Timeline / September 2022

Home / Timeline / 2022 / September

Album Published September 30, 2022

Contact

For enquiries and further information please contact us.

T . +44 [0] 208 252 1502
E . info@griffonconstruction.co.uk
Follow Us

Album Published September 30, 2022

When it comes to creating extra space in your home, the options for extensions are endless. Even on properties where it seems there is no extra space to be gained, a good architect or designer will nearly always be able to create something impressive.

After all, until a few years ago most people had never thought of filling in the side return on their Victorian properties. Fast forward to today and by filling in the narrow side return, some of which are as little as two meters in width, thousands of families have been able to create large, open-plan living spaces with skylights, kitchen islands, and folding-sliding doors opening out onto their gardens. Some even go further to have a bedroom or two added above.

Extensions can be single, double or multi-storey and can be added to the front, side or rear of your house.

That’s not even listing conservatories or outhouses. Gaining extra space on one part of the house doesn’t mean simply moving more stuff into that room. While you are extending it’s a good time to think about changing the internal layout of your rooms. If, for example, you have three or four small to medium-sized rooms on the ground floor, why not convert to one or two large, open living spaces.

The beauty of having an extension is that your home can grow with you as your family does. Most homes that were built for Edwardian or Victorian lifestyle are not perfect for today’s modern living. You don’t need to move when you love the area so much, just change it!

What roof options are available for an extension?

Pitched roof

Generally, this has a pitch of 15 degrees or above and is tiled with clay, slate, asphalt or concrete.

Flat roof

This has a pitch of 1 to 15 degrees. Each roof has to drain slightly, but it can be a tiny slope.

Glass roof

This can look very effective, but unless you have very thick glass, you can lose a lot of heat. Instead, you use different materials on your roof to create a multi-faceted roof. For example, you can have a pitched roof that goes to a flat roof with some glass.

What exterior options are available for extensions?

Face brick is the most common. Otherwise, render, which is an external plastering that can be painted to match your home. Wood cladding can also look very effective by using timber on the outside of your home.

How do you go about getting planning permission and approval to build?

It’s the same as when building a loft conversion.You need approval from the local authority on what you are going to build. All households have a right to develop unless it breaks any of the following regulations. There are two main applications:

The Householder Application for Planning Permission

Your design plans must be in keeping with the existing property and comply with supplementary guidelines. This is not the same as planning permission but looks at fire resistance, structural stability, ventilation, thermal insulation and drainage, rather than the siting, design and external appearance of the building. An architect or designer will understand these regulations.

Permitted Development / Certificate of Lawfulness

As a property owner, you have an ‘allowance’ of what you can build. These are black and white regulations that if followed allow you to build without neighbours objecting.

If your proposal involves building over or near to public sewers or any new connections, the agreement of Thames Water Utilities Ltd must be sought before work is undertaken. Where a formal agreement or a CCTV Survey are requested, a fee is payable. Thames Water is responsible for maintaining 80,000 kilometres of public sewers, which are sometimes located within the boundaries of residential properties. Any building works over the top or within three metres of a public sewer require a prior agreement with Thames Water to ensure that no damage is caused to it or restrictions made to the use/maintenance of the sewer.

With the submission of a Full Plans Application the responsibility lies with your local authority to consult Thames Water when building over or near to a public sewer might occur. If a sewer has already been identified by your architect or engineer you can apply for an agreement personally, and this can speed up the process of your Full Plans Application.

For enquiries or further information feel free to contact us.

Album Published September 29, 2022

Types of Conversions

Loft Conversions

Loft conversions are not only one of the easiest ways to make the most of your existing space but can also gain you some much needed extra square meters on your property. Often blessed with daylong natural daylight, this calm and airy space at the top of your home is ideal for additional bedrooms or creating a home office. Most homes are suitable for a roof extension although those with less than 2.2 meters from the floor to the ceiling will be more difficult. Simply take out your tape measure to get a good idea of how your build can begin. Roofs with a steeper pitch are more suited for conversion as they offer more possibilities in the types of roof extensions.

What different types of loft conversions options are available?

Roof-Light

Also known as a Velux™ or Sky-light this is a straight forward loft conversion for lofts that already offer enough space for purpose. We bring in the daylight and make the space liveable and workable. The useable area will be approximately the internal size of the loft area as it is now. Most internal obstructions will have been removed i.e. support beams. The floor area will probably be raised by a few inches for the new structural support. Everything would be built to building regulations. You do not normally need any planning permissions for this type of work as you are building within the existing realms of your loft space and externally your house will look the same, except for the sky light windows. Skylight windows by Velux™ are regarded as the best. Average build time is 4-6 weeks.

Dormer Loft

A dormer extends out of the roof space, usually to create more standing space as required. The Dormer loft conversion is probably the most popular type of loft conversion where a part of the existing roof is removed and a bigger space created by building a ‘box’ frame structure, projecting approximately from the top of the roof height and the maximum allowed to the rear and sides. This creates the maximum space available. Most of the time, this would be allowed under permitted development rules with a certificate of lawfulness granted by the local council. Build time is 6-8 weeks.

Mansard Loft

A Mansard loft conversion is created by changing one of the sloping sides of the roof into a much steeper slope. The windows are then individual dormers in keeping with the style and character of your house. Normally his type of conversion applies to older terrace properties or ones that fall within a conservation area. These conversions normally require planning permissions and can be more costly because most of the existing roof has to be changed. Build time is 8-10 weeks.

Hip to Gable Loft

A Hip to Gable Dormer loft conversion is creating by extending the ‘Hip’ of the existing roof into a gable end. The Hip of your roof is generally the side of the roof area that slopes down, this would be removed and the new gable wall would be built in either masonry or stud work, and the roof is then built across to fill in the gap. You can complete this externally in either brickwork, tiled, rendered. This type of conversion is most popular on semi-detached houses and may require planning permission. Build time may be 6-8 weeks.

How can you use a loft conversion to create new space in a home?

It depends on the property but basically you are adding an extra floor to your home. It’s easy to create an en-suite bedroom, study or playroom. Some people like to have a room to relax at the top of their home while you can even create flats in larger properties.

What tile options are available for a loft conversion?

There are a variety of tile options from authentic clay to slate, metal and asphalt. There are also artificial versions and concrete tiles that are cheaper but don’t look as nice. The pitch will determine what tiles you can use too. There are certain tiles for certain pitches. For example, there is a 15 degrees pitch for the front tiles and a 90 degrees hanging on the walls of a dormer roof. Your main concern is looking at this and choosing the right tiles or the roof will leak. Your architect or designer will be able to help with this.

What types of storage is available in a loft bedroom or office?

You should speak to an interior design expert but bespoke solutions are always best as they work with the pitch better than pre-fabricated furniture.

For enquiries or further information feel free to contact us.

Album Published September 29, 2022

Architectural Design

We are delighted to be working closely with Patrick Crowe Architects (PCA), which has enabled us to complete our projects with superb quality architectural design as well as improved turnaround times, ultimately leading to very satisfied customers.

We first worked with Patrick and his team on one of our projects and it was clear that Patrick shared our vision for quality architectural design. Soon after, a great professional relationship was established. Since then, we’ve been working together on many key projects including extensions, internal refurbishments and reconfigurations, structural alterations, loft conversions and landscape design. Together, we design and build inspirational living spaces to exceed our customers’ expectations.

About Patrick Crowe Architects

Patrick Crowe Architects is a London-based architectural practice that is ARB (Architects Registration Board) registered and a RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects) chartered practice. They have a wealth of experience in delivering inspirational, contemporary designs taking into account each client’s requirements and budget.

Before founding PCA, Patrick worked as a Senior Architect at many high-ranking architectural practices throughout London. He and his team are approachable and enthusiastic and have wide and varied award-winning experience across many types of project. PCA is known throughout London for providing a unique and bespoke architectural service to the deadline.

We feel fortunate to have established a professional relationship with Patrick and his team at PCA, and are confident that this ongoing association will benefit our valued clients by providing them with an exceptional design and build experience, from start to finish.

For enquiries or further information feel free to contact us.

Album Published September 27, 2022

FAQs

Album Published September 26, 2022

Services

Album Published September 21, 2022

About Us

Griffon Construction

Our personal creative also innovative approach entirely driven on quality craftsmanship, also client needs and desires. Established a good solid well-known reputation and specialism within kitchen extensions bespoke attic loft space conversions. The company now is working within a varying range at different types of building developments as well as bathroom renovations, complete refurbishments, landscaping. Professional top-level services, as well as focus to details, puts each client at the heart with their building project. Every single project bringing a smooth move between existing to new with extensive services from consultation planning design-build also post-build review.

Expertise

Instead of most standard construction firms we exclusively specialise in loft conversions house extensions successfully carried out many within London area we’re specialists in the field. This allows our business to offer advice and guidance throughout the entire whole process starting with advising the most suitable conversion/extension for your requirements, assisting with an initial design, obtaining building/planning permissions. This involves a site survey architectural structural designs all Planning Building Regulation applications construction and project management.

Commitment

Our company achievements come from dedication complete each extension, loft conversion bathroom refurbishment or renovation with the absolute highest quality bespoke design and finish. All tasks are handled by a professionally qualified team who’re available assist, recommend at each project stage. We offer extremely competitive prices whatever your budget is we aim to find the best solution for you. We are a delight with the quality of work we do, which is one of the reasons why significant part our business comes to us by referral. However don’t take our word for it, check out portfolio page or click on the link below to read some up to date testimonials.

Guarantee

Furthermore, projects guaranteed for up 10 years with Insurance Backed Guarantee which is provided as standard to all our works. Also, we ensure that all our projects are checked by Government Approved Building Inspectors from start to the completion providing professional third party opinions that the craftsmanship and work are always to a very high quality and complies with all building regulations. Insurance All projects are covered with Public Liability and Employee Insurance to a level of £10 million.

I cannot thank enough Griffon Construction for delivering a magnificent loft that surpassed our expectations. Extremely happy with the final result. The whole team very friendly, very approachable and very professional, they did their best to make our ideas into reality. I have no hesitation to recommend this company.

— Mark Boyd / Essex

I am writing to thank you and your excellent team for creating a first class bedroom and en suite bathroom in the loft space in my house. I am absolutely delighted with the quality of everything you have done and the finished result is testimony to the care and attention you and all of your team take in everything you do.

— Tim and Jacky / Kent

The loft conversion went extremely well. It was carried out incredibly fast as we thought with much less disruption than we imagined before. The final result is absolutely superb and lots of people have commented on what a high-quality conversion it is. We never hesitate to recommend you to our friends and neighbours.