Is the high cost of housing in London making you feel squeezed? Do you ever think that your house could use some more space and be better? Does the idea of having to relocate become so stressful? Well, you are not alone!

Many homeowners face this dilemma and opt for a viable alternative – expanding their property. However, before unpacking the drawing tools and deciding on the paint; there is one important thing that should be done first- “a site survey“. This may seem daunting at first, but this initial appraisal is really the key to helping you turn your house plans into an affordable reality.

Therefore, let’s now move on to discuss site survey, what it entails and why it should precede any other plans when you want to create an additional living space in London.

Why do you need a full site survey?

Before you decide to expand your property, make sure that you’ve done a complete site survey. A lot of people fail to take this important precautionary measure and then encounter serious issues later on. Let’s discuss some important reasons as to why you need a full site survey:

Successful plans

To start with, involving an architect or a qualified surveyor in examining your property in depth heightens the probability that your plans will be successful. These professionals are well equipped with skills of determining any emerging obstacles that may come up in the process of construction and providing appropriate remedial measures.

Maximize investment

This survey will also help you invest your money and space to the maximum level. After studying how your building has been done including its plans and looking at the available space, a surveyor can give you several other plans which will serve your requirements well and still stay under economic plan cost.

Adherence to safety

In addition, a comprehensive site analysis guarantees adherence to safety standards and building codes. It can be too much for an uninformed person to cope with given that regulations are not stagnant. Failure to comply with these laws could lead to very serious penalties like being forced out of the property by the authorities.

Prevent collapse/failure

Also, there can be cases where failure to carry out proper survey of the site may cause collapse of buildings. Before you make any changes or extensions, you need to carry out a thorough study so that you know if there are any hidden issues that could affect the strength of your house.

What will the architect do on the site survey?

Without a doubt, a site survey is a must before one embarks on a house project/extension. This includes carrying out a detailed analysis of the piece of land earmarked for the project. The survey is done by a qualified architect who uses it to determine some of the details about the location for incorporation into their plan.

The survey will incorporate every part of the site including taking measurements and photographs. This will enable you have a clear view on how the space allocated for your proposed extension blends well with the existing environment. Afterwards, the gathered information is put down in writing and used for making plans as well as developing 3D visualizations that reflect the true nature of your final project.

Here are some key pieces of information that your architect must gather during a complete site survey:

Nature of the soil

To begin with, the nature of the soil on which your house stands will be taken into account. Not all soils can bear the same load, and they do not all react to moisture and other agents in the same way. With this knowledge, it becomes possible to determine how deep and what kind of a foundation should be put in place for the extension.

Moreover, architects will examine whether there exist any underground pipes or sewage entry points that may affect construction in the neighborhood. In addition, different factors should be considered depending on whether the planned extension is one or two stories high and on the type of soil. For instance, some types of soil may not have the capacity to carry extra loads without reinforcement.

Access to the extension

Next, one should not forget that the entrance into the property matters a lot even at the stage of planning for the extension with regard to its practicability and safety. It is important that you talk about access with your architect before the project begins.

Here are some questions which you should ask your architect before planning an extension:

• Can you get your car near to your kitchen extension to unload your groceries?
• Is your living room extension too wide and it takes up your parking space?
• Can your property extension be accessed by emergency vehicles when necessary?
• Does your new extension require you to cross neighbor lands and ask for authorization?

Find out listed buildings or protected sites (if any) nearby

Your architect should also take into account whether there are any listed buildings or protected areas close by. The presence of nearby structures may affect construction methods, design sizes as well as some restrictions based on vibration limits.

For e.g.: A conservation zone could also have its implications on planning property extensions especially if the construction poses some danger to wildlife or plants.

Orientation of the extension

Finally, your architect will also think about which way would be best for your proposed extension to face. Site aspect, views, exposure – they all matter a lot.

For e.g.: North-facing bedrooms would require more heating during winter, or if you have an unpleasant view of a factory- it should be avoided (if possible).

It is also important to think about neighbors when deciding on the orientation because blocking their light could result in arguments.

Building regulations and planning applications

To ensure that your house is safe and fit for habitation, there are building regulations. For your extension plan, our extension architect will make accurate sketches that follow these rules exactly. You may see our credentials here.

We are experts in securing planning permission applications. Following an extensive analysis of your premises and completion of drawings, we will prepare and file for a relevant planning permission document consisting of:

• Relevant illustrations of the property‘s structure (including layout, exterior views, and cross-sections)
• Blueprints for planned changes to the property (including layout, exterior views, site plan)
• A comprehensive document outlining design considerations and accessibility details (if necessary)
• Specific reports pertaining to historical importance, potential flood risks or vegetation impact on the property (we will inform you if these are needed for your planning proposals)
• An overview of the site and its boundaries using both a detailed map and a visual representation
• The necessary paperwork required for submitting planning applications including application forms, letters of notification, and CIL inquiries

With our expertise and detailed 3D planning on your side, your probability of securing approval for your permission plan will be maximized!

Get in touch with us!

Would you like to renovate/extend your house so that it looks different and aesthetic? Well, you can talk to us when you think of a perfect add-on for your house; we can’t wait to know what you think.

To know more, you can visit our website through clicking here. You can also send us an email at team@architect7.co.uk or just fill in our Request A Free Quote form available on the website and we will get back to you in no time!