Building construction, conversion and extension
Most houses and other properties are insured against fire, flood, accident, subsidence and other damage.
How much should I insure for?
We provide a service which includes:
- Plans.
- Specifications.
- Planning applications.
- Building Regulations applications.
- Obtaining contractors price tenders.
- Appointment of contractors.
- Contract supervision.
- Site inspection.
- Stage payment certification.
- Contract variations.
Loft Conversions
One of the more popular methods of extending buildings is to make use of the roof space to provide additional accommodation, often bedrooms, bathrooms and hobby rooms.
Most conversions rely upon major structural alterations including a new structural floor, insertion of structural beams and roof structure alterations. Such conversions require Building Regulations Approval from the local authority.
If the property is terraced or semi-detached and works are carried out to the party wall then the procedure under the Party Wall etc Act 1996 is necessary.
Garage Conversions
Many home owners convert garages to form additional habitable rooms.
Garages are often not constructed to adequate standards and works to improve walls, insulation etc are necessary. This work, any structural work and alterations to underground drains will require Building Regulations Approval.
Areas of 'unstable sub-soils'
Most buildings insurance policies include cover against subsidence. Premiums vary depending upon sub-soils. An insurer will charge a higher premium for a property founded on shrinkable clay than it would for one founded on granite because of the risk differential.
This type of risk is rather crudely assessed by postcode. If there is unstable sub-soil within your post code area then premiums will be up-rated, even if your particular property is founded upon stable sub-soils.
We are able to report upon the make-up of the sub-soil in your specific location by reference to geological records.
Basement Extensions
Forming basement rooms by excavating beneath a building and underpinning the foundations, extending them to a greater depth has become popular in areas of high density houses.
When underpinning work is carried out there is a risk of minor foundation movement.
Building Regulations Approval is necessary and also, in most cases, the procedure under the Party Wall etc Act 1996 is necessary.
Single storey and two storey extentions
In many cases it is a relatively simple construction matter to add above ground extensions to existing buildings. Small extensions may not require planning approval and may fall within Permitted Development. In almost all cases such extensions will require Building Regulations Approval.
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