clients ask us about glazing and how to make the right choices. Whether you are working with an architectural designer to build a new build house, convert your loft, add space with a single or two storey extension or create a sunroom/orangery; window choices can often make or break an architectural design.

Windows are also a big part of your build budget, so we understand that getting it right is vital! Large windows often take centre stage in the facades of modern design, which means that energy efficiency and thermal performance needs serious consideration. Research is key. Acre Design are Newcastle’s leading architectural designers and we are here to help!

Inspiration in the North East and Newcastle

We don’t have to look far from our front doors to find some exceptional examples of stunning, efficient and innovative glazing solutions:

The Sill, National Landscape Discovery Centre in Hexham, Northumberland is a purpose build visitor centre which promotes the local landscapes. The glazing meets the highest standards of sustainability (a focus of the project) whilst standing strong against the unpredictable and harsh elements in the area. With The Sage (Gateshead), The Baltic, Newcastle City Library and The Centre for Life (Newcastle) also leading the way with innovative glazing solutions, we really are spoilt for inspiration here, in Newcastle.

Which is the right window style for your home?

Room layouts and the shape of your house itself will greatly inform the positioning and size of windows, unless you are designing a self-build home of course. Whether you are building a new build, extension or loft conversion, we always consider the style of the property when presenting glazing solutions. For example, an old cottage would not suit extra large glazing forced into thick stone walls. However, a contemporary, single-storey home would be improved by this style of window. This is where the classical architecture idea of the golden ratio is a helpful tool. The ratio proportions should be 1:1:618, meaning a vertical sash window, for example, should be 1300mm tall if it is 800mm wide.

What about different window styles?

Fixed windows do not open or let in ventilation, their function is to let in natural light and maximise views from your property. Without the need for an opening mechanism, these windows come in all sorts of shapes and sizes and you can get really creative with them. We love to use these in stairways in particular, providing light and decoration in an otherwise often wasted space.

Another option, useful for kitchen design and extensions, if the fixed and operable splashback window. Much like the glass or tiles you can fix behind a surface such as a sink or cooker, you can also have splashbacks that double as a window. They come in two forms: fixed or operable. These showcase your views, invite natural light in and provide extra ventilation (if operable of course). These are perfect for dimly lit kitchen spaces and they are practical, stylish and modern.

Now, if you love bringing the outside in to your garden but do not have the floorspace for bifold doors, bifold windows could be a viable and satisfying option. Allowing you to open the window entirely, they are refreshing, modern and very stylish.

Rooflights or skylights bring so much natural light to a new space where a conventional window just wouldn’t fit. There are so many options to choose from here, depending on your taste and the style of your property. Flat glass rooflights are modern and minimalistic, with a low-profile flat glass plane. They are unobtrusive but provide a great deal of natural light. Polycarbonate domes also provide a lot of natural light and are a great low-cost solution. We’ve used roof lanterns and pyramids in many of our orangeries and extensions – they are large and beautifully decorative, creating a contemporary and open feel to your space. Sliding rooflights are a nice ventilation option. If you’re considering incorporating a balcony above, walk-on rooflights are completely safe to walk on. This means that you can utilise the roof space of your new extension with a balcony above. For awkwardly shaped spaces, we love suntubes – they let in an incredible amount of light and are becoming very popular here, in Newcastle.
Sash windows are often a beautiful, traditional addition to a new build home and are an essential factor if you are renovating a Georgian or Victorian home – a popular housing style in Newcastle Upon Tyne. They come in non-standard sizes and are often bespoke for each project. We love the feeling of lifting a sash window to feel fresh air rush into a room.

Another traditional British option, also very common in Newcastle, are open-out casements, which come in a range of forms. Large casements are often the cheapest and these are usually standard sizing so a lot cheaper to source and fit. These are great for ventilation, opening really wide. However, if you have a young family or animals in your home, you need to think about safety catches for this reason.

If you love the Continental style, tilt and turn windows might be for you! This style of window opens inwards and provides a tilt option for secure ventilation. Often, these windows suit a more modern design and they are great for a smaller room.

How about triple glazing?

Triple glazed windows are the new standard in today’s windows. They are great for noise reduction and energy efficiency. Some suppliers can even offer special coatings to allow solar gain when required – utilising the sun’s heat when it is wanted in the winter but minimising overheating in the summer. We have found this is near-essential on elevations receiving a lot of direct sunlight, but you may not need to spend the money here on elevations where sunlight is rarely directed.

Traditional style homes

Choosing appropriate materials is vital if you’re building a period style self-build home or renovating your older style home. Timber window casements and sash windows are the usual choices for these styles. PVCu is a great choice but replicating a traditional wood grain finish is pretty tricky. It can be quite the challenge to find the perfect period style windows, so we recommend starting your research as soon as possible. Acre Design can help with this.

Contemporary homes

The size of windows we use has grown rapidly over time as glazing methods evolved and larger panes became affordable. A minimal amount of frame is very desirable in contemporary builds, with aluminium frames rising in popularity. We often find, the more modern the house or extension, the bigger and cleaner the glazing should be.

Which material should I choose?

Alloy, metal or fibreglass windows are really popular in contemporary-style houses, though they are not as thermally efficient as wood. GRP (fibreglass) can create a strong load-bearing frame, which is great when you are renovating or extending, and these come in a huge range of colours! This style is really low maintenance and allows for a very small frame around the glazing if this is desired. Though this is an expensive option, the aesthetic rewards are huge.

PVCu or plastic windows are a quick and easy option, whilst being low-maintenance and cost efficient!

A main advantage of timber windows is the authentic feel offered to period style homes. You just can’t replicate the feel of timber windows. They may require a little more maintenance and will be more expensive than other options however, so it is a decision worth taking some time over.

Using composite windows is a great compromise solution if you are undecided. This style mixes framing materials, usually weather-proof capping (aluminium or plastic) over a timber frame. These are great for longevity and withstanding harsher weather and are a low maintenance option which also provides the insulation pros of timber. These can be a pricey choice, so again, a great deal of thought and research is recommended.

We hope that you find this information helpful, at Acre Design Newcastle we are passionate about all things glazing and would love to discuss your project with you in detail.

Take a look at our recent projects for further inspiration! Get in touch to arrange a free, no obligation consultation at your home!

Purchasing a Property to Build and Extension and Renovate for Profit or for a Home

Are you thinking of purchasing a property to extend?

If you are on the hunt for your dream home but can’t seem to find it, Acre Design are here to help with some helpful information and things to look out for! Perhaps your property search has only yielded houses in the right location but these houses are too small, in the wrong location or simply not within budget? Here, we have a few tips which could help you gauge the potential of a property which is in the perfect location but which may be a little smaller than you had hoped for. We also offer a FREE, no obligation consultation

Purchasing a smaller home with potential for an extension

If you need a larger home to accommodate your family, or want to get on the property ladder; considering buying a smaller, cheaper home with a view to building an extension is a really sensible choice. Loads of properties have the potential to extend or have their existing features (lofts/attics, basements or garages) converted into extra living space.

Going through this process, rather than maxing out your budget on a larger house, could save you lots of cash, whilst putting you in charge of the design and quality of the build. You are in a position to create (along with your architectural designer) a home designed specifically for your family’s needs. Pretty exciting, right?

Not enough bedrooms but the perfect location? Don’t worry, there’s loads of options out there to extend!

Here are some basics to look out for:

If you think you might want to build a loft conversion, measure the head height of the existing space; you’ll need at least 2.6 meters to convert. Garage conversions will need about 2.5 meters width to add an extra bedroom to the home – think about fitting in a double bed with room to walk around it as a minimum guide. However, a smaller space could still be converted to create a larger kitchen, dining and living space if it is in the right position. If the property has a decent sized garden space, you are usually allowed to convert/build on half of the garden space, so a rear or side extension would be a fantastic option to add space. If you aren’t sure the property has the space, we would be more than happy to advise you on this.

What else can I investigate?

So you’ve found a property in the ideal location, with the right transport links, but the house itself doesn’t quite fit the bill. How can you test the feasibility of extending the property prior to purchase?

Here are some steps you could take:

Contact the local council for pre-planning application advice. There may be information on historic planning applications and whether they were successful or not. The planning officer may be able to give you an idea of how successful any application would be.
Take a look at the surrounding properties – if any what building works have they had? This can be a good indicator of what is permitted in the area.
Research whether the house is: a listed building, has conservation area status or is in a townscape merit area.
Get some expert pre-purchase advice. A good architectural practice will be able to advise you on the type of extension suitable for the property and discuss any relevant possibilities or limitations. We offer a FREE, no obligation consultation.

Found a house you love, but only with an extension?

You might have already found a home you know you could transform into your dream house… Should you make an offer without being certain you will get planning permission? In theory, you can make an offer on a house which depends upon planning permission being granted, before you exchange contracts and seal the deal. However, as most local councils aim to determine planning application decisions within eight weeks, this can be off-putting for the seller if they are keen to move quickly. If the property has been on the market for some time or the seller is not in a rush to move, you may find a seller willing to embark on such a deal. It is probably best to seek expert advice from an architectural designer, such as Acre Design prior to making an offer.

Further to this, not all extensions or alterations will need planning permission (Acre Design would be able to advise you of this). Some projects may not need planning permission because of what are called “permitted development” rights.

Usually, planning permission will not be required as long as:

no more than half the area of land around the original house is covered by the extension or other buildings;
the extension isn’t at the front of the house or facing a highway;
the extension isn’t higher than the highest part of the roof;
a single-storey rear extension doesn’t extend beyond the rear wall of the original house by more than 3m (attached house) or by 4m (detached house);
a single-storey rear extension is less than 4m high;
two-storey extensions are no closer than 7m to the rear boundary
two-story extensions don’t extend beyond the rear wall of the original house by more than 3m;
materials used for the extension and roof pitch of extensions higher than one storey are similar to the existing house;
there aren’t any verandas, balconies or raised platforms;
maximum eaves heights are complied with; and
upper-floor, side-facing windows are obscure-glazed and any opening to be 1.7m above the floor.

You may not need planning permission in some instances, however you would need to send a “notification of a proposed larger home extension” to the local authority. It is definitely worth checking with the local council before putting an offer in on a house though. Local authorities can remove permitted development rights in some areas. Also, stricter rules may apply if your property falls within designated land (ie, conservation areas, national parks and the Broads, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and World Heritage Sites) and Sites of Special Scientific Interest. Don’t worry, this is something Acre Design would be able to advise on at your FREE consultation.

For more detailed, have a look at the notes produced by the Department for Communities and Local Government: Permitted development rights for householders: technical guidance.

Think you’ve found your home but not ready to put an offer in until you know what is possible? Get in touch with Acre Design today and we’ll happily meet you at the property to have a look and discuss the potential of the property. We offer FREE, no obligation consultations in and around Newcastle!

Home Extension Budget Saving Ideas

Extending your home is a great way to add space if you’re feeling cramped. It also allows you to create bold entertaining areas and even increase the value of your property. Whether you choose a rear extension, side extension, loft conversion or a sunroom, these ideas will help you to maximise your home’s potential.

Before deciding on your home extension idea, you should familiarise yourself with planning permission – something our experienced team can advise you on from your free initial consultation. Deciding on a budget is essential and enables our designers to get you the most for your buck. Once you’ve got a rough idea, it’s time to explore the world of home extensions. We’ve created this list to help you find the inspiration you need to create your dream home.

A Loft Conversion

Expanding out isn’t always an option so using your roof space could be the right option for you. As well as giving a great return on investment, loft conversions also create interesting, quirky spaces for bedrooms, en-suites, studies or games rooms. Installing skylights in these spaces creates a beautiful flood of light from the angled roof, while also opening up the space. Natural light is perfect for these types of spaces and reduces the need for as many lighting installations in the build.

Often avoiding planning permission, loft conversions are considered minor constructions – we can advise you on this from your free initial consultation.

A Cellar Basement Conversion

Again, if extending out isn’t an option for you using the downstairs space available could be the key to creating your dream space. Basement conversions can really add another dimension to your home with minimal disruption to your home-life. A great design solution to enable natural light in an otherwise dark, gloomy area is to use a cleverly placed lightwell, you can really bring these spaces to life with light pouring in from above. We can advise you on many other strategies to make the most of your basement/cellar space at a free initial consultation with one of our experienced designers.

A Rear Extension

One of our most popular extension choices, rear extensions are becoming increasingly common in the UK for a number of great reasons. Placed in the sanctuary of your own property, a rear extension affords privacy and doesn’t often impede your neighbour’s view – causing a very amicable build process. You can work with our designers to choose to be bold or understated – depending upon your personal preference. From low-pitch extensions that match your home to contemporary steel, wood, and concrete extensions that create a striking perspective; the possibilities are endless and truly exciting. Adding value to your home while creating space for precious family memories, the rear extension is a real winner. At Acre, we love designing these as they can take so many different forms – we can really create a space tailored to you.

Our design for a run-down house in Rowlands Gill is a perfect example of how you can add space while also creating a beautiful looking home. We included a modern living space and master suite with balcony views over the Derwent Valley… stunning.

A Side Extension

A lot of period terrace homeowners end up scratching their heads when looking for ways to increase their living space. Luckily, the answer is often right under their nose with a side extension – the perfect way to expand. Whether you decide upon a single or two storey extension, we design side extensions that really compliment your existing home. This video of a complete side extension in North Shields demonstrates how easy it can be to gain so much additional space…

Perhaps it is time for a home extension designed by Acre Design, Newcastle.

Let’s face it, it’s January and you’re feeling the effects from the festive period? Perhaps you had a house full of your nearest and dearest and upon reflection, you now realise you should change the structure of your home. Well, don’t worry, because Acre Design is here to help! Take a look at just a range of project types below to see if they would benefit your home renovation in 2019.

Extensions

Single storey extension

Single-storey extensions are perfect for creating an open-plan living area or kitchen space. Nowadays, people want a large kitchen space where they can have the whole family in one place to relax while the cooking is being done – doesn’t this just sound ideal for Christmas 2019?

Two-storey extension

Adding a double-height extension to your house gives you added living space to the ground and those all-important extra bedrooms to your first floor. If you were looking at creating extra bedrooms but didn’t know what you could put in the extra ground floor space then just see our suggestions below:

A new entrance where you, your pets and your family can get showered and changed before coming into the house.
A cinema room for film lovers.
A ‘granny annexe’ with an en-suite on the ground floor for when the grandparents come to stay.
Add a utility to hide the washing machine and add some extra storage.

Sunrooms

If you want a nice, airy room to entertain guests, and have dinner with many other uses then you should definitely invest in a sunroom. They are a great place to sit and read all year round! The main difference between a sunroom and a conservatory is the amount of time during the year the room can be in use. Conservatories are often too hot in the summer, and too cold in winter. This is due to their construction (an aluminium frame, covered in PVC, and massive amounts of inefficient glazing). A sunroom has less glazing and is built using more traditional methods like the slated roof, and brickwork piers.

Garage Conversions

Converting a garage into a more practical space is becoming increasingly popular! This space is ideal if you want to create a separate living space for your property or even a breakout room. Converting these wasted spaces into a separate reception room, or dining room, or even opening up to the existing house is a really cost-effective way of increasing the size of your home. It will require building control but our detailed plans will fly through to approval.

Contact Us Today!

If you’re looking to expand your home or even rebuild it then don’t hesitate to contact us today for more information or a quote. The team at Acre would be more than happy to help.

Ten Questions To Ask An Architectural Designer

Here at Acre, we like to respond to our clients questions and queries as often as we can! With 2019 coming to a close, we have compiled our top ten questions to ask a architectural designer and our advice to give a little helping hand for those looking to transform their space! If you’re planning a project to improve your home and want to recruit an architectural designer to help you, it is critical to ensure you ask all the right questions to guarantee they know exactly what you want from the project. Whatever your query, we are more than happy to help and we hope you find this article helpful valuable…

Question #1

What will the architectural designer advise for your site?

When meeting an architectural designer, he or she will want to talk to you about your building project so they understand what you are looking for. You should take your architectural designer’s advice into account when making decisions, but if they suggest something that you are not comfortable with, please say so. If you both clearly understand what you want at this early stage, it may prevent problems as the project progresses. It is your project, and the architectural designer will want to make sure that you are satisfied with the end result.

Question #2

Will I need planning permission?

After the measured survey, we will draw the existing plans and produce a first draft proposal. We will then invite you into the office to go over the plans, this is an opportunity for you to tell us ‘what a great idea’ or ‘we never would of thought of that’ or alternatively tell us of any changes you need or areas you don’t think will work for you. We then make those changes and the process starts again (with another meeting or over email) until you are happy, then we will invoice you and apply for the relevant approvals.

Question #3

How long will my project take?

Unfortunately, every project in entirely unique and this means that the length of the project will depend on the size of the project. To get a time scale from your architectural designer they will need to visit your property or site. If you are looking for a design quotation, call Acre today and arrange a free meeting – we would be able to give you an idea of timescales and costs, specific to your project.

Question #4

Are your proposals achievable on your budget?

Be realistic and make sure you know if what you want to achieve is possible with your budget. You should remember that your budget will also need to cover any third party costs such as structural engineers and surveyors etc.

Question #5

How much will my project cost?

Like time scales, cost will differ extensively depending on the type of project you are looking to conduct. When using Acre Design we advise that you budget between 5-10% of total build costs for Acres Design fees, structural calculations (if required) and the council fees. We charge on an hourly basis for our work at £70 per hour. The time it takes to complete each stage will depend on a number of aspects:

We are required to measure the existing, so the bigger the house, the more time it will take.
The complexity of the existing house. A bungalow takes less time to draw that an stately home.
Do you know exactly what you want? If so we won’t need to show you as many options, reducing the time to agree a design.
The scope of the works. The larger the project the more time it will take to complete the proposals.
The complexity of the proposals. If you are looking for a cantilever balcony from a zinc clad dormer window this takes longer than a simple detached garage.
Planning requirements. In a conservation area you will need a heritage statement and design and access statement to be submitted with your planning application for example.

We will give you a price at our free initial consultation where Alistair will go through the stages, and apportion an amount of hours to each stage, you will then get a fully detailed quote within 48 hours of our visit.

Question #7

What different project types are there?

When transforming your space there are a number of ways through which this can be achieved. Here at Acre, our project types include:

Two storey extension
Single storey extension
Sunrooms
Timbre frame
Garage conversions
Loft conversion
Commercial
New build houses
Conversion

Click to read in more detail about what these project type entail.

Question #6

Can I achieve an attic conversion in my home?

If you want to add space and value to your house, and there is little room to the side or back of your property (or you love your garden too much), then attic conversions are a great way to do so. However, we adding an attic conversion there are a few considerations. This includes making sure there is sufficient headroom, that you inform your mortgage and insurance lender about your conversion and so on. For more information on attic conversions click here.

Question #8

Why do I need a measured survey?

At Acre, we draw your house exactly on our 3D drawing software, we need the exact measurements so we can show you what you will have once building work is complete, it helps you make an informed decision, and get the most out of your extension, new home or whatever it is we are designing!

Question #9

What happens during the design process?

Question #10

Will you keep me updated throughout the building process?

Acre Design will provide you with updates throughout the whole process. We can get your first draft to you within 10 days. After this we will invite you to the office to go through our initial design, we also give you a full print out to take home and look over. Once you have got back to us with any thoughts we make the changes quickly, ready for you to approve our final design and we can prepare the drawings for planning permission. This next bit is where patience becomes a virtue, once we have applied for planning permission it can take 8 weeks for a decision to be made. Acre Design will send you a link once we have applied to the local authority public access where you can keep an eye on your application in real time.

If you are looking to start your building work as soon as planning is approved, we will immediately begin preparing your technical building control drawings. Once these are complete (usually within a week of planning being applied for) we will send these to you. If required we can forward a couple of plans to our trusted contractors for them to begin pricing the job for you. You can also arrange in this time meeting them or going to see some of their previous work.

We hoped you found this article helpful! If you are interested in any of our architectural design services then please do not hesitate to contact us today, we would love to hear from you.

Let us help you turn your dream home into a reality.

Applying for Planning Permission for your project

The process of getting planning permission for any type of project can seem like long and daunting, and sometimes even cost you money. And if you don’t know your stuff, the risk of getting denied for planning permission can also add a lot of stress and worry to the whole process. Whether you’re planning a refurbish your home, or add an extension, then take note of these top tips to guide you through the planning permission process – start to finish.

Talk to people

One of the first things you should do when thinking about applying for planning permission is to talk to neighbours. This is especially important if you’re planning on extending your property, as it could obstruct neighbours views or the noise could even impact them. By introducing yourself and explaining your intentions, you could avoid future problems as your neighbours would already know what is going to happen – and it’s a lot better coming from you than the planning officials.

Research local planning policies

There are always different policies that you should be aware of and the best way to find the ones suited to you are on the local authority website – these can sometimes be tricky to find so take your time looking thoroughly.

Architectural plans are crucial

With any planning permission process, you always need to send away architectural drawings. These drawings take precision, patience and skill as everything inevitably comes down to the architectural drawings. Architectural plans highlight the whole construction process

Use planning jargon

If your planning applications look thorough and well planned out this could work in your favour. If you start using words such as; sustainability, street scene and access will make a huge difference to how you are perceived through the planning process. A well-rounded and most importantly specific planning application will do nothing but enhance your chances of being accepted.

Don’t lie!

Now, I know you’re probably thinking it would be easier to under-exaggerate your new extension or home design, but it is imperative that you don’t lie. Often, people will state that there won’t be any disturbance to the neighbours – which is all well and go to say at the time but if it becomes apparent that you lied then your application could be challenged.

Architectural Designer in Newcastle

If you’re looking for an architectural designer in Newcastle, then don’t hesitate to contact Acre Design today

Acre Design – Home Extension Specialists

Acre Design is an architectural design company who work with clients to design projects that aim to transform their space. The beauty of developing a project is that it gives you the opportunity to create a home that’s truly tailored to your family’s wants and needs and we want to help you achieve this.

Project Types

Here at Acre, we work on a diverse range of projects with our clients, and these include…

Two Storey Extensions

If your kids need their own bedroom or if you would like the master bedroom and ensuite you have always dreamed of, a two-storey extension could be the answer to your problems. Your options are endless with possibilities; however, they will need planning permission which we will take care of on your behalf.

Single Storey Extension

These extensions are a relatively simple, cost-effective way of increasing the space of your home and increasing the value of your home at the same time. For example, you may dream of an open-plan kitchen dining area – we can help.

Sunrooms

Where conservatories are difficult to heat in winter and keep cool in summer, a sunroom with fewer glazed elements really is the bright extension you can use all year round. At Acre, we are regularly working on a variety of these forms of extension across the North East. Call us today for examples and arrange a free site visit.

Timber Frame

Acre Design are specialists in timber frame construction, we have vast experience in building using many construction methods, but we think timber frame offers excellent advantages, and our clients throughout Newcastle and the North East should definitely consider it when extending their home.

Garage Conversions

Has your garage been accumulating stuff since the car got too big to fit? Converting these wasted spaces into a separate reception room, dining room, or even opening up to the existing house is a really cost-effective way of increasing the size of your home. It will require building control but our detailed plans will fly through to approval.

Loft Conversion

If you have the head height (we suggest anything above 2.3 metres) at the highest point you will be able to convert your loft. You can create big spaces under permitted development (which means you do not require a planning application). So get in touch today for a free consultation – we will even bring the ladders if needed.

Commercial

If your business is expanding and you are looking to alter or extend your existing commercial premises please give us a call for a free initial consultation at our office in Wallsend or at your place of work. We offer full project management, meaning you can focus on what you are good at, whilst we do what we are.

New Build Houses

If you are looking to build a bungalow or a small estate of homes, we have the capacity and flexibility to help. You pay us on the completion of set stages as laid out in our quote. For example, you may just want to gain planning permission, then that’s all you will pay us for.

Conversion

Conversions can be any building that were once used for one use, and is now to be used as something different. We have converted terraced houses to HMO’s, up to large office building into flats. We take care of all the paperwork, and then work closely with contractors to see the work through to completion.

Why Choose Acre?

Here at Acre, our ultimate goal is to keep you excited about the process of creating your dream home. We do this by giving you all design options within your budget and then we deal with the council on your behalf. We offer architectural ideas backed with over 10 years of our expert technical knowledge at great prices – you won’t find much better.

Contact Us Today

If you are interested in any of these services and wish to make an enquiry or get a quick quote, call us today on 0191 680 8088. We would be delighted to hear from you.

What are Building Control Drawings?

Building Control drawings explained

The law in the United Kingdom states that new construction projects need to be carried out in accordance with Building Regulations. However, there are a few circumstances where building regulations are not required, such as small porches, conservatories, or detached garages (up to 30m² floor area).

Once the planning permission for your project has been approved, the next step is to get technical drawings (Building Control plans) to ensure the design for your project complies with building regulations. These plans entail detailed construction drawings and ensure that the design complies with the Approved Documents. There are a number of Approved Documents, ranging from A to R. These include everything from structural and fire safety requirements for a new building or extension to electronic communications and accessibility.

As well as ensuring your project is built correctly and safely, the Building Control drawings will make it easier for tendering and pricing your project. After these drawings have been produced by your Architectural Designer they will be submitted to Building Control, where they will be checked over to ensure that they comply with the Building Regulations. This helps iron out any potential problems before building work starts on site, which could help save time and money.

What do the Building Control drawings comprise of?

A detailed explanation of the proposed project.
Technical drawings which include floor plans, elevations and building sections.
A technical specification.
Structural Engineers’ calculations (if they are required for a project).
A site plan showing the proposed works and its surroundings.

Building Notice

You may have heard the term ‘Building Notice’ or individuals saying that you do not need Building Control plans to start your construction project. This is correct, as a Building Notice can be submitted to your local authority before starting work. The local authority will still require information such as a site plan, drainage details and in some cases, sketch drawings. By using a Building Notice, you are stating that you will be complying with building regulations on site.

This method may be possible for smaller construction projects and alterations, but with larger projects come more problems. If a Building Notice is used, some contractors might not be aware of everything a design entails and may not meet the required regulations. Contrastingly, if Building Control drawings are used they will ensure the project complies with the Building Regulations and will be checked over by several people before work can start. This method will help overcome potential problems before getting to the site, which will ensure works run smoothly with fewer problems and will provide you with the perfect new home or extension.

We have put together a list of things to consider when you’re choosing an architectural designer to transform your home.

Acre is a Newcastle based architectural design company that works alongside you to transform your home and create an environment that truly reflects your family’s wants and needs for your space. Ultimately, we want to help you achieve your dream home and with over 10 years of expert technical knowledge, we are committed to ensuring we do so. Changing your home or property is a huge commitment and Acre are aware of this, therefore, we strive to ensure we deliver a finished product in the most cost-effective and unobtrusive way.

When taking on an architectural designer to assist you in changing your space there are a number of other crucial aspects to consider. Of course, considering who you use to assist you in your development is vital and finding a company that understands and is able to deliver your desires is a must. However, you must also consider…

What you want from the process
How to find a design that works for you
Getting through the building process – adapting your life accordingly and finding the right time to commit to this work

Here at Acre, we understand that these considerations can be immense, therefore we aim to provide as much support as we can to our existing and potential clientele to get them through the architectural process. But, why choose Acre to transform your home?

#1 We know our area

As Newcastle locals, we have extensive knowledge and experience with the architecture of the area and handling the structures of these buildings. Newcastle is famed for its beautiful Victorian properties and we are well-versed in adapting these properties for their modern purpose. Therefore, if you live in a period property in Newcastle Acre is well equipped to assist you. By understanding the structure of the city we can build and adapt your home with the building and you in mind. If you would like to know more about how we repurpose period properties for modern living see our building projects archive.

#2 We design with you in mind

Here at Acre, we design you in mind and we understand that properties are not just for looking at, they are also for living in! So the design must be functional as well as aesthetically pleasing. We place a lot of Acre has gathered a team of exceptional design professionals that understand this ethos and use their knowledge to create this vision in your home. By using 3-D imaging we can help you see your future building before we have created it to ensure its truly what you want from your living space. By considering the little things that matter to you within our designs we guarantee you will be over the moon when you finally get to live day to day in your property.

#3 We use the latest technology

Where we can, we implement the latest technology when designing your home. We ensure our team is up to date with technological advances in architectural technology so that you have the very best product we can deliver. Acre also strives to use eco-friendly building materials. If you would like to know more about our architectural design process click here.

#4 We support you

Here at Acre, we like to support you through the architectural design process. We ensure you are well informed when choosing the right design, the right material, and right technology when constructing your home. We understand every step of the journey that you’re about to take and understand well the potential pitfalls. Through our experience, we aim to guide you through this and protect you against the getting planning permissions and so forth wrong. Find out more about getting through the planning stages with Acre Design’s guide to planning permission.

Let us help you turn your dream home into a reality.

If you are interested in any of our architectural design services then please do not hesitate to contact us today, we would love to hear from you.

How to Ensure Your Loft Conversion is Fire Safe

Are you planning a loft conversion in your home in Newcastle or the North East? It’s a big job, and one that can often be daunting and accompanied with a number of pitfalls! However, a loft conversion can also have a great deal of benefits, including enabling you to open up more space in your home and add up to 20% extra to the value to your property. The do’s and don’ts of a loft conversion are not always something our clients are all familiar with, leaving them to rely on loft conversion specialists for advice and guidance. However, one of the most important things to consider when constructing a loft conversion is ensuring you keep to the fire regulations (approved document part B) that accompany this building project. When it comes to loft conversion fire regulations, there are strict and stringent rules that must be followed. Whether you are converting a loft to add another rent-able room to your property or it is simply for your own residential purposes, fire safety is essential to ensuring the welfare of inhabitants.

Of course, finding out if you need planning permission is your first port of call when beginning a loft conversion project, the building regulations and fire safety is next on the agenda. Most lofts are exempt from planning permission, but it always best to check! Here are the Acre Design top tips for ensuring your loft conversion is fire safe and follow UK building regulations…

#1 FIRE SEPARATION OF A NEW STOREY

The new storey / loft conversion needs to be separated from the rest of the house using fire resisting construction. This is achieved by the compartmentalisation of the loft from the rest of the property using.

Structural elements, including floor joints, walls and beams with fire resistance of at least 30 minutes – this may involve re-plastering the ceilings on the floor below with fire-rated plasterboard.
The loft and protected route of escape must be fitted with fire doors, at the top and bottom of the new staircase as well as any habitable rooms with doors onto the escape route.
Exposed steel beams finished with in-tumescent paint and a flame-spread resistant top coat.
Interior timber must be of Class 1 rating, or finished with Class 1 rated coatings.

#2 ESCAPABLE ROUTES

Building regulations stipulate that there must be a protected escape route all the way from the loft to the ground floor exit door. All walls leading through the escape route must be built to the fire protection standard, this protected corridor must have passive fire protection for at least 30 minutes to ensure full loft conversion safety. Before you finalise your building work, all partition walls along the escape route must be adequately assessed to ensure they are in line with regulations.

#3 SMOKE ALARMS

It is a UK building regulation that mains-powered smoke alarms are installed on each and every floor of your home and are linked to one another so that they all ring if one is activated. Therefore, if you are adding a storey to your home in the form of a loft conversion this storey must be fitted with smoke detectors. All mains-operated smoke alarms should be fitted with batteries as back-up. Further, all smoke alarms must be fitted in so-called ‘circulation spaces’ such as hallways and landings and sited within 7.5 meters of a habitable room.

#4 FIRE DOORS

Loft conversion doors are another essential feature when considering the fire safety of your home extension. All interior doors must be fire doors and they need to be fire resistant for a least 20 minutes. Therefore, doors cannot be glazed (unless with fire-rated glass), so you may want to consider windows or roof-lights to bring daylight to the stairwell.

#5 WINDOWS

Although it is no longer necessary to fit escape windows into a new loft conversion, don’t underestimate their benefit. It you decide to use windows as a possible escape, route you must ensure that they are large enough and low enough to escape from. They also must be a minimum size of 450mm x 450mm and at least 0.33m2 in the area. As long as your conversion has open access to a stair escape route, one escape window will be sufficient within the roof room. Please note that if there is more than one room in your conversion you need to make sure all of the rooms have
these precautions.

If you are interested in starting the process of building your dream loft conversion please contact Acre Design today to arrange a free consultation. Our in-house loft experts are well trained on the importance of fire safety and would be more than happy to assist you to ensure your loft conversion covers all of these building regulations.