abbey design durham ltd

 

 

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Home Extensions

Sun Lounges

Loft Conversions

Commercial Alterations

Planning Permission

Building Regulations

 

 

Frequently asked questions -

 

How long will it to get planning permission?

 

The whole process can take 2 - 3 months.  The design process usually takes around 2 weeks, planning permission can take 6 - 8 weeks, building regulations approval will take a further 2 weeks to complete.

 

How much will I pay in fees?

 

householder planning application     £135

 

Ordnance survey site plan     £20

 

abbey design durham ltd fees.     (ring for quote)

 

inc.       Initial design consultation

            full measured survey.

            design consultations

            production of final plans

            form completion and submission

            agent service to decision date.

            construction drawings and specification

            building regulations submission

            Agent service to approval

 

Building control (varies with size)     £200 - £500

 

Structural engineer (if reqd.)     £100 - £500

 

Typical total costs     £750 - £1000

 

What is permitted development.

 

Certain types of home improvement can be carried out without applying for planning permission.  Examples are a porch up to 3m², certain conservatories and in some cases a single storey home extension.

 

What is an approved inspector?

 

The building control process is now deregulated and it isn't necessary to have your work inspected by the local authority building control dept.  The government approves private companies that can do this, often in a shorter time at a reduced cost.

 

What areas do you cover?

 

We are based in county durham and the majority of our work is local.  We also cover most of the north east, south of the Tyne and north of the Tees.

 

What is the difference between a sun lounge and conservatory?

 

A sun lounge has a fully insulated tiled roof and will usually incorporate a certain amount of brickwork in the walls.  This is achieved by using a sun lounge lintel to support the roof structure. Allowing for the freedom to use as much or as little glazing as the design requires.

 

Can you recommend  a builder?

 

We do not recommend contractors, for reliable advice contact the federation of master builders (FMB) for a list of reputable contractors.

 

Is my roof suitable for a loft conversion?

 

Typically a roof built from modern trusses would not prove financially viable to convert.  A traditional king or queen post roof should have a head room of around 3 metres to successfully convert.

 

What is the Party Wall Act?

 

If you are planning to carry out work within 3 metres of a neighbours property you need to inform them of you intentions and obtain agreement from them.  Example letters are available.

add space - add style - add value

 It is our mission to provide high quality building plans using a creative and practical understanding of buildings to make the process of extending your home simple and stress free, at a reasonable cost and in a fast, efficient and friendly manner.? Our aim is to involve our clients throughout the design process to achieve a final development that turns your dream home into a living reality. 

A thoughtfully designed single or 2 storey home extension could be the cost effective alternative to moving house.? Whether it's an extra bedroom, a bigger kitchen or more living space we are will be able to show you in full 3D the possibilities available to you. If you live in a Detached, semi, terrace or bungalow then we've got the experience to realise the possibilities that are best for you and your family.

 

A sun lounge or conservatory can provide the additional living space that you need to relax in following a hard days work.

 

If your attic is just a place for old toys and Christmas decorations then you could be missing out on a fantastic opportunity to maximise the space you currently have by doing a loft conversion.? Include dormer windows etc.

 

If you need help with a planning application for a new garage, porch or garden wall or fence then we can make the process hassle free by not only producing the drawings but acting as agent on your behalf, completing all the required forms and liaising with the local planning authority.

 

Considering some internal alterations, but not sure what you want or could have.? Using the latest computer aided design we allow you to visualise your ideas.? Convert garage into the extra room that you always wish you had.?

 

Some works does not require planning permission but most will need to comply with the latest building regulations and this will need to be checked by your local authority building control or an approved inspector such as on-site building control.

 

Occasionally works require the services of a structural engineer to design steel beams, especially loft conversions or creating a new opening in a load bearing wall.? Abbey design durham ltd benefit from a close working relationship with bdn ltd, a structural engineering practice based in the rivergreen centre at aykley heads.

 

Being based in Durham city we have experience of meeting the planning needs of the conservation area, writing design and access statements and negotiating with the local planning authority over the possibilities for specific sites.

 

if you are thinking about developing or selling a piece of land then applying for outline planning permission will ascertain what the local planners are likely to allow.? In addition to producing proposals we can provide ordnance survey site plans through our association with pro-map.

 

Commercial businesses needing plan drawings for a change of use or license application should contact Abbey Design for a competitive quotation we are able to carry out a measurement survey and produce the necessary scale drawings , as well as completing the planning forms? to accompany applications for new licenses and fire certificates Etc.

 

Abbey Design is a Durham City based plan drawing business, concentrating on domestic property extensions across the North East, Durham, Sunderland, Gateshead, Easington and Darlington.? We can also provide cad draughting services and document conversion to architectural practices and estate agents.? 17/10/06