Author Archives: tomwp2018
Planning fee changes and other updates
Following a recent post about planning delays and a struggling system that cited the lack of funding as the fundamental…
Read MoreSummer updates
Between beach trips and short holidays there has been a flurry of activity behind the scenes this summer. Getting to…
Read MoreExeter Property Awards finalist
Tom Spriggs Architect Ltd is proud to have made the finalists shortlist in the 2023 Exeter Property Awards, in both…
Read MorePlanning application delays
Planning applications all across Devon’s councils are currently suffering massive delays primarily due to staff shortages and a never-shrinking…
Read MoreBat Surveys & Buildings
Bats are amazing little creatures and so varied that their species numbers make up a fifth of all mammal species!…
Read More2022 changes to the building regulations for extensions (Part L)
Part L of the building regulations deals with the thermal performance, or limiting the heat losses from any given building….
Read MoreWhat is a Schedule of Works?
A Schedule of Works is a contractual document used to capture a description of a building project, essentially a list…
Read MoreComputer models, walkthroughs or renderings
On the whole, extension and alteration work can be designed, presented and understood with traditional drawn formats. Tom Spriggs Architects…
Read MoreExtension to a Listed Building in oak and glass
Work to a Listed Building comes with its own unique challenges. Not all projects are viable, care has to be…
Read MorePart E – Sound insulation, soundproofing and acoustic separation
Not hearing next door, a bathroom or simply being able to listen to music in one room and the tv…
Read MoreAsbestos in construction
This article is an introductory post, not intended to be a complete source. If you suspect you have asbestos, or…
Read MoreWhat is a SAP calcuation?
A SAP calculation is a spreadsheet based calculation to work out heat losses and gains of a building. It stands…
Read MoreThe Green Register Membership
Tom Spriggs Architect Ltd is now a member of The Green Register. The Green Register is an educational body…
Read MoreHouse remodelling site visit
I popped by an alteration and renovation project currently on site this week. Progress is going well and the new…
Read MoreThe Veranda
The veranda, porch, covered area, canopy, portico, stoop, whatever you call them, I think they are an extremely undervalued feature,…
Read MoreVAT and building costs
This can be a complex area, and this is only a very small introduction to the subject. As VAT rules…
Read MoreMeasured Surveys
When appointing an architect to carry out design work on your home or project, pretty much the first thing (apart…
Read MoreSide and rear extension secures planning consent
The clients of this project were looking to add an extra guest bedroom, along with a rear extension for a…
Read MoreFlush framed PVC windows
PVC windows have had a place in buildings for some time now, and show no sign of becoming less popular,…
Read MoreTimber notching of joists
TRADA (The Timber Research and Development Association) and BS5268-2 give guidance on how large holes and notches can be cut…
Read MoreMelbourne St flat developments
Planning and Listed Building Consents were recently granted for the conversion and adaptation of a substantial building in a central…
Read MorePermitted Development Class Q – Barn Conversions
If you have an agricultural barn, it is possible to convert it into a house without formal planning permission. This…
Read MorePlanning portal fees to be introduced
When submitting a planning application, it is usual to submit all the drawings and written documentation online. The system to…
Read MoreLove Local!
Living and working within a small radius is a great feeling, Tom Spriggs Architect Ltd will very happily work further…
Read MoreHow steep a roof? Roof pitches for different materials
When designing an extension, a new build house, or even a garden shed, the angle or pitch of the roof…
Read More20C society
Tom Spriggs Architect Ltd is proudly a member of the Twentieth Century Society. The Society, originally founded as the Thirties…
Read MoreYou must be pretty fed up of hearing about the GDPR by now?
Firstly, The GDPR isn’t to be confused with the GPDO (The General Permitted Development Order) which is the part…
Read MoreArchitectural glossary
The parlance of buildings can be confusing, there are technical terms and common terms that find their way into everyday…
Read MoreHow much does building work cost?
A recent purchase of a ‘Homes’ glossy magazine inspired me to write this post. An article within showed a series…
Read MoreExeter Cycling Campaign
Tom Spriggs Architect Ltd has been a supporting member of the Exeter Cycling Campaign since its inception over a year ago. The Campaign does good work in promoting cycling infrastructure provision in Exeter’s growth. Many of our streets, parks and new development are very suitable for cycling and walking. Exeter is a compact city centre that can be navigated quickly without resorting to car use.
Read MoreSouth West Planning authority regions
Planning applications are made to your local council, who are responsible for all the applications within their area. They follow…
Read MorePlanning application fees due to rise this January
It’s been on the cards for a little while now, but the forecasted planning application fee rise of 20%…
Read MoreNew Arrival
Tom is celebrating the safe arrival of a new baby boy this week! The office is running skeleton hours and…
Read MoreArchitects Registration Board
The Architects Registration Board is the independent UK regulator for architects. They keep the official register of UK architects and…
Read MoreStripping out a fireplace and installing a woodburning stove
This was at my own home, a bit of a ‘doer-upper’. Built in 1864 it is a solid Victorian house…
Read MoreWhat is Permitted Development?
Permitted Development essentially allows someone to make alterations and additions to their buildings without needing Planning Permission. A set of…
Read MoreThe difference between ‘planning’ and ‘detailed’ drawings
There are two fundamental parts to architectural drawings. ‘Planning’ and ‘Detailed design’. The concept, appearance and layout design is undertaken…
Read MoreSo I’ve got planning permission. What next?
Congratulations! A lot has been achieved by the time planning consent has been granted. A site/building survey has been undertaken,…
Read MoreBespoke Kitchen Factory Visit
I had the pleasure of visiting Touch Design Group’s factory this morning to review the custom built kitchen going into one of my projects currently on-site. Everything is going to plan and the part-complete kitchen looks fantastic! It’s been carefully designed by Touch Design, myself and a very enthusiastic and knowledgable client. The design has evolved throughout the process and TDG’s attention to detail is unsurpassed.
Read MoreVaulted ceilings with exposed beams – why do I have so many projects with them?
Above: Left: ‘Letterbox’ solution connects 3 rooflights without impacting too greatly on roof structure. Centre: New beams allow complete removal of…
Read MoreHeavitree Park Community Centre
Pairing up with Hilary Lawson of 5 Points Architecture again, Tom and Hilary prepared a submission for an invite-only competitive…
Read MoreSpalled Bricks & the use of Lime
In this example spalled bricks refers to surfaces of bricks being damaged by improper pointing. It is a broad subject…
Read MoreConversion of offices to dwellings secured
Planning consent has been achieved to convert and upgrade a courtyard scheme, converting some tired office space to new…
Read MoreRooflights: Daylight and ventilation
Rooflights, skylights, sun tubes/pipes, glass roofs and roof lanterns. They are all ways of bringing in daylight, sunlight and ventilation…
Read MoreJapanese Knotweed
Whilst not an unattractive plant, Japanese Knotweed is an aggressive plant that has some particular impacts upon the building ownership…
Read MoreSite location information
Finding out as much information about your site early can influence how a project develops. There are various freely available…
Read MoreDo I need an Architect?
Need? Well, probably not. However…. Architects can carry out a range of services, that can bring a positive influence to…
Read MoreClay Earth & Pizza Ovens
Pizza ovens, or earth ovens can be a great addition to any garden or terrace. They are a simple yet…
Read MoreComposting toilets, low impact living & renewables
A recent visit to mid-Wales allowed a first hand experience of composting toilets, living in a yurt and additional research…
Read MoreExeter Cathedral Roof Tour
Right in the middle of Exeter is the magnificent Exeter Cathedral, a fine example of Gothic architecture. Its vaulted ceiling…
Read MoreFarm Shop Furniture
A small new farm shop needed some shop fittings. The inside of the barn has been lined with natural finished…
Read MoreGreen roofs
A planted or green roof can bring about many technical as well as aesthetic benefits to a project. The most…
Read MoreRemedial Cavity Trays
A cavity tray is a barrier to water or moisture (usually formed of plastic) in a cavity wall. It slopes…
Read MoreNew York City, NY
During some recent travels I visited New York. Partly built on reclaimed land from the natural harbour, surrounded by water…
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