When home on the range, take a long look up

Board and batten siding has gained significant popularity in recent years, particularly for its contribution to the modern farmhouse aesthetic, but its origins trace back more than two centuries. The technique, a perfect example of timeless design styles, was first used in the mid-19th century on barns for practical weatherproofing. It involved applying wide wooden boards vertically to a building's exterior, with thin vertical strips of wood, called battens, covering the seams to seal out the elements. This historical application can even be observed in the background of Grant Wood's famous 1930 painting, "American Gothic," depicting a crisp white board-and-batten farmhouse. Today, while the classic aesthetic remains, the materials used for board and batten siding have evolved. Modern installations typically forego natural wood for high-end vinyl or fiber cement, offering enhanced durability and reduced maintenance requirements. The enduring appeal of this style lies in its strong verticality and clean lines, making it suitable for various home styles beyond just farmhouses. Deryl Patterson, president of Housing Design Matters, notes that it evokes a sense of nostalgia without appearing overly elaborate. Board and batten can be applied to an entire house, providing a fresh look, or used as an accent, particularly on gables, to create a distinctive feature. While traditionally painted red on barns, contemporary applications embrace a wide range of colors, with white and gray being popular choices, and bolder colors like teal suggested for accent areas. Beyond exterior applications, board and batten can also be incorporated indoors to add a period accent and calming vertical lines. It is commonly seen in screened porches, accent walls, mudrooms, and even on ceilings, as exemplified by the original board and batten ceilings in Greg and Liz Dutton's guest house in Ohio. For those considering a DIY approach, creating board and batten walls indoors can be cost-effective by applying plywood directly to the wall and adding 1-by-2-inch strips, a process similar to installing wainscoting. Historically, board and batten was a more economical siding option. However, its recent surge in popularity has led to increased demand and, consequently, higher costs. The overall expense is influenced by several factors, including material and labor costs, which vary geographically, and the size of the home. The number of doors and windows also impacts costs due to increased cutting and material waste. Vinyl and fiber cement are generally the most affordable materials, with estimates around $3 and $6 per square foot, respectively, while engineered wood and metal are considerably more expensive. In some regions, board and batten siding can be more than double the cost of traditional siding. Therefore, it is crucial to factor in these expenses during the planning stages of any new construction or renovation project to avoid unforeseen financial surprises. #BoardAndBatten #HomeRenovation #FarmhouseStyle #ExteriorSiding #InteriorDesign #HomeImprovement #BuildingMaterials #ArchitecturalStyle #DIYHome

The article discusses the recent changes to planning permission rules in the UK, making it easier for homeowners to undertake extensions and renovations. Simon Rix, a planning expert from the Homebuilding & Renovation Show and director of Planix.UK Planning Consultants, provides insights into these updates and offers advice on navigating the process while avoiding common pitfalls. Rix explains that the government has expanded permitted development rights (PD rights), which allows certain building work to proceed without requiring full planning permission. This change aims to reduce paperwork, delays, and associated costs for homeowners. Key changes highlighted include more generous size limits for single-storey rear extensions, now up to six metres for semi-detached homes and eight metres for detached homes under the neighbour consultation scheme. Loft conversions with rear dormers are also generally permitted, with volume limits of up to 40 cubic metres for terraced houses and 50 cubic metres for detached or semi-detached homes. Additionally, outbuildings and garden rooms, such as offices or gyms, can often be built without planning permission if they adhere to specific height and use restrictions. Side extensions are also allowed in many cases, provided they are single-storey and modest in scale. However, Rix cautions that not all properties qualify for these relaxed rules. Properties that are listed, located in conservation areas, or subject to previous restrictions may not benefit from permitted development rights. He details what can typically be done without full planning permission: building single-storey rear extensions up to three metres deep (four metres for detached homes) under standard PD, or up to six to eight metres under the larger extension scheme. Homeowners can convert lofts into bedrooms or home offices, including adding dormer windows to the rear roof slope. Garden rooms or offices are permitted if they are single-storey, used for incidental purposes (not as separate residences), and do not occupy more than half of the garden area. Side extensions are also allowed if they are single-storey and no more than half the width of the original house. All these developments must comply with specific height, volume, and boundary rules, necessitating a thorough check of technical details before construction begins. To fast-track a project, Rix advises several crucial steps. Firstly, homeowners should confirm their PD rights by checking their local council’s planning portal or seeking professional help, as previous planning permissions or local restrictions might affect these rights. Secondly, submitting a lawful development certificate (LDC) is strongly recommended, even if not mandatory. An LDC formally confirms that the plans meet PD rules, which can be beneficial when selling the home or dealing with mortgage lenders. Thirdly, for larger rear extensions exceeding three or four metres, homeowners must use the neighbour consultation scheme, which involves notifying neighbours and submitting basic plans for prior approval. This process is quicker than full planning permission and is handled by the council within 42 days if there are no objections. Fourthly, accurate measurements are paramount; even slight deviations from the specified limits can disqualify a build from PD rights, so working from precise plans and potentially getting professional verification is essential. Finally, Rix emphasizes that even with simplified planning, all projects must still comply with building regulations covering aspects like insulation, fire safety, structural integrity, and ventilation. Rix concludes that while recent changes have made home extensions more accessible, adherence to clear rules remains critical, as mistakes can be costly. With careful upfront planning, homeowners can avoid unnecessary delays and successfully create valuable new living spaces, whether for family life, working from home, or simply increasing room to breathe. #HomeExtension #PlanningPermission #PermittedDevelopment #BuildingRegulations #PropertyRenovation #LoftConversion #GardenRoom #HomeImprovement #UKHousing