Are you seriously contemplating renovation on your home – or simply just making some spacious improvements to your property? It can be something along the lines of converting your loft space, creating an open-plan layout or extending the rear of your home. No matter what the project is, it will always begin with design and planning. That is a necessary phase carrying your proposed build through your budget and timescale. However, to get your construction paperwork aligned, there are important property surveys and permissions that need obtaining. Having these ensures that the work conducted is safe and legal – and doesn’t ruffle the feathers of the local council or your neighbours.
Although that may sound daunting, as long as you know which documents are required, it can be plain sailing. Let architects in Stockport help you with what you require on your project.
Structural Survey
Any major work to be carried out on your property, such as a building extension or remodel, will require a structural survey.
That is something provided by an experienced surveyor or structural engineer. They will assess your home’s structural foundations, walls and roof to ensure no structural issues will hamper the project – and guarantee that the property can handle the amount of work about to be undertaken.
Your surveyor will need to be RICS-accredited and will specialise in the kind of property you occupy and the one you intend to live in. No one wants to spend thousands of pounds to be met with structural problems during the build, so it pays to be cautious.
Asbestos Survey
As most people know, asbestos was commonly used in every construction project up until 1999, which means homes constructed before the 2000s will have various traces throughout.
Asbestos-containing materials are commonly found through flooring, roofing and pipework, amongst other areas. When these get disturbed during your renovation project, you can release dangerous and lethal fibres into the air. Naturally, this means that any property built before 2000 and facing any demolition or building work requires an asbestos survey and removal via licensed contractors before anything.
No project is worth putting your builders and family at risk of asbestos exposure – and the legal ramifications of skirting this area are hefty.
Planning Permission
Most major structural renovation work will require planning permission from your local council before any proceedings. This process assesses the design and size of the project and the impact on your neighbours.
The process can take up to 8 weeks or more – which needs to be factored into your renovation timeline. Your Cheadle Architect can help you with this entire process and its parameters and limitations – and look into if your property can benefit from Permitted Development Rights, where planning permission may not be required.
Every homeowner will want to make improvements to their property at some point, and it is important to get guidance on all planning and permissions required. Contact the team at Cheadle Architects in Manchester today for all the help you need in your building and renovation projects.
