RIBA fears new-build
properties are too small

Their latest study of space standards reveals that a squeeze on space is actually depriving thousands of new homeowners the room they need to live comfortably.

The study, entitled ‘Homewise’, suggests that owners of new three-bedroom properties are missing out on 4 sq m – which equates to a family-size bathroom. RIBA’s report also added that the smallest three-bed properties are missing space equivalent to an entire double bedroom.

New builds in Yorkshire are found to be the smallest in England, with the average three-bedroom home in Yorkshire 25 sq m smaller than the average like-for-like property in London.

Jane Duncan, president, RIBA, said: “We urgently need new homes, but building small homes or cutting corners when converting office buildings to flats is short-sighted and fails the people these new homes are meant to serve.

“The Government must take action to ensure a fairer minimum space standard is applied to all new homes across the country.”

At Sunsquare we have many customers that enlist our services to fit an industry-leading skylight into their home, creating an illusion of extra space in the living areas below.

Encouraging abundant levels of natural daylight into a room can make the world of difference: rooms can appear taller and wider, allowing you to utilise the space that you do have, creating more open spaces in your home. That’s not the only benefit for your property either, as this recent blog post testifies.

Planning permission is another key consideration, although this is rarely an issue if the rooflight is part of an already-agreed extension. Even if it’s a new addition to an existing roof it’s unlikely to require planning; but there is a limit to how much glass an individual structure is allowed. Our planning permission guide for flat roof skylights will put you firmly in the picture.