marchitects home alterations

New rights for householders have come into force this month setting out new rules for planning permission for alterations and extensions to houses and flats: The principal elevation will be used to judge whether planning permission is needed There are more generous permitted development rights for extensions There is a one metre bubble around the house which means you will not need consent for satellite dishes and solar panels. There will be more control within conservation areas. Check out the guidance at: www.edinburgh.gov.uk/householderdevelopment

Let look at the position of the toilet within the attic. Your designer should position it in the least valuable space so that it does not block potential views from the bedroom or impinge upon available ceiling height where not absolutely necessary. Visit us at www.marchitectsltd.com

If you plan to have an en suite or bathroom within the new attic space, obviously you need to identify the position of existing drainage within or outside the existing building. The position of an existing toilet on the floor below is a good start. It is more efficient to have the new toilet above an existing one avoiding unnecessary drainage runs. However if this compromises your preferred design then you may need to accept this and the disruption to the rooms below or look into using macerator pumps. These are noisy but can be located within the combes.

Some attics have original attic roof trusses i.e they form rooms or spaces within the roof. However should you wish to convert and occupy the space it may most likely be necessary to strengthen the floor joists to meet current standards. A professional structural engineer should be approached to review your existing circumstances. The Architect (me) will normally manage and direct the structural engineer for you in this regard. In most cases it simply means running new timber joists alongside the existing, and nailing them together in the prescribed arrangement.

Consider the size of the dormer in relation to the size of the roof slope. A large dormer can lead to structural complications in the design of trimming members to the existing roof, and in certain cases the introduction of steelwork. A more conservative approach can prove to be the most economic. www.marchitectsltd.com

Consider what kind of window you wish to install to the Dormer. As a minimum they should be fully reversible for safe cleaning from the inside. No fixed panes. The cill height will be dictated by safety too and if applicable whether the window is an escape type or not. www.marchitectsltd.com

Designing a flat roof to a dormer may be unavoidable because of the proximity of the existing ridge. Although three layer felt is the most economic option it will need to be maintained over its 10 year lifespan. Consider alternatibes like single ply or sheet metal. www.marchitectsltd.com