The economic climate and changes in the property market have led many people to build extensions rather than move to a larger property. Building an extension can be a cost-effective way to increase your living space whilst remaining in your home.
Once this decision has been made, the first step is to consider the scale of the project and measure the proposed extension, so that detailed plans can be drawn up for the purpose of architect's plans, planning permission (if required) and Building Regulations.
To save time, trouble and expense further into the project, getting the measurements right is paramount. Below are our top 5 tips when measuring for an extension:
1. Accuracy
As professional land surveyors, we know the importance of getting measurements right. These measurements will be used as a basis for each part of the project - from plans and permissions through to the actual build. Commissioning an expert measured building surveyor, such as Terrain Surveys, will incur a cost but save you money further down the line. The cost of getting measurements wrong can be exponential.
2. Regulations
Building regulations are continually changed and updated, therefore researching what you can and can't do from the outset is time well spent. From May 2013 to May 2016 there are new size and height restrictions in place for single-storey extensions, as well as new criteria defined for 'permitted developments', which do not require planning permission. Ensuring you work to these guidelines and within regulation can speed up the project, saving you valuable time and therefore money:
Visit http://www.planningportal.gov.uk/permission/commonprojects/extensions/
3. Boundaries
Many of the above guidelines refer to boundaries of your property and so understanding where these are is most important. A boundary survey with boundary demarcation, and in some cases a title survey, can prevent disputes and ensure accurate planning, allowing you to maximise the available land.
4. Neighbours
Building an extension can often create problems with neighbours if not dealt with correctly. A neighbour consultation scheme exists for larger extensions for precisely this reason. Our top 3 tips above (accurate measurements, working within regulations and clarifying boundaries) will all help to keep neighbours on-side before, during and after your building project.
5. Floor plans & elevations
Concerns from neighbours are often in regard to potential decreased light and views from proposed extensions. Floor plans and elevations drawings can remove this concern. Basic floor plans can show layout of walls, windows and doors, whilst elevations can be provided both internally and externally as well as cross sections and reflected ceiling plans.
We hope you find our top tips helpful and that this has demonstrated the importance of professional surveying and how this can save you time and money further into the build.
For more information and friendly advice, feel free to call Terrain Surveys on 01438 841300 or visit http://www.terrainsurveys.co.uk
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Miriam_M_Drahmane
