One thing which shouldn’t be overlooked when planning a loft conversion is how the work will impact on the outside of the property.
But it is really important to ensure that the exterior design enhances the property and its surroundings.
Even though most styles and sizes are now OK because of the new permitted development laws a tasteful exterior that blends with the surrounding environment will not only look good but it will easily increase the value of the property.
One style that won’t be permitted, and we should all be thankful for it, is the huge, squat and ugly dormers that were flung up during the1980s. These blots on the landscape are truly awful and no way will a householder be allowed to build one today.
Permitted Development
In October 2008 new permitted development regulations were adopted by the government which allowed homeowners greater freedom in designing and building extensions including loft conversions.
Basically, the new regulations mean that a loft conversion is a permitted development and does not require planning permission as long as certain criteria are fulfilled. This makes it very much easier for the homeowner when considering external loft conversion designs as most projects, even those involving the building of a new gable end, do not have to go through the planning process.
One caveat here though; although there are no planning considerations it should be remembered that the building regulations still apply to all loft conversion projects. The building regulations shouldn’t be confused with planning permission; the building regulations are there to ensure a that all work is done to an acceptable standard. Read the difference between building regulations and planning permission for more details.
The Permitted Development Regulations
There is no need for the homeowner to apply for planning permission for his project if:
Terraced houses cannot be extended by more than 40 cubic meters though an extra 10 cubic meters can be added to the roof space of a semi detached or detached property.
* Dormers will not be permitted to the elevation of any roof that fronts on to a highway.
* Any extension should be no higher than the ridge line of the existing property
* Dormers should be set back from the eaves by a minimum of 20 cm.
* Verandas, balconies or raised platforms will not be permitted.
And that is just about it. As long as your project takes those five factors into account than the loft conversion will be considered a permitted development that does not require consent.
Those projects that do contravene those guidelines will not necessarily be refused planning permission but a full planning application will need to be made by the homeowner.
Exterior Loft Conversion Designs
Unlike inside the roof space the options for external design is quite narrow. One option is that flush fitting skylights can be installed if there are no issues with headroom.
These kind of windows are very easy to install and are very cost effective; your design considerations will probably be limited to deciding how many skylights to have, their size and how to position them so that the new loft room benefits from the maximum amount of natural light.
If, however, the internal space is not very large than some sort of dormer on the reverse side of the roof will be the answer. Again, the only real considerations will be the size and how to blend the dormer into the existing building.
Once you have decided on the external loft conversion designs than the fun in actually designing the new loft rooms themselves can begin.
Craig Ellyard writes extensively for Loft Conversion UK and is the author of the best selling ebook Plan And Design Your Loft Conversion
Archive for July, 2010
Loft Conversions and Exterior Design
Saturday, July 31st, 2010Cement Floor Seals Are Not All Equal
Friday, July 30th, 2010Many cement floor seals are saturates that soak into the pores of the floor. These saturant-type floor seals may work fine in some, but not all, situations. Looking through a microscope can reveal just how porous a cement floor can be. Saturant-type seals soak into the pores and then harden, bringing the pores level with the surrounding cement. This type of seal helps to reduce dusting and wear on the floor by providing more surface area for wheels and foot traffic to rest on. Problems, however, can arise later when the floor gets wet, causing the saturants to wash out of the cement and allowing liquids to penetrate and dissolve the cement.
In contrast to saturant-type seals, laminate floor seals create a barrier between the floor and the liquids, wheels, and foot traffic that impact it. The use of laminate floor seals is critical in environments where chemicals, diesel, or oils are likely to contact the floor. Laminates also create a wear-barrier that prevents friction being applied to the underlying cement. Epoxy or urethane laminates create a particularly durable, seamless membrane, or plate, which isolates the cement surface from contact with machinery and liquids. The coatings can be re-applied as needed, a process that is considerable less expensive than repairing a worn or damaged concrete floor.
Unlike saturant-type coatings, epoxy floor seals are moisture-resistant as well as compatible with damp humid areas and flooding. These qualities result from the catalysis that epoxy undergoes when applied, changing into a plastic that will not re-liquify if its carrying solvents are reintroduced. Floor saturating seals are carried in water or solvent bases that evaporate to leave the finish. If those carriers are reintroduced to the floor, the saturant seal can re-dissolve back into a liquid state and wash away. In contrast, water and most solvents have no effect on sealed epoxy surfaces. Epoxy flooring goes on at the job site and produces no seams. When there are no breaks in the surface coating, the result is a continuous membrane that seals what is above from what is below. These epoxy surfaces have been used in food processing plants for over 50 years now. Mold, mildew, and other contaminants cannot penetrate the epoxy membrane and are easily washed off.
Preparation is everything when applying finishes. A surface can be expected to stay in place only if its substrate is permanent. Naturally, if the substrate crumbles or moves, the surface will move with it. New floors are especially vulnerable and require extensive preparation. It is well known that new concrete is dusty for the first few years while the latents of concrete on the surface are kicked, rubbed, or driven off. Those latents must be removed before quality epoxy topcoats are applied or the topcoats will move with the latents as they break free from the substrate.
One should not rely on retail store clerks to help with a floor that will be used for 10 to 20 years. As a result of 40 years of application experience, flooring experts have developed application preparation procedures that help minimize the risk of substrates moving. Factory-direct kits of materials including step-by-step instructions and a 24/7 help line are now available online. With these resources, anyone can put a quality floor down in their garage that will last for decades. Like a car finish, you may get some scratches and marks, but also like a car finish, a little touching up can keep those finishes looking great for decades.
Durall Industrial Flooring offers no-cost, no-obligation quotes for its fully customized kits of materials, including all preparation materials and procedures, for installing industrial quality epoxy or urethane coatings at www.concrete-floor-coatings.com. These beautifully sealed and easy-to-maintain floors come in over 20 colors. The floor finish can be gloss, flat, or satin and may be easily accented with decorative chips. Additionally, the floors may be skid-resistant like emery paper, yet still easy to sweep or squeegee.
For photo examples and more detail, visit www.concrete-floor-coatings.com
For more information, contact Harvey Chichester at harvey@durallfmg.com
Phone: 800-466-8910 or 952-888-1488 (24/7)
White Bedroom Furniture
Thursday, July 29th, 2010White furniture makes a style statement in front of your friends and guests. Stylish White bedroom furniture looks the most elegant for a room. With the addition of white furniture items your bedroom looks cool. You will be amazed to see the huge variety in each aspect of the white furniture, be it the color coordination, finishing touch, the design, curves, styles, shapes. White bedroom furniture range is made of different materials such as wood, iron, brass, and even metal bedroom sets. White Bedroom furniture is available in many designs for different tastes and for every budget and lifestyle. Beautiful white bedroom furniture provides durability and quality. White bedroom furniture range includes beds, wardrobes, dressers, chests, nightstands, armoires, vanities, trunks, and mirrors. All are available in various designs, finishes and styles to fit in with your existing bedroom decor. White Bedroom ranges are bedroom furniture that comes together in a range, all in the same style and finishes.
Alaska Bedroom Range
Alaska Bedroom furniture is functional as well as beautiful and perfect furniture for your bedroom. Combining clean and simple New England shaker styling with the light and airy feel of the ivory finish, Alaska is a bedroom collection designed to work in the classic home. Alaska bedroom range is made from durable oak veneer claimed to last a lifetime usually include a classic style bed, headboard, dresser, chest, mirror and nightstand. Make sure each piece is sturdy and free of defects.
Alaska Bedstead
Bedstead is focal point of your bedroom. Alaska Bedstead includes all attributes like beauty, comfort, style, design so it is a perfect furniture item. The Alaska Bedstead is manufactured to solid American oak provide a strong and sturdy look. Its beautiful style design has a distinctive, light Oak finish and the two-tone look is striking yet neutral enough to complement any interior decor. The oak tops of Alaska Bedstead have a matt oiled finish, creating a natural surface that is both durable and stylish. Alaska Single Bedstead is also part of Alaska bedroom furniture.Alaska 3 Door Wardrobe
Alaska 3 Door Wardrobe is providing the right solution for your extra storage whether they are in your bedroom, laundry, office or family room. Alaska 3 Door Wardrobe is a stylish furniture item of white bedroom furniture comes with 3 doors, 6 drawers, hanging rail and fixed shelves that gives the complete storage space. This furniture item is also made of solid wood for quality and durability. Alaska bedroom furniture provides different designs like Alaska Double Wardrobe, Alaska Large Double Wardrobe according your need and budget.
Alaska Nightstand
Alaska Nightstand is a small table with drawers designed to stand beside a bed or elsewhere in a bedroom. Alaska Nightstand is used to support for useful items that might be required during the night. You can use this furniture item as a lamp table. Alaska Nightstand is created with oak veneer and beautiful white finish that creates a relaxed, transitional style with eclectic appeal. Alaska Nightstand is a smart furniture addition to your bedroom. Visit www.furniturenet.co.uk for huge collection of bedroom furniture.