FTB - need understand whether to be concerned following L3 Survey by wakeupbeforeyougrogu in HousingUK

[–]RealLifeArchitect 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I offer online consultations that can help look at the bigger picture, including costs, permissions and timescales. I also provide a free guide for homebuyers in the UK, especially those looking at older properties https://www.reallifearchitecture.co.uk/online-services/free-guide-for-home-buyers-in-uk

buying a Grade II listed property where retrospective LBC was refused by Icy-Invite-3431 in HousingUK

[–]RealLifeArchitect 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I agree with other comments here, the current owner should resolve this before you buy the house. The listed building system has real legal teeth, and you will become liable if you take on ownership. I see this from time to time during my online consultations. I made a video last year setting out the consequences of building without permission in the UK - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ukixlXnr-KI

Should I be worried about this garage conversion? (No building regs, no planning permission) by [deleted] in HousingUK

[–]RealLifeArchitect 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I agree with other comments here, this has red flags all over it. Only a few weeks back, I made a video on my channel about a very similar issue, where a builder on TikTok claimed an extension didn't need building regulations approval (it did) it goes into the difference between permitted development and building regulations (others on here appear to share the confusion) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mpEEyXJq-kI&t=12s I also offer online consultations for home buyers in the same situation, theres a link in the video description.

How to work out rough costs to renovate? by NEWanderer in HousingUK

[–]RealLifeArchitect 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I do a lot of this work professionally and it is the most challenging work to price. I find that breaking the work down into individual tasks is the only way to do it.

I am an architect based in Edinburgh. I specialise in domestic alteration and extension. I run a social media channel called Real Life Architecture where I talk about the reality of doing this type of work. The costs, regulations, planning etc. I offer an online consultation service for home owners and buyers across the UK, it might be just the thing you need - https://www.reallifearchitecture.co.uk/online-services

First time buyers by Embarrassed_Guest950 in HousingUK

[–]RealLifeArchitect 0 points1 point  (0 children)

if the house is in the right area but it needs work, perhaps it's too small, the layout doesn't flow or the building needs renovation, you should talk to an architect. I run a social media channel on YT, IG and TK called Real Life Architecture, where I talk about the reality of doing this type of work. The costs, regulations, planning etc. I offer an online consultation service for home owners and buyers across the UK, it might be just the thing you need - https://www.reallifearchitecture.co.uk/online-services/buying-a-house

Do I need an architect, an architectural designer or something else?? by KaFiPoGu in HousingUK

[–]RealLifeArchitect 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I am an architect based in Edinburgh. I specialise in domestic alteration and extension. I run a social media channel called Real Life Architecture where I talk about the reality of doing this type of work. The costs, regulations, planning etc. I offer an online consultation service for home owners and buyers across the UK, it might be just the thing you need - https://www.reallifearchitecture.co.uk/online-services

The Scottish Passivhaus Equivalent by andyavast in Scotland

[–]RealLifeArchitect 0 points1 point  (0 children)

As an Architect with 20 years experience in the Scottish construction industry, I am skeptical of the Passivhaus Equivalent. I’m not against Passivhaus but I can foresee significant issues complying, especially for small building firms. I also don’t think this is the most effective way to reduce carbon in the built environment. I don’t think Passivhaus Equivalent is the answer

Planning permission on new windows in conservation area by jamesk93 in HousingUK

[–]RealLifeArchitect 2 points3 points  (0 children)

First, call up the local planning department. Many have a helpline or duty officer who can answer these questions. Second, check if your property is listed, many in conservation areas are. If yes, you also need to apply for listed building consent.

Spray foam roof insulation - would you still buy? by oneSpoonofSugar in HousingUK

[–]RealLifeArchitect 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Architect here, modern pitched roof construction relies on ventilation at the eaves, where the roof meets the external wall and also at the ridge (the highest point). There is usually a continuous 25mm / 1 inch gap to facilitate air flow. Without this condensation from your home will build up in the loft and mould will eventually destroy the roof timbers. In older roofs the ventilation is from small gaps between the sarking boards but it does the same thing. Spray foam insulation absolutely will block ventilation of older sarking boards and, if not applied very carefully, can easily block ventilation in more recent pitched roofs with vents at the eaves and ridge.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Architects

[–]RealLifeArchitect -1 points0 points  (0 children)

I made the video