There is baggage attached to London residences. Literally. Old walls. Outdated layouts. Planning restrictions. Constructions Rules which appear to be meant to perplex all. You are not only dealing with buildings when you are struggling to add space or even to improve your home. It is a complicated structure of rules and limitations in London.
Coming to know why homes in London require professional architectural planning, or how the architects can actually assist you in achieving this task and complexity, makes you realise why it is worth paying someone, who is familiar with the system to help you. To find out more about the way architects work with the planning permission issues in London, or know how Extension Architecture work on the design issues that appear to be impossible in the beginning, you will see why it is worth paying the money when you need to rely on the experience in this very city. London is not like any other place in UK. The thing is that your architect must realise that.
Why London Homes Often Need Expert Architectural Planning
London is densely packed. Houses are in close proximity. The majority of houses were constructed many years ago. Fifty years. A hundred years. Some are even older.
Old homes have old problems. Problems in the structure which no one ever came across. Plumbing in weird places. The electrical systems that are not making sense. The rooms were not designed in the current time.
You are not starting fresh when you wish to renovate or expand. You are dealing with what is available. There is familiarity with existing buildings by an architect. They understand the ways of dealing with it rather than opposing it.
They are also familiar with London in particular. The planning committees are different in various boroughs. Different rules. These varied attitudes regarding development. These systems have been used by an architect who has been working with London. They understand the flies and flies do not.
In addition, the planning regulations are more stringent in London as compared to most locations. Conservation Areas all over. The listed buildings all around. Article 4 Directions abolishing Permitted Development rights in parts. Your architect must be aware of this information or you get your project refused and months of your time have been wasted.
The Difference Between Local Architects and General Designers
Not everyone who designs buildings is an architect. Some people call themselves designers. Some call themselves architectural technicians. Some are contractors who’ve never had formal training.
An architect has studied architecture formally. They’ve done apprenticeships or education programs. They understand building science. Building codes. Structural principles. They’re regulated professionals.
More importantly for London, good london architects know the city. They’ve worked here for years. They know Planning Committees. They know Building Control inspectors. They know what’s realistic and what’s not.
A general designer might be good at making things look nice. But they might not understand London planning. They might not know if something qualifies for Permitted Development. They might design something that won’t pass Building Regulations.
An architect that’s worked in London knows all this. They design beautiful spaces. But they also design spaces that actually work within London’s system.
Working With Extension Architecture for Design, Permissions, and Build Support
Extension Architecture does more than just design. They handle the approvals process. They coordinate with Building Control. They oversee construction.
This full service approach means you’re not managing multiple people. One firm handles everything. They’re responsible for the outcome.
They also know loft conversions deeply. The boom in London loft conversions means this is a huge part of their practice. They’ve done hundreds. They know what works. What doesn’t. What Building Control expects. What Planning approves.
For extensions, they design with the constraints of London in mind. They understand how to make something look intentional on a Victorian terrace. Or an Edwardian semi. Or a modern townhouse.
They also manage timelines. They know typical durations for each phase. They plan accordingly. They’re not surprised by how long things take because they’ve done this before.
See also: Enhancing Your Home’s Entrance: Investing in High-Quality Doors
Common Problems in London Properties and How Architects Solve Them
An architect comes up with improvements that comply with current Building Regulations in terms of the efficiency of energy. New insulation. New windows. Efficient heating. The room is more comfortable, and it is less expensive to warm.
Another issue most likely to occur: space shortage. You desire to have more space and your garden is small. You can’t build outward.
An architect is able to address this by constructing upwards. Loft conversion. Or to be made up with a second storey where possible. They calculate the means of inserting space without consuming your garden.
Another issue that is present: Conservation Areas where any alteration is examined.
A knowledgeable architecture consultant aware of the knowledge about Conservation Areas is capable of coming up with changes that are approved. They are aware of what is acceptable. What’s not. They design accordingly.
The other issue: listed buildings where nearly all things require approval.
An architect who is dealing with listed buildings knows what is allowed. They develop within those limitations. They obtain the approvals on the right on the spot to save time.
Another issue that is frequently occurring: inadequate layout. Rooms don’t flow. Kitchen is dark. There is no connexion between living space and space.
Redesigning the layout is carried out by an architect. Opens walls where safe. Creates better flow. Brings in light. Changes the way the space is functioning.
