In October 2008 there was a radical change in the Planning laws and requirements. This had the effect of removing many modest building extensions out of the necessity to apply for Planning Permission on the proviso that all of the required conditions are met. Further information on the changes can be found at the Planning Portal - a UK Government maintained planning permission information website.
If you do need to apply for Planning we can produce all of the necessary details and drawings for you at a fixed price. Whilst this will not guarantee that Planning Permission will be granted it will give you the best chance possible.
Whilst we are producing drawings for Planning we will also produce the required details for the Building Control application and liaise with the Building Control Department.
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![Foundation System]()
In general terms the foundations we use are determined by the structure being built on top. Our own unique Heli Pile can be used in most situations by either being driven into the ground, tested and then attached directly to the eXtension. Alternatively we may incorporate the Heli Pile into standard "strip footings" which gives the advantage of deep foundations with very little spoil removal. Either way Building Control will be involved and usually require pile logs with test results and/or calculations to prove that the foundations will not fail.
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Whilst the requirement for the insulation any extension is usually not as onerous as that of a new build construction, all of our eXtensions exceed the new build requirements. The fire-rated spray foam insulation installed in the walls, floor and ceilings provides a very efficient insulation and ensures that your comfort levels are not compromised.
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The craning operation may cause some concern in many householder's minds. In fact this is one of the safest operations as a great deal of care and attention is (rightly) expended in the preparation for determining the crane size and location. In normal circumstances the crane will work at around 60% of its maximum loading. The crane operator is assisted by a "lift manager" and as many "riggers" as determined necessary for a safe operational lift and lower.
The lift manager and the crane operator are in constant radio contact. If the installation is out of view of the crane operator the lift manager will direct the crane operator and become his eyes and, effectively, his hands on the controls. If a direction from the lift manager is not fully understood by the crane operator he will do nothing - this is a far better outcome than doing something that is not required. This situation is very rare, and the professionalism of these people can be a joy to observe.
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