Internal Modifications

Modifying a previously lived-in space might include major changes such as removing or building internal walls to improve the layout, replacing windows or doors or simply updating the internal or external appearance of the property.

 

 

Don’t move – improve!

If you love your home but feel that it no longer suits your need, improving it may be a great way to save the hassle and great costs associated with selling and buying a new property, such as stamp duty, legal or broker fees. We can help you find creative solutions to breath a new lease of life into your existing property and make it fit for purpose.

How can BetterSpace help?

Whether you simply need help to collect your thoughts into a coherent plan, a full set of design and construction drawings to realise your dream home, or submit a planning application to your local authority – BetterSpace offers a quick and fairly-priced service from a team of creative professionals.

For a low fixed-price fee, our architectural designers will draw up a professional floor plan, tailored to your precise needs.

If a planning approval is required, we can also conduct a site visit, draw up detailed plans and submit them on your behalf to your local authority as part of our planning application service.

We can always suggest alternatives solutions to address any concerns you or your planning officer may have.

We are vastly experienced with all types of re-design projects and we are here to support you during the renovation process.

If you are interested in modifying your property – we’ve put together some information you may find useful:”

Why consider modifying your property?

The pros and cons Modifying your property can be a great choice if your property is looking a little dated, or the internal space and layout no longer functions in a way that meet your needs. It’s a great way to improve the flow, add or remove rooms, increase storage space or transform an older home into a more modern, well laid out space.

Modifying your property – Pros

– More useable living space – a renovation project is an opportunity to rethink the layout to eliminate redundant or underused areas, create extra rooms, or combine cramped rooms into one larger area to provide exactly the right spaces for a growing family, for your work or hobbies, or simply to improve the flow of your home.

– Increased natural light and ventilation – if your home seems a little dark or stuffy, renovation can help bring the outside in by opening up the space, replacing small windows with larger ones, or adding patio doors or skylights.

– No need to move – a cleverly designed renovation can give you the home you want and the space you need, without the expense and upheaval of moving to a new location.

– Added features – renovation work can add specific features, such as extra storage space, a remodelled staircase or an additional bathroom, so the house works better for you and your lifestyle.

– Safer, more efficient services – modernise your property during renovation by replacing old wiring, bathroom and kitchen fittings and heating systems with modern, efficient upgrades.

– Increased house value – a professional renovation can add many tens of thousands of pounds to the value of your house.

Modifying your property – Cons

– Not all walls can be moved – structural walls may need to stay put, or be prohibitively expensive to move, limiting the possible renovation options.

– Possible disruption – you might need to move out of your home whilst the building work takes place, or put up with the mess!

– You may need planning and/or building regulations approval – you may need to apply for permission to carry out the work, which could be time consuming.

How much does it cost? (UK)

The price of a renovation project will vary considerably depending on the scale and type of work needed, design, specifications and where in the country you live. In the priciest areas (London and the South East) a basic renovation might cost around £700 to £1,000 per square metre (m2) and rise to around £1,500 to £2,000/m2 for a loft conversion. In other parts of the country, these costs may be considerably lower.

The level of finish you require will affect the price significantly; high-end, luxury materials can cost a great deal more.

Of course, these are only a rough guide and the cost of your renovation can only be properly estimated once you’ve discussed your needs with an architect or designer who can draw up accurate plans.

To minimise the cost of your renovation project whilst maximising the benefits, try to keep things simple by leaving walls and major features where they are: structural work can be costly!

Using an architectural designer might seem like a luxury, but clever design can help achieve the solution you want without major construction work.

Do I need planning permission? (UK)

Internal alterations do not normally require planning permission; here are just some of the changes you can make in a renovation project without the need for planning permission:

– Building or removing an internal wall

– Replacing a floor or ceiling

– Converting a loft (without altering or extending the roof space beyond certain limits)

– Replacing windows and doors (providing they are similar in appearance to those originally used in the construction of the house)

– Re-roofing or adding new roof lights or skylights (qualifies as permitted development within certain limits)

– Installing a new kitchen or bathroom

 

External improvements such as repairs and maintenance, painting or cladding (provided the materials are of a similar appearance to those used in the construction of the house).

If you live in a Conservation Area, a National Park, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty or the Broads, you must apply for planning permission before cladding the outside of your house and other types of alteration may be restricted, so you should consult a specialist.

Sometimes, you may need to apply for planning permission for these works because your council has made an Article 4 Direction withdrawing permitted development rights.

If you live in a listed building, you will need listed building consent for any significant works, whether internal or external.

Permitted development applies only to houses, not flats, maisonettes or other buildings, and if you are a leaseholder, you may first need to get permission from your landlord or management company

What is the planning application process?

If your proposed renovations do require planning consent, it is the homeowner’s responsibility to gain permission before any building work begins. This simply means asking your local planning authority if you can carry out the building work; they will either grant permission – sometimes with conditions attached – or refuse.

In order to apply for planning permission, you’ll need accurate drawings of your home’s existing layout (floor plans) and external appearance (elevations), the proposed new layout and external changes, plus the completed planning application forms.

We can help you create these drawings as part of our Planning application service.

It’s a good idea to arrange a pre-application meeting with a planning officer; this is an informal discussion where you can get advice about local planning requirements and restrictions and how they might affect your proposal, to help reduce the risk of your application being rejected.

Where do I start?

Before getting in touch, there are a few things you need:

– Plans and photos of your current space. Architectural drawings or estate agents’ plans are ideal, but otherwise you can scan or photograph your own drawing with measurements. Photos of the space are also useful. If you do not have any documentation showing the current layout – we can arrange a site inspection. You can request a site visit when completing our online quote form.

– A description of your space: how it works, what’s good and what doesn’t work so well, what you’d like to change.

– Your wish list: what do you want?! Include design features you’d like, materials and finishes, how the space will be used. What are your project goals?

 

Our design service is available through these fixed price packages:

Click here for our hand-sketch package

Click here for our floor plan drawing package

Click here for our 3D premium package

 

If you’d like a personalised price quote Click Here