Self Build Homes Perth

Posted on May 15, 2012 by Comments Off

Self Build Homes Perth

If you are considering starting a self-build home project, cost can be one of the major drivers that influence your decision.  Another can be location. Self-build homes projects in Perth or anywhere in Scotland can prove to be more reasonably priced than in other parts of the UK and can offer a semi-rural setting that is still within reach of a major town.

Scotland as a whole has a strong self-build culture despite having the lowest home ownership levels in the UK and can offer some wonderful scenery. Many local authorities will offer encouragement to self- build homes projects that are well designed, of a good quality and that are energy efficient.

Deciding to build your own home can come about for a number of reasons. Although cost and location are major factors the biggest driver is the ability to design your own layout.

Understanding Layout

A more open plan style of living is becoming more and more popular as we move away from small clutter rooms and seek large spaces that seem to bring the outdoors in as they are flooded with natural light.

This is when the skills and expertise of an architect becomes invaluable.
 
To have these vast open spaces and still be able to build upwards requires structural planning and knowledge.

Engaging an architect before you get carried away can save problems in the future.

Planning Permission

An architect can also be worth their weight in gold when it comes to submitting your planning application. Around 27% of self-builders will find that trying to obtain planning permission is one of the most significant barriers they face during their self-build project.

Dealing with a local planning office is one of the many skills that an architect can bring to your self build home project. Architects often will have experience dealing with local planning and will have expert knowledge and understanding of the finer points of the planning process. This expertise can save the self-builder time and money.

So if you are keen to design your dream home and start the ball rolling on your self-build homes project in Perth or anywhere throughout Scotland then engaging an architect should be one of your first steps.

Kenneth Martin of Block Architects has over seven years experience in self build homes projects and he prides himself on excellent customer service. Updating clients regularly and keeping communication jargon free are areas that Block Architects excel. So for your self build homes project in Perth or anywhere throughout Scotland call Block Architects today!

Clay Matthews , , ,

Architects Have To Use Innovative Designs To Fit Needs Of Individuals

Posted on May 10, 2012 by Comments Off

Architects Have To Use Innovative Designs To Fit Needs Of Individuals

When anyone is considering having a new home or building built, the first port of call is usually with a professional who knows how to plan such places. For those people who need some extra help in their daily lives, they may need to hire the services of someone familiar with assisted living design. Likewise, anyone who wants to build a place of worship must go to church architects so that they do not inadvertently make a mistake in the whole set up.

For example, most Christian places of worship are built in the shape of a cross. But how many people realize that this cross is normally built on a north to south line? Reasons for this are a little hazy but anyone who has noticed that some are built at an odd angle on a piece of land will surely realize that this is true.

Then there are those people who need some help in the home but would rather do things for themselves.

Although it may sound easy to just hire someone to do all the work, disabled people just love to do something for themselves. Having the right tools and accoutrements then is very important if they are to be able to get around and sort out matters in their own way.

Houses which are already in situ will surely have to be altered to fit the person living there. Doorways will have to be widened if there is a wheelchair in the home and any cupboards and storage facilities must be lowered so that the affected person can reach what they need.

Homes which are to be built can have all this planned beforehand and this makes life that much easier for anyone using the home. For example, anyone who likes to cook, and is in a wheelchair, must have surfaces at the right level. Even sinks have to be low enough for the person to wash the dishes etc.

Handles on taps must be big enough for the affected person to be able to turn on water at will and this is particularly useful for those who are suffering arthritis in their joints.

The bathroom is probably one of the most sensitive areas where the disabled person wants to sort themselves out. Larger bathrooms than normal are needed since it may have to accommodate a wheelchair. On top of this, rails and grab handles have to be situated around the toilet so that the person can use the facility without too much assistance.

Some children of elderly parents may want them nearby and to this end they often have an annex built onto existing homes. Even a separate mini house in the garden will do as long as it is built to house someone who is infirm. This should include ramps instead of steps, grab handles all over the place in case they fall down, and perhaps an alarm system or speaker phone so that everyone can stay in touch with the older person without having to be constantly checking up on them all the time.

Stewart Wrighter recently helped his church find a group of knowledgeable church architects to help revitalize the facade of an old church. He hired a local assisted living design firm to help revitalize his ailing mothers home.

Clay Matthews , , , ,