Frequently Asked Questions on Living Spaces

To your probable relief, that won’t happen as our living spaces are manufactured to offer year-round locations, with no chance of the weather getting to them. In contrast to old conservatories with polycarbonate roofs that are notoriously bad for becoming sweltering hot in summer, a Yorkshire Windows’ extension is a sensational space to occupy over the summer months. Ask for a solid tiled roof to reinforce dependable thermal efficiency.

Yorkshire Windows is an accredited Premium Retailer of the Conservatory Outlet Network and its sister company, Conservatory Outlet, is one of the UK’s leading roof manufacturers. They build the roofing systems in a hi-tech facility based in Wakefield.

Having such a close relationship with the manufacturer is advantageous for monitoring the supply chain and making sure that it matches up to our exacting standards.

It would be a bit silly of us if we didn’t provide this option. Yorkshire Windows can provide shingle and slate roof tiles, plus we’ll do our utmost to match your house tiles, if that’s your preference. Flat roof membranes are also on offer. Discuss tiles in greater depths with one of our friendly advisors.

It sounds more complicated than it actually is – ‘A’ rated windows are the most thermally efficient replacement windows sold in the UK. An energy rating label is given to all replacement windows to help you recognise how insulating a window is and know that it complies with building regulations.

The energy rating scale for windows ranges from A-E, with an ‘A’ rated window ranking top for thermal efficiency and an ‘E’ rated window trailing in last place. Heed energy ratings when researching new windows so that you realise what you’re getting.

You won’t realise it from just looking at solar control glazing, but it has a thin, intelligent coating, designed to stop excess heat entering your space and the warmth you need from escaping. This glazing can be tinted in various ways according to the amount of light transmission and heat retention you require. Let an advisor know if you want more detail on the ins and outs of solar control glazing.

Whilst organising your new extension, Yorkshire Windows’ vows to do everything it possibly can to find a brick that closely resembles the bricks your house has. You will be advised of potential weathering and manufacturing between new and existing bricks. Should we struggle to locate a suitable matching brick, tinting the brick to match is a solution, however this will involve some additional cost.

Building Regulations Approval is a common requirement when seeking to extend a house, but some classes of extension are exempt and don’t require it. On their visit to your property, the surveyor will take you through the obligations so that you know the rules. In the event of Building Regulations Approval being necessary, this will be organised on your behalf by us.

Permitted Development Rights will apply, with no obligation to submit a planning application, if the following conditions are obeyed:

• The ground area covered by the extension and any other buildings within the boundary of the property, excluding the original house, is not more than half the total area of the property.
• Any part of the extension is not higher than the highest part of the roof of the existing house.
• The eaves of the extension are not higher than the eaves of the existing house.
• Any part of the extension does not extend beyond any wall facing a road if it forms the principal or side elevation of the original house.
• The eaves are no more than 3 metres in height if any part of the extension is within 2 metres of the property boundary.
• The materials used in exterior work, except in the case of a conservatory, are of similar appearance to the existing house.
• An upper floor window on a side elevation within 15 metres of a boundary with another house is obscure glazed; and is non – opening unless the parts which can be opened are more than 1.7 metres above the floor of the room in which the window is installed.
• A side extension does not exceed 4 metres in height or be wider than half the width of the original house.

In a single storey extension

• the extension does not extend beyond the rear wall of the original house by more than 4 metres for a detached house or 3 metres for any other type of house;
• the height of the extension does not exceed 4 metres;
• no part of the extension is within 3.5 metres of any property boundary with a road opposite the rear wall of the house.

In an extension with more than one storey

• the extension does not extend beyond the rear wall of the original house by more than 3 metres;
• no part of the extension is within 7 metres of the property boundary opposite the rear wall of the house;
• the roof pitch of the enlargement is as far as practicable the same as that of the original house.

If you live in a house within a conservation area, World Heritage Site, area of outstanding natural beauty or National Park-

• no part of the exterior of the house is clad with stone, artificial stone, pebbledash, render, timber, plastic or tiles;
• the extension is not more than 1 storey or 4 metres in height;
• no part of the extension extends beyond a principal or side elevation of the original house.

Telling you a timescale without firstly knowing what the project will entail and whether it will be subject to planning permission would be unfair. This is a subject that’s covered in a guide called ‘What happens next’ – get one of our team to supply you with a copy.

A test dig will be carried out so that we can ascertain if ground conditions are satisfactory for a traditional concrete base and foundation. On concluding that the ground is unsuitable, we will recommend an alternative found proposal like a specialist pile foundation or concrete raft.

A cavity tray is a series of high-level damp-proof courses that bridge a wall cavity to direct moisture to the external face of a wall where the extension roof joins the house wall. The purpose of it is to prevent any moisture that penetrates an external wall from becoming visible on the inside of an extension.

Yes, we do! Yorkshire Windows can offer a range of flexible finance options to make your dream living space more accessible to you (subject to application & status). The application process is quick and straightforward, and it can either be arranged at our Doncaster showroom or in your own home.

If you’ve sorted your own finance independent from us, you should give us a call as soon as it’s all approved. If you are choosing one of our finance options, we’ll find out at the same time as you, so please wait to hear from us shortly.

This could be because of a number of reasons. It could even be down to you moving house many times over a few years. In a situation like this, we will try to find a resolution. It might make sense to try another provider, especially if you have dealt with them before.

You might hear back almost straight away, or it could take a few days for our finance company to look through everything. This is not a cause for concern and could be for many different reasons.