With architecture, people have a wide array of requirements that they must meet. Having been in this industry for years, we have the skills and experience you are looking for. In addition, we can provide a comprehensive range of services. With them, our team can build the finest residential architecture London can give.

Do you know where the drains are?

There are several problems that tend to show up during small home projects. One comes from the failure to see whether you have drains running underneath the area of your proposed extension or building. A structure can be within 1m of a public lateral drain. Plus it can be 3m from a public sewer.

In both cases you will require water authority approval prior to starting work. This is according to Building Regulation H4. Keep in mind that it might not be a shared drain or a public sewer.

Failing to pinpoint the location of the drains can still lead to massive problems. This is if conflict exists between the line of the building above and the line of the drain. You must be ready for this because it could result in a change to your plans.

Drain depth

Not being able to pinpoint the drain’s depth can also lead to complications. A shallow one may not be sufficient to allow drainage from your new project. Alternatively, it could clash with your floor slab. Equally, having a deep drain may require you to have far deeper foundations than you would normally.

Think about the soil

There is something else you need to remember too. This is that according to Building Regulations, in certain soils buildings cannot be within 3m of a drain or above one. The exception is if particular measures are in place. Extra restrictions can apply as well. This is if the drain in question is in a poor state, built with brick, or has a rising main.

Designing residential architecture in London

At Coffey Architects we have a passion for designing new buildings that is unmatched by anyone else. We are so successful because we think outside the box. Our team considers all options to find the best one every time.

So, if you would like us to build the best residential architecture London can offer for you, contact us today. You can tell us what you have in mind, whether it is an extension, a new block of apartments, or a family home.