ArchiTech North Wales

A Quick Tip

When having building work carried out, it is worth taking pictures of your own during the progress. This can be useful to trace things like electric cables so you can avoid putting a nail through them when hanging a picture or identifying stud work if you want to hang a shelf somewhere. Another reason to do this is to help identify the cause of problems that may arise following completion of the work.

Raising The Roof!

I was contacted by a client who wanted to increase the number of bedrooms in their bungalow. Their thought was to replace the existing roof with a completely new roof structure with a steeper pitch and addition of dormer windows. Extending upwards is a great idea, as there would be a gain of extra 3 bedrooms, without losing any garden space.

Initially, the planning department were not keen on this proposal due to the property being in a prominent position. However, with careful and considered design which improves the aesthetics of the building altogether, along with good communication with the planning officer, I was able to secure planning approval of the scheme with all of the clients requirements being met.

If you are considering extending your property, give me a call.

“It’ll Be Great For Parties!”

When looking at scheme design, people often look for something that will work well for hosting a party. This is a nice idea, but how often do you actually host a party? Focusing your scheme on having a party when caught up in the excitement of design is easily done, however you will have to live in this space day to day and living in a dance hall won’t be so much fun. Of course your design can accommodate both practical living and having friends around, with a little consideration.
Contact me and we can design your party room that can be a great place to live in too.

Patio Door Thresholds

The photograph shows a patio door threshold. The frame sits on the brick work at the finished floor level which creates a high upstand to step over when going through the door. The attached drawing shows a solution which would alleviate the problem. The exact detail depends on the doors you choose and the platform you will be stepping onto. Also the height of the door needs to be increased to maintain the desired head height above FFL.

The difference Between Planning Permission And Building Regulation Approval

When embarking on a building project there are usually two statuary requirements – planning permission and building regulation approval. The difference between the two is distinctive but often confused. To put things simply, planning permission relates to the form, use and impact of a scheme and building regulations relates to the technical details of the construction.

Planning permission is normally applied for first and granted, then building regulation approval, however not necessary to proceed in this order.

A planning officer will usually visit the site once a planning application has been submitted this is to help them make their decision on granting planning approval.

A building control officer (building Inspector) will visit the site at various points throughout the construction to make sure work is being carried out to the regulations

Planning permission may be refused, but building regulation approval can always be gained as long as construction can be shown to comply with the building regulation approved documents.

When thinking about a building project the position of the existing drainage should be considered. You should find out who is responsible for the drainage, i.e. you (private drainage) or the water company (public drainage).

If your scheme is only affecting private drainage, it is usually straightforward to alter, however if you are proposing to build in close proximity or over private drainage a build over agreement with the relevant water company will be required prior to the commencement of work.

In all cases drainage should be installed to building regulations.

Also you should check to see if there is an easement on your property, which can prohibit building on the property altogether. An easement is a legal right over another person’s property, which may cover the laying of pipes in that land and allows access for inspection, repair and maintenance of a statutory undertaker’s asset.

This could be a huge step forward in the construction industry towards reducing its carbon foot print. Will be watching the results of the trial with great interest!

I'll always design with minimising the environmental impact of your project in mind.

If you want to know how you can make your project more ecofriendly and sustainable, get in touch for a chat.

Pioneering Low-Carbon Plasterboard to be Trialled in UK A UK biotechnology company’s low-carbon, biogradeable plasterboard could become a sustainable building material for self builders and homeowners

Here's an example of a past project where improved wheel chair accessibility was part of the brief.

If you need to make your home more accessible, it’s worth remembering to consider the outside of your property too.

For example:

• Will the garage or parking areas need adapting?
• Will doorways need ramp access (and don’t forget, they’ll need a hand rail)
• Are your doorbell and post box at an accessible height?

The need to make our homes more accessible can arise due to lots of different circumstances. I can help you plan in the key features on as part of a new build, home renovation or outbuilding conversion.

https://www.architech-northwales.co.uk/wrexham-bungalow-extension

Skylights are a fantastic way to bring natural light into your home. With careful consideration at the planning stage, they needn't cost the earth. Here's somethings to consider for your project:

https://bit.ly/Sky_Lights

What does an architectural technician do?

Architectural technicians provide architectural services similar to that of an architect. The role can include all design aspects of a construction project from conception to completion, providing aesthetical, functional and technical design and information.

If you’re at the ideas stage of a project, get in touch for a chat. It can make a project run more quickly (and therefore reduce costs) if you involve a professional from the outset to help you develop your ideas: tailoring your plans to your site, your lifestyle and your budget.

Welcome to ArchiTech North Wales!

I provide a full suite of tailored architectural technician services to my clients for both home build and commercial projects.

I began my professional career in 1995 after completing a Higher Diploma in construction at the North East Wales Institute of Higher Education and have since worked with small to medium sized practices in North Wales and Cheshire, gaining extensive experience and knowledge in designing residential, retail and commercial buildings.

I also have renovated two of my own properties, completing the majority of the work myself, so am able to prepare designs with both the home builder and the building contractor in mind to aid a smooth process.

ArchiTech North Wales principally operates in the North West of England and North Wales.

I am happy to lead and develop building schemes of any size, however small or large and have good links with other industry professionals including structural engineers, environmental engineers and surveyors.

If you need assistance realising your dream build or home renovation project, don't hesitate to get in touch. I look forward to speaking to you!