Land & Architectural Survey Blog

Tag: topographical survey

  • 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.

  • What is a provisional sum?

    What is a provisional sum?

    A provisional sum is a preliminary allocation of funds for a specific activity in a construction project that has not yet been fully defined. This provision is essential, as it allows for a rough estimate of costs, enabling clients to incorporate the sum into their budget. Construction projects often involve varying degrees of uncertainty, making a provisional sum a crucial component. According to a survey by the Royal Institution of Chartered surveyors, the use of provisional sums can be attributed to the uncertainty in project scope, client preferences, or planning process outcomes (Royal Institution of Chartered surveyors, 2020).

    In the context of measured building surveys and topographical surveys, architects may request a provisional sum quotation to propose to their clients. This request acknowledges that the extent of the construction proposal is not always known, and a rough estimate is required to facilitate budget planning. In many cases, the client or architect is not entirely aware of the scope of the project, necessitating a ballpark figure to include in their budget. Insights from research by the Chartered Institute of Building, suggest that a significant proportion of construction projects involve the use of provisional sums due to complexity and uncertainty (Chartered Institute of Building, 2019).

    The key characteristics of a provisional sum are that it is (1) an approximate figure, (2) allocated for an undefined or variable activity, and (3) not part of the scope for deliverables until instructed to proceed by the client. When a provisional sum is instructed, the architect or surveyor will confirm the scope and price (if any changes are made) and proceed accordingly. In this phase, the client is responsible for allocating funds to the itemised provisional sum (Royal Institution of Chartered surveyors, 2020).

    It is essential to note that clients do not need to pay for provisional sums in the contract as they are not defined as deliverables. This aspect of provision sums should be clearly outlined in the quotation to prevent misunderstandings. A commonly cited concern is the practice of ‘fudging’ the provisional sum value, presenting it as part of a lump sum without intending to deliver the associated items (Chartered Institute of Building, 2019).

    To avoid confusion, clients should ensure that provisional sums are itemized in the quotation, making it easier to identify the relevant amounts when applying for fees. It is also worth highlighting that contractors, surveyors, and designers will not need to deliver the provisional sum until instructed to proceed by the client. In any case, ensure accurate budget planning and scope definition to prevent unnecessary costs or lost opportunities. MCS, for instance highlights budget maintenance in project rollout as a good practice.

    Provisional sums serve an essential purpose in the construction industry, providing a preliminary estimate and facilitating budget planning. While they require careful management to avoid misunderstandings, their utility cannot be overstated (Royal Institution of Chartered surveyors, 2020).

    Remember to request itemized quotations and clearly outline the provisional sum provision and scope in your budget planning.

    From here you can get a quote for a measured building survey from us by contacting us at info@icelabz.co.uk.

    References

    • How to get the best Prices for a Measured Building Survey or Topographical Survey?

      When preparing for a measured building survey, it is essential to work closely with your architect to ensure that the scope of the survey accurately captures the necessary details for both your planning application and construction phase. In fact, according to the Building Conservation Society, some architectural features such as sockets, lights, and internal glazing may not be standard measurements in a survey. Therefore, it is crucial to review the scope of work with your architect to avoid any misunderstandings or inaccuracies.

      To confirm that you are providing the correct information to the surveyors, you can also ask your architect to review the scope that you will produce. This simple step can help prevent any potential errors or oversights, ensuring that your surveyor has all the necessary details to complete the task accurately. A well-drafted scope is also vital for obtaining a fair and accurate price for your construction project.

      To summarize, the key to a successful measured building survey lies in ensuring that you provide the surveyor with as much and accurate information as possible. By collaborating closely with your architect and reviewing the scope of work, you can avoid any potential pitfalls and achieve a fair and accurate price for your construction project. Our Scope Sheet for Surveying can serve as a valuable resource to help you get started on the right foot.

      References

      • What is a Plan, is this a drawing?

        What is a Plan, is this a drawing?

        A plan is a drawing; in the context of measured building survey and topographical surveys, it represents the features on your property on a PDF or DWG drawing. These are used for your planning application and for your architect to produce your construction (proposed) drawings. According to the UK Government’s Planning Portal, plans are a crucial aspect of the planning application process, as they provide essential information about the property’s layout and boundaries (Source: UK Government’s Planning Portal). There are several types of plans, each serving a specific purpose in the planning process.

        • Floor Plans
        • Section Plans
        • Roof Plans
        • Loft Plans
        • Elevation Plans
        • Topographical Plans (or also called Land Survey Plans)
        • Ceiling Plans

        It’s essential to note that plans are not the same as site plans. A site plan is a drawing/illustration that shows your property in context to other properties. It is based on an Ordnance map and can be purchased online, with prices ranging from £8-10, depending on the scale (Source: BuyAPlan.co.uk). You need one for all planning applications. A site plan provides a visual representation of the property’s location and boundaries, which is vital for the planning process.

        Here are some examples of the plans mentioned above:

        floor plans are a crucial aspect of the planning process, providing a detailed representation of the property’s layout and boundaries. They are typically created using CAD software and are used to produce construction drawings (Source: Architects’ Journal). Floor plans can be customized to meet specific requirements, making them an essential tool for architects and developers.

        Section plans provide a detailed representation of a specific section of the property, such as a wall or a room. They are useful for highlighting architectural features and can be used to create 3D models of the property (Source: ArchDaily). Section plans can be created using various software tools, including CAD and BIM.

        Roof plans are a critical component of the planning process, as they provide essential information about the property’s roof structure and layout. They are typically created using CAD software and are used to produce construction drawings (Source: Building Design). Roof plans can be customized to meet specific requirements, making them an essential tool for architects and developers.

        loft plans are a type of floor plan that focuses on the property’s loft space. They are useful for highlighting architectural features and can be used to create 3D models of the property (Source: The Guardian). Loft plans can be created using various software tools, including CAD and BIM.

        Elevation plans provide a detailed representation of the property’s exterior, including walls, windows, and doors. They are typically created using CAD software and are used to produce construction drawings (Source: The Times). Elevation plans can be customized to meet specific requirements, making them an essential tool for architects and developers.

        Topographical plans, also known as land survey plans, provide a detailed representation of the property’s boundaries and layout. They are typically created using CAD software and are used to produce construction drawings (Source: The Telegraph). Topographical plans can be customized to meet specific requirements, making them an essential tool for architects and developers.

        ceiling plans provide a detailed representation of the property’s ceiling layout and features. They are typically created using CAD software and are used to produce construction drawings (Source: Building Design). Ceiling plans can be customized to meet specific requirements, making them an essential tool for architects and developers.

        Floor Plan Example 3 serves as a crucial step in the architectural design process. It allows designers to visualize the layout and proportions of a space, making it easier to identify potential issues and optimize the design.

        Section Plan Example 1 provides a detailed view of a specific section of the building, allowing designers to examine the relationships between different elements and components.

        Section Plan Example 2 showcases a more detailed and complex section of the building, highlighting the relationships between different components and systems.

        Topographical Plan Example provides a visual representation of the building’s site and its relationship to the surrounding environment.

        Loft Plan Example provides a detailed view of the building’s interior spaces, highlighting the relationships between different components and systems.

        Elevation Plan Example showcases a detailed view of the building’s exterior, highlighting the relationships between different components and systems.

        References