Almost 20% of UK homes are now equipped with their very own conservatory offering extra living space, places of solitude and portals to the back garden and if you are considering getting your very own, it is easy to do so with the help of an architectural design service.
Why Choose an Architectural Design Service?
An architectural design service has many benefits and the main one is cost. Most services will be able to carry out the exact same role as an architect without the sometimes hefty fee that can come along with one.
This doesn’t necessarily mean that you’re compromising quality though. In most cases, service people will have as much experience, knowledge and as many connections as fully qualified and accredited architects.
Planning Permission
Around 60% of all proposed conservatories will require planning permission and regulations vary by local authority so it may be worth looking into it yourself if you want to get a feel for specific requirements. Generally speaking, most conservatories will be subject to
- Detached and semi-detached building conservatories can be the greater of up to 70 cubic metres or the building extended to 115% of its original volume including previous works.
- Terraced buildings, including end of terrace builds have a limit of 50 cubic metres.
- Grade II listed buildings may be obligated to use hardwood and glass to preserve the building.
- Conservatories should not take up more than half of the garden.
- Your conservatory should not be less than 20m from public paths and roads.
- Juts should be less than 3m to ensure that neighbours are not affected.
These may not all apply to your particular area and there are many other considerations that authorities take into account when deciding on whether to grant permission. Your architectural design service can usually take up all of the applications work on your behalf to ensure the best chance of being accepted and being able to start preparing for your new conservatory.
The Design Stage
Working with a professional, you can have an active input into how you want your new conservatory to look and feel. An architectural design service will produce the plans with your requirements at the front of their mind and you then, of course, have a chance to review them before finalising and giving the go-ahead.
If there is something that you feel is essential, let it be known immediately so no alterations are made to a specific point or part of your home. Also be aware of your budget and try not to be overoptimistic if it isn’t as large as you’d like – you don’t really want to be constantly adding to it because you simply must have a certain feature.
Usage and Materials
You probably have a general idea on how you will use your conservatory but may not be too sure on which materials or designs will work best to get the most from your extension.
This is where an architectural design service professional will be of incredible benefit as they should be able to advise and point you in the right direction. Be prepared to say exactly what you want but also listen. You may have to compromise at some stage but it should all work out for the best if you hire a trusted expert.
Many architects work on grand scales whereas architect services will be more adept when it comes to smaller scale, one-home projects making them arguably the better choice.
Relax and Enjoy
Once you’ve signed off and your conservatory is up and running, you are free to do with it as you please. Whatever that may be is entirely up to you.
BDS Architecture has helped many people see their dream conservatory come to life thanks to our architectural design service and expertise. If you would like to know more feel free to get in touch or take a look at our residential architects work to see our quality for yourself.
