Smith Patrick Chartered Building Surveyors

New Build & Extensions

We can help with the design and implimentation of new build property or extensions to existing property. We deal with all elements of the design process from inception to delivery of the finished product.

Planning

Planning permission is the greatest biggest hurdle for anyone who has acquired land and wishes to build a house or wants to extend an existing property. No work can commence without it and there are a wide array of formalities that must be satisfied before permission can be granted. The purpose of the planning system is to protect the environment as well as public amenities and facilities and local councils are tasked with allowing development where it is needed while ensuring that the character and amenity of any given area is not adversely affected.

Permitted Development Rights

Provided that the intended works do not alter the external appearance of the building there are certain changes that can be made to your home without having to apply to the local council. We can advise whether your prospective plans fall into this catergory and if not, we can help steer your project through the planning application process with realistic advise on how to maximise your chances of success.


Building Regulations

The Building Regulations are legal requirements laid down by parliament under authority granted by The Building Act 1984. They are designed to ensure that all new developments, alterations and extensions of domestic, commercial and industrial property are carried out to a legally recognised minimum standard that protects the health and safety of people in and around the building and to conserve the use of fuel and energy in England and Wales.

Prior to undertaking any work it is likely that a Building Regulations application will be required. Typically examples that require an application are:

  • Erection of new buildings
  • Home extensions such as kitchen, bedroom, lounge etc
  • Openings for new windows in roofs or walls
  • Installation of baths, showers, WCs which involve new drainage or waste plumbing
  • Internal structural alterations, such as the removal of a load bearing wall or partition
  • Loft conversions
  • New chimneys or flues
  • Replacing roof coverings
  • Underpinning of foundations
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    The list is indicative only and there are circumstances where Building Regulations applications may not be required. Please contact us for a free consultation.