Changing the use of an existing property can be a practical way to adapt a building to meet new requirements. However, changing how a building or part of a building is used can sometimes require planning permission and may involve alterations to the property.
KR CAD Solutions provides architectural design, building plans and CAD drawing services to support domestic property projects involving a Change of Use. With over 30 years of experience in engineering, building services and construction, we can help turn your ideas into accurate drawings and plans suitable for your project.
What is a Change of Use?
A Change of Use is when a property, building or part of a building is changed from one type of use to another.
For example, a property might previously have been used as a dwelling but you may want to change how it is used, or you may want to change the use of an existing space within a property.
The planning requirements will depend on the existing use, the proposed use and the specific circumstances of the project. Some changes may fall within permitted development rights, while others may require an application for planning permission.
Understanding the requirements before work begins can help avoid problems later in the project.
Change of Use Planning Drawings
Where planning permission is required, accurate architectural drawings will normally form an important part of the application.
KR CAD Solutions can prepare professional CAD drawings showing the existing property and the proposed changes. Depending on the project, this may include existing and proposed floor plans, elevations, layouts and other drawings needed to clearly communicate the proposed Change of Use.
The drawings need to provide a clear representation of the building and demonstrate what is being proposed. This gives the relevant planning authority the information it needs to assess the application.
Where appropriate, existing information can also be incorporated into the design process following a site survey.
Existing and Proposed Plans
For a Change of Use project, it can be particularly useful to show the difference between the property’s current arrangement and the proposed use.
Existing plans provide a record of the building as it currently stands, while proposed plans show how the property will look and be arranged following the proposed changes.
This can make the proposed development much easier to understand and provides a clear comparison between the existing and proposed layouts.
KR CAD Solutions can produce accurate 2D CAD building plans for domestic projects, helping to clearly communicate the proposed changes.
Change of Use and Building Alterations
A Change of Use does not necessarily mean that major physical alterations are required. However, some projects may involve changes to the internal layout or other modifications to the property.
For example, a proposed change may require new rooms, altered access arrangements or changes to the existing layout.
Where alterations are part of the project, these can be incorporated into the architectural drawings so that the proposed development can be considered as a whole.
KR CAD Solutions can provide 2D and 3D CAD design services, allowing proposed changes to be developed and visualised before work takes place.
Supporting Your Planning Application
Every Change of Use project is different, and the planning requirements can depend on factors such as the existing use, proposed use, location and extent of any physical alterations.
KR CAD Solutions can provide building plans and architectural drawings to support domestic planning applications, helping you present your proposals clearly and professionally.
The process can include developing the initial idea, carrying out or using existing survey information, preparing existing and proposed drawings and producing the CAD plans required for the project.
If you are unsure what drawings you may need, it is worth discussing the project at an early stage. This can help establish what information is required before the drawings are prepared.
Professional CAD Design for Domestic Projects
A Change of Use project can involve more than simply changing the name or description of how a property is used. Where physical alterations or planning applications are involved, accurate drawings can be an important part of the process.
KR CAD Solutions combines architectural design with extensive experience in CAD, construction and building services. Using professional CAD software, we can produce clear and accurate drawings for domestic building and planning projects.
Whether you are considering a Change of Use for an existing property or combining a change of use with alterations or refurbishment, we can help develop the drawings needed to communicate your proposals.
If you are considering a Change of Use for a domestic property, contact KR CAD Solutions to discuss your project and find out how our architectural design and CAD drawing services can help.