Adding windows......

[DrPhill]

Hi all, I was idly wondering if I could add windows to our bungalow as the kitchen is a little dark. (It is brick/tile construction from the 60's).

A quick search on web seems to indicate that planning permission 'may not be needed' but that building control may need to be involved. Does anyone have experience of this sort of thing - problems or opportunities to suggest?

What are the practical limitations of adding a window (reduced thermal efficiency, probably)? How close to a corner can we go? How large a 'damage radius' around the recess should we allow for?

I am also toying with the idea of a light-pipe - but windows seem more 'natural' to me. Is this likely to be cost-effective? It may have better thermal insulation.

These are only early musings, but I would appreciate any feedback.

Thanks

 

[Jacob]

Relatively straightforward job but if you aren't sure of the issues, structure etc, maybe just get in a builder.
Post a photo here for comments?

 

[DrPhill]

Relatively straightforward job but if you aren't sure of the issues, structure etc, maybe just get in a builder.
Post a photo here for comments?

Thanks Jacob,

The job would be well beyond my competence level! We would get a builder in - and we have found a reliable, tidy chap who has done some jobs for us already. He works methodically and tidily (always a good sign) and his results are always good.

I'm not sure what photos would help - inside? Outside? I'm happy to take some......

I think I am really trying to find out what things I should consider before talking to our builder so that I know what questions to ask etc.....

 

[HOJ]

I would talk to the builder in the first instance as to viability and cost, it will need a lintel installing which isn't a big deal, you may need planning depending on which elevation its on, and defo if it overlooks neighbours, BR will need to be done but that's also fairly easy to sort, but it all adds to the cost.

 

[Jacob]

...

I'm not sure what photos would help - inside? Outside? I'm happy to take some......

Just wondered if anybody on here could make useful comments. The actual layout, size, position etc

 

[Geoff_S]

We were going to have a window installed in a utility room extension. Size of boiler and immersion tank meant this was not possible, so we installed a roof light instead on the flat roof. Well, that was a huge success, well pleased.

I know that might not be possible in your situation, but you do mention a light pipe. A friend of ours had one installed at the top of his stairs and it was astonishing how much natural light that brought in onto his landing. I would have done one on an internal en-suite we had installed for sure, but roof configuration wouldn’t cost effectively allow it.

 

[DrPhill]

We were going to have a window installed in a utility room extension. Size of boiler and immersion tank meant this was not possible, so we installed a roof light instead on the flat roof. Well, that was a huge success, well pleased.

I know that might not be possible in your situation, but you do mention a light pipe. A friend of ours had one installed at the top of his stairs and it was astonishing how much natural light that brought in onto his landing. I would have done one on an internal en-suite we had installed for sure, but roof configuration wouldn’t cost effectively allow it.

Yes, I have heard that they are effective. Being a bungalow the kitchen has only the (sloped roof) 'attic' above it. The south facing roof has solar panels, but the light pipe might go on a north or west sloping roof (or on the triangular bit at the end of the S facing roof as the W facing roof also slopes).

I think that a light pipe is my backup option (if it is an option at all - I don't know what makes a roof 'suitable' or not).

One of the new windows would face the neighbour's house - but there is already a window on the wall that allows us to look right down into their kitchen. The new one would be less invasive (I think) but I could see the need to consult the Planning Department on that score. This window would look south and give us a little bit of a view. The other window mostly looks over the patio. It is N facing and so would not give us sunshine, but I think it would give a lot of extra light.

 

[Jacob]

Yes, I have heard that they are effective. Being a bungalow the kitchen has only the (sloped roof) 'attic' above it. The south facing roof has solar panels, but the light pipe might go on a north or west sloping roof (or on the triangular bit at the end of the S facing roof as the W facing roof also slopes).

I think that a light pipe is my backup option (if it is an option at all - I don't know what makes a roof 'suitable' or not).

One of the new windows would face the neighbour's house - but there is already a window on the wall that allows us to look right down into their kitchen. The new one would be less invasive (I think) but I could see the need to consult the Planning Department on that score. This window would look south and give us a little bit of a view. The other window mostly looks over the patio. It is N facing and so would not give us sunshine, but I think it would give a lot of extra light.

There are no definitive rules and I wouldn't have thought overlooking your neighbours would be much of a planning issue.