Contemporary Extensions

Adding a contemporary extension can without a doubt add great value to your home and with the recent housing market being less than boyant, the trend "don't move, improve" has certainly taken hold!
There are two main routes here. Design an extension that is sympathetic to your exisiting property or design something that will stand out and make a statement. As long as it,s not too radical so the planners and of course you neighbours object.

Although we offer a traditional method of building, our passion is to create the latter... using innovative methods of construction along with aluminium folding sliding doors giving you a large opening to expand your living and entertaining area.

Where possible we use sustainable materials. The world is changing and it's everyone's responsibility to build sensibly and with stricter controls being placed over construction methods the latest innovations are sometimes the best.

With our passionate approach we can build you an extension that will change the way you live.

If you are interested in a free consultation where we can discuss your potential needs please feel free to contact Richard.

Home Extensions

Where do you start?
The majority of our clients already have some idea of what they want to see. This maybe from a TV show or trade event such as Grand Designs Live. This is great because it gives us a starting point.
Then looking at each your requirements we can come up with a solution that works, both for the property and your pocket!

Unlike conservatories, a contemporary extension can add real value to your property. Although this may not be the overiding factor in why you want to build this it certainly helps.
On average you will get back at least twice what you spend and more!

Our real strength is creating contemporary extensions where the client is expanding their home to include a new kitchen, bedroom or bathroom as these are the core elements of our business.

As you may have already read, it is usually the case that builders can't provide high end finishing items without bringing in third parties such as us! By coming at extensions from the finishing side we are more sympathetic to the requirements that the new kitchen or bathroom for example may require.
This also means that we start the planning process of these elements from the beginning of the project.
It also means you have one point of contact throught the duration of your project. This is a major selling point for Richard Simon Interiors as dealing with multiple trades and contractors can at times be quite daunting.

Kitchen Extensions

There are numerous options available to choose from for your new contemporary extension.
Whether it be Aluminium Folding Sliding Doors or as they are commonly known Bi-Fold Sliding Doors, Sliding Patio Doors or a Lantern Roof.

Our systems allow you to open up your extension giving you the opportunity to enjoy your garden to the full.

And why stop there?
The doorway between the home and extension has often been a design problem for homeowners. Now there is a solution allowing the complete opening of the aperture and with the added advantage of a flush floor track you can enjoy an unobstructed walkway giving the feel of open plan.

On the follwoing pages you can see some examples of the new features we can use to creat you dream contemporary extension.

Aluminium Folding Doors

Whether you want to replace your existing patio doors or are planning a new project - folding sliding doors will add versatility and style, making socialising and entertaining more pleasurable; your doors will be an admired feature of your home.

Aluminium Roof Lanterns

A roof lantern is generally a glass structure installed on a flat roof. However, the lantern can also be installed on top of a pitched roof. Available in many sizes and styles and completely made to measure, they can be finished any RAL colour. A comprehensive range of glazing is available including clear toughened, anti-sun, self cleaning and solar control.

EPDM Rubber Roof

The main benefits and reasons why people choose EPDM:

• PROVEN 50 YEAR LIFE - Epdm Rubber does not degrade from attack by sunlight or ozone. All materials are BBA certificated.

• SEAMLESS INTEGRITY - EPDM Rubber is produced in rolls up to 15m wide by 30.5m length. Smaller roofs therefore require no field seams.

• LOW LIFETIME COST & ECO-FRIENDLY - Extremely ECO friendly materials all applied with little energy. - Greenpeace and the Green Building Digest recommend EPDM Rubber as Best Value sustainable eco-sound roofing - it's low cost over it's life and it's competitive price are notable elements.

• SAFE INSTALLATION - EPDM Rubber requires no heat or other unsafe installation techniques.

• MINIMAL DISRUPTION - EPDM Rubber can overlay most sound decks saving stripping costs and ensuring minimal roofing works disruption.

Nearly all the flat rooves we now install are with this method.

SIPS

SIPs are also known as structural insulated panels or SIP systems; they are a material and labour-saving alternative to traditional timber framing and masonry construction. The insulation within the panels is continuous and is not bridged by timber studs. Structural insulated panels have been in use for more than 50 years, they offer an energy efficient building system that is simple to build with and thus substantially reduces on-site labour time and cost.

So how are they made?
Structural Insulated Panels are made up of an energy-efficient Polyurethane foam core, enclosed in a high-density OSB sandwich. The foam core provides super thermal insulation, while the exterior OSB skins account for the high tensile and compressive strength. This superior thermal performance of our SIPS significantly reduces heating & cooling costs, limits air infiltration and creates a quiet draft-free interior.

Sips can be used as structural walls (including foundation walls), floors and roofs, either independently or in combination. SIPs can also be used with timber and steel frame buildings. The greatest savings in time, energy, and materials used, is achieved when Siptec panels are used for the entire structure.

By using this method where appropriate we can keep the cost of extensions down. They aren't always suitable and we only use them where they are. They also provide us with a practical solution to building Garden Cubes or Free Standing Structures.

As more of us are working from home having an external structure may be the perfect option.

Green - Sustainability

The Folding Sliding Door System:

The thermally broken folding door system has established itself as the market leader for innovation and design. Seperated by a 22mm polyamide thermal break, (one of the largest thermally broken systems on the market). Our aluminium folding doors have a distinct advantage over their competition by being energy-efficient, whilst maintaining sleek and narrow sightlines.

This cutting edge sealed unit technology is some 33% more eficient than government guidlines.
These high levels of thermal efficiency means we can lower our heating, lighting and general power consumption all key factors in global warming.

The Code for Sustainable Homes demands that greater CO2 reductions are made from new-build housing. Emissions need to be reduced by 25% from Part L 2006 levels for Code Level 3 and 44% for Code Level 4.

The timeline below sets out the stages between now and 2016.

Extension Plans

Once we've have some basic ideas on what you want to see for your new extension and advised to whether the proposed ideas are viable we can give you an approx estimate for the works.

This will take on average 5-7 days to provide. At this stage though, there will be a few calculated asumptions made from years of experience in this field.
If the estimate we provide is acceptable and you wish to employ Richard Simon Interiors to build your extension we will need to take a deposit which will include the fees for the professionals we need to employ to obtain the full technical specification for your extension so we can supply a more accurate price. As we have said, to this point it has been a calculated estimation.

Richard Simon Interiors have full TrustMark and an IBG - Insurance Backed Guarantee scheme in place so you ca rest assured your deposit and work we do is fully cover for total peace of mind.

To get these technical specifications we use a structural engineer who may need to visit you property to ascertain the size of the steel beams etc. that may be required for your project. We may also need to get a SAP assessment done as well as either an architect or designer in order for us to be able to approach planning. We will already have had an idea prior to this if the proposed plans are acceptable.
The majority of the estimates you may have already had would have been calculated in this manor.

We can of course supply more accurate estimates if you have already had plans or drawings done.
It is not uncommon for clients to have had these done and for a number of reasons, maybe it was too expensive before or the timing was wrong to proceed or maybe you may have decided not to proceed with your previous builder.

You may also choose to get these done from scratch yourself, again we can work with you and advise you on how to!
We will offer as much assitance as we can throughout the whole process.

Planning Permission

Before you can do any building project, you need to ensure that all planning requirements are satisfied. We can work to plans you may already have had drawn up or we can organise these for you. Our architects and designers prepare the initial concept planning drawings to show exactly what you propose to do. Then, once you are happy with the concept drawings, we then discuss the proposals with the local planning authority to determine what planning approvals will be required and if required we can make this application for you.

Under new regulations that came into effect on 1 October 2008 an extension or addition to your house is considered to be permitted development; not requiring an application for planning permission, subject to the following limits and conditions: These are the main ones.

• No more than half the area of land around the "original house" would be covered by additions or other buildings.
• No extension forward of the principal elevation or side elevation fronting a highway.
• No extension to be higher than the highest part of the roof.
• Maximum depth of a single-storey rear extension of three metres beyond the rear wall for an attached house and four metres beyond the rear wall for a detached house.
• Maximum depth of a rear extension of more than one storey of three metres beyond the rear wall including ground floor.
• Maximum eaves height of an extension within two metres of the boundary of three metres.
• Maximum eaves and ridge height of extension no higher than existing house.
• Side extensions to be single storey with maximum height of four metres and width no more than half that of the original house.
• Two-storey extensions no closer than seven metres to rear boundary.
• Roof pitch of extensions higher than one storey to match existing house.
• Materials to be similar in appearance to the existing house.

Structural Calculations

To achieve the wide openings being created with Folding Sliding Doors we have to span a distance where the load will not be supported by a wall below.

Here we engage the services of a structural engineer.

They will calculate the size of the beams needed above the openings, the size of the timbers and or steel for the roof that may be carrying a Roof Lantern and any beams that may be required where we remove an exisiting wall to provide the opening space we will be left with.

You may already have these calculations but if not we can get these done for you.

SAP Assessment

The Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) for energy rating of dwellings is a calculation of a building's energy efficiency. SAP rating.
The UK Government is putting in place strategies that will aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, particularly carbon dioxide, which research has proved to be a major contributing factor to global warming.

The introduction of the Part L1 of the Building Regulations, came into effect in April 2002. These amendments insist upon the calculation of a Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) Rating for all new dwellings and those converted through material change of use. The requirements also necessitate that the Rating is displayed in the property upon completion. These were ammended in 2006 with the introduction of Approved Document L1A for New Build and L1B for Existing Homes including Extensions.

Deciding on sustainable, environmentally efficient construction is no longer simply a question of conscience.

With the introduction of Folding Sliding Doors where a large opening in created we have to ensure the maximum insulation values are met or exceeded in the case of the materials we chose to use.

Part of the process we will go through, will involve a SAP Assessment being carried out which will recommend a suitable method of construction for you new extension.

Again, we can organise this and is part of our usual process.

Building Regulations

The Building Regulations set standards for the design and construction of buildings, primarily to ensure the safety and health for people in or around those buildings, but also for energy conservation and access to and about buildings.

Although the majority of our extensions fall into the "permitted rights" category we will normally have to apply for building regs which is a process overseen by a local building control officer who will inspect the site at set inervals to ensure we are complying with these regs.

Although this all sounds daunting, it isn't, and we normally take care of all this process.

Richard Simon Interiors have a very sound work ethic and all the tradesmen that are regulary used are top in their field.