Sun room - where do I start?

albob

Hi all,
Apologies for this basic question but I am hoping to build a sun room at the back of my 3 bed semi and have no idea where to start I.e do I start by contacting an engineer, an architect or a builder? Sun room won't be anything too fancy and as it is at back of house and one story in height my understanding is that I don't need planning. Open to correction though. Ideally I would like to talk to someone who will advise and give ideas.

Also hoping to do it for 30k! (I know there is a section for pricing but just thought I'd mentioned it here)

Thanks all.
Alan

Slig

contact an engineer, architect or architectural technician, they will be able to advise you about planning as there are strict criteria that apply to exempted developments. If planning permission is needed they can prepare an application and if its not they certify that for you.

Going direct to a builder is like going shopping without a list. You'll end up spending more than you need to, not get the important things you wanted in the first place and end up with an unknown quantity at the end.

Getting a professional design, even for something as simple as a sun room, will ensure that you get everything you want out of the project (light, space and heat etc.) while avoiding the pitfalls. It will guarantee full planning and building regulation compliance and if done correctly should make the project run much smoother and more cost effective.

martinn123

Slig wrote: »

contact an engineer, architect or architectural technician, they will be able to advise you about planning as there are strict criteria that apply to exempted developments. If planning permission is needed they can prepare an application and if its not they certify that for you.

Going direct to a builder is like going shopping without a list. You'll end up spending more than you need to, not get the important things you wanted in the first place and end up with an unknown quantity at the end.

Getting a professional design, even for something as simple as a sun room, will ensure that you get everything you want out of the project (light, space and heat etc.) while avoiding the pitfalls. It will guarantee full planning and building regulation compliance and if done correctly should make the project run much smoother and more cost effective.

While I agree with ( Most of ) everything Slig says above, can I point out that there are some Professional, Conservatory/Sunroom Co's who will also give you advice along the same lines, based on years of experience.

The Regulations concerning Planning are not Rocket Science, and designing a Sunroom, which OP describes as '' wont be too fancy'' is well within the capabilities of SOME in the business.
So start by looking at some of the reputable Conservatory/Sunroom Co's, their initial advice, design ideas, will be FOC.

sydthebeat

martinn123 wrote: »

While I agree with ( Most of ) everything Slig says above, can I point out that there are some Professional, Conservatory/Sunroom Co's who will also give you advice along the same lines, based on years of experience.

The Regulations concerning Planning are not Rocket Science, and designing a Sunroom, which OP describes as '' wont be too fancy'' is well within the capabilities of SOME in the business.
So start by looking at some of the reputable Conservatory/Sunroom Co's, their initial advice, design ideas, will be FOC.

conservatory manufacturers are not in a position to offer certification of exemption or otherwise on planning, therefore are NOT the correct persons to ask regarding compliance or exemption from planning regulations.
They cannot offer any professional indemnified guarantees regarding planning legislation.

if you are relying on financial assistance from an institution they will insist on professional certification.

martinn123

sydthebeat wrote: »

conservatory manufacturers are not in a position to offer certification of exemption or otherwise on planning, therefore are NOT the correct persons to ask regarding compliance or exemption from planning regulations.
They cannot offer any professional indemnified guarantees regarding planning legislation.

if you are relying on financial assistance from an institution they will insist on professional certification.

Absolutely correct, I hope my post did not give any other impression.
In the context of '' where do I start '' and with the OP looking for design ideas, I am merely suggesting an alternative place to start, not necessarily to finish.

sydthebeat

no martin, i am talking about "from the start"

my point is that while conservatory manufacturers may be able to offer some insight into the general conditions of exemption they may not be fully versed in all considerations.

martinn123

Well, I thing you need to re-read my post as you are taking too much from it.

While I agree with ( Most of ) everything Slig says above, can I point out that there are some Professional, Conservatory/Sunroom Co's who will also give you advice along the same lines, based on years of experience.

The Regulations concerning Planning are not Rocket Science, and designing a Sunroom, which OP describes as '' wont be too fancy'' is well within the capabilities of SOME in the business.
So start by looking at some of the reputable Conservatory/Sunroom Co's, their initial advice, design ideas, will be FOC.

I have used the Bold button to assist.

You then expanded this to Professional Certification, which I did not mention, and Exemptions, however my opening line was to agree with the post from Slig.

So if the OP wants to engage an Architect at the '' looking for ideas '' stage, fair enough, advice is also available from others.

sydthebeat

no need to assist martin, im aware of what i am referring to.... which is specifically that aspect of sligs post that you didnt agree to.


lets not forget the OP in this

my understanding is that I don't need planning. Open to correction though. Ideally I would like to talk to someone who will advise and give ideas.

the correct person to ask is a professional who deals with planning issues.
not a professional who constructs sun rooms.
Im afraid this is irrefutable.

martinn123

Irrefutable?? I suppose that depends on your background and where you are coming from, to trying to direct posters with a question.

Personally, I read the OP's initial post as

Apologies for this basic question but I am hoping to build a sun room at the back of my 3 bed semi and have no idea where to start I.e do I start by contacting an engineer, an architect or a builder? Sun room won't be anything too fancy and as it is at back of house and one story in height

but I can understand why you choose to highlight the portion of his post, you did, and your subsiquent comments.

guess we all read from a post what is relevant to ourselves, but neither of us should come across as being the font of all knowledge.

sydthebeat

martinn123 wrote: »

guess we all read from a post what is relevant to ourselves, but neither of us should come across as being the font of all knowledge.

completely agreed.....

i do not comment on the particulars of conservatory making and you shouldnt comment on the particulars of planning and architectural design.. even though both of us may know a bit about one and a lot about the other.

martinn123

sydthebeat wrote: »

completely agreed.....

i do not comment on the particulars of conservatory making and you shouldnt comment on the particulars of planning and architectural design.. even though both of us may know a bit about one and a lot about the other.

Ah, sorry I thought this was the '' CONSTRUCTION and Planning Forum''. Not Architectural only.
Anyway despite not having an Architectural qualification, as you are aware, I will feel free to comment on aspects of Construction, design, and indeed planning, where such comments come from my experiences to date, and always subject to the impartial Moderation for which this Forum is renowned.

sydthebeat

martinn123 wrote: »

Ah, sorry I thought this was the '' CONSTRUCTION and Planning Forum''. Not Architectural only.
Anyway despite not having an Architectural qualification, as you are aware, I will feel free to comment on aspects of Construction, design, and indeed planning, where such comments come from my experiences to date, and always subject to the impartial Moderation for which this Forum is renowned.

... absolutely

and whilst i have an architectural qualification, i cannot insist any poster accept my view over anyone elses.
All i can do, as is the want of every poster here, is to put forward my views and opinions, based on my professional education and experience, in regard to any query asked.

Its up to the OP to weight up the advice in every situation.

we've never been in such agreement... isnt life rosy