Building Renovation & Conversions FAQ’s
Many people are now choosing to extend their home or business instead of moving. Building Renovation & Conversions are often a cheaper alternative to moving and will increase the space you have available at a lower cost, as well as giving you the design and finish to suit your needs and style. BPS Facilities have their own bespoke and specialist Building Renovation & Conversions team and can help you with your project from initial design through to completion.
What should you think about for a Building Renovation & Conversion for your home or business?
Planning & Design
The first priority is to plan well and to use an expert and experienced designer or architect who will create a design which makes the most from the space you have available. They will create a design that incorporates your space needs as well as electrics and plumbing which can save you a lot of money when it comes to rewiring and plumbing work during your renovation.
They will assess your building structure and will create a design to suit your needs and your building’s structures needs. Sometimes a supporting or load-bearing wall will need to be removed and an architect or structural engineer will work out the calculations for the replacement support that will need to be put in place to ensure your home or business remains structurally sound.
Meeting an architect, structural engineer or experienced designer at the start of your project will ensure you make the most of your extra space and will save you a lot of money further down the line. You can discuss the space you need, walkways, layout, glazing and natural light and will give you an idea of any planning or building control that may be applicable.
Using glazing to compliment a design can turn a renovation or conversion into a high spec comfortable space with natural light coming into the area, as well as making it an individual and breathtaking transformation. They will think how the existing property can be reconfigured to maximise the layout, the natural light, transition areas from old to new and ensure it doesn’t feel like a bolted-on extension.
Using an experienced architect or designer will also ensure your new conversion is energy efficient by using simple techniques and sometimes state of the art systems which will save you money in the long run as well as making the space cool in the summer and warm in the winter so comfortable to use all year round.
Budget
Always discuss your total planning, build and finishing budget with your architect or designer so they can create a plan which will incorporate everything. When you have your design and you are happy with it you should then get some detailed quotes from a Building Renovation & Conversions business like BPS. This will ensure the design you have is achievable within your budget and you should always ask them to include building, plumbing, electrics and finishes including; plastering, flooring and lighting into their quote.
Extending a home or business often goes over budget due to unforeseen circumstances however good your plans so always have a 10%-20% contingency in case this happens.
Planning Permission
Some Building Renovation & Conversions work can be done under permitted development (PD) rules and without the need for formal planning.
You don’t need Planning Permission for:
Single-storey extension – if up to 6m from the original rear wall of an attached house (or 8m on a detached property) and up to 4m in height. If your extension is to be within 2m of your property’s boundary and the eaves height is limited to 3m.
Double-storey extension – cannot be taller than the highest part of your existing roof; must not extend beyond the rear wall by more than 3m; must be at least 7m from the boundary; be built-in materials to match the original structure; no two-storey extensions can be made to the front of the house, or to any wall parallel to the highway.
What is Planning Permission in England and Wales?
(This information is taken from GOV.UK) Permitted Development Rules UK
When you may need Planning Permission;
You’ll likely need planning if you want to:
- build something new
- make a major change to your building, eg building an extension
- change the use of your building
You can find out if you need planning permission by contacting your local planning authority (LPA).
When you’re likely not to need Planning;
Some building projects don’t need planning permission and changes can be made under ‘permitted development rights’.
Projects that normally have permitted development rights to include:
- industrial premises and warehouses – though there are some limits and conditions
- some outdoor signs and advertisements – though there are special rules around these
- demolition – but before you begin you must get approval to demolish from your local planning authority
There are other projects that might not need planning, for example; projects that will have no impact on your neighbours or the environment. If you think this could apply to your project, check with your Local Planning Authority (LPA).
Community Rights in England
If your building project benefits the local community, and the community supports it, you may not have to go through the normal planning process. Neighbourhood planning and Community Right to Build lets your community grant planning permission directly under certain circumstances.
By using an experienced and expert Building Renovation & Conversions business like BPS Facilities they will help you understand what you need to think about and do when it comes to the complicated planning permission rules.
Conversion Opportunities
Changes to planning rules from 2014 now mean that many shops, offices, pubs and farm buildings can now be converted into houses or offices, however, you do need to ensure you are eligible under the scheme and have a prior application which has been approved before any work starts. The application costs around £80 and is a small price to pay before you have designs finalised. The application process is often quick and you can have a response and decision in around 28 days.
Larger projects or anything that significantly changes the character of a building will still need formal planning consent and again this is a reason to use an experienced architect or designer. They will have the skills to ensure the character and materials of the existing building are used within their design, all of which will make it more likely that your planning permission will be approved.
Building Regulations & Building Control
Compliance with Building Regulations is separate to Planning Permission and ensures any tradespeople are achieving the minimum standards required when Building Renovation & Conversions are being carried out. Our fully qualified and experienced tradespeople carry out all of their work to the highest of standards and building regulation guidelines. Our project managers ensure they complete their work when it is needed so there is no waiting around for different trades to arrive, or not arrive in some cases.
When all work has been completed Building Regulations & Building Control will come and survey the work that has been carried out to ensure it complies with all necessary regulations to sign the work off.
The BPS Facilities Building Renovation & Conversions team will ensure all work carried is checked throughout your project and removes the time-consuming task and stress involved in project managing trades and project timelines yourself.
What are the main benefits of extending your home or business compared to moving?
Increases the value of your property
Good Building Renovation, Conversions or extensions will add value to your property and you should only ever make changes to a property if the cost of the changes do not exceed the value of the property when it is finished. Depending on the work you have done it can increase the value of your property by up to 20% if the project is managed effectively and the costs don’t spiral out of control. This is why using an expert Building Renovation & Conversions business like BPS is vitally important when you are carrying out any work to your home or business.
Cheaper than moving home or business
The cost of moving home or business with the increased value of the property, legal and estate agent fees and stamp duty can often outweigh the benefits of having space at your home or business to extend. As well as applying for an increase or changing your mortgage lender. Always look at bigger properties, their cost and if they would suit your needs more before deciding if it is better for you to move or extend. Remember location is key so if you are happy where you are and you have the option to extend then this often outweighs the cost and upheaval of moving house or business. A loft conversion is often a great way to extend your property if you don’t have the space to extend outwards.
Design & finish to suit your needs
Extending your property should mean you will have the design that you want and one which fits your circumstances compared to moving to a new property which may not be exactly as you want it, and you end up changing it further down the line. When you extend your property you are able to not only choose your design and floor plan but also choose your finishes when it comes to flooring, internal and external doors, roofs, glazing, heating, underfloor heating and so much more.
Weighing up the cost of extending and property improvements versus the value you are adding and your personal time spent is a must before you do anything, and is a big decision. Ask a local estate agent to come and value your home or business property as-is and ask them how much they would value it when your proposed Building Renovation & Conversions are complete and this will help you with your decision.
BPS Facilities Building Renovations & Conversions
BPS is highly experienced in all types of Building Renovation & Conversions and we have carried out many home and business extensions and conversions on all types of buildings. We have all the trades needed to carry out any project, however large or small and will project manage it from start to finish taking the stress and worry away from you.
Our bricklayers, engineers, joiners, electricians, engineers, construction engineers, gas engineers, roofers, carpenters, plumbers, electricians, plasterers and our flooring and decorator experts will ensure your project runs smoothly and you end up with the perfect renovation to match your design and style.
Whether you are extending your home or businesses floor plan, changing your properties use from a shop or pub to a home, shops to offices, houses to apartments, offices to flats and much more BPS can help with your renovation and conversion.
We offer Professional Home, Office and Industrial, Commercial Renovations in South Wales, the South West and surrounding areas.
Our renovation, refurbishment and redevelopment experience include Government and local authority buildings, industrial to residential use, historic and graded building refurbishment work and we offer a complete property refurbishment and redevelopment service, working for a multitude of commercial, educational, private and government customers across South Wales and the surrounding areas.
We have extensive experience and the dedication of excelling in every different trade needed for the work and projects we manage. We have certifications for high quality, safe practices and trustworthiness across our service range and a long list of high profile and demanding projects.
From small building work through to initial and final design and project management of a renovation or development, BPS is the supplier you can trust with your project.
Our Services Include:
- Guaranteed professional experience – all our renovations are guaranteed for at least 1 year
- Detailed financial budget and written specifications so you know exactly what to expect
- We work alongside and in conjunction with our clients with continuous meetings to keep you up-to-date as well as our dedicated Project Managers keeping you fully informed from the design stage through to completion
- A stress-free experience from start to finish – we focus on finishing your job promptly, to a high standard and within your budget
- We only employ experienced and qualified tradespeople, ensuring your project is always dealt with by professionals
- Fully insured
- We are one company that has the resource and skills for all your renovation and development needs
- Free, no-obligation survey and quote
Why Choose BPS for your Building Renovation & Conversions Project?
Our renovation and development solutions cover all aspects of a redevelopment of commercial, industrial and domestic properties. We are experts in the redevelopment of commercial buildings as well as switching commercial buildings for residential use, always following stringent Health & Safety and Building Regulations.
BPS Project Managers
Our project managers will take care of everything for you and keep you up-to-date at every stage of your project. We have executed projects which range from £10,0000 to £3M and we can oversee your whole project, however big or small.
BPS Structural Steelwork and Fabrication Specialists
Our fabricators and steel experts can design and fit a wide range of bespoke items including; mezzanine flooring, handrails and balustrades, portal frame buildings and steel fencing.
BPS Trade Services
From plumbing, heating and electrical installations to roofing, brickwork and rendering, dry lining and decoration and a full range of carpentry services we are able to complete every aspect of your project without the need of employing subcontractors
Health & Safety
Health & Safety for our customers and our team is a primary focus and priority for us and we are committed to ensuring our managers and team receive the latest safety training. We operate and fully comply in accordance with CDM Regulations HSE 2007 with amendments as necessary. We are positively engaged with our clients’ Health & Safety procedures and we work closely with them to encourage and develop safe working practices.
About BPS
BPS is a family-owned facilities company in South Wales who works across Wales and throughout the M4 Corridor offering Commercial Property Services. We have three main teams:
- Emergency Repair Services
- Scheduled & Preventative Maintenance Services
- Specialist Project Team
At BPS we offer:
- Full Building Renovation & Conversions
- Building Renovation & Conversions Project Management
- Construction Services including Remodelling and Redesign
- Carpenter Services
- Electrical Services
- Plumbing Services
- Boiler Services
- Gas Heating Services
- Air Conditioning & Ventilation Services
- Catering, Kitchen & Refrigeration System Services
- Laundry & Textile care
- Building Management System Services
- Fire Alarms and Access Control System Services
We have a team of fully qualified specialists who are employed by BPS in our engineering hubs around South Wales who can quickly come out to you if you have an emergency.
Our call centre team is on hand to take your call 365 days a year, 24 hours a day and we will ensure the appropriate engineer and team is dispatched to you when you need it. Our professional service is unrivalled and we deliver exceptional value for money solutions to commercial businesses and properties in an emergency or for any repair or maintenance work.
Our technical support centre is always on hand to resolve any questions you or our onsite team may have and this enables us to remotely fix and repair systems and equipment quickly and safely if we can, or assist our teams to repair them more quickly when they are on-site with you.
Our BPS Services Offer:
- Rapid, Reputable, Responsive Professional Trade Services
- Dedicated engineers on call 24/7/365
- Emergency call-outs 24hrs a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year
- Engineers routinely fix 90% of breakdowns on the initial visit
- Design, Planned Maintenance & Emergency Callout Service
- Project design
- Supply
- Installation
- Servicing
- Repair
- Maintenance
Contact us today on 029 2048 4114 and one of our expert team members can schedule a planning and quotation appointment with you for any of your Building Renovation & Conversion needs.