General

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Construction methods

Using appropriate materials is important but they must be matched with sustainable construction methods, this is essential for building an eco-friendly home. A leading approach to building eco homes is the Passive House standard, which originated in Germany and aims to achieve extremely low energy consumption through advanced insulation, airtight building envelopes, and systems for recovering heat.  Building a passive house requires careful planning and accurate construction to ensure the structure is airtight, avoids heat loss through building materials (thermal bridging), and has natural airflow. These homes are designed and built with high energy efficiency in mind from the ground up.

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Rainwater harvesting

Rainwater collection systems gather and keep rainwater from your roof, which can serve various purposes such as watering plants, flushing toilets, or even purifying it for consumption in certain configurations. These systems offer an effective method for saving water, decreasing water runoff, and decreasing dependence on local water supplies. They are particularly beneficial in regions susceptible to drought or where saving water is a top concern.

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Solar panels

Installing solar panels is one of the most efficient methods to turn a house into an eco-friendly home. Even though the upfront costs are high, however with financial support from the government and the considerable energy savings over the years this can validate the initial investment in solar panels. They enable you to capture energy from renewable sources, greatly diminishing or completely removing your reliance on non-renewable fossil fuels.

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Smart home systems

No eco-friendly home would be complete without a smart home system lets you keep an eye on and manage how much energy you use. With smart thermostats, lights, and gadgets, you can set up automatic ways to save energy by timing when you heat or cool your home and when your lights turn on and off. For example, a smart thermostat can cut down on energy when you’re not home, cutting out waste. To learn more about how to enhance your home’s energy efficiency, check out our blog post on integrating smart technology.

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Glazing

Using high-quality super-efficient glazing is key to making your home eco-friendly. Did you know that 18% of heat loss occurs through windows! Modern glazing technology used in windows and doors has extra glass layers built in, often filled with gasses like argon or krypton, to keep the heat in and make your home warmer. These glazing options not only make living areas more comfortable by keeping the temperature steady, home owners will also use less energy for heating and cooling, which means  a drop in energy bills.

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Appliances

These days most modern gadgets use less electricity, which means you’re doing your part for the environment and saving money on your power bills. Keep an eye out for the Energy Star sticker on fridges, washing machines, and dishwashers, showing they’re good for the planet and will keep your energy bills down. Make sure your home appliances are using modern LED lights; they use around 75% less power than old-school bulbs and last 25 times longer.

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Conclusion

Building a modern eco-friendly home lets you have a cosy and efficient place to live. Choosing materials that are good for the planet, making your home use less energy, saving water, and using the latest technology can help you build a house that’s good for the earth and your wallet. Whether you’re starting from scratch or just making some changes to an existing home, using these tips will help you do your part for the environment while also enjoying the perks of a more efficient and trendy living area. Check out our other articles for more building and design tips.

Recent updates for Class Q legislation

It’s important to note that class Q was updated on April 30, 2024, with the new regulations taking effect on May 21, 2024. Applications submitted on or after this date will need to comply with the updated rules detailed on this page. Key updates include an increase in the maximum number of new dwellings from five to ten. The allowable space for conversion has also expanded to 1,000 square meters. However, the maximum size for each dwelling has been reduced to 150 square meters. As a result, to create ten new dwellings under Class Q, each unit must now be 100 square meters.

Please note Class Q is not permitted for the following:

• Listed buildings
• Sites of scientific interest
• Article 2(3) land (AONB)
• World heritage sites

There are restrictions with converting agricultural buildings under the class Q scheme, such as the use of the building for purposes other than residential living is not permitted, and extending the footprint of a building is also not allowed under class Q conversions. Other conditions may apply, seek guidance from your local planning authorities.

Approval process

Even though Class Q conversions are allowed under permitted development, they still need to get “pre-approval” from the local planning authority. This step makes sure that the planned conversion satisfies the required standards and tackles any possible issues like:

Impact on Traffic and Roads – The effect of the conversion on local traffic and road access needs to be evaluated.

Risk of Flooding – The property should not be in an area at high risk of flooding unless there are adequate flood prevention measures.

Design and Look  – Although not needing complete planning permission, the design and the look of the converted building must be suitable for its new use as a residential dwelling.

Noise & contamination Concerns  – The possible noise disturbance to future occupants from nearby farming or other activities. The property and its land must also be free from contaminants that could be harmful to the residents.

Benefits of class Q conversions

Class Q conversions offer a path to achieving your dream countryside home by allowing you to transform agricultural buildings into unique, charming residences with fewer planning hurdles. This process not only provides design flexibility and character but also supports sustainable living, here are some other benefits of these conversions:

Preservation of Heritage – Converting agricultural buildings often helps preserve the rural character and history of an area, as these structures are typically rich in character and heritage.

Cost-Effective – Class Q conversions can be a more cost-effective alternative to new builds, as the basic structure already exists. (This isn’t always the case)

Simplified Planning Process – The permitted development rights under Class Q streamline the planning process, saving time and reducing the complexity associated with obtaining full planning permission.

Sustainable Development – Reusing existing buildings is an eco-friendly option, reducing the need for new materials and minimising the environmental impact.

Conclusion

Converting Class Q buildings can result in distinctive and charming homes with original features that are difficult to achieve in new builds, but it also comes with its challenges. Modifying agricultural structures to comply with residential requirements could require significant changes to the building’s structure and design. Extensive research and planning along with getting advice from qualified architects and contractors who follow local building regulations is essential to ensure the converted residence is safe and suitable for living.

Do you need planning permission?

Before starting any extension project, getting your head around planning permission and permitted development rights is vital. Checking with your local planning authority when building an extension to ensure compliance with regulations can help you avoid unwanted, costly legal issues in the long run.

Planning permission is typically required for larger extensions that considerably modify the house’s appearance. In this process, you must submit comprehensive plans to your local planning authority, which can take a few weeks to get approved.

Permitted development rights enable smaller projects to go ahead without formal approval. The extension must meet the criteria concerning height, size, and other factors, so do your homework first!

Please note: Building regulations apply to most building work so make sure to check the most up to date regulations for your build.

Find out if you need planning permission for your extension in Cornwall here.

Who will project manage the build?

When picking your project manager, if you are thinking of self managing, always keep your availability, budget, and confidence in managing construction work in mind. Here are some options for project managers with pro and cons:

Owners

For example, taking on the role of project manager yourself can save you a lot of money while giving you complete control over the process. Despite this, being the manager demands expertise in managing these types of projects as well as a large chunk of your time.

Architects

You can be confident that an architect can manage the project with a high level of expertise. They can undergo detailed planning and coordinate with builders to ensure a high-quality income. However, this can be more expensive, so this option may only suit larger projects.

Contractors

General contractors oversee entire builds, coordinate trades, and ensure projects stay on schedule. This option offers a fantastic balance between cost and convenience. Finding an experienced and dependable contractor is crucial, its a good idea to ask around for recommendations.

Building an extension: Costs

Ah, the part you’ve been waiting for, the costs! Unfortunately, we can’t pinpoint the exact price of building an extension. After all, this can vary depending on the extension’s size, type and level of finishing, meaning you could be paying from £1,200 per m2 for a standard build to £3,000+ per m2 for a high-end extension.

The best way to figure out how much you could be paying for a home extension is to research online for exactly what you would like and then contact local architects and contractors to start pricing up your home extension.

How much value will an extension add to my home?

While home extensions can be costly for the initial build, they can often add considerable value to your property when finished.

You can expect to increase your house’s value by 5% to 20%, depending on the quality and type of the extension. Just be mindful of your local property market conditions, you wouldn’t want to invest too much money into a property that can not give a return on investment due to its location or street value. (Also known as a street ceiling price)

We recommend getting in touch with a local estate agent who will be able to give you a more accurate estimate.

Concluding on home extensions for growing families

Taking on a home extension project can be a fantastic solution for growing families, but this doesn’t come without careful planning and budgeting. By following the right steps, you can boost your living space and property value, making your home one that’s truly designed for your family.

If you have any queries about home extensions, planning or building regulations contact us for further details.

Finding a suitable plot

Now that you have a vision of what you want your dream home to look like, the next step is figuring out where you will put it. Finding the right plot of land is critical, so ensure you look out for locations that suit your lifestyle. Are you a countryside person? Maybe you have always dreamed of having breathe taking sea views or perhaps you like the buzz and busyness of the city better? How big does the plot of land need to be? These are all questions that should be swimming around your head right now! If you’re finding it tricky to find a spot that aligns with your dream vision, have a conversation with local estate agents to see how they can help. You’ll need to decide on buying a plot with approved planning permission in place or be willing to submit your own plans for approval, a plot of land with planning permission granted already is of course the more expensive option.

Turn your vision into reality

After finding the perfect plot of land, if the land has no granted building permissions you must get in touch with a reputable architect to share your ideas. To build your dream home you’ll need architects with years of experience and expertise in the field who can often provide innovative solutions and optimise your space, ensuring that your new home is both practical and pleasing. Allow them to take care of the complexities of the design so you don’t have to.

Planning approval and contractors

Once you have final designs in place you must secure planning permission to go ahead with the build. Your architect can help you navigate the local building regulations in your chosen area and submit all the necessary plans. Following this approval, you need to select a reliable building contractor to help build your dream home and bring your vision to life. Seek out a contractor with a proven track record in building luxury homes, and discuss your budget, project needs and deadlines in detail at this stage to avoid any issues at a later date. It’s extremely important to have a solid construction contract at this stage as changing the design during the building process will prove a costly mistake and affect the schedule.

Partner with an interior designer

So, you’ve built your dream home! So, what next? Although your home has been built, the interiors will need a little bit of TLC. You could collaborate with an interior designer to choose finishes, décor, and furnishings that improve the aesthetic appeal of your home. You can trust a professional designer to create harmonious spaces to elevate your living experience. Your dream home deserves that wow factor in every room, especially the bathrooms, remember a properly planned luxury bathroom will be enjoyed daily plus it will be a huge selling point, seeking advice from an experienced bathroom designer can take your new home to the next level. Take their advice on board, but always feel free to share your own opinions and ideas!

Concluding on how to build your dream Home

So, that’s a wrap! Your project concludes with thorough inspections, followed by the submission of all completion documents to local authorities for approval. While building a luxury dream home isn’t often as straightforward as we’d like, the process can be incredibly rewarding and in a lot of cases is a once in a lifetime opportunity. With precise planning and professional partnerships, you can breathe life into something which was once just a dream. If you have any questions about building your dream home or are looking for experienced architects in Cornwall reach out to us to start your journey!

Speakers

Smart speakers enhance entertainment by streaming music, audiobooks, and podcasts using devices equipped with AI virtual assistants like Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri. They can perform various tasks through voice commands, such as providing weather updates, setting reminders, controlling other smart home devices, and answering any questions you may have. These smart speakers can be connected to audio systems and even speakers fitted to ceilings. With the option for multi-room audio, you can provide high-quality sound throughout any space. This hands-free operation allows users to multitask efficiently.

Lighting

Smart lighting systems offer remote control and programmable adjustments to lighting systems, enhancing energy efficiency and convenience. Benefits include reduced energy consumption, improved productivity, customisable settings, and safety with automatic activation. Integration with other smart systems is possible, like thermostats and security systems. Before installation in offices, consider factors such as convenience, energy efficiency, and compatibility with existing infrastructure.

Thermostats

A smart thermostat is a digital device that controls your home’s air conditioning and heating through WiFi. While it performs all the functions of a traditional thermostat, it also allows you to check and control the temperature remotely through an app on your phone. Many smart thermostats use machine learning to optimise your home’s energy usage based on your habits and preferences. The main benefits of using smart thermostats are energy savings, access from anywhere in or out of the home using the app, alerts if there are sudden changes in temperature or power cuts, and they even remind you to change the air filters.

Smart meter

A smart meter is a digital device that records real-time electricity usage and costs, it automatically sends this data to your utility provider, ensuring accurate and timely billing. It eliminates the need for manual readings and provides detailed insights into your energy consumption, helping you identify ways to reduce usage and save money. With remote monitoring capabilities, smart meters offer convenience and control, allowing you to track your energy use through the meter itself, online portals or mobile apps. To get a smart meter you’ll need to contact your energy supplier.

Security systems

A smart security system is a network of devices aimed at boosting security measures via remote monitoring. Common features include surveillance cameras, motion sensors, door/window sensors, and smart locks, all managed through a central hub or smartphone app. These systems can also lower home insurance! Users can receive real-time alerts about their property from anywhere worldwide with an internet connection. Integrating with other smart devices like lights and thermostats enables comprehensive home automation. Smart security systems provide peace of mind, convenience, and safeguard against potential threats.

Before choosing any smart technology, you need to define the goals and needs of your project. What are the main functions and features of the building? Who are the users, and what are their preferences and expectations? How can smart technology add value and improve the user experience? These questions will help you identify the problems and opportunities that smart technology can address.