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Tips and Advisory
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Below are few helpful hints for the property owner intending improvement or concerned about their properties, or for those intending a property sale or purchase. You may be able to obtain more specific advice by using our free Email Technical Help Service, or by requesting one of our specific design or survey services. Quotations for design and survey work can also be obtained by using this method of contact.
DESIGN
Planning an Extension or a Loft Conversion?
Property owners often make the mistake of commencing work on their projects before obtaining statutory approvals.
Check with the Local Authority whether your Plans require Planning Approval.
You will need Building Regulations Approval.
You may need Listed Building Consent if your property is Listed, or located in a Conservation area.
Never undertake alterations to Listed Buildings without seeking permission first. You could be prosecuted!
ALWAYS CHECK BEFORE PROCEEDING TO CONSTRUCTION AND ALWAYS CONTACT A DESIGN PROFESSIONAL FIRST.
Loft Conversions are often best fully designed by a Structural Engineer or multi-disciplined Practice such as James Halldron Associates especially for Standard sized houses (terraced, semi-detached and small detached) since the majority of the design involves the structural alteration of an existing structure.
We recommend the preparation of detailed plans for all extension work, especially for work exceeding £10000. It helps in assessing costs accurately before construction and minimises disputes with contractors.
PARTY WALL ACTS 1996 The Acts will apply where you are intending to build on, or close to, a Party Wall. You need to give 28 days Notice to a Neighbour or neighbours of your intention to build. Furthermore, you need to acquire written confirmation of their agreement before commencing since no response is deemed as an objection!
SURVEYS AND HOUSE STRUCTURE PROBLEMS
Is my House subsiding? A frequently asked question by property owners, especially if unusual cracks or distortions appear in your building.
Genuine subsidence is not common. Defects arising from other defective features is more common.
Failed drainage is the most common cause of building cracks and movement, and since the owner is responsible for maintenance, such defects are unlikely to be covered by house insurance policies.
Check or have underground drains checked from time to time.
Trees growing nearby can also be a problem. Maintain trees and avoid allowing excessive growth. You may receive an unwelcome claim from a neighbour.
Always have your prospective house purchase surveyed. Its a false economy to avoid using this service.
Consider Independent Surveyors and dont accept the first offer which may be offered by your Building Society with a mortgage offer. The Building Society will require a mortgage Valuation to protect their investment, but you can arrange an independent building survey, and this will often save you money and will normally obtain a very good service. Our Survey Department can help with all levels of Surveys.
You may need the help of a Structural Engineer, especially if your intended purchase is located in a problem area. James Halldron Associates has vast experience with this type of survey provided at very competitive fees.
Never be tempted to purchase a property without a survey, especially at an Auction. Many "would-be" owners have bought properties with very serious problems, costing thousands of pounds to repair and are sometimes un-insurable.
Use free initial services wherever possible. You can obtain very useful information through Local Authorities and other Internet based services.
NEWS ABOUT OUR COMPANY AND PROJECTS
Principal Contracts and Projects
January 2008 - Planning Approval granted after appeal on the Calcott Arms, Holywell. Development Site for 8 No Units in four Semi-Detached Groups. Development expected to commence with Building Regulation Design and initial construction in the near future. September 2009- No further progress.
January 2008 - Greenfield Valley Service Station Development for 8 Three storey residential units for our Client Helmsley Group Ltd. Modifications to the Flour Mill reservoir behind the site designed in consultation with Halcrows Reservoir Panel Engineer. Construction of the development proceeded throughout 2008. September 2009-Project still part completed due to recession & Planning Issues.
January 2008 - 91 Unit Residential Care Home Scheme @ Winsford, Cheshire in Consultation Stage with Vale Royal Borough Council. September 2009 - Intersted end users sought to further development potential.
January 2008 - Three Unit Terraced Development, Hyde, Manchester under construction and completed by September 2009 for Client Stable Homes, Manchester.
January 2008 - Devon Projects - 9 Unit Residential Development at Kingskerswell substantially completed by February 2009 - but final construction completion pending in September 2009.
September 2009 - Large Single contemporary residential development in Oxlea Close, Torquay, for Abergate Developments Ltd due to commence on Site late September involving large steel frame designed by the Practice.
Past Principal Design Projects
June 2003 - 21 Unit Residential Development completed in Paignton for our Clients Renaissance Developments Ltd.
June 2003 - Remix UK Mortar Plant opens at Avonmouth after providing Structural Design and Health & Safety Services to its Austrian (Doubrava) and Dutch Clients (Remix UK).
June 2002 - Crinnis Wood 38 Prestige House Development completed by Barratt Exeter Ltd.
June 2001 - Sandford Orleigh, Newton Abbot 58 House development completed by Barratt Exeter Ltd.
Other News
September 2009 - New Website for Practice opened at www.jameshalldronassociates.co.uk |
14 Apr 2005 by James Halldron
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