House Flipping Renovations

Project Lifecycle of a Residential House Flip from a Planning and Architectural Perspective undertaken by MJB Technical Services.

Initial Purchase & Property Assessment (December 2023)

Project Team Formation: The property investor developer begins by assembling a team consisting of architects, surveyors, and planning consultants.
Property Inspection & Assessment: Conduct a detailed inspection to assess the property’s condition, structural integrity, and potential for renovation. Although the house is in fair condition, it is dated, and the aim is to modernise and expand it.
Initial Design Briefing: Define the project goals, focusing on the transformation of a 2.5-bedroom home into a 4-bedroom home with modern amenities. The goal is to maximise space, enhance functionality, and make the property appealing to potential buyers in an affluent residential suburb.

Site Survey & Measurement (December 2023 – January 2024)

Lidar / Laser Survey: Conduct an internal and external Lidar/laser survey of the property. This high-accuracy survey will capture all measurements, enabling precise planning for renovations and extensions. This will also assist with creating digital models for visualisation and as a foundation for all planning documents.
Photogrammetry Survey: A photographic survey will be conducted to capture detailed images of the site and existing conditions for future reference and to provide a visual basis for potential design adjustments.

Design & Planning (January – March 2024)

Initial Concept Designs: Architects and planners develop initial concept designs based on the survey data. Focus on:

  • Double-storey side extension to increase living space and provide room for the additional bedroom and en-suite facilities.
  • Single-storey rear extension to expand the living/dining area and kitchen, ensuring a seamless flow between spaces.
  • Loft conversion with rear-facing dormer to add a double bedroom with en-suite and maximise use of the roof space.
  • Utility room and an office with downstairs WC for added convenience and functionality.

Stakeholder Engagement: Review the designs with the property investor developer to ensure they meet the project’s financial and aesthetic goals. Present the designs to the local authorities for feedback, if necessary, before proceeding with the formal planning application.
Preparation of Planning Application: Prepare and submit the full planning application to Sheffield City Council for approval. This will include:

  • Site plans
  • Elevation drawings
  • Structural considerations
  • Environmental impact analysis (if needed)

Pre-Planning Consultation: Engage with local planning authorities for any pre-application discussions. This helps in refining the design to meet local council expectations and potentially expedite approval.
Planning Approval (March 2024): Receive the planning permission approval, confirming the scope and extent of the works to be undertaken.

Building Regulations & Final Design (March – April 2024)

Building Control Submission: The architectural team prepares the full Building Control package, which includes:

  • Detailed construction drawings.
  • Specifications for structural work (e.g., foundations, beams, load-bearing walls).
  • Compliance with building regulations (fire safety, structural integrity, accessibility, etc.).
  • Energy efficiency standards (e.g., insulation, heating, and ventilation systems).

Approval from Building Control: Ensure that the construction phase complies with all local and national building codes. Once approved, the project can proceed to the construction phase.

Construction Phase (April – November 2024)

Site Preparation: The property is cleared, and any necessary demolition work is undertaken (e.g., removal of non-load-bearing walls, old kitchen, bathroom fixtures, etc.).
Extension & Conversion Work:

  • Side Extension: The double-storey side extension is built, providing space for the new bedrooms and en-suites.
  • Rear Extension: The single-storey rear extension is added to create a larger kitchen/dining area. This includes the integration of large windows and doors to connect the interior with the newly designed garden.
  • Loft Conversion: The loft is converted into a functional bedroom with an en-suite, including a rear-facing dormer to allow for adequate headroom and natural light.
  • Utility Room & Office: These spaces are integrated into the design to ensure functionality. The office is situated on the ground floor, with a downstairs WC for convenience.

Landscaping: The overgrown garden is transformed into a low-maintenance outdoor space. This may include the installation of artificial grass, decking, and minimalistic planting to appeal to modern buyers.
High-End Finishes: Ensure the use of high-quality materials throughout the interior (e.g., designer kitchen, modern bathroom fittings, high-spec lighting) to align with the expectations of potential buyers in an affluent suburb.
Project Management: Regular site inspections and project management to ensure the construction adheres to the approved plans and remains on schedule. The builder ensures compliance with all safety regulations and quality standards.

Final Inspections & Certification (November 2024)

Final Building Control Inspections: Ensure that all work complies with building regulations and that a final inspection is carried out. This will result in the issuance of a completion certificate.
Final Touches: Any cosmetic work (e.g., painting, flooring, and finishing touches) is completed.

Post-Construction & Marketing (November 2024)

Post-Construction Survey & Marketing Materials:

  • Conduct a final Lidar/laser and photogrammetry survey for marketing purposes and future reference.
  • Create high-quality promotional materials (e.g., photographs, 3D floor plans) to showcase the finished property.
  • Market the property to potential buyers, using both traditional methods (estate agents, print advertising) and digital platforms (property websites, social media).

Property Sale (December 2024): The property is officially listed on the open market. The developer aims for a quick sale due to the enhanced value brought by the renovation. The property sells one week after listing.

Conclusion

This project exemplifies a well-managed residential house flip, transforming a dated property into a high-end, modern home in a desirable location.

The planning, architectural, and construction processes are executed methodically to maximise value and appeal to prospective buyers.

By focusing on efficient design, complying with local regulations, and ensuring high-quality construction, the property is successfully sold in a relatively short timeframe after renovation completion.