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.

 

[MikeJhn]

Have a look at a Velux roof window, easier to instal and gives as much light as you may need, can be multiple units side by side with just a rafter in between, also available with solar powered opening and automatic closing when rain starts, they are brilliant.

https://theroofwindowstore.co.uk/?u...MI2LCD9a3ZiwMVy5ZQBh2yEiAlEAAYASAAEgJuI_D_BwE

 

[pip1954]

Sometimes depends how close you are to the fence between you and your neighbours.
We had an extension on our bungalow and the planning office said we could not put a window in as we where under 5 feet from the fence. Mind you all that wad on the other side of the fence was a field, go figure ,but would not agree.

 

[deema]

I’d initially take a look at the planning portal and if still uncertain just get an architect to give you an opinion. Here’s what a quick scan of the PP suggests, so for a bungalow, assuming it’s not a bay window, listed building, conservation area etc, your good to go.

 

[DrPhill]

Have a look at a Velux roof window, easier to instal and gives as much light as you may need, can be multiple units side by side with just a rafter in between, also available with solar powered opening and automatic closing when rain starts, they are brilliant.

https://theroofwindowstore.co.uk/?u...MI2LCD9a3ZiwMVy5ZQBh2yEiAlEAAYASAAEgJuI_D_BwE

That's something that I hadn't thought about, thanks. I am not sure that it is my preferred option (the kitchen ceiling is currently flat/level, and that would need to change with a velux. It might be difficult to open (we would need a pole or something). Add to that the best roof (south) has solar panels, so it would need to be the North roof.....

 

[DrPhill]

I’d initially take a look at the planning portal and if still uncertain just get an architect to give you an opinion. Here’s what a quick scan of the PP suggests, so for a bungalow, assuming it’s not a bay window, listed building, conservation area etc, your good to go.

Thanks Deema - that was one that I found earlier and it is encouraging.... My guess is that the worst that could happen is we get asked to put obscured glass in the window - but there is already a window overlooking the neighbours - their house was built after ours and significantly lower. I don't want to 'pass' them off too much - but our hose extends beyond theirs so a window would be looking at their garden. But then they have permission for a loft extension which would overlook our house. Goose and ganders sauce.....

 

[Terry - Somerset]

Most builders will have done these sort of jobs many times before.

As far as I am aware most double glazing companies can provide a FENSA certificate to confirm that the glazing they supply complies with building regulations. Your builder should know the form.

Simpler from your point of view if the builder handles both the building work and glazing - you then have one person to deal with for the complete job and no risks re wrong measurements, timing etc.

Planning permission may be slightly debatable if it overlooks neighbours, listed buildings etc. Most councils will provide an opinion before formal application is needed. Simple drawings, photographs, and possibly confirmation from neighbours possibly impacted (assuming they have no issues).

 

[Katomi woodsmith]

Sit in your kitchen, images the window where you think you would have it.
Now look at the impact of that window, yes you will get light, but what will you look at, how will it affect the “use” of your kitchen
Can you reach over cooker/counter to open the window,
I have seen way to many cases where someone has had a window out in and not thought through the impact.

 

[HOJ]

I know of a situation locally where a window was installed, overlooking next doors garden, without planning consent or a permitted development application being made, it was not far off the boundary line, so they, the overlooked, planted a fast growing hedge inside their boundary line, made for an interesting situation when the hedge grew up, there were no covenants to say they couldn't plant a hedge on their land, and they took the 'view' the neighbour was causing a ‘nuisance or annoyance’ which from my limited understanding of planning, is a legal expression buried in small print with regards a right to light and right to a view.

If PP is technically needed or not, I would at least consult with my neighbour as to whether they would object to being further overlooked.

But then they have permission for a loft extension which would overlook our house. Goose and ganders sauce.....

Presumably you will have been given the option to submit comments, as part of the Planning application process?