New Houses, Refurbishment and Alterations
Category : Simple Design Services
If you are considering adding a ground floor single-storey extension to the rear of an existing end or mid-terrace, perhaps Victorian period, house perhaps consider something other than a plain looking extension.
How about something quite different, like this to provide space and add value. Please contact us to see how you could achieve this.
Category : Simple Design Services
An article in The Times mentions ‘desktop’ valuation surveys, where the mortgage provider is really only assessing the property’s suitability for mortgage purposes. This would not provide the buyer with any indication of the condition of the property.
Having a full structural survey would provide the buyer with a proper assessment of the building structure and indicate any necessary structural remedial repairs.
If you were purchasing a car it would be advisable to have a vehicle inspection undertaken by a mechanic. So if you were purchasing a property, a house or bungalow perhaps, it would seem even more necessary to request a full structural survey and report by a Chartered Civil or Structural Engineer CEng MICE or CEng MIStructE
Category : Simple Design Services
Building an extension or undertaking some alterations can add some much needed family space and, of course, would add value to your property.
An extension could be added to the rear or the side, or a loft conversion to use the space in the attic. Alterations could include the removal of a Ground Floor wall to provide a larger and open Kitchen/Dining area.
Planning Permission and Building Regulations Approval should be obtained.
Category : Simple Design Services
This is the usual time of year to consider a Kitchen refurbishment, perhaps an open-plan Kitchen/Diner making use of the existing unused Dining Room.
Open-plan Kitchen/Dining areas are popular and can provide great family communal areas.
Creating an open-plan Kitchen/Dining area often involves removing load-bearing walls or building an extension.
Please contact me and I can provide advice and structural calculations for the necessary Building Regulations Approval.
Category : Simple Design Services
The summer of 2018 was long and hot. Unfortunately, shallow concrete strip foundations can be susceptible to movement due to the shrinking and swelling of clay subsoil, especially if there are trees in close proximity.
This movement can cause subsidence and cracking to occur within the walls of older properties.
If cracking does occur, a professional Chartered Civil or Structural Engineer should be consulted to undertake a survey assessment and provide a written report.
Category : Simple Design Services
The Times has just released an article, in Bricks and Mortar, regarding the extended permitted development rights that David Cameron introduced in 2013 under the Larger Home Extension Scheme.
The scheme extended the permitted development parameters for single-storey rear extensions in England, freeing homeowners from having to apply for full planning permission, which costs £206 for a domestic project.
The size limits are 8m in length for a detached house and 6m for a semi-detached house or terrace, depending on the previous extensions. The maximum height allowed is 4m, depending on the distance from the boundary.
The scheme is scheduled to come to an end on May 30th 2019. It might be worth thinking about taking advantage of the scheme before it’s too late.
Category : Simple Design Services
From the beginning of April – Simple Design Services Limited has now become a Partnership, for legal purposes, as plainly – Simple Design Services.
The expertise will remain the same. However, the customer or client will now benefit from an even more economical and affordable service.
Category : Simple Design Services
Moving house in the Spring
Now is the usual time of year when first-time buyers are looking to move into their very first house, bungalow or flat, or families look for larger accommodation and properties with additional bedrooms and bathroom perhaps.
In the same way as you might have a vehicle inspection, before purchasing a car, the recommendation would be to have a structural survey inspection and report produced by a Chartered Civil or Structural Engineer.
At a time when you’re already spending a lot of money, a survey and report can seem like a big expense.
However, it’s far better to be aware of any issues before you buy a property so that you can make an informed decision about how much you’re willing to pay for it and, if necessary, budget for any repair work that might need doing.
You may also be able to use the information, in the survey report, to negotiate with the vendor.
For example, if your survey report finds that you will need to undertake repairs costing £10,000 you could ask for a £10,000 reduction in price, or alternatively ask the seller to make the necessary repairs before you exchange contracts.
Category : Conversions Simple Design Services
Telegraph Friday 2nd February 2018
Bricks and Mortar –
“Improve don’t move” continues to be the mantra of many British homeowners, particularly in the south-east, where high house prices mean that a loft conversion could be more cost-effective than a move.
A good article explaining how to add value to your existing property.
Good information included for floor plan layout, Loft conversions, Extensions and Garage conversions and the associated costs and the value added.
Category : Simple Design Services
Conversion of Farm Buildings
Simple Design Services Ltd. have provided 
structural reports for a number of proposals, under permitted development rights, for conversions of agricultural buildings into residential use including in AONB (Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty).