If you’re working on an extension or renovation, you might think project managers are an unnecessary expense or will take your control away from the project. If you’re confused about whether or not this is a role you could actually fulfil yourself, don’t fear. In this post, we’ll cover everything you need to know.
First and foremost, what does a project manager do? Project managers take on the responsibility of managing the development of your extension, coordinating builders and tradespeople, speaking with the local authority, and ordering materials.
In essence, you give them the designs and guidelines for the renovation, and they take charge of the hard work for you – all whilst working within your timeframe, budget, and specifications.
If you’re not familiar with renovations or you’re strapped for time, then employing a professional project manager can be a life-saver that helps to deliver your dream home. However, there are some other factors to consider – not least the kind of workload you’re taking on…
If you decide to take on the role of project manager, there will be several key tasks on your list. These include:
Generally speaking, the smaller the renovation, the bigger the benefits of being your own project manager. For one thing, due to fixed prices, project manager fees can be considerably higher for smaller projects. Larger projects are also usually quite complex, requiring you to liaise with more tradespeople and contractors – so it’s not always the right choice if you have other things on your to-do list.
Time is an important consideration. If you’re working full time, for example, how will you oversee all the project management responsibilities alongside your other commitments? Do you have a set time frame to complete the project? If time is an issue, then some professional support may be beneficial.
Though project managers will consult you on the most important issues of your renovation, there will always be times when they need to make a decision to enable contractors to do their job. You need to be clear on whether you feel comfortable with this. If you’re a stickler for small details, then it might be better for you to manage the project yourself.
Whether you decide to hire a project manager or do the work yourself, it always helps to have the experts by your side. As award-winning, Sheffield-based architects, we have the knowledge and experience to ensure the design and planning of your renovation runs smoothly.
If you’d like to learn more about our services, take a look at our portfolio of house renovations and extensions – or get in touch with our friendly team today.
This self-build design staple can be tailored to your unique needs – from open living/dining spaces to multipurpose rooms. But is it right for you? Read on as we outline the pros and cons...
Thinking of going open plan? Here are just a few benefits of opening out your living spaces...
When your kids are watching TV in the living room, your partner’s on the computer in the study, and you’re in the kitchen making lunch, it’s hard to feel connected to your family. With open plan living, you’re all within the same space. That means more opportunities for interaction – and it helps you to keep an eye on the little ones too.
An open plan home means more room for entertaining. If your dining room is extended and merged with your kitchen and living room, there’s plenty of space for friends and family to wine, dine and enjoy each other’s company. And with an open plan kitchen, you’ll be able to join in the fun even as you cook up a storm.
Aside from the practical benefits, there’s also the aesthetics to consider. Open plan rooms have fewer walls, creating more space, as well as letting in more light. Not only does this mean more restful, flowing spaces, but natural lighting helps us to feel rejuvinated too. You’ll find it much easier to get from A to B around your home as well.
Before you get stuck in, there are some disadvantages to bear in mind...
Open plan living spaces naturally have much larger, open rooms. That means more room for cold air to spread – and more room for your radiators to heat up. In some cases, that can lead to higher energy bills and a colder home. However, this can be mitigated with a suitable heating system for open plan spaces in new-builds or major renovations.
Being connected is the strength of open plan living – but sometimes, it can also be a weakness. If you value your alone time, then open plan living might not be for you. Whilst spending time with family is important, it’s also vital to have your own space. For example, trying to work in an open plan space is often easier said than done.
As well as people, noises and sounds can often spread more widely through open plan homes. That means there’s no getting away from the smell of last night’s pizza, or the noise from the family playroom. And if one room is messy in an open plan home, that often means all the rooms feel cluttered.
If the pros of open plan living outweigh the cons in your opinion, then it might be just the right choice for you. With over 40 years combined experience, CODA Bespoke is on hand to make your self-build dreams a reality.
Take a look at our projects portfolio to get a feel for what we create. Or if you’d like to know more about our services, get in touch with our friendly team today.
If you want to create your dream home but don’t want to move, extending and remodelling are the two main avenues available. So, which is best for you? In this post, we’ll discuss what both options entail and how to choose between them.
It goes without saying that extensions are an extra section added to your home, typically at the rear – though they can also be at the side and front in certain circumstances. They’re the go-to option for people who want a little more from their home, whether that’s down to space alone or function.
But what exactly does a remodel involve? While some think it’s just a renovation, a remodel goes further, changing the entire layout of your home to suit your requirements. That can include altering a room’s shape, changing different rooms’ purposes, or combining rooms for an open-plan design, for example.
When choosing between an extension and remodel, the first factor to consider is the space available outside your home and how important it is to you. If you have a large garden and you’re happy to sacrifice some of it for the benefit of your interiors, then great – an extension could be ideal.
However, houses with smaller outdoor spaces are typically better suited to remodelling. Eating away at a garden that’s already small could impact how much value your improvements add to your home – not to mention your own enjoyment of it. In contrast, remodels don’t affect your exterior space at all.
Next on the list are the costs involved. This one is simple – extending is almost always more expensive than remodelling. That’s because it requires a roof and external walls, not to mention new foundations – and that’s before you even get started on everything inside.
Of course, that’s for good reason. It provides additional space inside your home, which is always highly sought-after. However, if you’re happy with the actual amount of space and just want to make the most of it, a remodel is the better option.
Let’s not forget planning permission. Unless you’re living in a listed building, you don’t need any permission to remodel your home – though you may want to double-check with your local authority for your property’s permitted development rights.
On the flipside, it can be tricky to keep an extension within the conditions of a permitted development – with requirements for roof height, boundaries, position and materials used. In many cases, you’ll need to apply for a planning permission, which makes the process lengthier and more expensive.
Above all else, the decision comes down to your limitations and driving factors – what exactly do you want or need from your home improvement? And is it possible with the space and budget available?
If you know full-well that your house is too small for your needs, an extension might be the only option. That could be due to a new arrival, or just the desire for a bigger kitchen. But always consider whether there’s any unused or underused space within your home. If so, a remodel could pave the way for that bigger kitchen or extra bedroom without the need to extend.
When choosing between an extension or remodel, the most important thing to remember is that it’s you that will be living in your dream home. Don’t rush the decision or make it simply because of one factor, like avoiding planning permission. Instead, it’s best to get expert advice to figure out what’s possible with both avenues.
As an award-winning team of UK architects, CODA Bespoke can provide that expert insight to make your decision easier – and help you with your remodel and extension to make sure you get exactly what you want from the process. To find out more, give our team a call on 0114 279 4931 or email hello@codabespoke.co.uk.
Self-building a home is a journey with many ups and downs. Though some challenges are inevitable through the process, forewarned is forearmed. Being prepared for mishaps will put you in a better position to keep on track. Here are four common self-build mishaps to steer clear of.
The first step to developing your dream home is finding the right plot to build it on. You should make sure the plot is suitable for planning permission and can be connected to electricity and the water mains. You should also check the ground conditions to plan for the type of foundation you’ll need.
To avoid initial complications, make sure you take these issues into account before purchasing any land – for example, by hiring an engineer to check the conditions and stability of the ground at your plot.
Many professionals make up a self-build team. That can include architects, builders, surveyors, interior designers and project managers, among others. Hiring the wrong tradespeople to carry out the work on your self-build project can have disastrous results – from shoddy workmanship to seemingly endless delays and results that just aren’t what you wanted.
Always give yourself plenty of time to research tradespeople before you hire. Don’t just choose the first one you see. Make sure you get quotes and references from multiple candidates – and see if you can even visit one of their current building sites or finished projects.
Self-building can sometimes cause upset for neighbours. They might object to an aspect of your plans, or noise pollution from the building site could be disrupting their peace. The best strategy for avoiding mishaps with your neighbours is to keep the lines of communication open wherever possible.
Once neighbours get to know you and your plans, and have their concerns heard, they’re more likely to be receptive to your self-build project. Discuss the project with them personally before the planners get in touch – or hire a project manager to handle all the communications.
This might seem easy to avoid, but self-building comes with unexpected costs. If there’s an issue later down the line with your self-build, you could find yourself tipping way over budget – especially with rising material costs.
The best way to avoid this mishap is to plan carefully. It’s impossible to plan for every eventuality when building a home, but having a clear outline of what you can afford will help to avoid issues later on. Make sure any architects, designers and project managers working on your home are made aware of your budget well in advance. Ensuring you have a suitable contingency budget is also vital.
Architects are integral to the development of your dream home. One of the biggest mishaps that self-builders can make is hiring the wrong one. On the other hand, hiring the right one can truly bring your vision to life.
As award-winning architects, CODA Bespoke has over 40 years of collective experience creating striking self-build homes, so you know your dream is in expert hands. If you’d like to learn more about our services, get in touch with our helpful team today.
Looking to self-build a multi-generational home? Here are a few factors you’ll need to consider when it comes to the design process...
One of the best benefits of multi-generational homes is that they provide the space to bring your family together where it counts. Keeping communal areas, such as the kitchen and main living area, open plan can help everyone to feel connected. Incorporate different levels, add countertops to the kitchen, and use room dividers to break up the space.
Multi-generational homes shouldn’t mean you’re living on top of one another. As well as providing rooms to spend time together, you’ll need spaces for privacy. Along with bedrooms, it can help to have additional “retreat rooms” for family members to enjoy their own company. This could include separate living spaces for different generations, as well as a playroom for children.
If you’re living with or caring for elderly relatives, multi-generational homes need to be made accessible for all. Ensuring there is a larger-size, ground-floor bathroom with a walk-in shower and grab-rail for elderly family members to use is an absolute must. Go for extra-wide doorways and staircases, with room for stairlifts, if needed.
Bedrooms for elderly relatives should also be on the ground floor. This not only makes the rooms more accessible, but also more distant from the noise of children's bedrooms and playrooms on other floors.
When you’re living with multiple generations of your family, it’s only natural that a little bit of compromise will be required. For one thing, you’ll need to be flexible about how you make use of space. Different generations will have different needs, and to avoid going over-budget, it can help to create multi-purpose rooms within the home. That might mean your reading room also doubles up as Grandma’s crafting space, for example.
Every family member will naturally have different ideas about what they’re looking for in a multi-generational home. That’s why it’s important to stay in close communication with your architects, so you can work together to finalise a design that suits everyone.
Don’t lose sight of the potential of your outdoor spaces too. Garden rooms and offices can provide extra opportunities for space and privacy in a multi-generational home. If you can obtain planning permission, you could even build an additional dwelling in your back garden for relatives to live in.
Extending your communal space outdoors also makes your indoor living space feel more open, especially when you link the two via large windows and bi-folding doors.
Ready to self-build your own home for multi-generational living? First, you’ll need architects who understand how to create show-stopping homes that every generation will love.
That’s where CODA Bespoke comes in. As award-winning, RIBA-accredited architects, our Sheffield team are best-placed to create the home you’ve always dreamed of. To embark on your self-build journey, contact our expert team today.
That’s why we created this guide to demystify self-build costs, planning and more...
There are several factors to consider when outlining the cost of self-build homes...
The first step is finding a plot of land to build on, as this can help you to plan your budget. There are many ways to find land for self-build homes, from plotfinding websites to property auctions. You should also make sure you’re on the self-build register with the local authorities.
Arranging the finance for your self-build house is crucial. You might decide to pay via a lump sum or by the sale of your current home. There’s also the option to apply for a self-build mortgage.
Before you start on the design phase, you’ll need to plot out a specific budget to adhere to. This will cover a variety of expenses, including everything from the initial site investigation and demolition to developing the substructures, walls, flooring, heating and insulation, among many other costs.
Make sure you factor in a contingency of around 10-20% of your overall budget. You should also factor in expenses such as the stamp duty tax, any legal fees, as well as the costs of setting up plumbing and electricity.
Once you’ve factored in all your costs, it’s time to get to the nitty-gritty of self-building your home...
Before you start building your property, you should ensure that you’ve been given proper planning permission. You’ll also need to meet the requirements for building control approval, as well as any other specialist permissions.
An architect can help you ensure your property fits within local authority guidelines, along with any other regulations you should follow. You should also make sure you have self-build insurance before developing your property.
The right architect can turn your dream home into a reality. Don’t be tempted to settle for the first architect you come across, instead give yourself time to choose an architect who aligns with your vision.
Once everything is in place, it’s time to hire builders and contractors to work on your project. You might decide to manage the self-build yourself, or hire a project manager to handle this time-consuming work.
The plot will need to be prepared for building, and you’ll need to choose a construction method – which could be anything from brick and block to structural insulated panels.
When the building’s complete, it’s time to check for any last issues through the ‘snagging’ process and make sure you get a completion certificate from building control. If your property is intended as your main residence, you could also claim back VAT.
Self-building your home can be a complex task, which is why it’s important to have an experienced architect on hand to make the process run smoothly.
At CODA Bespoke, we have over 40 years of collective experience in creating show-stopping self-build homes. With RIBA accreditation and whole host of awards under our belt, we’re the perfect choice to bring your vision to life. Contact our helpful team today to get started on your self-build journey.
If you’re looking to build an eco-friendly home, then you might have heard of the term “passive house”, also known as passivhaus. But what do these terms mean and how do they differ?
And, more importantly, how can building a passive house benefit you and the environment? Read on to learn more...
So, what exactly is the difference between these two terms? Well, they actually have the exact same meaning. “Passive house” is simply the translation of the original German term “passivhaus”.
Passivhaus is a construction concept that is used to plan and create new homes that are both energy-efficient and eco-friendly, without cutting back on comfort and affordability. It also refers to the set of building standards that need to be followed to produce these uber enviromentally-friendly properties.
To be classed as a passive house, your new-build home will need to meet these set criteria:
The energy required to heat (or cool) the rooms should not exceed 15 kWh/m2 per year within the living space. This is also limited to 10 W/m2 at peak demand.
This should be renewable, with the total energy for domestic applications (hot water, heating and domestic electricity) not exceeding 60 kWh/m2 per year within the living space.
Passive houses should be extremely airtight, limiting the number of air changes within the living space by a maximum of 0.6 air changes per hour at 50 Pascals of pressure.
Passive homes need to be comfortable to live in through all the seasons. So, the living spaces should not exceed 25°C for more than 10% of the year.
Whether you’re interested in small passive house plans or a giant passivhaus construction, there are five key principles that should be incorporated into the design...
The insulation in a passive house should allow the property to hold in as much heat as possible. This means that all the opaque components of the property’s exterior should be covered in the insulation, without interruption, where possible.
Thermal bridges should be avoided. These occur where one of the external materials is less well-insulated than the rest. Special care should be taken with any corners or edges of the property.
Windows with high energy-efficiency should be used, as windows are often a point of weakness for letting out heat. Using windows with low-e glass coatings can help to reduce heat transfer.
Airflow between the interior and exterior of the property should be minimised during the construction of the property.
You can learn more about the specific requirements of the passivhaus principles on the Passivhaus Institute website.
If you want to build a passivhaus that suits both you and the environment, then you need a passive house architect with extensive experience to guide you through the process.
Whether you have questions about the cost of a passive house or simply want to discuss your plans, get in touch with our experienced team at CODA Bespoke. Or take a look at our extensive portfolio of self-build properties to get a feel for what we create.
If you’ve set your heart on self-building your dream home, you might have found yourself frantically searching for a “local architect near me”. It’s no secret that many self-builders prefer to work with local architects on their new self-build home. But is it the right choice for you? Read on to learn some of the benefits of using a local architect...
One of the best benefits to using an architect near you is that they’re familiar with the terrain. Having worked in the area for a long time, they often have broader local knowledge, for example, about planning regulations and the council’s development policies.
It’s important to remember that planning regulations can vary between locations, so having a local architect who understands the ins and outs of your area’s regulations can make the process much quicker and smoother.
However, no matter where they come from, experienced architects won’t take long to get to grips with local regulations. So, ultimately, looking into their track record for attaining planning approval is the priority.
Although you’ll mostly communicate with your architect over the phone, via email or even video calling, sometimes you will want to meet face-to-face. This could be because you need to explain something in more detail, perhaps even with an illustration or diagram. Working with architecture firms near you also means your architect will be able to conduct site visits more frequently to support and supervise the building team.
Being able to visit a local architect’s office can also be beneficial, as you can easily drop in to discuss an issue or bring in documents where required. This should never be a deal-breaker, however, as there are many ways to keep in close contact with an architect based further afield, not least because they will be happy to travel for meetings with valued clients.
Local architects will also have a wide network of trusted local builders and tradespeople to work on your project. As they work with many local contractors on a regular basis, they’re best placed to recommend surveyors, builders and designers that suit your style and budget. Not only will this ensure you get the best possible deal, but it will save you plenty of time that would otherwise be wasted hunting for a reliable contractor.
Whilst there are clear benefits to working with a local architect near you, it’s not a one-size-fits-all situation. You should never compromise on quality and style for the sake of proximity. If you find an architecture firm that you can trust and that understands your vision, then don’t be put off by the longer distance. With video conferencing at hand, it’s easy to connect with amazing architects across the country. Remember – locality has its benefits, but it’s far from the only factor you should consider.
Ultimately, the perfect architect for you will offer the right combination of quality, budget and style. Ask to see their portfolio to ensure their designs align with your vision. At CODA Bespoke, our award-winning, Sheffield-based team has over 40 years of combined experience creating beautiful self-build homes.
If you’d like to see some of the projects that we’ve worked on, take a look at our extensive portfolio. Have a question about our services or want to discuss a project? Get in touch with our friendly team today.
When developing your new-build home, you’ll need to show that your project conforms to building regulations. To do this, you’ll have to send technical drawings of your property for building control approval.
You can either be given approval by independent building control inspectors or by your local authority building control. So, which is the best option for you?
Your building needs to align with the current statutory building regulations. These building regulations are a set of requirements that ensure any new construction is safe for habitation. This can include regulations for foundations, drainage, ventilation, fire prevention, and many other issues. Building control ensures your self-build meets these criteria.
You’ll need to commission technical drawings of your planned property, showing that it meets all the requirements. Your architect will usually prepare this for you, but other contractors may also need to be involved, including structural engineers and drainage surveyors.
Then, you’ll submit your drawings, either to the local authority building control or to an approved inspector for building control.
So, what’s the difference between an approved building inspector and the local authority building control. Though there are many similarities, they also differ in several key ways...
An approved inspector is classed as private building control, and must be registered with the Construction Industry Council (CIC). CIC approved inspectors also need to have full insurance cover in place.
The approved inspector will need to submit an ‘initial notice’ to inform your local authority about your intention to develop a construction. At this point, they’ll be able to transfer the building control responsibilities over to your inspector.
As part of their work, CIC approved inspectors will scruitinse and approve your technical drawings along with any information from contractors, make visits to your project site, give advice to you and your building team, and provide a ‘final certificate’ as evidence that your project meets the building regulations.
When working with the local authority building control, the process will be much the same, except you’ll apply to them directly. They will then take care of the process, providing you with a ‘completion certificate’ upon approval.
These are the key factors that most self-builders are concerned about. Unfortunately, with so many people looking to develop, you might find you’re stuck with a much lower standard from the local authorities. They’re often overstretched, meaning they spend less time on your project, which can often take months to be approved.
Meanwhile, approved building control inspectors are more likely to take care with your project – and have a far faster turnaround, often giving approval within a matter of days.
It’s a common misconception that the local authority is naturally less expensive. In many cases, independent building control inspectors charge around the same price, or even cheaper. Do your research and shop around before making your choice.
At CODA Bespoke, we have over 40 years of collective experience creating luxury residences for our clients. As architects, we have the expertise to develop your dream self-build property – including help with the technical drawings for building control approval.
To learn more about what we do, check out our extensive portfolio of new-build homes, extensions and residential developments. Or, if you have any questions for us, get in touch with our helpful team.
