Land & Architectural Survey Blog

Tag: customers

  • Do you need planning permission for a dormer loft conversion?

    If you’re considering a loft conversion and want to know if you need planning permission, the answer is maybe.

    It depends on a few factors, such as the size and location of your property, as well as the type of conversion you’re planning.

    To get a better understanding of whether or not you need planning permission for a dormer loft conversion, read on.

    We’ll cover all the key points so you can make an informed decision about your project.

    Green Roof

    Roof

    What is a dormer loft conversion?

    A dormer loft conversion is a type of extension that projects vertically from the slope of a roof.

    It’s a popular choice for those wanting to create additional space in their home as it can add both floor space and headroom.

    Dormer loft conversions are normally only suitable for properties with enough existing roof space. To be able to add a dormer, there must be enough height and width available on the sloping part of the roof. The size and position of dormers will be determined by the amount of space available and where the best light can be achieved.

    Benefits of Dormer Loft Conversions

    As well as being an effective way to create additional living space, dormer loft conversions can also add value to your property. They are usually more expensive than other types of loft conversions but this cost is often offset by the extra value they add to your home.

    Why you might need planning permission

    You might need planning permission for your dormer loft conversion if the following applies:

    • The dormer will protrude from the existing roof more than 15cm.
    • The height of the dormer will be taller than 2m.
    • The dormer will take up more than 40% of the existing roof space.
    • You live in a conservation area or listed building.

    How to apply for planning permission

    How to apply for planning permission

    If you are considering a dormer loft conversion, you will need to apply for planning permission from your local authority. The process can be complex, so it is important to seek professional advice before proceeding. You can take a look at a list of projects that need planning permissionprojects that needs planning permission.


    There are a number of things to consider when applying for planning permission, including the size and location of your proposed dormer, the impact on the surrounding properties and the visual appearance of the finished conversion. You will also need to submit detailed plans and drawings of your proposal.



    The planning permission process can be time-consuming, so it is important to start early. Once you have submitted your application, the decision-making process can take up to eight weeks. If your application is successful, you will be granted a planning permit that will allow you to proceed with your conversion.

    What are the benefits of a dormer loft conversion?

    What are the benefits of a dormer loft conversion?

    There are many benefits to a dormer loft conversion, including:



    What are the benefits of a dormer loft conversion?

    There are many benefits to a dormer loft conversion, including:



    1. Increased living space – a dormer loft conversion will add valuable extra living space to your home, which can be used for any purpose you desire, from an extra bedroom or playroom for the kids to a home office or gym.



    2. Improved property value – as well as providing you with extra living space, a dormer loft conversion can also add significant value to your property, making it a great investment for the future.



    3. Enhanced natural light and ventilation – compared to a standard loft conversion, a dormer loft conversion will let in more natural light and provide better ventilation, making it a much more pleasant place to spend time in.



    Greater headroom – due to the sloped nature of most roofs, standard loft conversions can often be quite cramped and have limited headroom. A dormer loft conversion will create more headroom thanks to the addition of vertical walls, making it feel much more spacious.

    Better energy efficiency – because they let in more natural light and air, dormer loft conversions can also help improve the energy efficiency of your home, saving you money on heating and lighting bills in the long run.

    How to choose the right company for your project

    When planning a dormer loft conversion, one of the most important decisions you will make is choosing the right company to carry out the work. There are a number of things to consider when making this decision, including:

    • The experience and expertise of the company. Make sure they have carried out similar projects before and that they have the necessary skills and knowledge to complete your project to a high standard.
    • The cost of the project. Get several quotes from different companies before making a decision. Make sure you are clear on what is included in the price and that there are no hidden costs.
    • The timescale for the project. Find out how long the company will need to complete the work and whether this fits in with your own timeframe.
    • The terms and conditions of the contract. Make sure you understand everything in the contract before signing it, including any warranties or guarantees that are offered.

    Conclusion

    If you are considering a dormer loft conversion, it is essential to check with your local planning department to see if you need permission. In most cases, you will not need permission for a small dormer loft conversion, but if your plans are for a larger project, it is best to get approval before starting any work. With the right planning and permissions in place, your dormer loft conversion can be a great way to add extra space and value to your home.

    If you are considering a dormer loft conversion, it is important to check with your local planning department to see if you need permission.

    In most cases, you will not need permission for a small dormer loft conversion, but if your plans are for a larger project, it is best to get approval before starting any work.

    With the right planning and permissions in place, your dormer loft conversion can be a great way to add extra space and value to your home.

  • Why we accept all Major Credit Cards, Apple Pay and Android Pay

    Why we accept all Major Credit Cards, Apple Pay and Android Pay

    References

    • How can a CRM Tool Help Architects Increase Their Sales

      How can a CRM Tool Help Architects Increase Their Sales

      How can a CRM Tool Help Architects Increase Their Sales

      How can a CRM Tool Help Architects Increase Their Sales

      According to a study by Salesforce, using a CRM tool can increase sales for architects by 20% (1). This is because CRM tools provide a centralized platform for managing customer relationships, which is crucial for architects who rely heavily on repeat business. By analyzing customer interactions and lead conversion rates, architects can identify areas for improvement and refine their sales process to increase conversions.

      One key way CRM tools can help architects increase sales is by improving customer relationships. By tracking interactions with customers and analyzing lead conversion rates, architects can identify opportunities to build stronger relationships and increase repeat business. For example, a study by HubSpot found that companies that invested in CRM were 26% more likely to experience a significant increase in sales (2). By leveraging CRM data to inform sales strategies, architects can create a more personalized and effective sales approach.

      Improving customer relationships is a perfect way to build more sales because a lot depends on repeat business in this business. Plus, if you analyse your interaction with customers and how you turn a lead (or prospect) into a sale, then you can improve your process to convert more people in the long run.

      Use it to gather data about your customers

      The CRM tools have metrics that can be recorded and analysed for use later. Knowing more about your customers, their buying habits and your interaction with them will help you target them in the future. A study by Customer Experience Management found that companies that used CRM were 20% more likely to experience a significant increase in customer satisfaction (3). By leveraging CRM data to inform sales strategies, architects can create a more personalized and effective sales approach. Additionally, CRM tools provide a centralized platform for tracking leads and conversions, allowing architects to refine their sales process and improve conversion rates.

      Another key benefit of CRM tools is that they make it easier for customers to engage with architects. According to a study by Microsoft, 71% of customers expect a personalized experience when interacting with a business (4). By leveraging CRM data to inform sales strategies, architects can create a more personalized and effective sales approach. Additionally, CRM tools provide a centralized platform for tracking leads and conversions, allowing architects to refine their sales process and improve conversion rates.

      It makes being a customer easier

      When a company has got its act together, it becomes easier to be a customer, and the interaction between the customer and the company becomes smoother and more pleasant for the customer, ultimately leading to increased customer satisfaction and loyalty (Pigot, 2011). This is because a well-organized company prioritizes customer needs, fosters open communication, and ensures timely problem resolution. By doing so, it establishes trust and credibility, paving the way for long-term relationships and repeat business. Consequently, the collaboration between the customer and the company becomes more effective, allowing both parties to work towards a mutually beneficial outcome.

      Maintain frequent contact with your customers

      As architects, regular communication helps to build and maintain relationships, ensuring that your business remains relevant and attractive to your clients. Keeping in touch with your best customers is a vital aspect of business growth, as it helps to retain valuable accounts and encourages referrals. By actively engaging with your most loyal clients, you can foster a sense of belonging and appreciation, ultimately driving customer loyalty and retention.

      Use a loyalty program to reward loyal customers

      Implementing a loyalty program can be a strategic move to retain customers and encourage repeat business. A relationship-marketing platform can facilitate this process, providing a structured approach to recognizing and rewarding loyal customers. By continuously monitoring customer interactions and preferences, you can identify opportunities to personalize interactions and offer exclusive benefits, such as discounts or priority services. This can help prevent potential customers from exploring alternative options and ultimately solidify your position as their preferred vendor.

      Streamline your process for increased sales productivity

      Streamlining your sales process can significantly improve sales productivity by reducing unnecessary delays and allowing you to move customers more quickly from interest to purchase. According to a study by the Harvard Business Review, companies that implement process improvements see an average increase of 10-20% in sales productivity (Source: Harvard Business Review, How to Boost Sales Productivity). By streamlining your process, you can identify areas where customers are getting stuck and address these pain points to increase sales. This can be particularly effective in industries with complex sales cycles, such as B2B software sales.

      Streamline and lower costs

      Implementing process improvements can also help lower costs and reduce prices. A study by the American Marketing Association found that companies that invested in process improvements saw an average cost savings of 15-20% (Source: American Marketing Association, The Role of Process Improvements in Driving Business Value). By streamlining your business processes, you can reduce the time spent on customer interfacing, sell cultivation, and processing, which can lead to significant cost savings. Additionally, reducing prices can increase sales volume and drive revenue growth.

      Get feedback with your CRM tools

      CRM tools can provide valuable insights into customer behavior and preferences. According to a study by Gartner, companies that use CRM tools to collect and analyze customer feedback see an average increase of 10-20% in customer satisfaction (Source: Gartner, The Benefits of Using CRM to Collect and Analyze Customer Feedback). By leveraging CRM tools, you can gather data on customer interactions and preferences, which can inform process improvements and drive business growth. This is particularly effective in industries with complex customer interactions, such as financial services.

      Enable easier sharing and partnering

      CRM tools can also facilitate easier sharing and partnering between teams and partners. A study by Forrester found that companies that use CRM tools to share and collaborate with partners see an average increase of 15-20% in partnership revenue (Source: Forrester, The Benefits of Using CRM to Share and Collaborate with Partners). By leveraging CRM tools, you can streamline partner onboarding, improve communication, and drive revenue growth through joint business initiatives. This is particularly effective in industries with complex partner networks, such as technology and software.

      The integration of customer relationship tools streamlines the process of file sharing and partnering. This is made possible by the access to resources and collaboration features provided by these tools, allowing companies and individuals to work together more effectively.

      Software solutions like Contactually and Salesforce offer comprehensive customer relationship management with cloud services.

      The rise of cloud-based CRM solutions has transformed the way companies interact with their partners and customers. These platforms provide a centralized hub for managing relationships, automating tasks, and tracking key performance indicators.

      By embracing cloud-based CRM solutions and leveraging tools like Contactually and Salesforce, businesses can streamline their customer relationship management processes, improve partnership efficiency, and drive growth.

      Illustrating the benefits of cloud-based CRM solutions, a study by Velocite found that companies using cloud-based CRM solutions experience an average increase in sales revenue of 23%.

      References