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Listed Buildings
Replacing Windows and Doors in Listed Buildings & Conservation Areas
Windows and doors provide us with access, natural light, ventilation, security and insulation. In addition, they can add a distinct character to a property. When we look at listed buildings and conservation areas, restrictions are in place in order to retain specific styles and detailing that are inherent to the building and its surrounds.
Regular, considered maintenance of historical properties will ensure that original features are both functional and aesthetic for many years, but the time may come when windows and doors need replacing. If this is the situation you are facing, you will need building consent from your Local Planning Authority in order to replace windows and doors.
Please note that, even if your windows and doors have previously been replaced with non-historic styles and you are looking to reinstate a period feature, planning consent is necessary.
How to gain the correct approval for replacement windows and doors from your local council
If you are considering any changes to a historic property, this will provide information on the authorisation of works. In order to present a strong case for replacement windows and doors in listed buildings and conservation areas, you need evidence. The first step is to identify the issue and which parts of the property are affected. If only one or two windows are in a poor state of repair, avoid suggesting full window replacement.
The importance of replacement windows and doors being in keeping with the original property
The Council’s default position will be for restoration over replacement windows and doors. It is therefore recommended to ask a company with expertise in working on listed properties to come and assess the condition of the features on your property. They can advise on where repair and restoration are possible, or where replacements are necessary. Their report will be one factor supporting your case.
A specialist window and door company, like Hinson Custom Made, can also detail the traditional joinery skills that would be used for restoration and replacements. The Council will value input from experienced craftsmen who understand the importance of replicating traditional craftsmanship. Examples of previous work on similar properties will offer further reassurance.
Any steps that can be taken to retain original features, such as the inclusion of historic glass or detailing on the window frame, will be favourable. In short, your case will be strengthened if you can prove that any work to be undertaken aims to retain, or exactly replicate the original property.
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Barn Conversions
Bespoke Windows and Doors for Barn Conversions
Changes to permitted development rights in 2018 have increased the number of applications for barn conversions across the UK. The revisions have increased the likelihood that Class Q applications will be approved and have allowed up to 5 residential properties to be created from agricultural buildings.
Hinson Custom Made has certainly seen a growth in orders for oversized doors, made to measure windows and bespoke staircases for barn conversions in Buckinghamshire and Northamptonshire.
Retaining character during a barn conversion
The challenge of transforming an agricultural building into a residential property, or two, is to achieve a practical living space, whilst retaining the character that attracted you in the first place.
Barn conversions are effective when they offer open plan living, so avoid dividing it up into lots of smaller spaces. Make the most of the grand entrance, by installing impressive, oversized doors. Retain detailing such as old beams and timber cladding or stonework and incorporate these into the design.
Most barn conversions will require the addition of windows, but standard dimensions rarely work. As we create bespoke, made to measure windows, it is possible to come up with something unique, which replicates detailing in the original barn. From a large arched window above the main entrance to multiple long, narrow windows which give the illusion of beams, almost anything is possible.
Contact Hinson Custom Made on 01908 516333 for further information on bespoke windows, doors and staircases for barn conversions.
Vat tax breaks for barn conversions
One of the advantages of a barn conversion over a listed building is the opportunity to benefit from tax breaks. If the property:
- Had not previously been used as a dwelling
- Provides self-contained living accommodation
- Has gained statutory planning consent
If this relates to your property a reduced VAT rate of 5% can be paid for all building work and materials used in the fabric of the building. This includes window and door installation, as well as bespoke staircases, however, it does not apply to architects, surveyors, site supervisors or furniture.
Bat surveys in barn conversions
One element that you may not have considered as part of your barn conversion is a bat survey. Bats are protected under UK and EU legislation, so it is illegal to disturb a roost. It is considered highly likely that barns and other agricultural buildings will contain bats.
For this reason, a bat survey is usually required in order to gain planning permission. You can find further information here.
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New Builds
Windows and Doors for New Builds
Bespoke windows and doors are as desirable in contemporary new builds, as they are in period properties. Few architects, developers and self-builders are dreaming of standard off-the-shelf features in their grand designs.
By combining traditional joinery skills, with modern equipment, Hinson Custom Made create stunning windows and doors for new builds. All windows and doors are crafted to exacting requirements, providing the perfect fit for unusual dimensions. They include unique detailing and your choice from an extensive range of finishes.
Building regulations for windows and doors in new builds
Even for the most unusual bespoke projects, all new windows and doors have to comply with UK building regulations.
These include:
- Part B – Fire Safety
- Part F – Ventilation
- Part L – Conservation of Fuel and Power (energy efficiency)
- Part M – Access to Buildings
- Part Q – Security
British standards and ‘u’ values for windows and doors
If you are installing windows and doors into a new build, you may also come across references to British Standards and ‘U’ Values – what do these mean?
British Standards provide quality assurance that covers the quality of the windows and doors, their performance and installation.
The ‘U’ Value is the rate at which heat transfers through a component. This means the amount of heat that is lost through a wooden door or window pane. The lower the ‘U’ Value, the higher the thermal performance.
Knowledge of these regulations and standards can help you to ask the right questions of your architect, builder and chosen window and door company. Trying to understand all the details is likely to be overwhelming, but you should ask them to prove compliance.
When is the best time to instruct a windows and doors company?
Although window and door installation is usually several months into a new build project, it can be valuable to select and involve your window and door company during the design stages, especially if your build included bespoke fittings.
A made to measure window and door company like Hinson Custom Made can inform on what is possible, as well as finish options and advise on the design concept. Window installation commonly holds up self-build projects, but with our involvement from the start, we can begin crafting the windows and doors as soon as the design is approved. This helps to minimise delays.
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